Beginning of the season

With the new outdoor bar season just about to start we're busy thinking about and trying delicious new cocktail recipes. Last years big favourites were the Mojito as always and the Spicy 50. This year we've got a feeling that our gin and guava cocktails mixed with a few secret ingredients are going to be big. Also perhaps we'll keep those Mojitos fresh with the addition of fresh rapsberries and perhaps a dash of Chateau Monet framboise liquer - Don't tell the purists!!

Gin Garden

Gin has always been good friends with elderflower but it is less well known that it also gets on with cucumber, try a slice next time in your G & T. This recipe combines the two flavours with a refreshingly fruity and light creation.

• 1/4 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 12.5 ml Elderflower cordial
• 50 ml Gin
• 25 ml quality apple juice

Muddle the chopped cucumber and elderflower cordial in a cocktail shaker to release all the cucumber juices and flavours. Then add the gin, apple juice and some ice and shake vigorously to chill. Double strain into a chilled Martini glass. Can be decorated with cucumber slices on the rim.

Did you see Gordon Ramsays Ice Sculptures at Christmas??

Our very own ice sculpture Mark Gibb was featured on Gordon Ramsays Christmas programme. Live sculpting a Christmas tree and reindeer.