valentines

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Get to the heart of the matter at Parkway

WHETHER you are searching for the perfect gift or just a little treat, you will be well looked after at Parkway Shopping centre this Valentine’s. With a fine array of High Street and boutique shops from Jigsaw and Mint Velvet to L’Occitane, Pandora, Neal’s Yard, Hotel Chocolat and many more – not to mention Draco Floristry, which will be opening soon on Parkway’s East Street. This Valentine’s, Parkway has teamed up with HeartStart Thatcham to run two consecutive Saturdays of life- saving courses, covering CPR. These will be held next door to Debenhams and run from 10am until 2pm on Saturday, February 16 and 23. You can book yourself into the free course (and receive a little treat from Parkway) via the website shopatparkway.com or via Parkway’s Facebook page. Events at Parkway this Valentine’s n February 16 – Free CPR train-

Love Donnington Valley

leisurely breakfast in the hotel’s newly-refurbished breakfast area or you can order breakfast in bed – the choice is yours. The Valentine’s break is available between Thursday, February 14, and Saturday, February 16, priced from £239 for two people. Why not upgrade to a beautiful Luxury Double room for an extra £40? Valentine’s Dinner is also available between Thursday, February 14, and Saturday, February 16, at £39.50 per person. Call Donnington Valley Hotel on (01635) 551199 to book your table or break now.

You can make the special evening last a little longer with Donnington Valley’s Valentine’s break, which includes an overnight stay in a Classic Double room. There’ll be a bottle of Prosecco waiting for you when you arrive so you can start celebrating as soon as you check in. During your stay, you’ll have access to all of the spa facilities, such as the 18-metre swimming pool, thermal suite, experience showers and poolside relaxation area. Perfect for a little pamper time before your romantic dinner together. In the morning, there’ll be a

LOVE will definitely be in the air at Donnington Valley this February. If you are trying to think of a great way to whisk your Valentine off their feet, one of the most special and yet simple things you can do is to spend some quality time together. Donnington Valley’s WinePress restaurant is the ideal place for an evening of love and laughter. Head chef Darren Booker-Wilson has created a romantic four- course menu that’s sure to impress. You’ll enjoy a chilled glass of Prosecco on arrival and even get a single red rose to gift to the one you love.

ing with Heartstart Thatcham n February 19 – Love at first bite inside Lakeland. (Free cookie and cake decorating for children) n February 23 – 10am CPR with Heartstart Thatcham Please visit www.shopatpark- way.com for more information, specific times and to book your place on any of the life-saving courses.

Above: Draco Floristry opens in February

Right: Treat your loved one to some Dapper Street Happy Socks

The Vineyard | Stockcross | Newbury | Berkshire | RG20 8JU

The Perfect Valentine’s Experience Thursday 14th – Saturday 16th February The most romantic time of the year deserves the most romantic of settings. Enjoy an exquisite seven course Valentine’s dinner with the one you love. Seven courses for £95 per person

www.the-vineyard.co.uk Please call us on 01635 528770

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

The Coach &Horses

7+ )(%58$5< Valentine’s Day

Telephone: 0118 9713 384 LUNCH SPECIALS £10.95 TUESDAY - SATURDAY TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROASTS EVENING MENU AVAILABLE IT IS BUSINESS AS USUAL at The Coach & Horses and Gerry, Justyna and the team invite you to join us this Valentine’s Day! Call today and reserve your table. Good food 6 days a week WE CAN BE FOUND ON THE A4 JUST OUTSIDE THATCHAM, IN THE HEART OF THE BEAUTIFUL BERKSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE EXTENSIVE INTERNATIONAL MENU REAL ALES / FINE WINE

Book Now for Valentines Day

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STAR CROSSED SHARING MENU 65 PER COUPLE Includes single stem rose STARTERS

Rosemary & garlic camembert, red onion jam, artisan bread 6x fresh native oysters served on crushed ice, shallot vinegar Meat platter, chorizo, prosciutto, salami, chicken liver parfait, artisan bread

His and hers sorbet MAIN COURSES +LPDOD\DQ VDOW DJHG &KDWHDXEULDQG WULSOH FRRNHG FKLSV URDVWHG PXVKURRPV FRQ¿W FKHUU\ WRPDWRHV EpDUQDLVH VDXFH £15 supplement Whole salt baked seabass, saffron potatoes, Mediterranean vegetables, chardonnay sauce Vegetarian wellington, Quorn roast, mushroom duxelle, spinach, puff pastry, creamy mash, baby carrots, veggie gravy Seafood platter, prawns, calamari, razor clams, mussels, langoustines, fries, slaw lemon butter and garlic mayo $GG KDOI D OREVWHU… DESSERTS Something sweet Trio of desserts, chocolate mousse, asparagus creme brulee, strawberry mille fuille Something cheesy Selection of English cheeses, fudges crackers, celery grapes pear chutney

www.coachandhorsesmidgham.co.uk

CALL TO BOOK NOW - 01635 200 400 www.thebunkinn.co.uk

THE COACH & HORSES, BATH ROAD, MIDGHAM, RG7 5UX

12 Roses any colour £45 including free local delivery.* Last orders taken Monday 11th February Order on line, on Facebook or call Amanda on 01635 864 287

Valentine’s Day at OSK in Chequers Hotel Make your special day a beautiful memory. You are invited to join us at OSK to celebrate your Valentine’s Day in the comfort of our luxurious restaurant. Our regular menu will be available alongside a selection of Valentine’s day specials for you to choose from. To book your table (18:00-21:30),

www.bestbuds florist thatcham .co.uk email : bestbudflorist@gmail.com

call us on 01635 38000 or send us an email at reservations@chequershotelnewbury.co.uk

@OSKandB_newbury

@TheChequersHotel

@OSKandB_newbury

The Chequers Hotel, 6-8 Oxford Street, Newbury RG14 1JB Tel: 01635 38000 Email: events@chequershotelnewbury.co.uk

• Wedding Flowers • Funeral Flowers • Bespoke Flower Arrangements • Specialised Gifts for Every Occasion * (T&C’s apply )

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Newbury Weekly News

Cocoa Ben’s wants to share a passion for chocolate

WHAT started out as a hobby has become a full-time passion for 28-year-old Ben Marshall, who dreams of one day opening his own shop in Newbury. Using all his own recipes, it takes him around three hours to make and pack a batch of 200 truffles. Ben says his signature treat is Champagne and Cointreau, but his offerings of salted caramel, raspberry and Madagascan dark are also rather special, particularly if you are hoping to woo your Valentine. The chocolatier’s passion for chocolate-making became his new life goal after visiting a cocoa plantation in Granada. He said: “I started doing it as a hobby – because obviously we all love a bit of chocolate. “I wanted to do something more creative… I’m very passionate about doing what I love and making that your work. I went to the Caribbean and that sold it for me. “I want to end up doing it full time and make a regular income from it. And although his creativity is growing with each batch, Ben

Fine romance at The Vineyard

swim together in the heated pool – it’s the perfect way to relax before the evening ahead. In the morning, you can enjoy a five-star breakfast to finish off

Young Sommelier of the Year 2019? For a night away, the Valentine’s break promises to be the ultimate romantic retreat. Your luxury double room – which features a king size bed, personal Nespresso coffee machine, fluffy robes and slippers and more – awaits. There’ll also be a chilled bottle of Champagne Taittinger, a dozen red roses and luxury handmade chocolate waiting for you to enjoy. Before dinner, why not head down to the luxurious, private spa for a little quality time?

THE Vineyard is the place to eat, sleep and drink wine. They also love a celebration. In the month of romance, whisk yourselves away to the best of Berkshire, to a place where you can relax, be spoilt and be in great company – including 30,000 bottles of wine. If you just want to experience Robby Jenks’ fantastic food and the ambience of the stylish restaurant, then dine from the Valentine’s menu and enjoy a seven-course sensory feast. To make the evening truly special, why not add paired wines to each course, which will be carefully selected by head sommelier Romain Bourger, UK

your stay – it’s the perfect Valentine’s celebration. The Valentine’s menu is available from Tuesday, February 12, to Saturday, February 16.

His delicious chocolates can be found online at cocoabens.co.uk, or are available to buy in the Dew Pond and independent coffee shop Harrison’s Coffee in Northbrook Street. “I wanted to do something I love. The first goal was to try it as a hobby, and now the shop and full-time is next.” So if you want to indulge your loved one, what better way than with some local, homemade chocolate from Cocoa Ben’s. Visit www.cocoabens.co.uk

says that the ethics of his mouth- watering creations are also becoming ingrained. “It’s all fresh. I want as little colouring or additives I can possibly get – that’s why I changed to Casa Luker [a Colombian cocoa supplier]. “I want to support the actual producers of the cocoa, not the cheapest I can find, and that means they are paid a fair price. “I also want to get more into the vegan side.”

Seven courses are £95 per person. Seven courses with paired wines are £160 per person. Valentine breaks are subject to availability, from £599 for two. For more information please contact reservations on (01635) 528770.

Soak up the bubbles in the Jaccuzi or enjoy a leisurely

Valentine’s Dinner 14th – 17th February 2019

FALL IN LOVE , WITH CHOCOLATE

Make time for each other this Valentine’s with a delicious four-course dinner in stylish and romantic surroundings. Start the evening with a JODVV RI À]] DQG D VLQJOH UHG URVH WR JLYH WR WKH RQH \RX ORYH Even Cupid couldn’t do better! £39.50 per person Call us to book your table on (01635) 551199

Limited edition, handmade Raspberry Caramel Love Hearts. The perfect way to say ‘I love you’ this Valentine’s Day.

BOX OF 6 - £6 / BOX OF 12 - £11

WWW.COCOABENS .CO.UK

www.donningtonvalley.co.uk