Guildford named Destination of the Year at Tourist Network Awards

Not only was Guildford crowned top shopping hot spot outside of London last year but it now has another trophy to add to the shelf - the town  has just scooped Gold in the Destination of the Year category at the Tourist Network Awards.

The awards recognise attractions and destinations that are committed to providing the best service and hospitality and, of course, a fantastic experience for visitors.

Lee Stevenson of Tourism Network, said: "With such a fantastic array of attractions, shopping, heritage and events, Guildford is a destination with a truly fantastic tourism offering.

"The town benefits from having such a proactive tourism team, dedicated to embracing visitors from near and far and sharing in Guildford’s wide appeal. It’s an enjoyable experience for all that visit, and a worthy winner of this category."

This latest award, won by The Guildford Tourist Information Centre, follows on from a Silver award at the Beautiful South Awards.

For information on places to go, places to stay and places to eat, and for tickets to local events in Guildford call 01483 444333, email tic@guildford.gov.uk or visit www.visitguildford.com.

Local suppliers thanked at Dorking restaurant's six month anniversary party

Absolute Radio Breakfast DJ Christian O’Connell was among the guests at a ‘Renaissance’ party at Dorking Restaurant Little Dudley House last week.

The party, which was thrown to celebrate six months since new owner entrepreneur John Turner (part of the team behind top London restaurants Roast and The Cinnamon Club) took over, incorporated many of the local suppliers that have partnered with the restaurant, in South Street, since the take over.

Anna and John Turner of Little Dudley House with Christian O'Connell, Absolute Radio Breakfast Host and his wife Sarah

Tattinger champagne, Cannon & Cannon charcuterie, Turners (Cheese), The Vineyard and All About Eve (Reigate) among others joined together to provide a tasting smorgasbord of food and drink.

Canapés based on dishes from the Little Dudley House menu were also served, while cocktail demonstrations and an oyster bar added to the glitzy and glamour. Dorking band Eye Candy brought the evening to a close with a high-energy set.

John said: “Renaissance was held primarily as a thank you to the people and businesses that have supported Little Dudley House since we took over. "We also felt it important to demonstrate the strength of our relationships with local suppliers and give them an opportunity to showcase their products in a different environment.

“Over the coming months visitors can expect to see more vintage British dishes such as faggots with peas and onions and salt beef  with carrots and dumplings. There will be new interpretations of old favourites such as the humble Scotch egg and a new take on modern classics, such as scallops with black pudding and shaved apple.

For more information about Little Dudley House, visit www.littledudleyhouse.co.uk or follow @little_dudley on Twitter. For reservations telephone 01306 8855000 or email enquiries@littledudleyhouse.co.uk.

Surrey director's debut feature, Last Passenger, released on DVD

Having interviewed fellow Guidfordian Omid Nooshin when his debut feature-length film, Last Passenger, was released in cinemas late last year, I was excited when I heard I wouldn't have to wait long for the DVD.

Released on Monday (January 27), the film tells the story of doctor and father, Lewis, (Dougray Scott - My Week With Marilyn, Mission: Impossible 2) who jumps on the last train leaving London with his son, Max (Joshua Kaynama). 

Omid on the set of Last Passenger

Striking up a relationship with the flirty and beautiful Sarah - played by Kara Tointon of Eastenders fame - he soon realises this is going to be a journey to remember, but for all the wrong reasons.

In the abandoned carriages, Lewis and five other remaining passengers end up on a ride of a lifetime as the old-fashioned slam-door train - hijacked by a vengeful sociopath - hurtles relentlessly down the track. 

Omid on the set of Last Passenger

Omid told me his inspiration for the film came while he was travelling on a train from Waterloo to Guildford, however, in the film, the train is travelling towards Tunbridge Wells - another familiar place to me having been brought up there. 

Last Passenger is released on DVD (£14.99) and Blu-ray (£15.99) on Monday, January 27, certificate 15. 

My Style Bites is back...

So 2014 is now underway and My Style Bites is back after a (much longer than anticipated) break in 2013. 

Keeping to the theme of getting back to business, The Anchor in Ripley is has reopened thanks to local restaurateurs Steve and Serina Drake. The pub, parts of which date back to the 16th century, has been renovated with many of its original features uncovered and sympathetically restored.

Run as a separate venture from Steve and Serina's Michelin-starred restaurant Drake's across the road, The Anchor has had additional private investment from friends and neighbours Chris and Lisanne Mealing, while the kitchen is being headed up by Michael Wall-Palmer, who was behind the stove in Drake's for some years.

Offering an ethos of a relaxed, family-oriented village pub, The Anchor serves simple, but creative pub food, with great ales and interesting wines, all at very affordable prices including sharing plates of cold meats, British cheeses and homemade chutney.

Manager Iain McArthur, whose career has spanned Effingham Golf Club, a luxury game lodge in South Africa, South Lodge Hotel in Horsham and Cisswold House Hotel near Horsham, said: " It is fantastic opportunity to be part of the launch team of such an historic pub, especially a kitchen team with such a brilliant food ‘pedigree'. 

"The Anchor also has a long history with cyclists and we will look forward to - once again - being a destination for cycling enthusiasts, as well as being a friendly and welcoming village pub."

Sports stars launch High Street clothing lines

FORMER England cricketer Freddy Flintoff and ex rugby star Phil Vickery have become the latest sportsmen to launch their own clothing line on the high street.

Flintoff, who since retiring from cricket has trained to become a professional boxer, is due to launch a range for big-size menswear brand Jacamo later this month.

The collection is packed full of wardrobe favourites that Freddie loves to wear, from casual shirts, jeans and polos to formalwear.

Meanwhile, former England rugby captain Vickery has colloborated with Marks & Spencer to create a collection of clothes for older boys inspired by his nickname "Raging Bull".

The 14-piece line, includes rugby tops, t-shirts, polos, sports jumpers, joggers and hats in bold colours, and with British heritage detailing.

He said: "I am extremely proud of this boyswear collection, which for me really captures the spirit and ethos of the Raging Bull brand.

"It has been an honour to work in partnership with Marks & Spencer as one of the most well respected and admired retailers of our age and I am really looking forward to visiting the stores to see the range on display."

Flintoff by Jacamo goes on sale at www.jacamo.co.uk from February 26 and Phil Vickery's Raging Bull range is on sale at select branches of Marks & Spencer, including Surrey's flagship Camberley store, now.

Alicia Douvall launches natural skincare range in Kingston

Former Glamour model and plastic surgery addict Alicia Douvall has ventured into the world of natural beauty by launching her own Organic skincare range.

The 31-year-old, who has admitted to spending more than £1million on various cosmetic procedures, launched her new Douvall’s range at Urban Retreat in Kingston recently.

Alicia and her daughter, Georgia

On a trip to Morocco, Alicia discovered the incredible restorative and anti-aging powers of Argan Oil and began her mission to produce the purest and most effective Argan Oil in the world.

Together with her daughter, Georgia, she went to seek out a women’s cooperative in Essuria that combined traditional extraction methods with the very latest technology to deliver the superior quality she was looking for.

Alicia decided to create the brand after realising through her own experiences that harsh invasive treatments don’t work in the long run and it is better to uncover more natural secrets to beauty.

"I wanted to create an effective, non invasive product that really works to transform skin and I am delighted to say that Douvall’s Organic Argan Oil does this," she said: "My daughter Georgia and her friends are also devotees to its skin balancing properties."

The range includes a moisturiser (£25/50ml, £12/15ml), all-in-one cleanser (£28 for 150ml) and bronzing oil (£32 for 50ml/£14 for 15ml), is available at Urban Retreat, 42 Union Street, Kingston upon Thames.

Beauty Buy of the Week

REN skincare products will launch exclusively in Surrey at the Marks & Spencer Your Beauty department, in Camberley, this week.

Since its launch in 2000 REN has become a cult favourite amongst beauty editors and consumers the world over.

Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil, £30

REN products combine groundbreaking product formulations, the latest hi-tech actives, rigorous product testing and clinically proven results with 100% plant or mineral-derived actives, sensorial textures and fragrances.

"We at REN are delighted to be working with the icon of British Retailing Marks & Spencer," said REN founder and CEO, Rob Calcroft. "From January, REN will feature in their new Your Beauty department, where the edit of products represent the best of science and nature, which we feel is a perfect fit with REN." 

Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, £30

The Marks & Spencer Your Beauty department opened at its Camberley branch on The Meadows retail park last year with the aim of providing niche beauty brands from around the world with with expertly trained beauty advisers on hand.

M&S head beauty and lingerie buyer, Gillian Ridley Whittle, added: "Our customers expect results but are increasingly looking for environmentally and skin friendly products, for this reason REN is the perfect addition to M&S Your Beauty,"

The range will be in store from Thursday, January 10th.