Good stuff and lots of it!
Here’s the low down (with a bit of a Valentine’s Day spin) on some fine things to see, sip, savour and more – all of which I’ve recently come across and thought were worth sharing with you. Enjoy.
Small Beer Sessions
Low ABV brewer, Small Beer Co hosts regular Small Beer Sessions at its taproom in South Bermondsey. I poked my head in for one last month and had a really great time. The event was cohosted Normandy cider maker Maison Sassy with cheese from The Fine Cheese Company and live music from Cardiff rock band, Rainbow Maniac. Apparently, the taproom is host to all sorts of events from standup comedy to yoga on a fairly regular basis. I thought Rainbow Maniac put on a rousing couple of sets of mostly British rock classics, mixed with some Johnny Cash and their own original songs. Small Beer’s bready and light lager (2.1% ABV). I really liked Sassy’s crisp brut cider as well. And it all went down well with the cheese.
Tyrrell’s Limited Edition Aphrodisiac Flavoured Crisps, Honey and Chilli
Love at first bite? To celebrate Valentine’s Day, premium English crisp brand Tyrrells has launched a limited edition aphrodisiac flavoured crisps, Honey and Chilli. I can’t say I noticed any discernible difference with respect to how amorous I was feeling when I tucked into a sample pack, but they were very tasty crisps worth sharing with a significant other. Look for the Honey and Chilli crisps with a recommended retail price of £2.19 for a 150g bag. at selected indie retailers during the run up to Valentine’s
Ceyx makes natural grooming products (vegetarian/cruelty free/paraben and sulphate free) for men enriched with petitgrain and patchouli oil. I like the brand’s Fresh Sandalwood Beard Oil (£16 for a 30ml bottle at the Love Lula online shop). It smells extra nice (but not overpoweringly so) and keeps my whiskers looking good.
Faux caviar Onuga is made from smoked herring with salt, honey, lemon juice and seaweed. It’s teensy and pearl-shaped and made to be enjoyed in the same ways your would traditional caviar. I found it tasty on blinis with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of chives and squeeze of lemon. Was it as OMG amazing as the real deal? No. But at 3% the price of Sevruga it came in a surprisingly delicious close second. Onuga retails around £4 for a 50g jar. Look for it at Sainsbury’s and independent retailers.
Wild & Game, a not-for-profit business with an aim to turn the UK into “a nation of game lovers” has launched a new range of game pies. I love the Grouse and Pheasant Layered Small Pie, which at £1.75 for a 160g portion stuffed with pheasant and grouse breast, grouse pate and bacon is very filling and flavoursome value for money.
Shop for all your cooking needs at village-bakery.com. They’ve got everything – even the kitchen sink!
