“July is a blind date with summer. ”
-HAL BORLAND
FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Readers,
Welcome to our favourite time of year when the days are long, the evenings are warm, and life just feels a little lighter July and August bring that unmistakable summer energy, and here at Wildjac, we ’ re soaking up every golden drop of it.
This issue is a celebration of everything that makes summer special. Think seasonal cocktails to sip in the garden, easy outdoor gatherings with friends, and wild adventures that reconnect us with nature We’re big believers in making the most of the moment and doing it all with intention. That means choosing locally sourced ingredients, embracing sustainable swaps, and championing products (and people) that are kind to the planet.
Inside, you’ll find refreshing drinks recipes made with our favourite summer botanicals, behind-the-scenes glimpses of what we ’ ve been distilling lately, and stories from some brilliant folks in our community who are shaking things up in the best way. Whether you ’ re heading to the coast, exploring the countryside, or just kicking back at home, we hope this edition inspires you to live a little slower, and savour a little more
Here’s to sunshine, conscious choices, and spirits that lift more than just your glass.
ASTER SADLER
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITORIAL TEAM
Ashleigh Bourne - Managing Director, Wildjac
Aster Sadler - Founder, Wildjac
Hannah Revill, Wildjac
Harriet Evetts-Dudley, Wildjac
CHARITY CONTRIBUTORS
Wendy Carter - Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Liz Trust - Wyre Community Land Trust
BUSINESS CONTRIBUTORS
Ashleigh Bourne - Managing Director, Wildjac
Stephanie James - Frank P Matthewss
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sadie Aldridge - Sadie Aldridge Photography
WORCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST
Photo CreditWendy CarterGerman Wasp on Kiwi
German Wasp
Wasps as pollinators
Common Wasp on Blackberry - Paul Hobson
FOOD CONTRIBUTOR
Bryony Taylor COCKTAILS
Aster Sadler
David Swain - Mixologist
Wild swimming immersing oneself in natural bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and seas, has seen a resurgence in the UK Beyond being a refreshing activity, it offers profound wellness benefits, connecting swimmers to nature and providing a sense of freedom and tranquility.
Safety First: Essential Tips for Beginners
1 Never Swim Alone: Always have a companion or inform someone of your plans
2 Check Water Quality: Use the Environment Agency’s Swimfo map to ensure the water is safe.
3. Enter Gradually: Acclimate to the water temperature slowly to prevent cold water shock
4 Be Visible: Wear a bright swim cap or use a tow float to stay visible to others
5. Know Your Limits: Avoid swimming in strong currents or unfamiliar waters.
6 Warm Up Afterwards: Have warm clothes and a hot drink ready post-swim to restore body temperature
Engaging in wild swimming can:
Legal Considerations in the UK
Access Rights: In England and Wales, wild swimming is permitted in tidal waters and some lakes and rivers However, always check local by laws and land ownership.
Protected Areas: Avoid swimming in Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) without permission.
- Boost Mental Health: Cold water immersion releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety
- Enhance Physical Fitness: Swimming in natural waters improves cardiovascular health and builds muscle strength.
- Strengthen Immunity: Regular exposure to cold water may bolster the immune system
- Promote Mindfulness: The natural setting encourages presence and a deeper connection to the environment
5 Beginner-Friendly Wild Swimming Spots
1. Warleigh Weir, Somerset: A popular spot near Bath with calm waters suitable for beginners
2 Gaddings Dam, West Yorkshire: Known as the 'highest beach in Britain,' this reservoir offers a sandy shore and clear waters
3 Swanpool Beach, Cornwall: A sheltered cove ideal for novice wild swimmers.
4 Loch Morlich, Scotland: Set against a mountain backdrop, this loch provides a serene swimming experience
5. Watkin Path Pools, Snowdonia: Natural pools along a scenic hiking trail, offering a refreshing dip amidst nature
Resources and Communities
- The Outdoor Swimming Society: Offers information, safety advice, and community events.
- Wild Swimming UK: Provides a comprehensive map of wild swimming spots across the UK
- Mental Health Swims: Organizes inclusive, peerled swim meetups to promote mental well-being.
Wild swimming invites you to engage with nature in its purest form. By taking necessary precautions and respecting the environment, you can enjoy a rejuvenating experience that benefits both body and mind. Whether you're seeking solitude or community, the UK's natural waters await your plunge.
with Jekka’s Herbs
As someone new to gardening, I’ve always been fascinated b herbs but never quite knew where to start So when I discovered Jekka’s Master Class, it felt like the perfect opportunity to learn from the experts, and it truly exceeded a my expectations.
The setting at Jekka’s Herb Farm is beautiful, filled with rows vibrant, aromatic plants and a genuine sense of care for nature The small group atmosphere made it easy to relax, a questions, and connect with others who were equally curious about herbs.
The day focused on how to grow herbs from seeds and cuttings As a beginner, I was worried it might be too technical, but Jekka and the team were incredibly patient an explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. We were encouraged to get hands on, and I quickly found myself confidently trimming stems, preparing compost, and sowing seeds
The highlight for me was being able to take home my own cuttings and seed trays. It’s exciting to watch them grow, knowing I started them myself It felt magical to create something from such simple beginnings
What I loved most was how empowered I felt by the end of t day. The class didn’t just teach me about herbs, it gave me th confidence to keep going, to grow more, and to start incorporating herbs into my daily life Whether you ’ re new to gardening or simply curious about herbs, I can’t recommend this experience enough It’s the perfect place to begin your journey.
Find out more at www.jekkas.co
By Ashleigh Bourne
Buzz Off!!
Wasps. They’ve a bit of a picnicking reputation! They may not be as cute, cuddly, furry or gently buzzy as their bee cousins but wasps deserve our love too. When you think about wasps you might just think about the yellow-and-black insects buzzing about your fizzy pop or picnic but there are an amazing 7000 or so species of wasp in the UK Almost all of these are solitary (the females only look out for their own young) and there are only nine species of the social ones – those that buzz around are picnics on the hunt for something sweet
If you're not keen on wasps, you're probably less keen on flies that wander through an open window and seem unable to find their way out. If this is the case, wasps are your new best friends. As well as being important pollinators, they’re also top predators and it's estimated that social wasps catch an estimated 14 million kilogrammes of insects each year Not only that, if you take a closer look at one of their nests you’ll understand what incredible engineers they are And if that’s not enough, it's thought that understanding more about the chemicals in their stings could help medical science
If they're so great, then, why do social wasps have such a poor reputation? It’s all down to that social nature that brings them into conflict with us from late summer and into autumn. Just like bumblebee colonies, social wasps are ruled by a queen whose purpose is to found a colony and then lay eggs to continue it Her brood of female workers continue to construct the nest and hunt for food to raise the young.
Have you ever looked at your shed or a bench in the local park and wondered why it looks, well, stripey? Perhaps you ’ ve been lucky enough to watch a wasp rasp at the wood - they mix these tiny wood shavings with saliva to produce a paste that is used to make the nest. Essentially, they're engineering their incredible architecture using papier mache!
Worker wasps hunt insects to feed to the growing larvae back at the nest Often, they capture insects that we might consider to be 'pests' - flies, weevils, caterpillars etc Ever heard of the fashion term 'wasp-waist'? This refers to a particular kind of corset that produced a very small waist and it’s no surprise that this term is borrowed from the natural world; if you're ever close enough to get a good look, you'll see that wasps have incredibly thin waists So thin, in fact, that adult wasps can't eat solid food - they live off nectar (hence their pollination of flowers) and sweet droplets that are produced by their larvae
Eventually, new queens and males are produced by the colony (after mating, the queens hibernate and set up colonies the following year). This prompts the winding down of a nest and, when there are fewer larvae producing their sweet juicy liquid, adult wasps go on the hunt for other sources of sugarour foods and fizzy drinks are perfect alternatives!
Sharing our food with something that's buzzing around our hands and head can make us uncomfortable, especially when we think we might get stung In order to attract wasps away from you and your food, consider placing fruit (if it's going over a little, this is even better) somewhere nea b perhaps the other end of your picnic bench or a couple of metres away
For more information visit https://www worcswildlifetrust co uk/
Photo Credit-
Wendy CarterGerman Wasp on Kiwi
German Wasp
Wasps as pollinators
Common Wasp on Blackberry - Paul Hobson
You might not have realised that you've got a nest on your property until it starts to break down (usually late summer) but once the process begins, you're just a matter of weeks away from the wasps disappearing altogether - putting some fruit away from your doors and windows should help to keep the wasps away from your house
It's important to remember that only female wasps (the workers) are able to sting and they'll only do so if they feel that you're a threat so to minimise the chance of being stung, try to relax and remain calm
A Taste of the Season: Early Harvest with Frank P Matthews Trees
- Steph James, Frank P Matthews
a century offer an inspiring range of early-cropping varieties that bring the orchard to your table sooner than you might think
Early Season Apples: Crisp sweet and ready.
Apples may be symbolic of autumn, but many varieties crop from late July through August, offering crisp, juicy bites well before the leaves begin to turn.
Beauty of Bath (article cover image) – One of the first dessert apples to ripen (late July), this Victorian variety is known for its sweet, delicate flavour and distinctive flush of red over green skin Best eaten straight from the tree
Discovery – A modern early-season favourite, cropping in early to mid-August, with fresh, juicy flesh and a hint of strawberry It’s refreshing, easy to grow, and a reliable performer
Rosette (See below) – A bright red and red fleshed apple with strawberry flavours. This apple also makes a pink juice! Compact and productive, it’s perfect for smaller gardens.
Plums & Gages: July Jewels to September Stars
Frank P Matthews is famed for its stone fruit range, including over 45 varieties of plum many of which are ready for picking across July, August, and early September
Opal – Often described as the “early Victoria,” this Swedish variety crops from mid-July, with sweet, dusky-skinned fruit that’s ideal for both fresh eating and cooking.
Herman – Among the earliest plums, ripening in early July Deep purple skin and yellow flesh with a mild, honeyed flavour
Victoria (See above)– The nation’s favourite plum, cropping in late August to early September Heavy yields of juicy, freestone fruit ideal for crumbles and jam
Oullins Gage – A golden treat from late August, this gage variety has honeyed sweetness and is excellent eaten fresh or preserved.
Peaches, Apricots & More: Stone Fruit with a Twist
Warm summers allow less traditional fruit trees to flourish Varieties specially selected for the UK climate
Avalon Pride Peach (See above) – Self-fertile and disease-resistant, this standout variety ripens in late August to early September Richly flavoured red-skinned fruit with soft, juicy flesh
Robada Apricot – One of the few apricots that truly performs in the UK, cropping in late July Reliable, heavy yields of large, aromatic fruit
Plan Now, Harvest Sooner
Whether you have room for an orchard or a single tree, choosing the right variety means you can start enjoying fresh fruit from midsummer onwards. Container-grown trees can be planted year-round and are grafted onto carefully selected rootstocks to suit every space from compact varieties suitable for patio growing to full-sized standards
When planning your garden’s harvest calendar, don’t overlook the joys of the early crop These summer-fruiting stars not only extend your season of flavour but also provide food for pollinators, birds, and family alike
With over 100 years of expertise and a passion for fruit, Frank P Matthews makes it easy to bring the orchard home starting with the first sweet bite of summer
For more information on varieties suitable for gardens, when and how to plant please visit www frankpmatthews com Frank P Matthews Trees, Berrington Court, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire, WR15 8TH, 01584 812800 email- treeshop@fpmatthews co uk
Raise your glass, Not your footprint...
SUMMER SPIRITS: Sip the Season!
When the sun sits high and the air is thick with the scent of wildflowers and ripening fruit, there’s nothing better than a refreshing cocktail that captures the essence of a British summer. At Wildjac, our spirits are inspired by the rhythm of the seasons, and summer is when nature gives us her most vibrant, flavour-packed bounty.
This cocktail feature celebrates three standout summer heroes from our botanical collection: Blackberry Vodka, Damson & Raspberry Gin, and Apple & Elderberry Gin While these flavours might whisper of hedgerows and harvest, they shine just as brightly in high summer serves Think picnic-ready spritzes, ice-laden coolers, and sundowner negronis with a juicy twist
Whether you ’ re hosting a garden gathering, packing a posh picnic, or simply sinking into a deckchair at golden hour, these Wildjac spirits are the perfect base for drinks that are both easygoing and elevated. Their fruit forward profiles are beautifully balanced, never too sweet, always refreshing, and pair wonderfully with seasonal garnishes like mint, citrus, and summer berries
In the pages ahead, we ’ ve created a handful of simple and stylish cocktails that celebrate the joy of sipping slowly through July and August Expect vibrant colours, clinking ice, and flavours that feel like a walk through a sun warmed orchard
So pop open the bottle, pour generously, and raise a glass to the slower and sweeter days of summer, Wildjac style
STARBRIGHT
Bright & fresh the perfect long drink to enjoy in the garden.
INGREDIENTS:
25ml Wildjac Apple & Elderberry Gin
15ml Elderflower Cordial
Top Sparkling Wine
Apple slice to garnish
Show us your creations! Tag us in your seasonal cocktails on social @wildjacspirits
METHOD:
Shake first two ingredients in a shaker with ice and fine strain into a tumbler. Top with sparkling wine Top with and apple slice and extra ice if required
SERVE:
Tumbler
GARNISH
Fresh apple slices
FUN FACT:
If you want to preslice the apples for garnish, toss in a little lemon juice to prevent discolouring
BERRY NEGRONI
A fruity twist on a classic cocktail
INGREDIENTS:
25ml Wildjac Blackberry Vodka
25ml Campari
25ml sweet vermouth
Soda (optional) Blackberries
METHOD:
Add all ingredients to a highball glass over ice and stir to combine
SERVE:
Highball or short (depending on strength)
GARNISH:
Blackberries
TOP TIP:
If you are unsure about Campari and sweet vermouth add less initially and increase over time As it’s a negroni, you can experiment with variations and add soda and / or prosecco.
DAMSON & RASPBERRY COLLINS
Smooth & fruity, this is bright and refreshing for a summer barbecue.
INGREDIENTS:
50ml Wildjac Damson and Raspberry Gin
25ml Lemon Juice
10ml 2:1 sugar syrup
Soda to top
Raspberries to garnish
Show us your creations! Tag us in your seasonal cocktails on social @wildjacspirits
METHOD:
Shake first three ingredients, and strain into a highball or fancy short glass
Top with Soda
SERVE:
Highball or short glass
GARNISH:
Fresh raspberries and a lemon twist
TOP TIP:
This is a tall fruity fresh lemonade type drink but you can add additional flavours such as elderflower or rose.
COMPANION PLANTING: Secrets to a Thriving Late-Season
Garden.
As the summer begins to wane and thoughts turn to autumn crops, companion planting becomes an essential tool for the sustainable UK gardener. By growing certain plants together, you can naturally deter pests, enrich the soil, and boost your garden’s productivity without resorting to chemical inputs Here’s how to harness the power of plant friendships for a thriving late-season garden
NATURAL PEST CONTROL
Certain plant combinations help ward off common pests in the garden. For example, planting marigolds alongside carrots or leeks can deter aphids and carrot root fly. Nasturtiums attract blackfly away from beans and serve as a ‘trap crop ’ sacrificing themselves to protect more valuable vegetables
Other natural defenders include:
- Chives and garlic to deter slugs and greenfly.
- Basil with tomatoes to repel whitefly.
- Mint near brassicas to confuse cabbage moths
Remember to plant strongly scented herbs sparingly and contain spreaders (like mint) in pots.
PLANT FRIENDS THAT THRIVE TOGETHER
Some plants grow better in each other's company, offering shade, support, or enhanced flavour Try these late-season combos:
- Beetroot and lettuce: Lettuce grows quickly and provides ground cover that conserves moisture.
- Kale and calendula: Calendula attracts beneficial pollinators and deters pests.
- Carrots and spring onions: Each repels the other’s main pest carrot fly and onion fly respectively.
- Climbing beans and sweetcorn: Beans fix nitrogen into the soil, supporting the hungry sweetcorn.
Mixing crops also breaks up monocultures, reducing the spread of pests and diseases
BOOSTING YIELD WITHOUT CHEMICALS
By pairing plants with complementary needs and benefits, you can create a self-supporting miniecosystem Deep-rooted plants like parsnips can pull nutrients up from lower soil levels, which shallow-rooted companions can then use
Adding flowering herbs like fennel, dill, or chamomile can improve pollination rates for fruiting crops These plants also feed hoverflies, ladybirds, and lacewings all allies in pest control.
Use clover or specialist seed mixes as green manures in spare beds. They improve soil health, crowd out weeds, and support late-season pollinators
Companion planting is both ancient and deeply modern, a natural method for improving garden health, reducing pests, and increasing yields. For gardeners embracing sustainability, it offers a rewarding, low-impact approach that works with nature instead of against it With careful planning and observation, your late-season garden can flourish naturally well into autumn and beyond
GROW WILD WITH US!
With every purchase of a 70cl bottle we will send you out a grow your own wildflower pack!
1
2
3 SCAN GROW LEARN
Scan the QR code on the back of your bottle and fill in your details so we know where to send your pack.
Use your wildflower seeds in a small area or in a pot and water This included a selection of seeds encased in clay and ready to scatter
Want to make your own seedballs?
Discover more from our charity partners Worcestershire Wildlife Trust about other great ways to support and boost wildlife in your garden!
We are running a workshop for you to make your own seed balls! With all elements supplied this workshop will take you through the step-by-step process to create your own seed balls to take home and use Refreshments included Check out our events page for more info
Wait for them to sprout and share your pics with us on social using #growwildwithus
THE MAJESTY OF PURPLE: A COLOUR OF POWER AND PRESTIGE
Purple, a captivating blend of calm blue and fiery red, has a rich and royal history that stretches back over millennia. Its origins lie in one of the most laborious dyeing processes known to the ancient world.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The earliest known purple dye Tyrian purple was extracted from the mucus of the Murex sea snail, native to the Mediterranean It took thousands of snails and days of labour to produce just a gram of dye, making purple exorbitantly expensive and accessible only to the elite
In ancient Phoenicia, particularly in the city of Tyre (modern-day Lebanon), Tyrian purple became a powerful status symbol. The dye’s production was so exclusive that purple robes became synonymous with imperial authority Roman emperors were famously adorned in “Imperial Purple,” and laws even forbade common citizens from wearing the colour under penalty of death
Culturally, purple has retained its association with power, wisdom, and spirituality across various civilizations In Byzantine and Holy Roman traditions, it was worn by emperors and high-ranking clergy. In Japan, it was long associated with the aristocracy and spiritual enlightenment. Meanwhile, in Western art and literature, purple has come to signify both luxury and mysticism often used to depict royalty, divinity, or magical realms
The modern age has democratized purple through synthetic dyes, yet its allure remains From regal velvet drapes to branding that denotes creativity and luxury, purple continues to evoke a sense of the extraordinary. Whether in lavender fields, amethyst crystals, or the robes of queens, purple remains a timeless symbol mysterious, majestic, and magnificently steeped in history
Bee Vision and the Power of Purple
A little-known fact about the colour purple is that it is particularly attractive to bees. Unlike humans, bees don’t see the colour spectrum in the same way we see red, green, and blue, while bees perceive ultraviolet (UV), blue, and green. This makes purple (especially shades like violet and bluepurple) stand out vividly in their visual world
This evolutionary relationship benefits both pollinators and plants: bees find food efficiently, and flowers ensure pollination It’s a perfect example of how colour not only plays a cultural role in human society but also a vital ecological one in the natural world
So next time you see a field of lavender buzzing with bees, you’ll know it’s not just the scent they’re seeing a floral light show invisible to us!
GAZPACHO
4/6 servings 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 5 litres of tomato juice
1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 red onion, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled
2 slices of brown bread -crusts removed
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
A handful of fresh mint leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
This speedy soup uses tomato juice but if you have an abundance of tomatoes in the garden use peeled and deseeded fresh tomatoes instead
DIRECTIONS
1.Blitz the ingredients in a food processor or Vitamix until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning - it may need a little more vinegar
2 If it seems too thick, add a little water Then chill well
3 To serve you can add a few pieces of chopped pepper/tomato/cucumber and a couple of ice cubes if you wish and place a celery stalk as garnish.
THE SUMMER BBQ Something for everyone
SAUCES THE MAIN EVENT
Steak of your choice
Dust with a steak seasoning and cook over the bbq (or in a frying pan with a drizzle of oil) to your preferred level of done-ness Salmon steak
Place salmon on baking parchment and add nobs of butter and grated rind and juice of a lemon and a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground pepper. Wrap the parchment enclosed salmon in foil and cook on the bbq
Chicken pieces or breast skewers
Do make sure that they are thoroughly cooked through and that the juices run clear
Halloumi Steaks - slice into large thick slices and pair with a zingy dressing!
Thickly sliced courgette, pepper and red onion make great additions to the grill as a side dish and get those veggies in!
TRUFFLE AND ANCHOVY OIL (good with steak and chicken)
70ml extra virgin olive oil with 30ml truffle oil and
Anchovy essence or 3 or 4 anchovies (pounded in a pestle and mortar) to taste
Mix and serve in a jug for drizzling
GARLIC SAUCE
5 cloves of garlic (soak in iced water for 30 mins - then dry - the cloves first for a less potent taste)
A pinch of sea salt
100ml olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Put the cloves in a mini food processor with the salt and blitz Add the oil a drip at a time (like mayonnaise) until it starts to emulsify Then alternate the lemon juice with the oil until you have a fluffy white sauce. Keeps well in a sterilised jar in the fridge.
Delicious on fish, meat and vegetables!
By Bryony Taylor
FENNEL & ORANGE SALAD
The perfect side or wonderful as a main with grilled fish.
INGREDIENTS
Fennel 1-2 bulbs
3 oranges
A bag of rocket leaves if desired
2 Tbs of pitted black Kalamata olives
DRESSING
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
1 Tbs runny honey
1/4 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper Whisk all together vigorously
DIRECTIONS
1 Wash the fennel and slice thinly (a mandolin is good for this)
2.Peel oranges if desired, with a knife (a grapefruit knife with a curve does it well) and sliced thinly in rounds
3 Arrange the rocket on a plate if serving as a main dish - omit if just creating a side salad
4. Put the fennel in a bowl and pour over 2 Tbs of the vinaigrette below Toss to combine
5 Layer the fennel on top of the rocket and add the slices of orange on the top
6 Scatter the olives and add a good grind of black pepper.
Serve remaining vinaigrette on the side 6 servings 30 minutes
SALSA VERDE
INGREDIENTS
Garlic, 1 clove peeled
Small Bunch of Herbs to suit your dish:
Mint for lamb.
Tarragon for chicken
Dill for fish
Oregano for Greek recipes
Big bunch of parsley
4 anchovy fillets (optional)
1 Tbs capers (rinsed and drained if salted)
2 Tbs Dijon mustard
1/2 lemon- juiced
125 ml olive oil
Black pepper
300ml jar
30 minutes
DIRECTIONS
Put all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse to a well chopped mix Dip a small chunk of bread in to taste and then adjust as required. This recipe is very much to individual taste so add more seasoning or lemon to suit your palate
Salsa verde exists in many cultures Italy’s version uses parsley, capers, and anchovies, while Mexico’s stars tangy tomatillos and chiles Despite sharing a name, they evolved independently, showcasing how “ green sauce ” reflects local ingredients and tastes around the world It’s a global concept with unique regional twists
The perfect sweet treat GRILLED PEACHES WITH MASCAPONE
4/6 servings 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS
6 firm but ripe peaches
150ml double cream
7 Tablespoons mascapone
1 Tablespoon Maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon of vanilla paste.
30 ml rum/Cointreau to drizzle on the
DIRECTIONS
1.Cut the peaches in half and remove the stones. Place on the grill flesh down for 5/10 mins until softened and scorched
2 Meanwhile whisk the cream, mascapone, maple syrup and vanilla until it forms soft peaks
3.Spoon the mixture over the cooked peaches and garnish with flaked almonds for crunch or raspberries Drizzle with a good rum or cointreau if desired
The perfect party kit!
Getting together is the essence of the summer party season and we have the perfect party pack to get you started!
The prize includes:
Ninja Blast Max Portable blender - perfect for cocktails on the go!
XL citronella bucket candle - keep those pesky flies at bay while enjoying your evening.
XL ice cube maker - make those elaborate garnish cubes!
70cl Wildjac Damson & Raspberry Gin
70cl Rhubarb Rum - shake those mojitos!
Don’t miss this opportunity to win the ultimate summer party bundle. The competition will close on 18th August 2025. Win the Bundle here
SCAN THE QR CODE OR ENTER VIA INSTAGRAM
LITERARY LOVES Cosy up with our
By Aster Sadler
Looking for the perfect page-turner to pair with sunshine and sangria? Dive into our top picks for hot summer reads:
GO AS A RIVER 2
1
HOW TO AGE DISGRACEFULLY
Daphne is fiery and fabulous. She just needs to get out and meet people But when an accident brings a teen dad, an empty nester and a has-been actor into her world, they aren't necessarily who she'd had in mind. And it soon becomes clear that they all have a story to tell...
1940s Colorado: Teenage Victoria Nash is the only woman in a family of troubled men
When she meets Wilson Moon, a young drifter with a mysterious past, on a street corner, their connection is immediate And dangerous
But then tragedy strikes, and Victoria is forced to leave her home and face a decision that will change her life forever
3 LOVE UNTOLD
This is a story about mothers and daughters: the love inherent in that bond and the heartache that miscommunication can bring More than anything, it's about the importance of being true to oneself Meet Grace, Alys, Elin and Beca - a family you'll come to know, and to love.
4
TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW
When Sam catches sight of Sadie at a crowded train station one winter morning he is catapulted back to the brief time they spent playing together as children Their unique spark is instantly reignited
What comes next is a story of friendship and rivalry, fame and creativity, betrayal and tragedy, perfect worlds and imperfect ones And, ultimately, our need to connect: to be loved and to love
5
THEN SHE WAS GONE
Ellie was her mother's golden girl
She had her whole life ahead of her
And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone. Ten years on, Laurel has never given up hope of finding Ellie, and then she meets a charming and charismatic stranger who sweeps her off her feet.
But what really takes her breath away is when she meets his nine-year-old daughter
Because his daughter is the image of Ellie
A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS...
Some of the team’s top picks for the Summer season.
HARRIET’S FAVOURITE
Nasturtium’s
“I love the appearance of Nasturtiums in my garden in the summer The vivid sea of colours - shades of orange, yellow, crimson and more - brighten up my patio and put a huge smile on my face whenever I look at them Not only do they look spectacular but bees and insects also love them making them great for wildlife. They’re also edible, and make the perfect finishing touch to a summer salad."
ASH’S FAVOURITE: BBQ’s with friends
“I love to get together with my friends and entertain in my garden. Being outside and barbecuing is a great way to get everyone together for food, fun and of course cocktails! ”
ASTER’S FAVOURITE: My refillable water bottle
“I drink alot of water and its important while the weather has turned warmer. My refillable bottle holds enough to keep me hydrated and stays chilled too.“
