York Barbican, Saturday 24^th February 2018

Gin lovers of the UK, rejoice! Gin Festival is stuffed full of tasty gins just waiting to be sipped, and it’s (probably) coming to a city (relatively) near you! Last weekend the festival made its first northern pit stop at York’s Barbican, and I was pretty thrilled to be asked to come along, get tipsy on some delicious gins and share my thoughts.

Turning up for the Saturday evening session I was a little nervous to be announcing myself as a blogger so I could actually get in (#blogwanker), but the welcome couldn’t have been nicer and we were ushered to the entrance by a couple of bubbly staff members and given a welcome speech explaining how things worked and where everything was. Then we were handed a cute little tote bag containing our Gin Festival glasses (which we used during the event and then got to keep), brochures telling us about all the available gins, press passes (I’ve never felt so important), wrist bands for paying at the bars and a couple of other VIP goodies. After which we were released into the festival, briefed and thoroughly ready for gin.

On our walk over we’d been musing about how the Barbican would work for the event as I’ve only ever seen it fully chaired up for sit-down shows, but it transformed remarkably well into a much more open-plan space; a small shop area was situated in the foyer and the main hall was lined with bars, food stalls (which we didn’t manage to sample but they looked and smelled delicious) and brand stands with the stage occupied by a vintage-style band (followed by an excellent Mumford and Sons-esque cover band) that provided a live soundtrack to our gin consumption, and some seating and milling space in the middle. The energy was up and the floor was full of gin lovers when we arrived, and we headed to one of the easy to spot top up stands to put some credit on our wristbands, then headed straight to the bar. The wristband system worked incredibly well as a swift ‘boop’ of a wristband was all that was needed for payment, so the queues were fast moving and we never felt like we were waiting for too long.

My first gin was the Aduro Pink Passion gin, which came recommended by the festival as one of their top 10s, which was floral and fruity with just the right amount of sweetness, suitably garnished with raspberry, mint and orange. DanMan went for a more unusual choice of Aduro Bell Pepper gin, which was unsurprisingly accompanied by red pepper and tasted, unsurprisingly, quite a lot like bell pepper. Although unusual it was actually quite delicious and definitely one to try if you’ve got more savoury tastes, and it piqued my interest to try a more out-there gin for my next choice.

Whilst sipping our Aduros we meandered over to the brand stalls (did someone say free samples?), where brand reps were giving out tasters along with information about some select gins. Highlights were the lovely Bernadette telling us about the British made, Spanish style Tinker which had the robust citrus flavours I’d expect from a Spanish style gin. Brockman’s was recommended as an ‘end of the night’ gin and had distinctly adult branding – leather aprons included – and a wonderfully palatable flavour bursting with blueberries even when sipped straight. Kuro was a Japanese inspired option that was less distinctly flavoured than the others and would probably suit more earthy tastes. Safe to say we left that section of the festival feeling a bit merrier than when we arrived.

By the time we’d finished taste testing from tiny sample cups of gin we were more than ready for a full size portion of gin, and this time we both went for a more savoury option; the gorgeously named Black Tomato. It came garnished with basil which is a favourite flavour of mine, and oh my, it tasted like a greenhouse with a refreshing tomato tang and the perfect balance of sweet and savoury. It was my favourite of the night by far because of how unexpected it was and suited to my particular tastes, but I imagine it wouldn’t be for everyone. It’s worth mentioning here that all the gins also came with a mixer recommendation that the bar staff very helpfully pointed out to us, and although I’m usually a gin and soda gal (like nobody else, ever, apparently – I just think tonic usually tastes icky? No?) I went with it and stuck to the recommendations and, you know, I think I just might be a bit of a tonic convert! The Black Tomato came with salty lemon tonic which complemented it perfectly despite sounding like something that would make you scrunch up your nose.

At £5 for each G&T the drinks were reasonably priced considering the quality of both the spirits and the mixers, and as such we ended up going for an unplanned third drink as there was so much to try. I went for Tinker Pink which was delightfully sweet with a definite taste of strawberries and went down very easily, and Dan went for Poetic License Old Tom gin which was less to my tastes but perfect for him as it had a rounded, peppery flavour from the oak casks it’s aged in. The balcony level of the auditorium was open as seating so we made our way up to have a sit while we finished our final tipples, and looked out over the bustling festival goers below (many of whom had loosened up enough for a good dance by this time).

We left with a spring in our step and a bottle of Masons Yorkshire gin (paid for in part by a voucher kindly given to us by the festival in exchange for this post), which I’m sipping on while writing this! We had a great time at the festival and didn’t even get a chance to attend one of the free masterclasses, so along with all the many gins we didn’t get around to trying I have more than enough reasons to want to return next year! The festival has many more stops all over the country in next few months and I’d thoroughly recommend going along if you’re a gin-lover – or even you’re not; there truly is something for every taste. Tickets are about £12 for admission and there are usually a few days/times to choose from, and you’re pretty much guaranteed a fun and unique night out.

I was given entry to the event gratis but all opinions are very much genuine and my own (although I did get the impression they were trying to ply me with alcohol so I’d give them a good review – it worked). And remember, enjoy your drinks safely and responsibly pals!

Source specialise in healthy, fresh food, slow meats and vegetarian options, so it doesn’t really get more perfect for us. We’d actually tried some of the food from Source before from Deliveroo as they do a tabbouleh and I have been on a quest for many years to find the perfect tabbouleh (specifically, one which lives up to the first one I ever had which was made by my uncle, who just maybe might maybe happen to be a Michelin-starred chef). Dan was impressed with his slow cooked meat dish but I was less than pleased with my tabbouleh, but I still had a hankering to give the restaurant another go because of the promise of its ethos and menu.

Thus, one delightful mid-week evening towards the end of summer, we ventured in for another go.

The atmosphere in Source is just lovely; a mix of cosy and fresh, with low lighting, rustic wooden tables and a bright open kitchen that fills the smallish space with all the right smells to make an empty tummy rumble. We were seated at a small table and had our drinks order taken by a friendly waitress, before pouring over the menu.

As a starter we chose to share the Yorkshire black pudding and golden crispy hens egg. A healthy slice of hot black pudding arrived with a lightly bread-crumbed egg that oozed a completely runny yolk when we broke it open. It was a delicious combination alongside a rich tomato sauce that was light enough that we could barely wait for our mains.

A short wait later they arrived; a pulled pork burger for Dan and ratatouille (or confit byaldi if you’re being fancy) for me. Dan’s burger was filled with the most tender meat and he assured me it tasted as good as it looked, accompanied by a tasty dry slaw and some incredibly salty chips.

My ratatouille was the prettiest I’ve ever seen, served in a cute cast iron pan and smothered in red pepper and tomato sauce. The veg was tender and the sauce thick and rich – luckily I had two hearty chunks of warm bread to mop it up with. It was a generous portion but not too filling as it mostly (entirely?) consisted of vegetables, and I’d have it again in a heartbeat.

Source is the perfect example of a restaurant that caters equally for meat-eaters, vegetarians and vegans, with a host of veggie options from salads to shakshuka, and even vegan fried chicken or a whole baked cauliflower. It’s an example to other eateries, and I think that’s it’s standout feature. They fare they serve is comfort food with a healthy, wholesome twist, and I reckon it’ll satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. I’ll certainly be returning for tabbouleh take two, and I’m crossing all my fingers it lives up to this most recent experience!

I already love this place as a night-time watering hole for its rustic feel, little roof terrace and frequent live music, but it translates just as well into daytime when you want a comfy spot for a coffee, bite to eat or an afternoon drink.

We were all hungry Horraces by the time we arrived, my friends having travelled down from Edinburgh earlier that morning, so it didn’t take us long to choose; the boys both went for sandwiches, my friend Leonie went all in for the full English (and god knows she’d earned it finishing the Edinburgh half marathon the day before!) and I opted for the healthy breakfast bowl.

It was very quiet but there was a little bit of a wait for the food – although it is possible our rumbling tummies made it seem longer than it was – but when it came I think all of us were impressed with the quality. The two sandwiches looked tasty served on little crate boards with seeded bread and skinny fries and the full English was a darn sight lovelier than the average fry up, garnished with vine tomatoes and not a drop of grease in sight. My breakfast bowl was right up my street, with spinach leaves, tomatoes, avocado, smoked salmon and a perfectly soft-boiled egg.

Everyone tucked in and not a scrap of food was left by the end; we all commented that all our meals were just the right amount that we left satisfied and fuelled for some sight-seeing. I could certainly make a habit out of that (GET IT?)!

Image by Human Zoo Theatre Company

By The Human Zoo

Saturday 16^th July, York Theatre Royal

I’ve been wanting to get back on the theatre-watching-bandwagon-train for a long time now, and when I spotted this show on York Theatre Royal’s website I knew it would be right up my street. It would also be the first ‘proper’ (as in, not panto) play ManDan had ever seen and a few friends ended up coming along on my recommendation so the pressure was on. Suffice to say no one was disappointed!

Performing in the Royal’s small studio theatre, the wonderful ensemble cast (dressed in what I can only describe as shabby-chic-mime costumes) took us through several short tales, play-within-a-play style, each as charming and hilarious as the last. Every cast member had a shining moment and Nick Gilbert (‘Clive’) in particular had some brilliant comedic moments and responded to the audience to great effect, which is a difficult but necessary skill when performing in such an intimate setting. The live music was fun and evocative all at once and for me, really brought the kind of magic the piece needed to make it truly immersive – if there was a soundtrack available I’d have it on right now.

The look of the thing was a tasty visual delight. There were glittering fairy lights strung out and in boxes, a giant head (my personal favourite) and miniature exploding bird people. They took us from the woods to Hollywood, from the Underground to the sky. We saw the mundane and the unusual. It was…great.

These are clearly a young company with a style and a fervor for the possibilities that theatre holds. Their style may not be absolutely original – taking from the Tim Burton school of quirkiness (I’m sorry, I know, I hate that word too) and companies such as Les Enfants Terribles – but what really is? If it’s executed to near perfection, which it was, with moments that take you by surprise, which it has, then what more can you really ask for? Not much, I say.

It was a rare treat in York to see theatre of this type and I’m hoping to see more of it now York Theatre Royal’s refurbishment is complete; at the very least, I hope the Human Zoo make a return with future productions – I’ll be the first to buy a ticket.

Summary: A riotous and enchanting melding of poetry, puppetry, song, movement and music with some ingenious staging and props chucked in for good measure, I (and everyone I was with) absolutely loved this performance. Can’t wait to see them again.