It’s a crazy morning with boiled eggs and the morning papers when you read that you local councillor’s dog has a daily blog.
I don’t expect flocking crowds to my blog, but a few regular readers would move my mood barometer nicely along to chuffed. But it looks like I have some way to go.
Harry, the Abingdon border terriers’ owner Alastair Fear set up the blog for his poochy pal after finding that the most interesting subject of the photographs for his own blog was often Harry himself.
With nearly 200 hits a month to Harry’s blog, detailing where he’s been, his latest adventures, who he’s met and his favourite walks, this is one social media-savvy mutt.
Having met Martin Clunes last year at a book signing, and more recently being interviewed on BBC Radio Oxford to talk about his new found fame, his owner is concerned that all the attention may be going to his head. It’ll be Evian in the dog bowl and doggy-Ugg boots all the way before you know it.
While Lib Dem Councillor Fear’s blog This Abingdon takes a serious look at goings on in the town, check out Harry’s diary for a light-hearted canine take on the world.
http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/search/4065838.Every_blog_has_its_day_/
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Saturday, 17 January 2009
The Battle of the Biggest Discounters
I'm refusing to talk about the ongoing doom and gloom sweeping across the UK (it rhymes with obsession, regression, and various others).
However I wanted to write quickly about my own experience of discount supermarkets, and the introduction of bargain brands into chains such as Tesco.
Tesco now position themselves as Britain’s biggest discounter. I purchased an advent calendar for my baby son at the end of November and proudly hung it in the hall way, each day moving along to the next exciting part of advent.
On reaching December 18th I was rudely shunted straight to the 19th of the month. 16th, 17th…19th, 20th. Maybe this superstores discounting had gone a little too far? Whether it was just me that was unlucky, or all the 18th days had been lost somewhere, never to be seen again, we will never know.
Shortly before this my husband admitted that he was a little miffed that our son and I had both been gifted with advent calendars, and based on his new chocolate addiction, he was quite put out.
So, while visiting Lidl to scout for tasty treats for the Christmas buffet trolley (another story in itself), I spied chocolate calendars at the bargain price of 39p! Being the 10th of December I should probably expect to get a knock down deal, but you get to eat 11 chocolates on the 11th day, can't be bad.
I checked my purse and it must have been a sign because I had the exact change, so I scuttled excitedly with buggy, albeit it a bit of a wiggly line, to the checkout.
'Just this' I beamed happily. 'Just this?' questioned the checkout assistant. I nodded to confirm, slightly embarrassed that I wasn't with a trolley piled high with bargain buckets of chicken, yard long tubes of biscuits and one size fits all gloves for the family.
'It's free' he said. 'Free?' I croaked, somewhat suspicious. 'Free' he repeated, and so it went on - 'free?' I exclaimed, again. After this ping pong exchange, almost too chuffed to speak, I said 'thank you....and, and, Merry Christmas to you!'.
I glided out of Lidl, pleased as you like - there are some really nice people out there still....although I have a feeling he saw me counting my coppers, took in the small baby and took pity on my very apparent glee at having enough to buy a 39p chocolate advent calendar.
Admittedly from the 11th to 24th December, my husband tried to trade his days chocolate allowance for the luxury version from my Dairy Milk calendar - I thought it was supposed to be the thought that counts?!
Anyway, I liked the Lidl chocolate., and they are now by far Britain’s biggest discounter in my eyes.
p.s. Unfortunately I decided to stock the Christmas buffet trolley in Tesco, and this time avoiding the bargain basement, plumped for the finest ranges - no advantage of spending a little extra it turned out - it appeared that something small and squirmy had snuck into my bag of pistachios, feasted until he passed out, curled up and was discovered by my mother on Boxing Day.
However I wanted to write quickly about my own experience of discount supermarkets, and the introduction of bargain brands into chains such as Tesco.
Tesco now position themselves as Britain’s biggest discounter. I purchased an advent calendar for my baby son at the end of November and proudly hung it in the hall way, each day moving along to the next exciting part of advent.
On reaching December 18th I was rudely shunted straight to the 19th of the month. 16th, 17th…19th, 20th. Maybe this superstores discounting had gone a little too far? Whether it was just me that was unlucky, or all the 18th days had been lost somewhere, never to be seen again, we will never know.
Shortly before this my husband admitted that he was a little miffed that our son and I had both been gifted with advent calendars, and based on his new chocolate addiction, he was quite put out.
So, while visiting Lidl to scout for tasty treats for the Christmas buffet trolley (another story in itself), I spied chocolate calendars at the bargain price of 39p! Being the 10th of December I should probably expect to get a knock down deal, but you get to eat 11 chocolates on the 11th day, can't be bad.
I checked my purse and it must have been a sign because I had the exact change, so I scuttled excitedly with buggy, albeit it a bit of a wiggly line, to the checkout.
'Just this' I beamed happily. 'Just this?' questioned the checkout assistant. I nodded to confirm, slightly embarrassed that I wasn't with a trolley piled high with bargain buckets of chicken, yard long tubes of biscuits and one size fits all gloves for the family.
'It's free' he said. 'Free?' I croaked, somewhat suspicious. 'Free' he repeated, and so it went on - 'free?' I exclaimed, again. After this ping pong exchange, almost too chuffed to speak, I said 'thank you....and, and, Merry Christmas to you!'.
I glided out of Lidl, pleased as you like - there are some really nice people out there still....although I have a feeling he saw me counting my coppers, took in the small baby and took pity on my very apparent glee at having enough to buy a 39p chocolate advent calendar.
Admittedly from the 11th to 24th December, my husband tried to trade his days chocolate allowance for the luxury version from my Dairy Milk calendar - I thought it was supposed to be the thought that counts?!
Anyway, I liked the Lidl chocolate., and they are now by far Britain’s biggest discounter in my eyes.
p.s. Unfortunately I decided to stock the Christmas buffet trolley in Tesco, and this time avoiding the bargain basement, plumped for the finest ranges - no advantage of spending a little extra it turned out - it appeared that something small and squirmy had snuck into my bag of pistachios, feasted until he passed out, curled up and was discovered by my mother on Boxing Day.
Can Heston save The Chef?
As a child a stop at the little chef was a treat. A real treat. Pancakes with lemon and sugar - loads of sugar. I'm not quite sure what my usually sane parents were thinking, letting us eat our own body weight in sugar before bouncing us back into the car for the remainder of the journey. I'm sure if it wasn't for our intolerable nagging it would have been a loo only stop - none of the excitement of the pancake stack and complimentary colour in placemat.
These days though as a parent myself I have only ever stepped under the red and white stripy canopy and in through those heavy doors once - and it was an absolutely necessity. It was do or die. A short time after departing from a successful days shopping in Milton Keynes with another mummy friend, our two adorable, hungry, tired, cranky babies demanded food, and it was stop or be stopped - more than likely by the local bobbies for driving without due care and attention.
So when I heard that the almighty Heston himself is set to revamp the over priced, outdated motorway diner-cum-dive that is The Little Chef I had mixed feelings.
Fantastic challenge, can't wait for the next instalment. But, really do I want one of my favourite childhood memories to be turned from the sickly sweet to something more sinister? Because there is no doubt that if I did ever return to peruse the menu, the fluffy yumminess that was pancakes with lemon and sugar would more likely be pancakes with swede ice cream and snails on the side.
Blumenthal of 'the world's best place to eat' The Fat Duck at Bray will be bringing the wierd and wonderful world of his culinary craziness to our screens from this Monday (19th January) in Channel 4 series Big Chef Takes on Little Chef.
I'll be eager to tune in - especially to find out why LC's chief executives turned down Heston's first menu for lacking the wow factor.
I'm also keen to see how Heston brings his scientific approach into the kitchen of a service station eatery - personally the science part for me was calculating the maximum amount of crunchy white hyper inducing goodness it was possible to spread on the surface of one pancake.
Don't miss it - Channel 4, Monday 19th January at 9pm. Even if I never visit a Little Chef again, I still don't want it to close, that would be a sad, sad day…
These days though as a parent myself I have only ever stepped under the red and white stripy canopy and in through those heavy doors once - and it was an absolutely necessity. It was do or die. A short time after departing from a successful days shopping in Milton Keynes with another mummy friend, our two adorable, hungry, tired, cranky babies demanded food, and it was stop or be stopped - more than likely by the local bobbies for driving without due care and attention.
So when I heard that the almighty Heston himself is set to revamp the over priced, outdated motorway diner-cum-dive that is The Little Chef I had mixed feelings.
Fantastic challenge, can't wait for the next instalment. But, really do I want one of my favourite childhood memories to be turned from the sickly sweet to something more sinister? Because there is no doubt that if I did ever return to peruse the menu, the fluffy yumminess that was pancakes with lemon and sugar would more likely be pancakes with swede ice cream and snails on the side.
Blumenthal of 'the world's best place to eat' The Fat Duck at Bray will be bringing the wierd and wonderful world of his culinary craziness to our screens from this Monday (19th January) in Channel 4 series Big Chef Takes on Little Chef.
I'll be eager to tune in - especially to find out why LC's chief executives turned down Heston's first menu for lacking the wow factor.
I'm also keen to see how Heston brings his scientific approach into the kitchen of a service station eatery - personally the science part for me was calculating the maximum amount of crunchy white hyper inducing goodness it was possible to spread on the surface of one pancake.
Don't miss it - Channel 4, Monday 19th January at 9pm. Even if I never visit a Little Chef again, I still don't want it to close, that would be a sad, sad day…
The Mission - One burrito leads to another
Opened at the beginning of 2008 and serving 1000 burritos a week just a month later, The Mission is getting ready to open six more eateries, and is leading the burrito boom!
When you’re just about to serve your 10,000th burrito, you’re using four kilometers of tin foil, and 2,500 avocados for the all important guacamole each month, it’s no surprise that the talk is of expansion at this taqueria.
The Mission Mexican Grill opened its doors to a waiting crowd buzzing excitedly with anticipation and rumbling bellies; eager to sample California-Mexican food at its best. And they weren’t disappointed.
This was the start of a revolution; the sweet smell of salsa and success began drifting down the cobbled streets in no time. The success that is, of bringing the fresh, wholesome flavours of the burrito to Oxford, all the way from the Mission District in San Francisco.
“Since we turned the open sign around for the very first time, we haven’t stopped to take a breath. Most days we are making burritos non stop – it’s hectic but fantastic! Our chef Victor is amazing – so when you serve great food and you can’t stop to grab a bite yourself, what do you do – you start thinking about the bigger burrito!”
Jan Rasmussen, Owner.
The first step will be a further addition to the Oxford high street to keep up with local demand. A following big enough for an impressive Mexican Wave has established itself, especially amongst American students studying in the town. This new outlet will also cater for private parties and functions, as well as serving the late night snacker on the way to or from nearby bars and clubs.
But is it possible to replicate the success of The Mission? Jan believes the popularity is down to a rapidly increasing demand for wholesome, filling and good value for money food to go. And, having a chef who knows his pico de gallo from his pinto beans, as well as expert burrito-makers upfront is essential. Chef Victor will be instrumental in the successful launch of each new outlet, and asking him if he knows about Cal-Mex food is like asking Jamie if he knows much about school dinners.
So where next? London? Bristol? Birmingham? All are names on the table – and you heard it here first. The Mission team are hard at work planning out the expansion of what started as one little burrito joint in Oxford, and is now set be the beginning of the burrito revolution.
When you’re just about to serve your 10,000th burrito, you’re using four kilometers of tin foil, and 2,500 avocados for the all important guacamole each month, it’s no surprise that the talk is of expansion at this taqueria.
The Mission Mexican Grill opened its doors to a waiting crowd buzzing excitedly with anticipation and rumbling bellies; eager to sample California-Mexican food at its best. And they weren’t disappointed.
This was the start of a revolution; the sweet smell of salsa and success began drifting down the cobbled streets in no time. The success that is, of bringing the fresh, wholesome flavours of the burrito to Oxford, all the way from the Mission District in San Francisco.
“Since we turned the open sign around for the very first time, we haven’t stopped to take a breath. Most days we are making burritos non stop – it’s hectic but fantastic! Our chef Victor is amazing – so when you serve great food and you can’t stop to grab a bite yourself, what do you do – you start thinking about the bigger burrito!”
Jan Rasmussen, Owner.
The first step will be a further addition to the Oxford high street to keep up with local demand. A following big enough for an impressive Mexican Wave has established itself, especially amongst American students studying in the town. This new outlet will also cater for private parties and functions, as well as serving the late night snacker on the way to or from nearby bars and clubs.
But is it possible to replicate the success of The Mission? Jan believes the popularity is down to a rapidly increasing demand for wholesome, filling and good value for money food to go. And, having a chef who knows his pico de gallo from his pinto beans, as well as expert burrito-makers upfront is essential. Chef Victor will be instrumental in the successful launch of each new outlet, and asking him if he knows about Cal-Mex food is like asking Jamie if he knows much about school dinners.
So where next? London? Bristol? Birmingham? All are names on the table – and you heard it here first. The Mission team are hard at work planning out the expansion of what started as one little burrito joint in Oxford, and is now set be the beginning of the burrito revolution.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Add a touch of Radiance
With brides to be investing lots of time carefully choosing their jewellery, finding the perfect pieces to complement a wedding day style is essential. The look created by a bride for her big day is a combination of personality, glamour, and that fairytale twist – and the beautiful jewels selected to complement the dress should be little sparkling works of art.
Nearly half of brides today choose their own wedding day jewellery, and look to spend between £50 and £100 on these special touches, so being able to find beautiful and original accessories is essential. Complementing the dress, hairstyle and overall theme for the day, whether it be romantic, vintage or modern, are all important aspects of perfecting the bridal look.
Radiance Boutique is a stunning collection of hand crafted Swarovski crystal and crystal pearl wedding accessories. From delicate earrings with crystal drops that shimmer and shine, to stunning pearl encrusted bracelets which are both eye catching and graceful, the range is simple and elegant; the perfect finishing touch.
Necklaces and hair combs complete the collection, with designs to complement the sleek and sophisticated to the fairytale and flamboyant. With each piece lovingly made to order, the bride receives a personal service and the jewellery she’s always imagined for her special day.
Classy and colourful bridesmaid gifts feature in the range too, and are the perfect present to thank the special girls sharing the day. Add colour and sparkle in shades to complement the bridesmaid dresses to create an extra special touch.
For the most charming and gorgeous jewellery, Radiance Boutique has that something special to create the perfect and memorable bridal look; making dreams come true and styles come to life.
END.
Notes to editors
www.radianceboutique.co.uk
Images available on request.
Spokesperson available on request.
For more information, quotes and photography please contact Warrilow PR
Catherine Warrilow – catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 or 07976 294754.
Nearly half of brides today choose their own wedding day jewellery, and look to spend between £50 and £100 on these special touches, so being able to find beautiful and original accessories is essential. Complementing the dress, hairstyle and overall theme for the day, whether it be romantic, vintage or modern, are all important aspects of perfecting the bridal look.
Radiance Boutique is a stunning collection of hand crafted Swarovski crystal and crystal pearl wedding accessories. From delicate earrings with crystal drops that shimmer and shine, to stunning pearl encrusted bracelets which are both eye catching and graceful, the range is simple and elegant; the perfect finishing touch.
Necklaces and hair combs complete the collection, with designs to complement the sleek and sophisticated to the fairytale and flamboyant. With each piece lovingly made to order, the bride receives a personal service and the jewellery she’s always imagined for her special day.
Classy and colourful bridesmaid gifts feature in the range too, and are the perfect present to thank the special girls sharing the day. Add colour and sparkle in shades to complement the bridesmaid dresses to create an extra special touch.
For the most charming and gorgeous jewellery, Radiance Boutique has that something special to create the perfect and memorable bridal look; making dreams come true and styles come to life.
END.
Notes to editors
www.radianceboutique.co.uk
Images available on request.
Spokesperson available on request.
For more information, quotes and photography please contact Warrilow PR
Catherine Warrilow – catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 or 07976 294754.
The 2.5 minute Mission
Officially launched at the beginning of March this year, this is one Oxford eatery that has gone from strength to strength since the ‘open’ sign was turned to face the waiting crowds for the first time.
In the bustling town centre, but just off the beaten track, The Mission Mexican Grill has had a cult following since whispers started amongst the local community of American students that the burrito was finally coming to Oxford.
On opening, the restaurant delighted diners with the freshest and finest ingredients, creating truly authentic California-Mexican cuisine in the form of burritos, fajita burritos, tacos and salad bowls. “True to his roots” one American diner commented on enjoying lunch at The Mission. And this is certainly a lunch – “One burrito at lunchtime in The Mission and I was still full at supper” said The Oxford Student in a recent review.
Now, and moving forward The Mission takes pride it it’s pledge to only serve full of flavour, wholesome food, bringing a much welcome change to the food to go market. “It is possible for a quick meal before a film or whilst out exploring the city to combine the best quality ingredients, amazing flavours and value for money all wrapped up in a tortilla!” says owner Jan Rasmussen.
Jan and his wife Sharon also own popular neighbourhood café Greens on St Giles. Having launched The Mission in Oxford at the start of Spring they’ve been truly overwhelmed by the response from local shoppers, tourists and students alike. A month after opening they were serving 1000 burritos a week, and now just three months down the line this has doubled to almost 2000 – one every 2 ½ minutes!
This is why staff at the restaurant are trained, expert burrito makers. Watching them create your lunch is mesmerising. Quite how everything fits and remains within the flour tortilla is a mystery – the chicken, rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa – this mouthwatering medley is probably the most satisfying shopping stop or pre drinks fill up that you’ll find in the city.
And the burrito may be bringing smiles to more faces very soon. Jan is currently looking at potential plans for expansion into other key cities across the UK, with other university towns being at the top of the list. The philosophy clearly works; and with a Mexican chef on board, it really is an authentic experience at The Mission, something owner Jan is dedicated to continuing. “I’m excited about the possibility of introducing Cal-Mex cuisine to other cities; there is a definite market for good food on the go; the burrito is the answer, and we know burritos!”.
END.
Notes to editors:
Open 11am – 11pm 7 days a week. Prices from £4.50.
The Mission is a Mexican Grill and licensed premise.
www.missionburritos.co.uk
Facebook group – Burritos in Oxford
8 St Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2DU
For further information and photography please contact Catherine Warrilow at Warrilow PR. catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 / 07976 294754.
Additional Information.
The Mission burrito, named as it hails from the Mission District in San Francisco, was refined and embellished in the area and dates back to the 1960’s. The style has spread widely through the San Francisco Bay area, with variations spreading across the US.
The San Francisco burrito, often referred to as a Mission or Mission-style burrito is distinguished partly by the amount of rice and other side dishes included in the package and partly by the sheer size of the foil wrapped meal.
Some say that Mission burritos were inspired by burritos brought into the fields by California Central Valley farm workers, and that they were adopted in the city from there. The cuisine is often referred to as Cal-Mex or Mexican-American.
In the bustling town centre, but just off the beaten track, The Mission Mexican Grill has had a cult following since whispers started amongst the local community of American students that the burrito was finally coming to Oxford.
On opening, the restaurant delighted diners with the freshest and finest ingredients, creating truly authentic California-Mexican cuisine in the form of burritos, fajita burritos, tacos and salad bowls. “True to his roots” one American diner commented on enjoying lunch at The Mission. And this is certainly a lunch – “One burrito at lunchtime in The Mission and I was still full at supper” said The Oxford Student in a recent review.
Now, and moving forward The Mission takes pride it it’s pledge to only serve full of flavour, wholesome food, bringing a much welcome change to the food to go market. “It is possible for a quick meal before a film or whilst out exploring the city to combine the best quality ingredients, amazing flavours and value for money all wrapped up in a tortilla!” says owner Jan Rasmussen.
Jan and his wife Sharon also own popular neighbourhood café Greens on St Giles. Having launched The Mission in Oxford at the start of Spring they’ve been truly overwhelmed by the response from local shoppers, tourists and students alike. A month after opening they were serving 1000 burritos a week, and now just three months down the line this has doubled to almost 2000 – one every 2 ½ minutes!
This is why staff at the restaurant are trained, expert burrito makers. Watching them create your lunch is mesmerising. Quite how everything fits and remains within the flour tortilla is a mystery – the chicken, rice, beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, salsa – this mouthwatering medley is probably the most satisfying shopping stop or pre drinks fill up that you’ll find in the city.
And the burrito may be bringing smiles to more faces very soon. Jan is currently looking at potential plans for expansion into other key cities across the UK, with other university towns being at the top of the list. The philosophy clearly works; and with a Mexican chef on board, it really is an authentic experience at The Mission, something owner Jan is dedicated to continuing. “I’m excited about the possibility of introducing Cal-Mex cuisine to other cities; there is a definite market for good food on the go; the burrito is the answer, and we know burritos!”.
END.
Notes to editors:
Open 11am – 11pm 7 days a week. Prices from £4.50.
The Mission is a Mexican Grill and licensed premise.
www.missionburritos.co.uk
Facebook group – Burritos in Oxford
8 St Michael’s Street, Oxford, OX1 2DU
For further information and photography please contact Catherine Warrilow at Warrilow PR. catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 / 07976 294754.
Additional Information.
The Mission burrito, named as it hails from the Mission District in San Francisco, was refined and embellished in the area and dates back to the 1960’s. The style has spread widely through the San Francisco Bay area, with variations spreading across the US.
The San Francisco burrito, often referred to as a Mission or Mission-style burrito is distinguished partly by the amount of rice and other side dishes included in the package and partly by the sheer size of the foil wrapped meal.
Some say that Mission burritos were inspired by burritos brought into the fields by California Central Valley farm workers, and that they were adopted in the city from there. The cuisine is often referred to as Cal-Mex or Mexican-American.
What women want
Research shows that far from the sumptuous pampering experience we long for when visiting the hairdressers, we’re usually left slightly irritated and still wanting after relaxing surroundings, something refreshing and slightly sparkling to sip on, and a (recent) copy of Vogue or Grazia to get stuck into.
Time to de-stress and relax is hard to come by for most of us, and a recent study shows that although a salon trip should be the perfect opportunity, we’re just not getting what we want out of the experience.
About to turn 30 and ready to take on the challenge of bringing a breath of fresh air to the hairdressing scene, Jeni Aldridge from Coventry opened Hush Hush in Leamington Spa town centre at the start of April this year.
Having started her career in the Coventry area 16 years ago, Jeni has gone from Saturday girl to successful salon owner, and has been involved in London and Paris Fashion weeks as well as shoots for glossy magazines along the way. Jeni identified Leamington as the perfect place for a salon with a twist and Hush Hush was born.
“Visiting a salon should be about a complete experience – a time when you can switch off and unwind, and be pampered for a few hours” says Jeni. So, quietly nestling above shops and offices on Leamington’s Regent Street is a real hidden gem – an Aladdin’s cave.
Hush Hush as a salon is a stunning and eclectic mix of boudoir style chic and Parisian glamour. As soon as you reach the top of the stairs and take a first glimpse inside you know you’ve found nirvana, a place of heavenly calm.
“I wanted to create a more holistic experience, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The environment here is designed to be enjoyable for both clients to spend time in; and for staff to work in”.
Already Jeni is looking to take someone else on in the salon. But not just to rent a chair. Such a special place needs special people – as Jeni says, someone who believes in the Hush Hush philosophy of offering an indulgent treat for any one who visits. And that someone will also have the pleasure of coming to work in this beautiful sanctuary each day.
But the sweet surprises don’t stop there. Hush Hush also offer lots of other little luxuries. For those looking for a glam up do for a night out this is definitely the place to come. Jeni also specialises in hair up for weddings so offers pampering packages for brides and their bridesmaids including lots of thoughtful little extras.
Jeni credits the success of Hush Hush to her desire to give something special to customers, and also to a little bit of girl power. “I wouldn’t be where I was now without my closest friends. With help designing my logo, flowers for the salon and a jewellery party being hosted here on July 20th, they’ve really helped me realise a dream, they’re amazing girls”.
With an opportunity to share in the success of this unique enterprise open to the right person, if you think you’ve got what it takes to step in alongside Jeni and bring some luxury to Leamington then contact the salon on 01926 430880.
END.
Notes to editors
Hush Hush – 1st Floor, 19 Regent Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5HG
Hush Hush is a hair boutique run by Jeni Aldridge. The salon opened at the beginning of April 2008.
For more information, quotes, interviews and photography please contact Warrilow PR
Catherine Warrilow – catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 or 07976 294754.
Time to de-stress and relax is hard to come by for most of us, and a recent study shows that although a salon trip should be the perfect opportunity, we’re just not getting what we want out of the experience.
About to turn 30 and ready to take on the challenge of bringing a breath of fresh air to the hairdressing scene, Jeni Aldridge from Coventry opened Hush Hush in Leamington Spa town centre at the start of April this year.
Having started her career in the Coventry area 16 years ago, Jeni has gone from Saturday girl to successful salon owner, and has been involved in London and Paris Fashion weeks as well as shoots for glossy magazines along the way. Jeni identified Leamington as the perfect place for a salon with a twist and Hush Hush was born.
“Visiting a salon should be about a complete experience – a time when you can switch off and unwind, and be pampered for a few hours” says Jeni. So, quietly nestling above shops and offices on Leamington’s Regent Street is a real hidden gem – an Aladdin’s cave.
Hush Hush as a salon is a stunning and eclectic mix of boudoir style chic and Parisian glamour. As soon as you reach the top of the stairs and take a first glimpse inside you know you’ve found nirvana, a place of heavenly calm.
“I wanted to create a more holistic experience, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The environment here is designed to be enjoyable for both clients to spend time in; and for staff to work in”.
Already Jeni is looking to take someone else on in the salon. But not just to rent a chair. Such a special place needs special people – as Jeni says, someone who believes in the Hush Hush philosophy of offering an indulgent treat for any one who visits. And that someone will also have the pleasure of coming to work in this beautiful sanctuary each day.
But the sweet surprises don’t stop there. Hush Hush also offer lots of other little luxuries. For those looking for a glam up do for a night out this is definitely the place to come. Jeni also specialises in hair up for weddings so offers pampering packages for brides and their bridesmaids including lots of thoughtful little extras.
Jeni credits the success of Hush Hush to her desire to give something special to customers, and also to a little bit of girl power. “I wouldn’t be where I was now without my closest friends. With help designing my logo, flowers for the salon and a jewellery party being hosted here on July 20th, they’ve really helped me realise a dream, they’re amazing girls”.
With an opportunity to share in the success of this unique enterprise open to the right person, if you think you’ve got what it takes to step in alongside Jeni and bring some luxury to Leamington then contact the salon on 01926 430880.
END.
Notes to editors
Hush Hush – 1st Floor, 19 Regent Street, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5HG
Hush Hush is a hair boutique run by Jeni Aldridge. The salon opened at the beginning of April 2008.
For more information, quotes, interviews and photography please contact Warrilow PR
Catherine Warrilow – catherine@warrilowpr.co.uk. 01235 211589 or 07976 294754.
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