Wednesday, 1 October 2014

October Business of the Month - Amanda Jayne Shoes!

Amanda Jayne Shoes (www.amandajayneshoes.co.uk), is a ladies shoe boutique offering personally selected, hand crafted Italian ladies’ shoes and sees its’ owner, Mandy Knight, combine a lifelong passion for stylish footwear with a desire to provide the ultimate in customer service.



“This business is totally personal,” she says.

“I wanted to open a ladies shoe boutique offering stylish, elegant, finely crafted shoes, which are an absolute delight to wear.  Not only that, but I wanted to create a retail experience that is different: where I take time to get to know my customers, so they are consistently, pleasantly surprised and delighted at what they find and experience, where they feel special and where individual appointments can be arranged for that unhurried and personal attention.”

Taking inspiration from the stylish shoe boutiques along the Amalfi coast and working with small Italian family shoe manufacturers who have been trading for many generations, Amanda Jayne Shoes offers a unique retail experience.

With more than 100 styles to choose from – including some petite sizes (from European size 34 ) and some designs not available anywhere else in the UK - Amanda Jayne Shoes are personally selected with the most dedicated shoe devotees in mind.

The classic collection combines quality craftsmanship with high-end style, includes formal, party and casual shoes, colours ranging from monochrome and neutrals to jewel-like reds and greens, and designs ranging from chic loafers to elegant court shoes, from informal sandals to sculpted, strappy heels.  A range of co-ordinating handbags are also available to accompany selected styles.  Not only this but on Amanda Jayne labelled shoes, it is possible to choose the material, colour and embellishments – what a jewel in the crown!

All styles may be viewed and reserved on-line but a visit to the boutique is a must.  Its’ luxurious and elegant surroundings ideally complement the beautiful Italian shoes that are on offer.  Private appointments are also available for that unhurried and personal attention.

The business is based on her firmly held belief in what she calls “the power and
pleasure of shoes”.

“Shoes don’t change your life – but they certainly have the power to change the way a woman feels, and boost her confidence - and the pleasure we take in a special pair is totally disproportionate!  Even more so when you find a gorgeous pair that actually fit your petite foot.

“I want every woman who buys a pair of Amanda Jayne Shoes to be thrilled when choosing them, receiving them and every time she wears them.”

Why not come and see for yourself at 16 Cross Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EW

Here's a sneak peek of the beautiful shoes on offer....





For more information call 01873 857209 or visit  www.amandajayneshoes.co.uk

Saturday, 30 August 2014

Cookes Galley Runs Charity Cookery Demonstrations


Cookes Galley will be running a day of cookery demonstrations in association with Penny Lewis of The Culinary Cottage, Pandy in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre in the lead up to the famous Abergavenny Food Festival! There will be FOUR classes throughout the day on Thursday 18th September to get us into the foodie mood.



THURSDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2014

10.00am – 11.00am – THE WONDERS OF BRIOCHE
With this fantastic course, you will learn all about the wonders of Brioche, it will be created with Pennys’ very own recipe, which has been carefully refined to create the most wonderful brioche which is so versatile, you will LOVE it.

11.30am – 12.30pm – THE MOST PERFECT PAELLA

In this hour slot, we will be learning all about Paella. This dish is perfect to recreate for a dinner party, or just as a midweek supper. With gorgeous King Prawns, and fragrant spices, what’s not to love about this Spanish dish?!

1.00pm – 2.00pm – BREADS FROM THE MED...

Just think about it...Baguettes, Foccacia, Ciabatta....these wonderful breads come from the heart of the Mediterranean. Learn all about how to make the perfect loaf, and then you will get to take some home with you too....

2.30pm -3.30pm – EASY CHOCOLATE DESSERTS

With this one hour masterclass you will learn everything there is to know about easy chocolate desserts...We have all been there when time isn't on your side, but you want something to wow your guests for dessert....so with this masterclass you will be able to take the recipes home to use them time and time again!!

All of the courses you will be able to taste what penny has cooked for you. Refreshments will be included throughout the day.Where possible you will go home with something from the class as a little sample of what you have been learning. It's a one off deal as it is the food festival weekend…and doing something that little bit different!

It is just £10.00 per person to join one of our classes, and ALL THE MONEY WILL GO TO:  VELINDRE CANCER CENTRE. As a little extra goodie, you will have a free raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning an amazing prize from our raffle draw.  Booking is essential as we have limited spaces available! If you would like to book on one, two, three or all of our classes please call: 01873854060 or email: sophie@cooksgalleyltd.co.uk





September Business of the Month - Abergavenny Food Festival




Abergavenny-Food-Festival-logo-CMYK-1
Abergavenny's Food Festival is set to take place on Saturday 20th-Sunday 21st September this year with lots of wonderful activities across the town.  The Festival has been awarded 'Best Event in Wales' by the National Tourism Awards for Wales in 2013 so it won't disappoint. 
For those of you who are new to the Festival, here's how it works. The five market venues in the centre of town are all accessed on a Stroller Ticket (wristband) with free entry to children under 16 if accompanied by an adult. Within these venues (outdoor and indoor) are over 200 carefully selected top-notch exhibitors, showcasing the best of Wales, The Marches and further afield. There's something for everyone to enjoy!
There's also a rolling programme of chef demonstrations in the Market Hall, a children's Food Academy at the Castle (sponsored by Organic Centre Wales), and plenty of other entertainment too. Ir's something not to be missed! For more information visit here 
Abergavenny Food Festival

Saturday, 2 August 2014

August Business of the Month - Pizzorante

 
Pizzorante is a traditional Italian restaurant. A family run restaurant, the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and family friendly, just like the food! Perfect for any time of day and any occasion.


Pizzorante have two new Chefs Max and Lorella fresh from Italy and they both come from le Marche (central Italy on the Adriatic coast).Max and Lorella have brought new dishes that they are presenting on the special’s boards every month, the dishes are part of the rustic regional tradition like the Venetian calf’s liver and onion or the Italian style fish stew.
Pizzorante make fresh pasta and use as much as possible fresh local produce for meat, fish and vegetables and the dishes are cooked to order.


Igino and the Pizzorante Team said they "want to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to our customers for the support they gave us from the day we opened"



Visit here for more information 

If you would like to visit this beautiful eatery please call the Pizzorante team on 01873 85 77 77

Saturday, 19 July 2014

Abergavenny’s wall2wall Jazz Festival returns!


Black Moutain Jazz


Abergavenny’s wall2wall festival is back! With a stunning line up, this year’s event is bigger than ever with two packed days of music over the weekend of 30th and 31st August.

On the back of the success of wall2wall’s inaugural year, and the chance to play against the stunning backdrop of the Black Mountains, the festival has managed to secure some of the biggest names in the UK jazz.

These include the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Famed for unique tours which take them across the globe, they promise to give their trademark spectacular performance and with their alumni including Guy Barker, Mark Nightingale and Amy Winehouse they are definitely ones to see to spot the stars of the future!

Also confirmed is chart-topping Jacqui Dankworth, who will be on tour with her latest album Live to Love. She will be performing in the Borough Theatre and offers a wide ranging performance for all to enjoy.

In addition there will be over 26 acts including the likes of 606 Gospel Singers, Arun Ghosh, John Etheridge’s Sweet Chorus, the Basin Street Brawlers, The Three Belles, Tony O'Malley, Brass Jaw and Digby Fairweather to name just a few.

To accommodate all these acts there are four different venues, allowing guests to experience not only a variety of music but a flavour of the town itself.  Abergavenny’s famous Borough Theatre, with its amazing acoustics, will be our festival box office and also host to four major concerts.

Our stroller programmes are accommodated at three unique venues which ticket holders will gain exclusive access to. The first is the town’s ancient castle which will provide a magical backdrop - with the festival stage set within the ruins of the Great Hall and set against the famous Blorenge Mountain.

The Kings Arms, Abergavenny’s oldest pub, which also handily has a grand reputation for fine food and ales, will be the second venue.

Then last, but in no ways least, will be our third stage located in the courtyard of the medieval priory where participants can sample not only world class jazz, but the best of the area’s local produce at the adjacent Tithe Barn CafĂ©.

Abergavenny will be in full festival fever over the weekend with free street entertainment in the centre and a unique ‘treat’ stroller will be offered – allowing ticket holders to graze the many cafes and restaurants with discounted offers.

With world class jazz, fine food, stunning views and a range of accommodation, this is one festival not to miss.

For more information and to take advantage of the early bird ticket sales head now to http://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/ or contact Ruth at ruthecoulthard@gmail.com / telephone 07528225751.



School's out- What's on for the children this Summer

With school finishing and the kids looking forward to the summer, it's down to the parents to find some activities to keep them busy. Well, look no further, we've got it all lined up ready for you to join in in Abergavenny!

Abergavenny Museum and Castle is holding some wonderful events over the next few weeks which can be seen below, set within the beautiful castle grounds it will definitely put a smile on their faces this summer!

Wednesday 23rd July 10am-12pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm
Drop in family craft activity - sketchbooks and scrapbooks
Create wonderful sketchbooks and scrapbooks to record your holiday memories
£2.00 per child

Sunday 27th July 10.00am-4.00pm

Festival of Archaeology
Staying warm and well fed in 1087. Join us for Medieval cookery and spinning and weaving demonstrations, family craft activities, costumer, medieval objects and more.
£2.00 per child. Drop in event.

Tuesday 29th July 2.00pm- 4.00pm

Teddy Bears Picnic
Join us for an afternoon of stories, songs, craft activities and a bear hunt. Bring your teddy and a picnic and have lots of fun in the castle grounds.
£2.00 per child. Booked event

Wednesday 30th July - 10.00am-12.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm

Drop in Family craft activity - teriffic toys
Explore toys and games through the ages and make some of your own to take home.
£2.00 per child

Wednesday 6th August - 10.00am - 12.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Drop in family craft activity - Treasure boxes
Museums are home to lots of treasures. Discover what's in Abergavenny Museum and make a  beautiful box to keep your own treasures in.
£2.00 per child

Friday 8th August 10.00am-4.00pm
Medieval Mayhem
A spectacular day of medieval fun for all the family. Have a go at mechanical jousting and archery, meet a 'medieval' archer, cook and armourer, have a go at heraldry and more.
£3.00 per child. £5.00 per adult and £15.00 for a family ticket

Friday 8th August, 3.00pm
Illyria Theatre Company presents Robin Hood
Illyria's production comes straight from the 14th century Robin Hood Ballards - which makes it as authentic as Robin Hood legends come. Written in fast moving, easy to follow verse, and introducing all the well-loved characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and King Richard, the play is a collection of tales featuring camaraderie, swashbuckling action, and riotous comedy.
suitable for all ages 5+
Tickets £7.50 or £28.00 for a family of four, contact boxoffice@boroughtheatre.co.uk

Wednesday 13th August - 10.00-12.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm
Drop in family craft activity - lovely landscapes
Have fun creating landscapes with different materials, inspired by our Sites of Inspiration exhibition
£2.00 per child

Wednesday 20th August - 10.00-12.00 and 2.00 - 4.00pm
Wonderful wildlife
Explore paintings in our new exhibition and make puppets and mobiles based on the animals in the images
£2.00 per child

Wednesday 27th August - 10.00 -12.00 and 2.00 - 4.00
Here be dragons
Design and make your very own dragon then take your new pet for a 'fly' in the castle grounds.
£2.00 per child

To book a place on any of these fun filled events or for more information contact Karin Molson, Heritage Learning, Monmouth Museums Service on 01600 710630 or email karinmolson@monmouthshire.gov.uk or Rachael Rogers on 
01873 854282 or email RachaelRogers@monmouthshire.gov.uk


 

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Abergavenny in Four Hours

There are lots of things to do in Abergavenny however if you ever only have a few hours to spare Abergavenny can offer you a fun filled few hours! With lots of shops, history and views there is something for everyone.

In four hours the top things to do are:
  • Discover the wonderful distinctively independent shops Abergavenny has. See the range of shops here 
  • Have afternoon tea at the Angel Hotel, for more information visit here
  • View the beautiful scenery, to get an idea of the views around Abergavenny visit here
  • Visit the Abergavenny markets that take place in Abergavenny Market Hall, for more information visit here http://www.abergavennymarket.co.uk/

Rainbow in Abergavenny on 4th May