ms-havachat discovers Vinegar Hill

Vinegar Hill, Windsor

I made a delightful discovery over the Easter Long Weekend.

A gorgeous, independently owned gift shop in Windsor called Vinegar Hill.

If you've been following ms-havachat on Facebook, you know I respect good customer service and great ideas and enjoy sharing them with you. Hopefully, those of you who are able, pop in and try them for yourselves.

To quote from Vinegar Hill website ABOUT US:

The name Vinegar Hill derives from a small town we stumbled upon whilst visiting the wonderful islands of New Zealand. As a business we really wanted a name that summed up what an independent store should be all about – unique, original and interesting. And so the name of our business was born!

Established in 1997, Vinegar Hill remains a close family run business. It is owned and managed by siblings Beth, Debbie and Richard Austin who have a passion for buying stylish and inspiring products from all over the World. Paired with a commitment to offering unmatched service, this has helped to develop a unique environment in our Lifestyle Stores.

The first store opened in Stratford upon Avon and with a lot of support from our customers and the great people who work for us, it became a success. As the business has grown it has never lost sight of its original values and identity – it still feels very much like an independent store and it is this philosophy that sees our customers return again and again.

The shop has a welcoming atmosphere; it's bright and busy, with stock displayed beautifully in showcases, nooks and display stands. It's hard to walk out without buying 'something'. The prices are reasonable too, which is always a plus. And they gift wrap!

Vinegar Hill, Windsor uses every nook and cranny, floor
and wall space to display their vast range of
quality products. 

Delightful range of cards and wrapping paper. 

Intimate toy section with unique items

Another lovely aspect of shopping at Vinegar Hill, is that when you buy a VINEGAR HILL or COCOA BEAN branded product, a percentage of the sale is donated to Love The One, based in India, which the owners have been supporting for a number of years.

Love the One, is a charity that strives to end poverty through sustainable steps. 

Vinegar Hills own label is available in candles, oils, jewellery, scarves and bags with more being added all the time, so there's many opportunities to buy a gift AND support a charity.

Beautifully presented, well priced pieces perfect for
birthday presents or a personal treat. 

With so many independent and franchise retailers leaving the 'High Street' in the UK, and all around the world, we really do need to focus on retail businesses to ensure there is a High Street to visit in the not-to-distant future.

It's the local independently owned shops we ask for raffle prizes or donations to help raise fund for local charities, schools etc and they do! Yet we shop online cos it's more convenient - except when 'we' need something. How is that fair? Asking a franchise operator for similar support can be done, and sometimes they can help, but sometimes it's a Head Office decision or edict on what they can or can't do. I know the philanthropy work I'm involved with in #berkshire #surrey is supported by small local businesses, despite the plethora of High Street franchises (if one more Starbucks or Costa coffee invades a 'village' I'll scream - why not a cafe/restaurant?)

Too many business owners blame online shopping, and while that's true to a point, maybe IF they provided quality customer service, through staff training and had enough staff on hand to help shoppers, it might be the difference between staying open or not.

I remember ALL THOSE YEARS AGO when the 'internet' launched, and online shopping was viewed with huge scepticism and questions, that businesses who launched websites were doing so to supplement and increase sales into areas (in Australia, it was the regional centres and country areas where retailers simply weren't setting up shops) NOT to replace the shopfront! It was supposed to be an adjunct to the bricks'n'mortar, not a replacement.

Before you ask, I do shop online occasionally but it's pretty limited to sending gifts to Australia is easier and less expensive that postage from overseas and you're guaranteed delivery on time), the occasional online supermarket shop if I'm unwell, and more recently clothes shopping for teen as time is limited and we have the same High Street shops in the malls around us, so it's repetitive.

I don't enjoy shopping, but I do shop in person as often as I can. I'm still surprised at the number of friends who say they 'only' shop online! If they need it now, they order it today and have it delivered tomorrow ...... not sure I've ever need anything that desperately heheheheheheh

Rant over :)

Back to Vinegar Hill.

There are 11stores plus online shopping so no excuse not to visit the shop. To find a store near you, click here to go straight to the website.

So, if you're looking for service, value and a selection of gifts, Vinegar Hill is the place for you (and me)

Vinegar Hill Windsor
20 Leonard Road, Windsor SL4 3BU


With friendship
x

ms-havachat has lunch at The Rose and Olive Branch, Virginia Waters

I've driven past this quaint pub so many times, but never thought to check it out until today when a friend made a group booking for lunch.

The Rose and Olive Branch, on Callow Hill is like stepping back in time into a quintessential local pub, frequented by the same old timers, at the same time every day for years. Even the carpet oozes old-world charm!

Who knew this small, quaint local pub, on a backroad in Virginia Waters had such an incredible history?!?!?!?!?


"Once an old beer and cider house , this Inn is between 200-250 years old and stand on what used to the the Crossroads at the foot of a hill in Windsor Great Park. This hill was known then as Gallow Hill on top of which stood at Gibbet, which was seldom inhabited those days, bot over the years has been corrupted to Callow Hill.

Like all old houses, during the Civil War in the 17th century, the Royalist and Cromwellian  forces met here to sign a Treaty, upon completion of which the leader of hte Roundheads presented the elder of the Cavaliers with an Olive Branch as a symbol of peace, and received in return a Red Rose. It was from this event that this Inn derived its name and it's believed to be the only of one of this name in England.

In our sign can be seen the Roundhead presenting the Cavlier with the Olive Branch and receiving in return the Red Rose. Whilst in the background  the rival forces are signing the treaty outside the Inn at the Crossroads."

An historic story told in a simple pub sign

The pub has a reputation is for serving 'great pies' and from the looks of them coming from the kitchen, and the smiling faces on friends, we'll be back to try them! I really enjoyed my baked salmon fillet and chips (real ol' fashion, pub chips), while the BLT, mushroom and chicken filo and other meals looked and smelled delicious. Interesting to note there is a gluten free menu.

Food and Food related signage

Ol' world charm interior

We had a lovely lunch and a good chat over good, simple food.


For more information, check out their website www.theroseandolivebranch.com

ms-havachat discovers Inspirations in Sunninghill

Inspirations gorgeous shopfront
54 High Street, Sunninghill Ascot, SL5 9NF

This morning I met a friend for a coffee before art class. With time to spare before class, I decided to stroll the High Street in Sunninghill and discovered INSPIRATIONS, a truly delightful gift shop.

The strange thing about where we live, indeed for most of us these days, independently owned boutique retailers are few and far between, thanks to the multi-national global branded retailers. `Just walk down any major High Street, or visit a shopping mall (ie: centre) and you'll see the same retail outlets, varying only based on the socio-demographics of the area. Trying to find a privately owned, one-off, independent retail outlet isn't easy these days.

Bricks'n'mortar shopping is struggling to compete with online retailers so things like customer service, product differentiation, product knowledge are what's able to set them apart. The gaps can be huge if bricks'n'mortar retailers invest in their staff, their physical shops and products. I throughly enjoyed training my retail staff, and the interaction with our customers, the rapport and trust that developed all of which resulted in increased sales.

Inspirations is a text-book independently owned shop. Owner/manager of 18 years, Judy and best friend Janet are warm and friendly and know their stock intimately. They take pride in sourcing the best of British made products as often as possible,  and love finding British designers whose products will sit well in the shop. Their suggestions for gift ideas was most appreciated!

Judy on the right, with Janet. 

What a little treasure trove of loveliness. Fashion accessories like hats, gloves, scarves and bags are displayed creatively amongst ornaments and photo frames, while the jewellery is set to one side. 

There's a lot of stock in a small shop, and it's lovely!

Everything is well displayed and easy to see.

There's a bespoke toy section too  that offers high quality
brands and a selection across young ages.

Janet loves stocking Sea Witch candles that are made in a small village in Cornwell, while Sam Wilson, from The Cotswolds is another very popular British range.

There's a great selection of cards and wrapping paper AND they gift wrap!

Very true!

You won't find Inspirations online. They believe in 'word of mouth' recommendation from their client base, many of whom have been with them for 'years'. They smiled when the explained how happy it makes them knowing they are serving generations of customers, from near and far. 

I'm so pleased I discovered Inspirations this morning and was 'inspired' to take a few photo's and have a chat, so I can share it with you.

If you're in the area, do pop in and say ms-havachat recommended you.

With Friendship

x

ms-havachat eats locally at Eliane

There's a new cafe/restaurant in the area and everyone's taking about it, so I went with a friend a few weeks ago for a coffee. Eliane is really different. There's a Sydney-kinda feel to it which I loved.

The decor is gorgeous! Open plan. Food displayed simply in front of you (some with food covers, some with out. It's the Aussie in me, sorry. Food should be covered tho it's not always here). Orders are taken on funky iPads and sent straight thru to the kitchen. They've spared no expense on the set up. Just look at the photo's to see how creative the decor is.

There's newspapers to read while waiting for take away coffees or food; and an open plan dining area well lit by huge windows that overlook the main road. Bright, fun artwork on the walls, and to die-for light fittings!

This cute little secret nook is up behind the serving area, near the kitchen and the door that leads to the back yard .............. it's perfect for a quiet meeting or a rendezvous.

Next to the nook, there's a small retail area with 100% healthy pantry items. The day we were there the fresh fruit section was low on produce (we were there rather early in the morning)

I simply LOVED the atmosphere created outside in the little terrace. The painted fence in bright colours, the cute tables and chairs, thoughtful umbrella's on a summers day (we needed it the day we went). There's no table service at all - so you order at the counter when you first arrive, receive a wooden spoon with a number on it, tell them where you're sitting and food'n'drinks are brought to you.

The service is warm and friendly. The lady who served us was very knowledgeable on dairy alternatives for my friend who is weaning herself off milk.

It's very much a breakfast, then lunch, then dinner place. There's a period of about an hour in-between 'menu' service where a cake or muffin with a drink is all that's able to be ordered while the next 'meal' is being prepared to be displayed on the counter. This is a little bit annoying when you want an early lunch around 11am and you can't order anything other than a muffin or piece of cake. But, hey-ho, live and learn. Just need to time our visits better.

I've not had lunch or dinner here yet but friends rave about it! A couple have ordered over the phone and picked up take away for the family dinner which is a great service.

I wish the management and staff of Eliane all the best for a successful business.

The area definitely will benefit from their being part of the community.

Have you eaten here?
What did you think?

ms-havachat Discovering Surrey: Dining at Marco Pierre White, Windsor

Our family LOVES Marco Pierre White. Our 12 year old daughter might be one of his biggest fans, even tho she probably wouldn't eat most of the food he cooks (she has a very selective palette, so maybe, she SHOULD meet him and he could influence a few more foods into her diet)

Marco appears regularly as a guest judge on Australia's Masterchef, and while he's a bit gruff, he's also full of affection for the contestants, and food. He expects nothing less than each person giving 100% of themselves, what ever that might be. We giggle every time he peers over the top of his glasses. He's one of the those people who, when silent, says a lot.

We smiled often at the YES MARCO he would shout to the contestants, and they'd repeat, a tad frazzled YES MARCO.

This saying about dreams is something our daughter really liked.

My husband ate at MPW in Dublin and still, over 12 months later, still talks about it. Still not quite sure how we never ate there.

Thanks again, Google images.

Long story short, there's a MPW in Windsor at the Castle Hotel. We'd walked past a few times and commented how we should go one night .......... last week my husband did something he seldom does. HE made a reservation for dinner without consulting me and we had one of the loveliest date nights we've had in a long time. (Usually I'm the social director. Who's the social director at your place?)

The entrance to the restaurant is just to the right of the entrance to the Hotel and, if you know of Marco's personality (or at least the one he shows on television), it's VERY him. There's a definite presence about the place.

L: Walking thru entrance of Hotel.
R: Restaurant reception, with Marco peering down, watching.

After a warm welcome, we were escorted to our table. The restaurant was busy for a Monday night, with several tables of diners already seated, drinking and looking at menues. G had already looked online and knew what he was  having for dinner, so it was left to me to decide. Even tho it's a steakhouse, I opted for seafood and G had lobster followed by pork (which we don't cook at home).

Entree: Crispy Devilled Whitebait (Delicious)
 Marco's Lobster Macaroni (YUM!)

Mains: Seared YellowFin Tuna with Panzenella Salad (OMG YUM!)
and Pork Belly Marco Polo (SO GOOD!)

Sticky Toffee Pudding - the waiter poured the sauce for us.

We sat and chatted between courses.

We drank wine.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

We are looking forward to going back soon.

There's a kids eat free offer which we'll do before MissM starts school in a few weeks as a celebration of the summer holidays.

If you're local to Windsor, and you dine here, I really hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

With friendship
x

ms-havachat LOVES Timpanys

Shame the car was in the way ... but love the balloons

Have you ever felt that you were destined to meet someone? I've experienced this a few times since becoming an expat, and again, several weeks ago when I met Patricia from Stella and Dot at the international women' club meeting. After a bit of small talk, she kindly invited me to a Champagne Shopping Morning at Timpany's in Sunninghill on the Saturday morning and as I just so happened to be free, I went (and took MrsD with me)

So glad we went! We discovered Timpany's and met the charismatic and charming Antonia (owner/manager).

Antonia (left) with Patricia

As an expat, you relish the time when the weeks take on a normal routine and you don't need to rely on the sat nav to get you places, you breathe easier. When you realise you shop where the locals shop; you discover a few places you enjoy eating/drinking at, so they become yours too., you have a group of friends to hang out with, and you find little local gems.

Finding Timpany's is one of those lovely local experiences.

Located on Sunninghill Road, Ascot the shop is set back slightly, so be careful not to miss it (It's opposite the car dealership), Timpany's is an oasis from the normal hustle and bustle of High Street or capital city shopping.

Forget what you think you know about recycled clothes shops, or second hand fashion. Timpany's adds a whole new dimension to the concept of preloved.

Taking preloved fashion to the next level, Timpany's is a retail fashion shop first and foremost, it just happens to sell preloved lux at affordable prices. I don't really enjoy clothes shopping but Antonia made it so easy, and I found a gorgeous jacket which I've worn a few times and had loads of compliments. It's my first full on, authentic, luxury designer label item ever and I love it.

My jacket!

Like most pre-loved retail outlets, what they have for sale, is what they have .... you can't order stock in. So it's a good thing to keep popping in or keeping in contact via their social media pages and website (the links are posted below for you to simply click and follow)

Gorgeous attention to detail in every corner of the shop

Accessories, Candles. Yummy strawberries.

Antonia started Timpany's about seven years ago, mid-recession. It's the best time for clever, entrepreneurs to find a niche in the market and go for it. When I asked her what motivated her, she said she loves the idea of democratising luxury designer fashion for everyone to enjoy. Her idea was for people to be able to buy luxury designer clothes for less, without sacrificing the shopping experience/environment/service. In my humble opinion, she has absolutely succeeded.

Our chat continues:

Where do you get your beautiful stock from? 
Word of mouth.
Social media - @timpanys on Instagram has over 8,000 followers and our Facebook page is popular too. I live in London and have done a few PopUp Shops, where people simply drop their items to sell. We rank pretty highly on google search for luxury re-sale as well as our website attracts buys and sellers.

How do commissions/sales work?
Commission is generally 50%. However, on large volumes of handbags, extraordinary high value items, or Chanel and Hermes, we offer bespoke commission levels.

We invite people to come into the shop so we can meet and view the items, or send us an email introducing themselves and include photographs of the items.

You mentioned Timpany's is involved in a lot of charity work. 
I have a personal charity that is close to my heard called Mathew Elvidge Trust
Mathew was a good friend of mine who committed suicide due to depression. This amazing charity tackles the often taboo issues of mental health openly and honestly. I also sponsor an orphan thru the charity Compassion. We also have a few high profile clients who sell on behalf of charities and we like to make donations on their behalf. As well, I'm often asked to attend charity sales where a proportion of money raised from sales is donated.




If you've always wanted to own a Chanel bag or a Hermes scarf, or an Armani bag, or anything Jimmy Choo, even a Birkin bag (do you think Samantha in Sex in the City when you hear Birkin bag?) before paying full retail price, you really should come and see what's in stock at Timpany's. The stock is always changing, so it's a good idea to pop in regularly or let the girls know what you are looking for so they can scout for you.

Alternatively, if you are the fortunate owner of luxury clothing and/or accessories and for whatever reason you wish to sell them, you can be assured of confidentiality and superior customer service from Antonia and her team. Check out Timpany's Source and Sell Luxury Designer Accessories on Facebook.

Expanding the business online will ensure the Timpany's name will very quickly reach far beyond Sunninghill, UK and so it should.

Happy shopping!

When you pop into the shop, or chat with Antonia online, please mention ms-havachat.

With friendship
x

ms-havachat discovering Surrey, UK: Savill Garden

Stock photo thanks to Google Images

We live across the road from The Savill Garden and a short drive from Windsor Great Park, Ascot and Windsor (as in Castle).

Lucky! Right? RIGHT.

Savill Garden is part of The Royal Landscape, which also includes Virginia Water, The Valley Gardens and Windsor Great Park. It's a huge expanse of Crown Land open to the public all year round. Mind you, there's Crown Land everywhere in this area, and lots and LOTS of natural forest areas. It's a very pretty part of the country.

Savill Gardens was created by Sir Eric Savill in 1930's. It's known as being a garden for all seasons (we've only seen it in fall (autumn) and winter so far), covering 35 acres of interconnecting gardens and woodlands.

There's something about spending time under trees. Centennial Park (Sydney) holds a very special place in our hearts, as does Sankien Gardens (Yokohama), Glendalough (Co. Wicklow, Ireland) and the New Forest (Hampshire). We're not really outdoor people. We don't hike or  walk for miles, we don't cycle either but we do enjoy the odd leisurely walk, enjoying the trees and moss, looking for fairy haunts and picnics. We love picnics. We also really enjoy sharing these unique places with our visitors.

We (finally) have the right clothing for this time of year - and on dry weekends, we've ventured out for a family stroll to discover a whole world of people walking in the park, with or without dogs on/off leads, pushing babies in strollers, or swishing past us with professional walking gear.

I walk MrsC sometimes as she has to walk her dog every day. I don't walk when it's wet or too windy which is another reason we will never own a dog.

Today I ventured out for a walk on my own. I WAS going to the gym to do an hour or so on the treadmill but it was a crips, DRY morning and I thought the park would be much nicer atmosphere.

It started really well. I followed the track MrsC and I have walked but clearly I did not pay anywhere near the attention I should have and very quickly found myself lost.

Considering the park has fencing all around it, and the main road we live off forms a very long perimeter side of the park I wasn't lost-lost, just didn't know how to get out of the park.

Getting lost in a park, or in a city has a huge advantage if you can keep calm - you discover things you wouldn't normally do if you stayed on the path you knew. Remembering we are not big walkers this kind of thing is very new to me/us.

Consequently I didn't panic and used it as an opportunity to (a) kick arse on my daily steps, and (b) discover bits of the park I wouldn't normally see as I do a set hour circuit with MrsB and the dog, and G and MissM are still needing a lot of coaxing to get dressed, put on boots, done scarves/gloves/hats and walk for an hour or so on the weekend.

Look what I found!

Fascinated by the duck ice skating while it's friends
were swimming a few metres away from him. 

A little kids playground; a curious looking coffee shop and the
Cumberland Obelisk, erected by King George II in honour of his son,
the Duke of Cumberland.

It's Winter. What more can I say?

I am so looking forward to getting to know my way around the Gardens, and recognising where I am in terms of the various areas: The Hidden Gardens, The Summer Gardens, The New Zealand Garden, The Spring Wood, The Summer Wood, The Glades, The Autumn Wood and Azalea Walks. At the moment, it all looks the same to me.

I'm looking forward to warmer weather when we can take a picnic lunch across the road, or afternoon tea. The long summer evenings, when G's home from work, we could do a quick walk before or after dinner (watch this space), and I'm not needing to invest in a gym membership.

My in-laws are visiting over summer and they are big walkers. Living so close to Savill Gardens is a huge bonus.


I have to admit, after getting lost for quite a while, I did start to think how on earth do I get out of here. I had no cash on me, so even if I could find my way out and ended up on the other side of the park I couldn't grab a taxi home. I needed to find 'our gate'.

And then soon enough there it was. The path looked the same as all the others but I could see the road sign to Virgina Water and the digging equipment on the new housing estate and knew THE gate was right there.

I picked up speed, cos by now I was cold. My phone batter was on 14%. I need the loo and a coffee.

THE gate to lead me home. 

If you're in the area, please make time to visit this very special place.

There are several car parks around the permitter of the park (there's a parking fee) or you can take the train to Egham, or Ascot, or Virginia Water and take a taxi, call Uber, or walk (it's a long walk!)

You can take the Long Walk into Windsor, have some lunch, walk around the town and if you've time, tour Windsor Castle. We've not done the walk yet but we have been into Windsor and toured the Castle.

The Long Walk runs south from Windsor Castle to the statue of King George 111
 on top of Snow Hill where you will have magnificent views of the Castle

There's so much to do in this part of Surrey, why not make it a weekend visit?

There's more information on their website, so check it out at www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

If you've time, pop across to the stunning Royal Holloway College just to see this magnificent building.

Stunning building!

Just remember the path you took so you can get home.


With friendship
x

ms-havachat paints

What a great night!

MrsB invited MrsC and I to join her at a popup art night near London.

MissM went over to MrsC (gotta love a friend who's also a neighbour) so we could get an early train into London, until G collected her and they had their usual daddy/daughter fun evening with out me.

We met at Clapham Junction (such a busy train station) and MrsB had called UBER for a ride to get us to our destination quickly.

The Jam Tree is a funky, trendy cafe/bar/restaurant in Clapham that was the venue for our pop up art class. We had a delicious dinner and a glass of wine and go thru most of our chatting before going into the class.

Thanks Google for the photo.

Thanks Google - the bar was crowded and I wasn't able to get a great photo.

Google image. THIS is the wonderful door we walked thru
to go to class! Felt like going thru the wardrobe in Narnia.

We were chatting so much over dinner (and our wine) that we were the last 3 to enter the class (typical). Fortunately we'd not missed that much. Two ladies kindly moved so that the 3 of us could sit together.

All the canvas' were set up on long tables, and all we needed to do was done an apron and get some paint onto our pallet (see top photo)

Our French instructor explained what we were to do 'add much much water to your biggest brush. Add paint to brush and do this (and he started to paint). We painted to his verbal instructions and watching him actually paint. He'd wander the room from time to time, looking and suggesting things to do but we were pretty much left to our own creativity.

Top image was our goal.
Bottom image was the instructors, step by step visual  guide.

OK - add much much water to brush and start to paint.

We started with yellow.

We added red.

We highlighted with white.

Getting started was nerve wrecking and fun.

Some people were confident and chose their own colours.

Phew. It's nerve wrecking putting paint right onto a canvas when you're not sure what you are doing. I  thought I'd paint like I used to use a microwave, a little bit at a time, building from light to heavy cos it's easier to add than take away, right?

Next came the scary bit - the outline of the skyline. I wish we had a pencil and eraser so we could draw first and paint second, but no. Paint brush, a little bit of paint and draw.

So not to scale!

Then we painted in the black. This bit was the most fun for me as it was just a solid paint job.

MrsC's finished piece at the front, mine's in the middle and
MrsB's at the end. 

TA DAAAAAA! Mine, close up.

The dripping paint is deliberate (G wasn't sure about it when I showed him. He thought I was impatient and some the paint had run). That was just water over the damp paint.

It's not that bad for a first attempt over a two hour period, tho it will take time to work out where, if anywhere we'll hang it. MissM is very proud of me and wants it next to her Minnie Mouse painting.

It was a really fun night with friends.

I'd recommend it :)

With friendship
x