A Leamington Night Out

Our super friends treated Hubby and me to a gin tasting at Warwickshire Gin Company, an early birthday pressie for my upcoming 60th. Taking the train to Leamington we had plenty of time to enjoy a meal in town before heading over to the old railway arches and its lively atmosphere. 

Before our tasting we enjoyed a beer at Windmill Hill Brewery a great Taproom next door. As the weather was so nice we sat outside but there was plenty of indoor seating. It was lovely to see the brewing vats and a variety of taps, so many beers to choose; it's certainly a place we would visit again.

Almost hidden in the arches, the doors to Warwickshire Gin hold quite a secret. From the outside there is an air of being in a production location but its much much more more, as we discovered through the beautiful glass doors.

What a delight, a room full of comfy sofas and chairs with low lighting offering a 'come, relax and enjoy' atmosphere. It was very different to other gin tastings I have been too, it was such a superb atmosphere.

David, Warwickshire Gin's owner, was our gin pourer and mixologist with Olivia our gin host sharing her passion and knowledge. Settling in with a delicious welcome gin based cocktail it was so interesting to learn about how the company began and the future plans for this small but brilliant gin maker. 

The still is one of the smallest I have seen, however it is perfect for the quantity of gin Warwickshire Gin produce and gives time for their other spirits to be made as well. Olivia explained how each gin is made, how and when the botanicals are used depending on the flavour required and how making vodka and rum is slightly different. 

In all we tasted six gins and one rum, each spirit served as a neat short. After each two tastings we each chose our favourite and David poured us our choice with a mixer, or as I prefer it, neat with ice. There was plenty of time to learn about each spirit and enjoy each longer drink. 

I really enjoyed all the gins, I have given a brief descriptions but to fully appreciate these spirits a tasting experience is very much recommended, or an afternoon tea or cocktail night.

Leamington on Parade - honouring the elephants brought to Royal Leamington Spa this gin's botanicals include Ceylon tea, cinnamon and hibiscus

The Philosopher's Daughter - flavoured with rosehips, rose petals and orchard fruits this gin is named after an Elizabethan philosopher's daughter with links to Kenilworth Castle

Kingmaker - named after the 16th Earl of Warwick this gin includes many hedgerow botanicals such as blackberries and elderberries

Pelota - full of citrus flavours from the Mediterranean this gin's name is a form of early lawn tennis, a game developed by a Spanish Merchant. Royal Leamington Spa was the home of the first Lawn Tennis Club

Emperor - in honour of locally based Purity Brewing Co.'s founder who loved Roman history there is an abundance of bergamot and black tea in this gin

Peeping Tom - a legend involved in Coventry's Lady Godiva history, this gin is as cheeky as the young spy with it's unusual flavours of cinnamon, star anise and nutmeg

The Pugilist - a warm rich rum named after the town's famous boxer 'The Leamington Licker' 

I cannot say enough about just how lovely our evening was, it is certainly the best gin tasting I have ever done and is on my must do again list for sure. 

Thank you David and Olivia for your hospitality, knowledge and great skill in producing these amazing spirits, two of which I couldn't resist. 

Huge thank you to our super friends Kay & Colin, it was an amazing birthday gift, thank you.

Our friends took part in the Warwickshire Gin Company video to promote the business, I think you can see from the video we all had a great time. 

Video link 

As a footnote: Warwickshire Gin Company have kindly donated Gin Tasting Tickets for our Grand Raffle to raise money for our replacement minibus at Nuneaton North Scout Group as our previous minibus is no more. I cannot thank them enough for their generosity.

If anyone can help too please email NunNorthEvents@gmail.com ... thank you 

Icmeler - family time

As part of my 60th birthday celebrations Hubby and I, along with our son, his girlfriend, our daughter and her hubby, went on holiday to Sea Star hotel in Icmeler, Turkey. We have been many times but it was a first for the others.

The journey there was the usual holiday journey; airport, plane and transfer. Turkey is quite a way so unsurprisingly it was 12 hours door to door but all went well fuelled with a Wetherspoons meal at the airport and in-flight snacks. We had a good flight, a bit of scary turbulence but some fantastic views of London, Dover and the Alps.

Arriving early hours of Monday morning our day was a chill down although a bit difficult as it was 37 degrees. Sea Star is all inclusive so after leisurely brunch we took a short stroll into the town centre to look around. Not much had changed although with new laws the shops no longer displayed goods outside which gave everywhere a quieter feel even in high season. We had a lovely cold beer in one of the beachfront bars, much needed in the heat, before returning to our hotel meeting again for drinks before dinner on the terrace balcony with its amazing views.

After a good, if a bit hot, start to our holiday we planned a trip to Marmaris on the little ferry boat for the next day. Unfortunately our son's girlfriend and our son-in-law were ill overnight, with our son and daughter not feeling great either. Plans changed to a quiet day keeping cool but by the afternoon they were quite unwell.

Things took quite a turn with a doctor coming and them being taken to hospital, both admitted and on infusion medication. As they were being kept in overnight our son and daughter decided to stay with them but later our daughter was also admitted so Hubby and I also stayed at the hospital overnight. The hospital was very good, everyone was well looked after, the staff were very helpful including with all the insurance paperwork. 

Thankfully everyone returned back to the hotel Wednesday afternoon. We have no idea what caused their illness, no-one else was unwell at the hotel and we'd all eaten the same. Wednesday night was a rest for all and with everyone feeling brighter on Thursday we had a fab beach day.

This time it was the sun affect that changed our holiday plans as our son and girlfriend burnt their backs, even with sun lotion; it was hot, over 40 degrees at times. So Friday it was just Hubby and I with our daughter and son-in-law who wandered back into Icmeler, I was on the hunt for some new UGG slippers ... two pairs purchased which will keep me going a few years.

Sea Star looked after us very well, especially when we needed medical help and transport. Our six day holiday was only really three with check out early Saturday morning although our airport transfer wasn't until late afternoon. Sea Star generously gave us all an afternoon check out so we could actually have another half day holiday.

Still feeling sore our son and girlfriend stayed at the hotel but our daughter & son-in-law joined Hubby and me on the ferry boat to Marmaris. It was, as always, a super 30 minute journey across the bay with great views of Sea Star.

The Grand Bizarre in Marmaris has every shop you can imagine, so much temptation to take more things home. With the weather still being high thirties we popped into Baris bar for a drink, our favourite as it's waterfront with all the beautiful yachts alongside, before taking a taxi back to the hotel.

Our journey home came all too quickly with a night flight back with beautiful views of the moon over the Greek Islands.

It was certainly a holiday to remember, a few hiccups but lots of fab times. Things don't always go to plan but being with my family made the holiday very special.