That's right, The Wild Boar on Lakin Road have the very thing.
Jackpot baby.
 |
| Wild Boar's Beer Menu |
Friday 26 April 2013
Friday Friday..
It's the weekend, this means the need for a 'Beer Menu'.
That's right, The Wild Boar on Lakin Road have the very thing.
Jackpot baby.
That's right, The Wild Boar on Lakin Road have the very thing.
Jackpot baby.
Monday 22 April 2013
Octothorn, Dromedaries, Harriers, BatchMan, the Warwick Twassive and Other Witterings
Blimey, where to start. I've been so busy recently, and there's been so much going on.
Lets time travel back to Thursday, which was the We Are Warwickshire film premier by Adam Swords at The Wild Boar on Lakin Road.
A half dozen short films were shown by young Warwickshire film maker Adam Swords. They are a series of black and white vignettes on local businesses in the local area. Namely:
The Bike Yard, Leamington
Cafe Catalan, Warwick
The Orangery, Kenilworth
The Wild Boar, Warwick
Crustum, Kenilworth
Brazen Ink (formerly in Warwick, now The Parlour).
The films were unexpectantly compelling and the film-maker himself very personable when introducing each of them.
Now for those that don't know, I only moved to Warwick at the start of this year, I joined Twitter at the same time (find me here if you want) and haven't looked back since! For some reason, 555 of you (at the last count) enjoy reading my witterings, but more importantly I've realised that it's a great gateway into the Warwick community. In fact, it was on Twitter that I heard about Adam's film premier.
What made it even more local, even more special, was that each of the businesses featured in the films, contributed to the night in some capacity. Billy and Sophie were there from the Bike Yard to sample the drinks. The drinks were provided by The Wild Boar, and also gave out hot chips. The hot chips were encased in delicious bread from Crustums. Before all this, Catalan provided some tasty appetisers and canapes which were given out in the fine surroundings of the Boar which had been brightened up with flowers from The Orangery. And finally, Brazen Ink had tattoo'd a picture of the Warwickshire Bear and Staff on Adam Swords' bottom*.
* one of this may not be entirely true.
It's worth mentioning that Nick from Crustums Bakery, using beer from the Slaughterhouse Brewery (some of which is brewed at The Wild Boar) made a very very very delicious 'Boar Bread'. Very very delicious.
Everything was provided free of charge from each of the businesses, and all was of the highest quality, so I'd recommend that you hunt a few of them out for yourselves.
The relaxed and friendly atmosphere made for an evening of striking up conversations with whomever happened to be nearby. At one point, that nearby person just happened to be Liz Drake of LoveWarwick twitter notoriety. It was nice to put a face to the name, and Liz said likewise. I've now met two of the Warwick Twassive in real life, the other being Jack Linstead of Warwick Rocks fame.
"Warwick Twassive?" I hear you ask. Well, I thought I'd be able to skim straight over that one, clearly not. It was a phrase I coined whilst whittling away the hours at work. From my initial beginnings on Twitface, it seems that there are a group of Warwick twitters who make up the core of Warwick's online presence. The Warwick Twitter Massive or #WarwickTwassive (!) have been a great way to find out about new events and happenings in Warwick for me. If you've got any more witterings for me, come and say hi here.
Which brings me onto the next topic of conversation, the 'hash tag' or the #hashtag. I think it was Warwick's main Monster Muncher, Vicky Jackson, that posed the question, what are these "# # #" things? I know them as the number symbol, as in Vicky is Warwick's #1 Monster Muncher. Most people in the #WarwickTwassive know them as Hash Tags, the symbol that goes ahead of twitface key words to help you search/follow them. The more musical among us may think of them as a 'sharp', as in play C#. American's may refer to them as the Pound sign (as a unit of weight). Or, if we were around good few years ago and lived in a small hamlet, with eight land-holdings all around us, we may know it as an Octothorpe. Yes, an Octothorpe. This fact pretty much made Gareth Dore's day.
More twitter witterings were around the topic of the forthcoming Warwick Rock's Festival of Food and Film, who are now also on twitface. On the subject of Food and Film, I offered up a couple of gourmet fusion film titles. I think the first couple were "Lambshank Redemption" and "Pie Hard". Suddenly twitter went coco loco, and immediately loads other suggestions from the #WarwickTwassive were being suggested. You can find more of these on an earlier post of Warwick Witterings. Todd from WarwickTweetUp suggested "Bapman", which with my midlands slant on it, turned it into "BatchMan". I think this combined effort, along with "Planet of the Crepes" from Hannah are my personal favourites. What about you?
Which leaves me trying to find a link to my next topic from the ministry of information that is the Warwick Witter. Speaking of which Ministry were a rock band from Chicago, who released the album "Dark Side of the Spoon", another food fusion pun, and it was Storm Thorgerson who designed the cover for Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon". Tenuous I know, but I got there! Anyway, all the to say that Storm, an album art visionary sadly passed away last Thursday.
Readers of this blog may or may not know that I've been embarking upon #ShopWarwickMonth throughout the whole of April. As it turns out, I don't actually buy 'much', the better half seems to get the lions share of our daily rations. However, where I have needed something, I've tried my best to Shop Locally and Shop Independently (yes, all on my own, I'm a big boy now!). On Friday night, me and the earlier mentioned better half went to the Warwick Arms Hotel for their highly recommended Fish & Chips night. (£25 gets you two generous portions of Fish N Chips and a bottle of fizz).
Further twitface conversation reveled that they are also open for coffee and cake throughout the day. Apparently they used to offer coffee to take away, but it wasn't a success, but if you take your own cup in, they'd be happy to fill it for you.
In addition to this revelation, they serve tea, coffee and cake all day. This is great news, as there's usually little selection of where to go later in the evening other than a pub. Don't get me wrong, this is normally the right choice to make, but for when I fancy something non-alcoholic I'll now know where to go. From the outside of the Warwick Arms Hotel, it's not immediately obvious to me that non-residents are welcome at any time of the day for an americano and slice of carrot cake, but now, thanks to twitface, I know.
Lets time travel back to Thursday, which was the We Are Warwickshire film premier by Adam Swords at The Wild Boar on Lakin Road.
A half dozen short films were shown by young Warwickshire film maker Adam Swords. They are a series of black and white vignettes on local businesses in the local area. Namely:
The Bike Yard, Leamington
Cafe Catalan, Warwick
The Orangery, Kenilworth
The Wild Boar, Warwick
Crustum, Kenilworth
Brazen Ink (formerly in Warwick, now The Parlour).
The films were unexpectantly compelling and the film-maker himself very personable when introducing each of them.
Now for those that don't know, I only moved to Warwick at the start of this year, I joined Twitter at the same time (find me here if you want) and haven't looked back since! For some reason, 555 of you (at the last count) enjoy reading my witterings, but more importantly I've realised that it's a great gateway into the Warwick community. In fact, it was on Twitter that I heard about Adam's film premier.
What made it even more local, even more special, was that each of the businesses featured in the films, contributed to the night in some capacity. Billy and Sophie were there from the Bike Yard to sample the drinks. The drinks were provided by The Wild Boar, and also gave out hot chips. The hot chips were encased in delicious bread from Crustums. Before all this, Catalan provided some tasty appetisers and canapes which were given out in the fine surroundings of the Boar which had been brightened up with flowers from The Orangery. And finally, Brazen Ink had tattoo'd a picture of the Warwickshire Bear and Staff on Adam Swords' bottom*.
* one of this may not be entirely true.
It's worth mentioning that Nick from Crustums Bakery, using beer from the Slaughterhouse Brewery (some of which is brewed at The Wild Boar) made a very very very delicious 'Boar Bread'. Very very delicious.
Everything was provided free of charge from each of the businesses, and all was of the highest quality, so I'd recommend that you hunt a few of them out for yourselves.
The relaxed and friendly atmosphere made for an evening of striking up conversations with whomever happened to be nearby. At one point, that nearby person just happened to be Liz Drake of LoveWarwick twitter notoriety. It was nice to put a face to the name, and Liz said likewise. I've now met two of the Warwick Twassive in real life, the other being Jack Linstead of Warwick Rocks fame.
"Warwick Twassive?" I hear you ask. Well, I thought I'd be able to skim straight over that one, clearly not. It was a phrase I coined whilst whittling away the hours at work. From my initial beginnings on Twitface, it seems that there are a group of Warwick twitters who make up the core of Warwick's online presence. The Warwick Twitter Massive or #WarwickTwassive (!) have been a great way to find out about new events and happenings in Warwick for me. If you've got any more witterings for me, come and say hi here.
 |
| Warwick Twassive |
Which brings me onto the next topic of conversation, the 'hash tag' or the #hashtag. I think it was Warwick's main Monster Muncher, Vicky Jackson, that posed the question, what are these "# # #" things? I know them as the number symbol, as in Vicky is Warwick's #1 Monster Muncher. Most people in the #WarwickTwassive know them as Hash Tags, the symbol that goes ahead of twitface key words to help you search/follow them. The more musical among us may think of them as a 'sharp', as in play C#. American's may refer to them as the Pound sign (as a unit of weight). Or, if we were around good few years ago and lived in a small hamlet, with eight land-holdings all around us, we may know it as an Octothorpe. Yes, an Octothorpe. This fact pretty much made Gareth Dore's day.
 |
| An Octothorpe |
Which leaves me trying to find a link to my next topic from the ministry of information that is the Warwick Witter. Speaking of which Ministry were a rock band from Chicago, who released the album "Dark Side of the Spoon", another food fusion pun, and it was Storm Thorgerson who designed the cover for Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon". Tenuous I know, but I got there! Anyway, all the to say that Storm, an album art visionary sadly passed away last Thursday.
 |
| Storm Thorgerson, 1944-2013 |
Readers of this blog may or may not know that I've been embarking upon #ShopWarwickMonth throughout the whole of April. As it turns out, I don't actually buy 'much', the better half seems to get the lions share of our daily rations. However, where I have needed something, I've tried my best to Shop Locally and Shop Independently (yes, all on my own, I'm a big boy now!). On Friday night, me and the earlier mentioned better half went to the Warwick Arms Hotel for their highly recommended Fish & Chips night. (£25 gets you two generous portions of Fish N Chips and a bottle of fizz).
Further twitface conversation reveled that they are also open for coffee and cake throughout the day. Apparently they used to offer coffee to take away, but it wasn't a success, but if you take your own cup in, they'd be happy to fill it for you.
 |
| #WarwickRocks mug, ideal for takeaway coffee |
Similarly there are a number of restaurants in Warwick that are happy for you to visit for just a coffee, a glass of wine or a slice of lemon tart. Both Piccolinos and Aqua Food & Mood welcome in patrons regardless of if they want a three course meal or a glass of prosecco. As Aqua's Abz stated, they're there for "Food AND Mood!". What other restaurants offer this in Warwickshire, where else can you go along for just a tipple if you wish?
Back to the blog, and the most read post on Warwick Witterings so far is the "Coming soon in Warwick & Leamington" post. Well, almost in stark contrast, a 'recently closed' entry is The Cape of Good Hope pub. Which is sad news, as it's a fantastic canalside drinking hole. Although I'm reliably informed it'll be soon reopened, and better than before! More news as I get it.
Right, well if you're still reading, well done you.
Some things I've not even had chance to mention are Dromedaries and Bactrian camels (you learn something new on twitter everyday!), the former has one hump, the latter has two. Jenny from Sweet As Cakes spotted one in Leek Wootton.
Skett's Markets are starting a new CRAVE (Craft Retro Antique Village Event) Market in Warwick on Sundays starting from May 5th.
Sunday was Record Store Day, HEAD in Leamington, an indie record shop, had some great records (yes, actual vinyl) issued exclusively for independent retailers to sell on #recordstoreday . If you've not been in, it's a great shop, with some very helpful and knowledgeable staff.
...and finally, on Saturday morning I was motivated to take part in my fifth every ParkRun. It's a free weekly 5km run around Leamington's Newbold Comyn. The sun was out, and it was a near perfect start to the weekend and get over the hangover. In short, I'm now inspired to try and know 5 minutes off my 5k time over the next 5 months. I think I may need the help of #WarwickRunClub , Spa Striders, Warwick Wasps or the Hampton Magna Harriers, or perhaps all of them?!
It seems this whole blog post was written whilst you were all watching Olivia Coleman (of Peep Show fame!) in Broadchurch (#broadchurch) on TV and whilst Manchester United were crowned 2012/2013 Champions by winning the Premier League.
Sunday was Record Store Day, HEAD in Leamington, an indie record shop, had some great records (yes, actual vinyl) issued exclusively for independent retailers to sell on #recordstoreday . If you've not been in, it's a great shop, with some very helpful and knowledgeable staff.
...and finally, on Saturday morning I was motivated to take part in my fifth every ParkRun. It's a free weekly 5km run around Leamington's Newbold Comyn. The sun was out, and it was a near perfect start to the weekend and get over the hangover. In short, I'm now inspired to try and know 5 minutes off my 5k time over the next 5 months. I think I may need the help of #WarwickRunClub , Spa Striders, Warwick Wasps or the Hampton Magna Harriers, or perhaps all of them?!
It seems this whole blog post was written whilst you were all watching Olivia Coleman (of Peep Show fame!) in Broadchurch (#broadchurch) on TV and whilst Manchester United were crowned 2012/2013 Champions by winning the Premier League.
 |
| Olivia Coleman in Broadchurch |
 |
| Olivia Coleman in Peep Show |
Friday 19 April 2013
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Warwick Festival of Food and Film: 17-25 Aug 2013
The inaugural Festival of Food and Film will be in Warwick from 17th to the 25th August this summer.
There's a few more details, and chance to sign up to the mailing list here.
On twitter follow the tag #FoodFilmFest for the latest update, and follow the twitter accounts of Jack, Paul and John.
As a homage to the forthcoming festival, and just to pass the time, here's a few food based films.
Lambshank Redemption
Pie Hard
Citizen Cake
A Clockwork (Chocolate) Orange
Finding Neros or Frying Nemo
Cheeseboard of the Rings (or Lord of the Onion Rings)
Pyrex of the Caribbean
One Flew Over the Eton Mess (or Scone Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest)
Lord of the Pies
Jurassic Pork
Indiana Scones
2001: A Spice Odyssey
Gooseberry Fool Hand Luke
Much Fondue About Nothing
Mememtos
The Vegan Suicides
The King's Peach
Forrest Rump
There's Something About Bain Marie
9 1/2 Whelks (from BellaBougie)
Grill Bill (from Inertia Pictures)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Mutton featuring Bread Pitt (from Sally Upex)
The Gangs of New Pork
Things to do in Denver when you're Bread (both from Greg Farrell)
Silence of the Lamb Chop
Planet of the Crepes
My Best Friends Pudding (three from Hannah Bridgestock)
M*A*S*H (from Oscars Bistro)
BapMan (or BatchMan!)
Top Bun (both from Todd)
Live and Let Pie (from Warwick Rocks)
Donnie Brisket (from John McCarthy)
Steaks on a Plane
Karate Squid (both from Amy Cotter)
Life of Pie (from Chris Perry)
and everyone's favourite chippy... The Codfather!
Plus some Warwick inspired ones...
There's Something About St. Marys
Coton End of Days
Runaway Jury St. (these three from Wylie's Ironmongers)
WarWicker Man
Mr & Mrs Smith Street (both from Nick B)
Props to Wylie's for also getting food and Warwick in there...
A Bridge End Too Far
Mackerel on Smith Street
also Salt(isford) (from Nick B)
I'm also struggling with a 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly one.
"The Pudd, The Chard and The Flambe"
or "The Pudd, The Had(dock) and The Flambe" is the best I can muster, help!
Got any more? Let us know!
Drop me a line @warwickwitter or in the comments below.
Extra points for combining food and Warwickshire links!
There's a few more details, and chance to sign up to the mailing list here.
On twitter follow the tag #FoodFilmFest for the latest update, and follow the twitter accounts of Jack, Paul and John.
As a homage to the forthcoming festival, and just to pass the time, here's a few food based films.
Lambshank Redemption
Pie Hard
Citizen Cake
A Clockwork (Chocolate) Orange
Finding Neros or Frying Nemo
Cheeseboard of the Rings (or Lord of the Onion Rings)
Pyrex of the Caribbean
One Flew Over the Eton Mess (or Scone Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest)
Lord of the Pies
Jurassic Pork
Indiana Scones
2001: A Spice Odyssey
Gooseberry Fool Hand Luke
Much Fondue About Nothing
Mememtos
The Vegan Suicides
The King's Peach
Forrest Rump
There's Something About Bain Marie
9 1/2 Whelks (from BellaBougie)
Grill Bill (from Inertia Pictures)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Mutton featuring Bread Pitt (from Sally Upex)
The Gangs of New Pork
Things to do in Denver when you're Bread (both from Greg Farrell)
Silence of the Lamb Chop
Planet of the Crepes
My Best Friends Pudding (three from Hannah Bridgestock)
M*A*S*H (from Oscars Bistro)
BapMan (or BatchMan!)
Top Bun (both from Todd)
Live and Let Pie (from Warwick Rocks)
Donnie Brisket (from John McCarthy)
Steaks on a Plane
Karate Squid (both from Amy Cotter)
Life of Pie (from Chris Perry)
and everyone's favourite chippy... The Codfather!
Plus some Warwick inspired ones...
There's Something About St. Marys
Coton End of Days
Runaway Jury St. (these three from Wylie's Ironmongers)
WarWicker Man
Mr & Mrs Smith Street (both from Nick B)
Props to Wylie's for also getting food and Warwick in there...
A Bridge End Too Far
Mackerel on Smith Street
also Salt(isford) (from Nick B)
I'm also struggling with a 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly one.
"The Pudd, The Chard and The Flambe"
or "The Pudd, The Had(dock) and The Flambe" is the best I can muster, help!
Got any more? Let us know!
Drop me a line @warwickwitter or in the comments below.
Extra points for combining food and Warwickshire links!
Warwick #Wheresday
For today's Wednesday, where have a Wheresday question.
That question is...
Where in Warwick is this?
And the answer is....
At Warwick's Westgate (see the discs on the wall)
Well done to @LifeInWarwick who got it very quickly, and I think even knew which actual disc it was!
That question is...
Where in Warwick is this?
 |
| Where is this in Warwick? |
At Warwick's Westgate (see the discs on the wall)
Well done to @LifeInWarwick who got it very quickly, and I think even knew which actual disc it was!
Tuesday 16 April 2013
#Tunesday Quiz
So, it's that time of the week again pop-pickers.
Today's Tunesday question is...
Who topped the chart in 1959, and then topped the chart again in 1986 with the same song but this time for Comic Relief? There was help on the Comic Relief version from Vyvyan, Rick, Neil and Mike.
Name the artist, and for a bonus point, name the song.
Today's Tunesday question is...
Who topped the chart in 1959, and then topped the chart again in 1986 with the same song but this time for Comic Relief? There was help on the Comic Relief version from Vyvyan, Rick, Neil and Mike.
Name the artist, and for a bonus point, name the song.
Well done to @OisinTheDeer from the Warwickshire Museum for being the first one with the correct answer, which is...
Cliff Richard, with "Living Doll"
...the Warwick link is that Cliff will be playing at Warwick Castle on Saturday 8th June.
Friday 12 April 2013
Coming Soon in Warwick and Leamington: A Summary
New openings captured for your delectation in both Warwick and Leamington (Kenilworth, SoA, or others, got some news? Let me know!).
Format: (Shop, Location: Estimated Opening Date)
Warwick:
Barkers Deli: May
Punchbowl Pub, The Butts: Now Open
Tilted Wig Pub, Market Square: Weds 5th June
The Drinks Room, (off-licence) Smith Street: May (open to wholesale now)
Ceri Jam Design, Market Square: Now Open
Co-op Foodstore, Woodloes Precinct: September
CRAVE Market, (vintage market) Market Square: Sundays
Cape of Good Hope, Grand Union Canal: Now Open
Leamington:
Aldi, Queensway: Summer 2013
Debenhams, Shires: November
Nandos, Regent Court: June
Morrisons, Old Warwick Road: Now Open
Waitrose, Old Fire Station: TBC
A Homestore (BHS? - TBC), Foundry Park: Autumn 2014
Carluccios, nr. Royal Priors: Now Open
Cath Kidston, nr. Royal Priors: Now Open
Co-op Food, Parade: Summer 2013
Know any more, have updates on these? Let us know!
Thanks to Trayjkay and wordsmithuk for their updates.
Format: (Shop, Location: Estimated Opening Date)
Warwick:
Barkers Deli: May
Punchbowl Pub, The Butts: Now Open
Tilted Wig Pub, Market Square: Weds 5th June
The Drinks Room, (off-licence) Smith Street: May (open to wholesale now)
Ceri Jam Design, Market Square: Now Open
Co-op Foodstore, Woodloes Precinct: September
CRAVE Market, (vintage market) Market Square: Sundays
Cape of Good Hope, Grand Union Canal: Now Open
Leamington:
Aldi, Queensway: Summer 2013
Debenhams, Shires: November
Nandos, Regent Court: June
Morrisons, Old Warwick Road: Now Open
Waitrose, Old Fire Station: TBC
A Homestore (BHS? - TBC), Foundry Park: Autumn 2014
Carluccios, nr. Royal Priors: Now Open
Cath Kidston, nr. Royal Priors: Now Open
Co-op Food, Parade: Summer 2013
Know any more, have updates on these? Let us know!
Thanks to Trayjkay and wordsmithuk for their updates.
.JPG "Coming soon in Warwick") |
| Construction of the Co-op in The Woodloes, Warwick. |
Friday Feeling
Some eat a Crunchie, I prefer to listen to Rebecca Black.
What do you do with that Friday Feeling?
What do you do with that Friday Feeling?
Thursday 11 April 2013
Warwick Visit, new finds in Shire Hall
Today I went into the Shire Hall for the very first time, it was to meet #WarwickRocks pioneer, Jack. OK, I know I've not lived here long, but I didn't realise there's a library and a post office in there!
Continuing my #ShopWarwickMonth I stopped off in Rumps the Butchers for some burgers. Handily they also sell baps, or batches as some of you probably say.
So to accompany the burgers, I obviously needed chips. I was feeling too lazy to make my own, so wanted oven fries. Anyone know of anywhere independent I could get these in Warwick? I resorted to M&S in the end, and picked up a red onion whilst I was in there too.
I quite like just strolling around Warwick, I seem to see something new each time I do.
Also, parking, contrary to popular belief, was pretty easy. Parked near West Gate and made the short walk, very pleasant.
Continuing my #ShopWarwickMonth I stopped off in Rumps the Butchers for some burgers. Handily they also sell baps, or batches as some of you probably say.
So to accompany the burgers, I obviously needed chips. I was feeling too lazy to make my own, so wanted oven fries. Anyone know of anywhere independent I could get these in Warwick? I resorted to M&S in the end, and picked up a red onion whilst I was in there too.
I quite like just strolling around Warwick, I seem to see something new each time I do.
Also, parking, contrary to popular belief, was pretty easy. Parked near West Gate and made the short walk, very pleasant.
#Thirsday
So it's Friday Eve, and that means its also Thirsday.
So to quench that thirst, this week we can recommend @BaysBrewery 's Devon Dumpling as a very tasty pint.
Sampled overlooking Brixham Harbour whilst tucking into Fish N Chips at the Breakwater Cafe. Highly recommended.
I'm shopping locally at independents throughout the whole of April, but I was in Devon at the time, so it seemed apt.
Search for #ShopWarwickMonth on twitter or find me @WarwickWitter
So to quench that thirst, this week we can recommend @BaysBrewery 's Devon Dumpling as a very tasty pint.
Sampled overlooking Brixham Harbour whilst tucking into Fish N Chips at the Breakwater Cafe. Highly recommended.
I'm shopping locally at independents throughout the whole of April, but I was in Devon at the time, so it seemed apt.
Search for #ShopWarwickMonth on twitter or find me @WarwickWitter
Wednesday 10 April 2013
#Whensday Quiz
Here's a locally themed teaser for you?
WHEN was Warwick Castle built?
What was the year?
ANSWER:
It was built in 1068, well done to those of you that got it right.
WHEN was Warwick Castle built?
What was the year?
ANSWER:
It was built in 1068, well done to those of you that got it right.
Tunesday Quiz Answers
Well done to @guyofwarwick01 who was first to get a correct answer.
He knew that Zowie, was David Bowie's son, yes, Zowie Bowie.
Also well done to @PailOfAle who got that one and knew that Rolan, is Marc Bolan's son. It's true, Rolan Bolan!
But nobody knew that Raven is Gary Numan's son.
Gary Numan will soon be appearing at the Assembly in Leamington, he's there on 7th June.
That's all for now pop pickers.
He knew that Zowie, was David Bowie's son, yes, Zowie Bowie.
Also well done to @PailOfAle who got that one and knew that Rolan, is Marc Bolan's son. It's true, Rolan Bolan!
But nobody knew that Raven is Gary Numan's son.
Gary Numan will soon be appearing at the Assembly in Leamington, he's there on 7th June.
That's all for now pop pickers.
Tuesday 9 April 2013
#Tunesday Quiz
Pop pickers, it's Tuesday, or as we like to call it here at Witter Towers,Tunesday!
"So, can you tell me who are the rockstar Dads of Zowie, Rolan and Raven?"
That's three different music icons you need to name.
Good luck!
"So, can you tell me who are the rockstar Dads of Zowie, Rolan and Raven?"
That's three different music icons you need to name.
Good luck!
Share your news...
I'm still on #ShopLocalMonth, I just haven't needed to buy much since the weekend.
In the meantime, what news do you have, what events are coming up, when are the happy hours, where can you get meal deals, what local happenings are there?
We want to hear from all of you in Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth, Southam, Stratford upon Avon, Hampton, Hatton, Harbury and beyond!
Let me know and I'll share your witterings.
In the meantime, what news do you have, what events are coming up, when are the happy hours, where can you get meal deals, what local happenings are there?
We want to hear from all of you in Warwick, Leamington, Kenilworth, Southam, Stratford upon Avon, Hampton, Hatton, Harbury and beyond!
Let me know and I'll share your witterings.
Sunday 7 April 2013
Weekend Warwick
#ShopWarwickMonth continues.
It's so much easier to shop locally at independents when I'm not at work. The biggest problem with shopping at local indies is that they tend to close out of office hours. I tend to do my shopping out of office hours. Hence a 24hr Tesco is very convenient.
Weekends however are different. When I'm not away visiting friends and family, I get chance to get to the market. Warwick Market is great, you can get so much there, it's reasonably priced too, mostly.
Fruit and veg bought, no spring onions left, but small leeks as a substitute. A bowlful of peppers for a quid (cheaper than Tesco). Bread (over £3) would be too expensive as a regular loaf (for me anyway!).
Beef and bacon (& ketchup!) from Rumps, then off home for dinner. The evening was spent keeping it local, with local ale from the local pub.
This morning brekkie was local bacon with local eggs on the market bought bread. Lunch was courtesy of the Hatton Arms (Warwick'ish!) which do a very excellent Sunday roast. The beef is served medium-rare, which gets a gold star from me.
Weekends are great, #ShopWarwickMonth is great, and for me, they work well together!
It's so much easier to shop locally at independents when I'm not at work. The biggest problem with shopping at local indies is that they tend to close out of office hours. I tend to do my shopping out of office hours. Hence a 24hr Tesco is very convenient.
Weekends however are different. When I'm not away visiting friends and family, I get chance to get to the market. Warwick Market is great, you can get so much there, it's reasonably priced too, mostly.
Fruit and veg bought, no spring onions left, but small leeks as a substitute. A bowlful of peppers for a quid (cheaper than Tesco). Bread (over £3) would be too expensive as a regular loaf (for me anyway!).
Beef and bacon (& ketchup!) from Rumps, then off home for dinner. The evening was spent keeping it local, with local ale from the local pub.
This morning brekkie was local bacon with local eggs on the market bought bread. Lunch was courtesy of the Hatton Arms (Warwick'ish!) which do a very excellent Sunday roast. The beef is served medium-rare, which gets a gold star from me.
Weekends are great, #ShopWarwickMonth is great, and for me, they work well together!
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| Warwick Market in the sunshine |
Friday 5 April 2013
Choccy Chick with Panache!
On my #ShopWarwickMonth I'm allowed to receive gifts right? And that still counts?
OK, good, thanks!
In that case, take a look at what I'm tucking into (see pic). That's after devouring a delicious curry from Warwick's Panache Indian.
This shopping locally thing is a breeze!
OK, good, thanks!
In that case, take a look at what I'm tucking into (see pic). That's after devouring a delicious curry from Warwick's Panache Indian.
This shopping locally thing is a breeze!
Local Butchers in Warwick
So today, I was reliably informed that there are two and a half butchers in Warwick.
No, one didn't have an accident with a meat cleaver, and no, you don't need to know why I was informed about butchers (no thanks to Jo or Katie!).
There is Rumps the Butcher on Brook Street and Mel Broome on Smith Street. Apparently there is also "the market dude", who I can only assume is sometimes at Warwick Market (thanks for the heads up Dale).
So there you have it, if you want meat, you got it. Enjoy.
...and thanks for your offer of a spoon Sally, but I won't be needing it!
...and no Todd, I'm not a stealth Ninja, as much as I'd like to be!
No, one didn't have an accident with a meat cleaver, and no, you don't need to know why I was informed about butchers (no thanks to Jo or Katie!).
There is Rumps the Butcher on Brook Street and Mel Broome on Smith Street. Apparently there is also "the market dude", who I can only assume is sometimes at Warwick Market (thanks for the heads up Dale).
So there you have it, if you want meat, you got it. Enjoy.
...and thanks for your offer of a spoon Sally, but I won't be needing it!
...and no Todd, I'm not a stealth Ninja, as much as I'd like to be!
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| Follow @WarwickWitter on Twitter. |
Day 4 starts...
I'm still on my #ShopWarwickMonth, you're still reading, so I'll keep on writing (and shopping!).
This morning is lovely in Warwick. My window looks over the town and you can see St Mary's Church. I love this place! The sun is out and it's time to shop locally and independently.
This weekend is a DIY weekend, I need paint, lots of it, in different colours. Ideally I need to buy this tonight after office hours. Is this possible?!
This morning is lovely in Warwick. My window looks over the town and you can see St Mary's Church. I love this place! The sun is out and it's time to shop locally and independently.
This weekend is a DIY weekend, I need paint, lots of it, in different colours. Ideally I need to buy this tonight after office hours. Is this possible?!
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| Aeroplanes have been busy over Warwick this morning. |
Thursday 4 April 2013
Day 3: A Summary
My #ShopWarwickMonth is still going strong, I seem to have resorted to lots of little wittering morsels as I go throughout the day. So, I've rounded them all up in this summary of Day 3 for you.
Friday Eve (that's Thursday to most people!)
Warwick Compatriots and Coffee (other locally shopping friends)
International Carrot Day (including purple carrots!)
Local Benefits (featuring a celebrity chef in Warwick)
I love getting feedback from you all, so either comment below, or twitface me on @WarwickWitter
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Local Benefits
I didn't have chance to tell you all about this before, so thought I'd share it now.
Last Tuesday, I visited my local for a quick pint of ale. In keeping with my current #ShopWarwickMonth ethos, I had a pint of Two Locks, or "Twollocks" as it gets called in The Cape of Good Hope pub. It's local Church End Brewery that brew the Twollocks up in Nuneaton (well, fairly local!); they do it specifically for the pub (there's two locks outside you see!).
Other than it being a great pub in general, there was an added bonus on this Tuesday. Dave Myers of Hairy Bikers fame was in there (he's the one on the right).
Last Tuesday, I visited my local for a quick pint of ale. In keeping with my current #ShopWarwickMonth ethos, I had a pint of Two Locks, or "Twollocks" as it gets called in The Cape of Good Hope pub. It's local Church End Brewery that brew the Twollocks up in Nuneaton (well, fairly local!); they do it specifically for the pub (there's two locks outside you see!).
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| Cape of Good Hope, Warwick |
Other than it being a great pub in general, there was an added bonus on this Tuesday. Dave Myers of Hairy Bikers fame was in there (he's the one on the right).
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| The Hairy Bikers, Si King & Dave Myers (L-R) |
Well, I didn't like to disturb the furry cooking biker legend, but he was on a canal holiday. He couldn't have picked a better spot on the whole of the Grand Union Canal to have stopped off at!
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| Dave Myers, enjoying a tipple on his narrow boat (courtesy of Dave's twitter!). |
International Carrot Day
Apparently today, 4th April, is International Carrot Day.
So, erm, let's celebrate!
Without them snowmen wouldn't be able to smell, and we wouldn't be able to see in the dark.
So, erm, let's celebrate!
Without them snowmen wouldn't be able to smell, and we wouldn't be able to see in the dark.
Anyone know where I can buy purple carrots in Warwick?
My Warwick Compatriots & Coffee
Looks like we've got a new addition in our #ShopWarwickMonth ranks.
A very warm welcome to Linsey Taylor, who, like me works during the week, relying on the weekend to do the bulk of her shopping. She too has this constraint and is also curious if shopping locally at independents is more expensive than the supermarket.
In my limited experience so far, it is more expensive. For example, the other weekend at Warwick Market I bought some coffee from Anne at Monsoon Estates. It was four pounds something I think for a standard sized bag of coffee beans (around 250g perhaps?). You can get a similar sized bag in a supermarket for around three pounds, that's a whole pound cheaper, or three-quarters the price. However, you wouldn't be able to buy a bag of coffee beans, in supermarkets it all comes pre-ground. So I wouldn't be able to choose how course the coffee comes. Also, I spent ten minutes or so chatting to Anne, smelling various coffee beans and getting coffee advice from her based on my personal tastes. So that to me is worth the extra pound.
Your priorities may be different, you may be happy to drink nescafe instant and save a few pounds on your coffee, and then splash out on a new designer top. Both are good choices, I just like my coffee.
If you're interested, it was a Mocha Java blend, and it was lovely.
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Roll Call of #ShopWarwickMonth bloggers...
Linsey - Price conscious weekend shopper
- http://linseytaylor.wordpress.com/
Todd - Buying local at his convenience
- http://toddbuyslocalinapril.wordpress.com/
Katie - Enjoys the good things in life
- http://kwaitieshopswarwick.wordpress.com/
Lula - A picture is worth a thousand words
- http://www.glamourinthecounty.com/
Liz - For all local wedding
- http://www.lovewarwick.co.uk/
Witterer - Keeping it local when he can
- http://warwickwitter.blogspot.co.uk/
A very warm welcome to Linsey Taylor, who, like me works during the week, relying on the weekend to do the bulk of her shopping. She too has this constraint and is also curious if shopping locally at independents is more expensive than the supermarket.
In my limited experience so far, it is more expensive. For example, the other weekend at Warwick Market I bought some coffee from Anne at Monsoon Estates. It was four pounds something I think for a standard sized bag of coffee beans (around 250g perhaps?). You can get a similar sized bag in a supermarket for around three pounds, that's a whole pound cheaper, or three-quarters the price. However, you wouldn't be able to buy a bag of coffee beans, in supermarkets it all comes pre-ground. So I wouldn't be able to choose how course the coffee comes. Also, I spent ten minutes or so chatting to Anne, smelling various coffee beans and getting coffee advice from her based on my personal tastes. So that to me is worth the extra pound.
Your priorities may be different, you may be happy to drink nescafe instant and save a few pounds on your coffee, and then splash out on a new designer top. Both are good choices, I just like my coffee.
If you're interested, it was a Mocha Java blend, and it was lovely.
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Linsey - Price conscious weekend shopper
- http://linseytaylor.wordpress.com/
Todd - Buying local at his convenience
- http://toddbuyslocalinapril.wordpress.com/
Katie - Enjoys the good things in life
- http://kwaitieshopswarwick.wordpress.com/
Lula - A picture is worth a thousand words
- http://www.glamourinthecounty.com/
Liz - For all local wedding
- http://www.lovewarwick.co.uk/
Witterer - Keeping it local when he can
- http://warwickwitter.blogspot.co.uk/
Friday Eve
Well done people, it's only a four day week, but we've made it to Friday Eve!
You may call it Thursday, but calling it Friday Eve makes me think the weekend is closer.
How will you be spending yours? I'll be continuing to shop locally and independently. Although having an office hours job, I'm finding it hard. I'll have to stock up at the market this Saturday.
You may call it Thursday, but calling it Friday Eve makes me think the weekend is closer.
How will you be spending yours? I'll be continuing to shop locally and independently. Although having an office hours job, I'm finding it hard. I'll have to stock up at the market this Saturday.
Wednesday 3 April 2013
No time!
Today started so well, dawn was amazing, but I've got little time to blog now.
So enjoy a picture of just how nice the morning was!
So enjoy a picture of just how nice the morning was!
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Day 2: PM
So following on from this mornings breakfast, I had some of last nights left over pizza for lunch.
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I already had this pizza at home (it was from Tesco), but this feels like a bit of a cheat, so when buy another, I'll get it in Warwick from an independent trader. I'm going to try and do that with everything. Anything I use during April, I'll replace it with goods from a Warwick independent retailer, even if it's outside of April.
Day 2: Breakfast
What a wonderful morning in Warwick, the sun is shining, the weather is sweet yeah, it makes you want to move, those dancing feet.
You'll soon learn that I work in Leamington (that sentence should give it away in itself!), and here's what the sky looked like an hour ago (no filters applied!).
I'm onto Day 2 of my #ShopWarwickMonth, and after a somewhat unsuccessful day yesterday, I've started today better. Breakfast was courtesy of Bread & Co. local bakers, who make delicious hot cross buns (well they did, they've probably stopped now for another year).
Also, thanks for the advice on where to find brioche (pre-order at The Bakehouse) and free range eggs (Bread & Co. or Rumps the butcher).
You'll soon learn that I work in Leamington (that sentence should give it away in itself!), and here's what the sky looked like an hour ago (no filters applied!).
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| Leamington this morning. |
I'm onto Day 2 of my #ShopWarwickMonth, and after a somewhat unsuccessful day yesterday, I've started today better. Breakfast was courtesy of Bread & Co. local bakers, who make delicious hot cross buns (well they did, they've probably stopped now for another year).
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| Hot Cross Bun from Bread & Co. |
Also, thanks for the advice on where to find brioche (pre-order at The Bakehouse) and free range eggs (Bread & Co. or Rumps the butcher).
Monday 1 April 2013
#ShopLocal and not so local
Dear fellow Warwickians, the Witterer is in need of some help and advise.
Yes, I know I'm normally the fountain of knowledge of all things Warwick (ha, OK, so I'm not, anyways...), but I need some help.
I've actually only lived here since the start of the year, I'm trying to keep shopping local this month, and need to know where I'd find fresh free range eggs in Warwick (or a nearby farm within walking/cycling distance) and where I can buy fresh all butter brioche?
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Yes, I know I'm normally the fountain of knowledge of all things Warwick (ha, OK, so I'm not, anyways...), but I need some help.
I've actually only lived here since the start of the year, I'm trying to keep shopping local this month, and need to know where I'd find fresh free range eggs in Warwick (or a nearby farm within walking/cycling distance) and where I can buy fresh all butter brioche?
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In return for your help, here's a photograph of some beers. They're bottles of Newcastle Brown Ale bitter, which is brewed up near York in Tadcaster; no longer is it brewed in Newcastle unfortunately. These particular bottles are American versions of the ale; I think* it might even be brewed out there too and imported back into the UK. It just seems a little odd to me that our major supermarket friend down the road is deciding to sell a US version of a UK classic!
*anyone know where they actually brew this stuff?
The first day of shopping in Warwick month
So, as you'll probably know if you're reading this blog, I've committed to shopping only in Warwick for the whole of April.
It looks like I've messed up already. I've shopped elsewhere, in Leamington.
Well, there were no hard and fast rules, we've each committed to #ShopWarwickMonth in our own way. Someone in another town asked if they could join in, and shop locally to them, of course they can.
The primary aim is to use independent traders within Warwick town centre to get everything I need throughout the whole of April.
However, I'm not always in Warwick. I work in Leamington. This weekend I was in Devon for instance, and next weekend I'll probably be somewhere else. It'd be crazy to drive back to Warwick to buy some local pork chops, when I could get some from a local Devonshire farm. Therefore, I'll shop in independents in Warwick when I can, if I happen to be elsewhere, I'll do my best to shop independently there. I'll just do my best not to make trips outside of Warwick specifically to buy something.
So, having already bent the rules, I spent lots of today in Leamington visiting friends. We went for lunch in The Cricketers, which if you haven't been there is a great (independent!) pub overlooking the Victoria Park bowling greens. They always have some great beers on, including Slaughterhouse's Saddleback. Other's available, but I decided to go for the LocAle.
I had Chicken Fajita's, which were excellent. However, I just did a quick bit of research and it looks like they were from the South of France, not that local! Even though the pub were quick to boast about them coming from Aubrey Allen. Aubrey Allen, perhaps it's time to consider using British chickens? UPDATE: My mistake, the chickens provided to The Cricketers by Aubrey Allen are British, top marks to them!
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It looks like I've messed up already. I've shopped elsewhere, in Leamington.
Well, there were no hard and fast rules, we've each committed to #ShopWarwickMonth in our own way. Someone in another town asked if they could join in, and shop locally to them, of course they can.
The primary aim is to use independent traders within Warwick town centre to get everything I need throughout the whole of April.
However, I'm not always in Warwick. I work in Leamington. This weekend I was in Devon for instance, and next weekend I'll probably be somewhere else. It'd be crazy to drive back to Warwick to buy some local pork chops, when I could get some from a local Devonshire farm. Therefore, I'll shop in independents in Warwick when I can, if I happen to be elsewhere, I'll do my best to shop independently there. I'll just do my best not to make trips outside of Warwick specifically to buy something.
So, having already bent the rules, I spent lots of today in Leamington visiting friends. We went for lunch in The Cricketers, which if you haven't been there is a great (independent!) pub overlooking the Victoria Park bowling greens. They always have some great beers on, including Slaughterhouse's Saddleback. Other's available, but I decided to go for the LocAle.
I had Chicken Fajita's, which were excellent. However, I just did a quick bit of research and it looks like they were from the South of France, not that local! Even though the pub were quick to boast about them coming from Aubrey Allen. Aubrey Allen, perhaps it's time to consider using British chickens? UPDATE: My mistake, the chickens provided to The Cricketers by Aubrey Allen are British, top marks to them!
So after lunch, it was time for coffee and cake. There were a few of us, including a baby plus pushchair. Bread & Co. was closed, Gusto Ricco Cafe was open, but not much room for a pushchair. Arden's was full, so we headed into the Royal Priors shopping centre and went to Chah, the tea kiosk in the middle of the mall. Although the setting isn't ideal, they do a really good orange flavoured hot chocolate, the coffee smelt great and the tea is loose leaf.
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As you can see all of the coffee cake and millionaire slices were polished off with ease.
So it seems as far as shopping solely in Warwick, I've fallen at the first hurdle. However, this month will be what I make it, we still shopped independently, I'll sleep tonight with a clear conscience.
Don't worry Warwick, I still love you, will be back soon.
Fellow local shoppers
So, a few other twitface followers are also embarking on #ShopWarwickMonth, they're also blogging about it.
Their blogs are more interesting than this one, they look better too, you should check them out.
See what Katie is up to with her shopping.
See how Todd is getting on with his independents.
And so it starts...
It's the dawn of my month of shopping locally at Warwick's independent traders, no joke (yes, check the date).
Items bought to date: Zero
But that will change, I will buy at least a pint from my local, that is for sure.
Anyways, wish me luck. I'll be out on the streets like the hunter gatherer that I am!
As an aside, if you like the idea, why not join in, let me know how you get on. Share this blog with your friends and encourage them to do the same. Shopping locally can only be a good thing for your resident town.
Items bought to date: Zero
But that will change, I will buy at least a pint from my local, that is for sure.
Anyways, wish me luck. I'll be out on the streets like the hunter gatherer that I am!
As an aside, if you like the idea, why not join in, let me know how you get on. Share this blog with your friends and encourage them to do the same. Shopping locally can only be a good thing for your resident town.
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