News

Thornbridge Hall, the delightfully different 12th century stately home that lies on the outskirts of Ashford-in-the-Water, in the heart of the Peak District, is getting ready to invite the public in for the first time in two years.

The gardens, shop, plant nursery and the Carriage House Café will fully reopen on Monday 12 April, allowing visitors to once again explore the stunning grounds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic estate.

Known for its quirky character and rich history, Thornbridge Hall offers a unique experience for visitors looking to discover one of Derbyshire's hidden gems. The estate features beautifully maintained gardens, rare plant collections, and architectural features that span centuries of British history.

The Carriage House Café will be serving fresh, locally-sourced food and beverages, providing the perfect spot to relax after exploring the grounds. The plant nursery offers a wide selection of rare and unusual plants for gardening enthusiasts.

One of New Zealand's largest multi-disciplinary wellness, prevention and rehabilitation suppliers, has put together seven top tips for a healthier Easter.

Active+, which has clinics throughout the North and South Islands, and recently celebrated its 30 year anniversary, has drawn upon the expertise of its many dietitians, psychologists and exercise professionals to collate the pointers.

The tips include practical advice on portion control, maintaining exercise routines during the holiday period, and strategies for enjoying treats in moderation. The wellness experts emphasize the importance of balance rather than restriction during festive periods.

"Easter doesn't have to be a time when health goals go out the window," says an Active+ spokesperson. "With some simple planning and mindful choices, you can enjoy the holiday treats while still maintaining your wellness journey."

The tips also cover staying active with family-friendly activities over the long weekend and making healthier choices when it comes to Easter meals and snacks.

Texas Chicken, the popular fried chicken brand that prides itself on serving customers with the biggest, crispiest, juiciest and most flavoursome chicken around, has unveiled its first ever plant-based option, the Vegetarian Texan.

Available in all stores from Monday 25 January, the Vegetarian Texan patty is made from pumpkin puree and carrot, along with potato, giving it a satisfying texture and rich flavor profile that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

The launch represents a significant milestone for the brand, demonstrating its commitment to catering to the growing number of New Zealanders seeking plant-based alternatives without compromising on taste or quality.

"We've spent months perfecting this recipe," explains the Texas Chicken development team. "We wanted to create something that would satisfy our customers who are looking for plant-based options, while maintaining the quality and flavor Texas Chicken is known for."

The Vegetarian Texan features the same signature crispy coating that Texas Chicken fans love, ensuring a consistent experience across the menu. The burger is served with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce on a toasted bun.

NEXT! Extra Crispy Bacon Style Strips, the world's tastiest, most realistic plant-based bacon has landed in New Zealand and is now available at Countdown stores up and down the country.

Created using the latest unique, cutting-edge food technologies, NEXT! Extra Crispy Bacon Style Strips cook, sizzle and taste exactly like bacon. Moist and smoky, while delivering the perfect crispy texture, these plant-based strips are revolutionizing breakfast tables across New Zealand.

The product has been developed over several years by food scientists working to create the most authentic bacon experience possible from plant-based ingredients. The result is a product that not only mimics the taste and texture of traditional bacon but also offers health and environmental benefits.

NEXT! Foods uses a proprietary blend of plant proteins and natural flavorings to achieve the smoky, savory taste bacon lovers crave. The strips are also cholesterol-free and contain significantly less saturated fat than traditional bacon.

"We're thrilled to bring NEXT! Bacon to New Zealand consumers," says a company spokesperson. "Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to reduce your meat consumption, these bacon strips offer an incredible alternative without sacrificing flavor."

While some drinks and hospitality businesses are struggling, there is a corner of the industry that is flourishing. Mobile bars are enjoying a boom in popularity, due to their adaptability.

They can go almost anywhere, are more cost-effective than hiring an expensive venue and it is even possible to practice social distancing with them – a huge advantage in the current climate.

Mrs Sippy, a boutique mobile bar service, has seen bookings increase dramatically over the past year. The business offers a fully customizable bar experience that can be brought to private events, corporate functions, weddings, and festivals.

The vintage-style mobile bar unit is equipped with everything needed to serve professional-quality cocktails and beverages, complete with experienced bartenders and a curated drink menu tailored to each event.

"The beauty of a mobile bar is its flexibility," explains the Mrs Sippy team. "We can set up in gardens, parks, warehouses, or any outdoor space. It brings a unique charm and talking point to any event while offering practical benefits in terms of cost and logistics."

The trend reflects broader changes in the hospitality industry, with businesses adapting to new demands for outdoor and flexible event solutions.

According to Google New Zealand search results, almost 31,000 Kiwis have looked into campervans and rentals already this month. An additional 72,420 of us have plugged road-trip related words into our search engines.

This week, the team at Quirky Campers NZ, a unique campervan hire service offering handmade campers from around the country, have shared their top tips for winter campervanning adventures.

The tips include essential advice on staying warm and dry, choosing the right campsite facilities, packing appropriate clothing and bedding, and making the most of New Zealand's stunning winter landscapes.

"Winter campervanning offers a completely different experience," says Quirky Campers. "The landscapes are dramatic, the tourist spots are quieter, and with the right preparation, it can be incredibly rewarding."

Key recommendations include investing in quality thermal bedding, planning routes around heated facilities, taking advantage of quieter attractions, and embracing cozy indoor activities when weather doesn't cooperate.

The service has seen increased interest in winter bookings as more New Zealanders discover the joys of off-season travel, with many of their unique, handcrafted campervans featuring wood-burning stoves and superior insulation for cold-weather comfort.