Christmas at ZSL London (London Zoo)

Even though we’re nudging into December, some of us need a helping hand to get into the festive spirit. Don’t tell anyone but there still are a few ‘Bah Humbugs’ amongst us at The Amazing Blog. When we heard about Christmas at ZSL London we decided it would be a perfect chance to encourage some ‘festive cheer’!

At Christmas at London Zoo there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With spectacles such as the iconic penguin pool dance, the illuminated trail, a vintage carousel and a number of hidden surprises, getting into the festive spirit is almost a given. While the animals are tucked up in bed, you can also hop aboard their special train, where you’ll experience both fantasy and fairy-tale; soaking up mesmerizing voices of Singing trees and playful projections of Magic Mountains.

This is the first ever Christmas event at London Zoo, and is being launched in partnership with Raymond Gubbay Limited. The site has been designed by Culture Creative - so expect the unexpected, with sky high animal sculptures encircling the 36 acre zoo site! Cleverly they make sure you circumnavigate the animals so you don’t disturb the habitat of the nocturnal animals; although you might catch a fleeting glimpse on your train ride.

Of course the evening would be incomplete without indulging in a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate. You will find these in the Zoo’s Christmas village, alongside a plethora of other festive treats such as toasted marshmallows and roasted chestnuts. You can also start your Christmas shopping at ZSL gift shop. For full details visit the gift shop website here.

Don’t miss this magical illuminated trail - it opens from Thursday 22nd of November until Monday, 1st of January 2019. Tickets are available here from £16.50.

Kraken Rum

Now that jugs of Pimms, white wine spritzers and lazy afternoons spent in beer gardens drinking just-pulled pints are but a distant, sun-drenched memory, now is the time to be indulging in winter-appropriate tipples. And while we're not yet ready to be sipping eggnog and mulled wine, the gang at The Amazing Blog has stumbled across the perfect tipple to see us through winter.

Named after a mythical sea beast, The Kraken is a spiced Caribbean rum aged and enriched with exotic spices including cinnamon, ginger and clove. Distilled in Trinidad and Tobego from sweet molasses, the ageing takes place over a two-year period in ex-bourbon whiskey barrels and is blended with an exotic combination of 14 spices, giving it a smooth and sultry taste.

Unlike many rums which have a sharp bite and a burn that lingers long after it's swallowed, Kraken Black Spiced Rum has a rich, caramel-like flavour with a gentle after-taste. Certainly none of the willing volunteers here at The Amazing Blog had cause for complain after drinking a generous serving on the rocks. Perfect on it's own, or mixed with coke for a great alternative to vodka, the rather lovely peeps who have spearheaded a successful campaign making The Kraken the fastest growing rum-brand in the USA have provided us with this rather lovely recipe (to be enjoyed in moderation!):

The Perfect Storm:

Mix together 50ml Kraken Black Spiced Rum with 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice, 5ml sugar syrup and 2 dashes Angostura Bitters.

Top up with ginger beer, serve over ice in a highball glass and garnish with two squeezed lime wedges.

Kraken Rum is available to buy from leading retailers including Waitrose, Asda, Tesco, Selfridges, Majestic Wine and Sainsbury's. Cheers!

Dress the halls!

There I was, innocently watching Saturday night TV when it happened. As soon as the beloved jingle of ‘Holidays are coming’ sounded, and the Coca-Cola truck danced across my screen, it became official – ‘tis the season to be jolly! And while there are lists a-plenty to be ticking off to make the festive season one to remember, where better to start, than with the tree. With December just over a week away, the time is nigh to be buying one’s tree, and Amazing PR has come across a fantastic company who sell everything you need to really deck the halls this year.

Scottish Christmas Trees is an online emporium selling a fantastic selection of real Christmas trees, decorations and lighting, and there’ll be no more struggling to get the tree onto the roof of the car this year, as they deliver direct to their customers all over the UK.

At Amazing PR we love championing small set-ups, and Scottish Christmas Trees is a friendly, family run business, growing over a whopping 25,000 trees on its Dumfries farm. The family’s concept is to grow high-grade, excellent quality trees which are only cut when ordered and are delivered fresh to festive families nationwide. In addition they pride themselves on their sustainability credentials and for every tree cut for sale, another one is planted in its place. They also offer decorations and a comprehensive range of lighting and accessories including tree stands and beautiful, handmade wreaths.

So this year, save yourself a trip to the local garden centre, pour yourself a glass of hot mulled wine and wait for the sleigh bells to ring… and the tree to arrive!