Food

Enchanted Christmas Kingdom | Hatton Country World | Gifted Experience

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Especially over at Hatton Country world where we were invited down to review there Enchanted Christmas Experience.

From the moment we stepped foot into the kingdom, we were transported to a winter wonderland that felt like something straight out of a fairy-tale. The attention to detail, with pretty twinkling fairy lights, festive decorations and Elves wondering around welcoming the children in full character. I wished we could experience this after dark, it would feel even more magical.

On arrival we were given a passport and map showing us everything they had on offer, from Reindeer food making, to a 3D glowing forest there were lots of exciting things dotted around the kingdom in which the children could collect stamps from along the way.

Everything is free roam on the day apart from your group visit with santa that time you choose when booking your tickets, and Mr Hollys Creation Station Show which runs shows throughout the day. This makes it very easy to be able to pick and choose what you want to do, plan food and drinks breaks when needed.

The park’s main features and themes include:

The Gingerbread factory – Meet Mrs Claus who guides you into the “Factory” where you each get to ice and decorate a gingerbread man. This was a great self-lead activity and a chance to sit down, the kids could either eat it there or take it away. Handy sinks close by for the messy pups like my two.

Wishing tree – Make a wish and hang it on the special Christmas tree.

Reindeer Food Making – Create your own reindeer food to sprinkle out on Christmas eve.

3D glowing forest – A little walk around where you wear special glasses that change the lights to look like a 3D image, make sure to each get a different pair as the theme on the glasses is the 3D image you will see on the lights as you go round. If you each get a different theme you can mix and match.

Mr Hollys Creation Station Show – A funny entertaining family festive magic and puppet show.

North Pole Postal Station – Deliver your letter to Santa

Secret Toy Shop – Choose a toy as a gift from Santa and his Elves.

Lastly of course the MAIN event seeing Santa, this was a lovely group experience where you go and see the big man himself. He talks to the children, and they have a chance to have their photo taken.

There are loads more things to do a see, with some little fairground rides for the children, a big Helter Skelter style slide, trampolines, mini bowling, play parks and lots of animals.

There’s a lovely farm walk you can do, tractor safari, hold guinea pigs in the guinea pig village & reptiles in scales and tales.

Let’s not forget the festive food and drink options there were lots of lovely independents scattered around Hatton selling Pizzas, Burgers, Hot Chocs even marshmallows to toast on the fire. We were kindly gifted all our food and drinks in Hatton’s onsite Restaurant Snortys which is also where the soft play is located.

We tried a selection of their food to be able to give you our thoughts, E had the 8oz cheeseburger and chips he said it was 10/10. L had the chicken cheese burger and chips; the chicken was so delish. Luke opted for something on their festive menu, the Turkey stuffing and cranberry burger which he thoroughly enjoyed and I had a Jacket potato with cheese and beans but got major food envy over L’s Chicken burger. Luke had a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows and they boys had 2 milkshakes each and the total came to £40.00 which for a family of 4 all adult meals I think is very reasonable.

What impressed us was the seamless organization of the event baring in mind we came on opening day despite the large number of visitors, the day flowed smoothly, and the staff’s effirt to ensuring everyone had a magical time was lovely to see.
The genuine warmth and kindness of the staff added an extra layer of magic to the day.

Hatton Adventure World’s Enchanted Christmas Kingdom exceeded our expectations and provided an exciting experience which left us with all the festive feels. We highly recommend it to anyone looking to create lasting memories and experience the festive fun

I would recommend if you’re planning on visiting Hatton this festive season, please book in advance online to avoid missing out. With their new features to their experience, I know it’s going to be a sell out!

A few key things to note, lots of the activities are indoors but I would recommend wrapping up warm as it got a little chilly at times and we were blessed with great sunny weather mid-November.

Wear wellies or shoes you wouldn’t mind getting muddy as the paths were muddy as to be expected when on a farm.

Accessibility wise, we saw loads of prams being pushed around at ease, but there is a few hills to take into consideration. I would say the place isn’t manual wheel chair friendly unless you have a career to push or an electric with the mud being slippery.

There were lots of toilets around and places to wash hands after activities, but as always I advise you bring hand gel!

There were plenty of benches for you to enjoy your own picnics.

Be sure to check out the independent shops that are at Hatton, there’s lots of cute boutiques, a Christmas shop and Market stalls to explore.

See the video from our time at Hatton here

If you’re visiting Hatton please let me know your thoughts and I would love to know what other festive things you have planned this year?

Saff xo

Huge thank you to the Team at Hatton Country world for gifting us the tickets to experience there Enchanted Christmas Kingdom along with the Food and Drink in Snorty’s Restaurant. This was a gifted experience in exchange for content.

Queens Road Restaurant | Ramada Hotel | Gifted Experience 

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Date night, it’s been a while and my gosh don’t myself and the husband need it with the summer holidays in full swing, and have been looking forward to the time together.

We were very kindly invited down to the Queens Road Restaurant situated in the Ramada Hotel in Coventry to review their food. 

Firstly, I want to just say how amazing the staff were, we feel so blessed to have had the loveliest staff looking after us and making us for so relaxed and accommodated.

The setting is lovely, I didn’t expect it to be so comfy and pretty inside.  We started off with some drinks, I had a Passion Fruit Martini of course. The husband had a beer. 

Starters we were spoiled for choice we tried the Hot Golden Brie, Chicken, Beef Croquette and the Jasmine Cured Salmon. We split each dish so we could both get a good taste of them all. 

Starting with the Hot Golden Brie, this was absolutely delish, and was my favourit. If you’re a cheese lover you HAVE to try it paired with the tomato chutney it was bursting with flavour. 

The Beef Croquette was super yummy and gave Chinese vibes, I love the prawn cracker texter noodles, they were something I’ve never seen or experienced before which was fun and unique. 

The salmon was so good Luke’s favourite, and tasted so fresh, the perfect light starter. 

Lastly the Chicken, this was too spicey for me, but Luke loved it and said it was the perfect amount of spice and flavour, it was a messy one, we both joked how it wouldn’t be something you would choose on a first date! 

While we waiting for the mains, we were brought an Apple sorbet to help cleanse the pallet. This was so good super refreshing and was presented in a desert glass with pretty edible flowers. Just the perfect little treat before your main and it did really help cleanse the pallet.  

For mains Luke choose the Lamb Rump and I went for the Sirloin both came presented beautifully, a full vine of tomatoes laid on the steak which was a lovely touch. The chunkiest chips you ever did see both meats cooked to perfection. The steak was perfect and the lamb full of flavour. 

After mains we were brought a selection of mini desserts. We had a pistachio, chocolate, and lemon they were a lovely little touch while we waited for our treats to come. We were both absolutely stuffed but were persuaded to get a dessert. We choose the brownie and the Red Velvet cheese cake. 

Now I would go back to the Queens Road JUST for the cheese cake it was the best cheese cake we have ever tasted; it was absolutely divine and presented so beautifully, we have spoken about it craved it ever since. 

A huge thank you to the team at the Ramada and the Queens Road Staff for making date night so lovely. 

We had a lovely time and recommend checking it out if you’re looking for somewhere a bit different and special for date night, or time with friends and family. Parking was super easy and convenient which always makes the experience better. 

Have you been to Queens Road Restaurant before? I would love to know?

Saff xo

Huge thank you to Queens Road & The Ramada for having us for our GIFTED experaince

Turtle Bay | Takeaway Alfresco | Food Review

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We were very kindly gifted a voucher to order a take away from Turtle Bay Coventry through Deliveroo and of course we were over the moon. 

We both love Turtle Bay especially the husband it’s his absolute fave so you can imagine this was one collaboration he was definitely up for. 

With the weather being so lush we decided to take our Turtle Bay order outside to enjoy in the evening sun. We accompanied ours with a cool Beer. 

Placing the order was super easy on the Deliveroo app, bonus was the evening we placed our order, there was a 20% a £20 spend. We ordered the, Crispy Chilli Squid, Kingston Fried Chicken + Spiced Fries, Curry Goat & Rice, Side of Spiced fries. 

Check out the reel I created here

Mine and Luke’s go too, is normally the Shack Stack Burger with side pots of Jerk Mayo, Fiery Jerk Gravy & Mango BBQ Sauce. They have all been removed from the menu which is devastating…. but also great as it forced us to try something new. 

The Goat curry was delish, perfect blend of spices and the meat 10/10, it was a littler on the spicy side for me but perfect for Luke who likes a little kick to his flavour.

The Kingston Fried chicken was perfect for me, great flavour… and the one to go for if your on of those who arnt a huge fan of spice. It was really yummy and paired perfectly with the Chips, which provided the perfect amount of spice for me. 

All the portions were ace, we were stuffed. We couldn’t finish the Chilli Squid which for a side we were surprised about you expect a small taster, this wasnt the case.

I’m looking forward to enjoying some of our favourite meals from the comfort of home in the garden this summer.

Would love to know what you’re go to meal at Turtle Bay is? 

Saff xo

Thankyou Turtle Bay

FOMO Coventry | Press Event Pre Launch Night | AD

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FOMO where have you been all our lives?

Coventry has needed a place like FOMO for the longest time and I’m so chuffed it’s here!

I was kindly invited down with a +1 to the Press evening Prelaunch night to experience all FOMO has to offer.

The Japanese themed aesthetics when you walk through those doors… it does not feel like you are in Coventry, the flowers, all the textures, the neon signs the colours and art on the walls are just perfect with loads of photo opportunities.

FOMO Coventry @iamsaffronbaker

The seating is well-spaced out, you don’t feel like you’re sitting on the next table’s lap, and it’s all super comfy and spacious. They have these cute swinging chairs at some of their tables which is a fun idea!

The dance floor area is stunning! With a big tree in the center, it’s going to be the perfect place to end your night. The whole vibe of the place is spot on.

They have sooo many toilets, which I know doesn’t sound like a big deal but believe me, you don’t want to have to spend half your night queuing.

FOMO Coventry @iamsaffronbaker

FOMO is located on the Skydome strip which I feel is the perfect location and I will explain why. Not only is FOMO going to be amazing for nights out at the weekend, cocktails and dancing it is going to be perfect for midweek date nights and catch-ups with the girls for food and a few drinks. Means the location is perfect, easy to get to and safety-wise you don’t need to walk through town on your own.

Im excited to go on a Friday or Saturday when they have a DJ playing. Midweek they have great music in the background at just the right level to set a vibe but you are still able to chat and hear one another.

COCKTAILS * COCKTAILS * COCKTAILS !

My gosh, the selection is amazing, and I hear there’s even more to come!

I had to start with my absolute favourite and go-to cocktail the Passionfruit Martini!

It was top notch! One of the best I have had. We then tried a whole host of their signature drinks, and they were not only full of flavour but stunning to look at following the Japanese theme perfectly.

FOMO Coventry @iamsaffronbaker

We had edible flowers (which look so real I didn’t know we could eat them until we were told) dry ice with the smoke effect, chocolate, and fruit caviar all presented with stunning glass wear, we especially loved the teapot!

LETS TALK FOOD!

The menu is so unique and different I love it, such a good range and variation of dishes and sizes something for everyone to enjoy.  I rarely struggle to choose what to have because there are so many different dishes I want to try. I already have my order ready for the next time I visit!

In the end, we went for 2 mains and a small plate to share.

Eve had the “Mr Miyagi Burger – 6oz prime beef burger with spiced slaw chilli cheese & Korean bbq sauce” for £10.95

FOMO Coventry @iamsaffronbaker
Mr Miyagi Burger £10.95

Eve enjoyed the burger a lot, I had a little taste and it was a little spicy but not too overpowering which is amazing and I’m a wuss when it comes to spicy foods. Loads of flavour and the texture of the meat was spot on.

I had the “Aged Beef Fillet – with grilled asparagus, oyster mushrooms & watercress and schezwan pepper sauce” for £24.95

FOMO Coventry @iamsaffronbaker
Aged Beef Fillet £24.95

Incredible, the meat was cooked to perfection and presented perfectly.  The portion size was just right and it was full of flavour, I would highly recommend this dish. The Schezwan pepper went perfectly with the meal my new favourite.

For the small dish, there were so many good options to choose from it was a struggle, I really want to try the Sushi and also the Salt and Pepper Ribs.

Then spotted the Beo buns. Now I have heard of Beo bun (pronounced bow if anyone was interested like me ) before and have always been intrigued so when I saw them on the menu, I knew we had to try them, they had a selection of filling you could choose from. “Fluffy Steamed Bao Buns – BBQ pulled Pork with crispy shallots pickles, sweet BBQ sauce” For £5.95

FOMO Coventry @iamsaffronbaker
Bao Buns – BBQ Pulled Pork £5.95

We opted for BBQ as I love anything BBQ. These were so good, like nothing I’ve ever had before. A fluffy cloud-like texture that melts in the mouth. Full of flavour and made the perfect dish to share, definitely one I recommend you try. I want to try the Aromatic duck one next time.

Deserts….we were stuffed, they have some amazing looking desserts I can’t wait to try, Lotus Bischoff Cheesecake sounds unreal.

See their full menu here

FOMO Coventry @iamsaffronbaker

OPEN NOW

FOMO opens its door to the public this Friday the 8th of April 2022 and I can’t wait to hear the response from everyone. One thing I do suggest is to make sure to book your tables to avoid missing out!

Book a table at FOMO here

Find them on Instagram here

Keep an eye on my socials for more content around FOMO.

A huge thank you to the team for inviting me down.

Let me know when you go, what’s your favourite cocktail or meal on the menu I would love to know!

Saff XO

US time! Las Iguanas | Gifted Experience

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The world is opening back up and it’s feeling super surreal!

Myself & the husband haven’t had a date night out together in the longest time, I’m sure we can all relate!

We have recently celebrated our 4 years wedding anniversary and chose to celebrate it by visiting our local Las Iguanas in Coventry. We also took the boys as a treat the week before and to get them back out and around people! They did amazingly considering they haven’t had to sit in a public place for well over a year.

Back to date night!

We were blessed with no rain! It was windy but dry so that was great.

We were so hungry so jumped straight to the mains! Luke went for the Bahian Coconut Chicken with a side of sweet potato fries of course! The dip that comes with the fries is so good! I would order them just for that.

The Bahian Coconut was super creamy and delicious with a kick of spice. The presentation was lush.

I went for the Beef burger, it was perfect! Juicy and full of flavour, I couldn’t eat it all so Luke finished it off and he loved it too. Both meals we would defiantly recommend and order again.

Previously when we visited with the boys, we had the Chilli Con Carne and the Burritos, both also super yummy!

As it was our Anniversary Nathan surprised us with The Cheese Cake Dessert with a Candle! Super sweet and a lovely way to mark our occasion. We were stuffed from dinner but the cheesecake was gorgeous and well worth making room for. 

The staff and experience overall were excellent, everything went smoothly and considering it was busy we didn’t have to wait long at all for service.

A huge thank you to the team at Las Iguanas Coventry! You may have seen on my socials I will be working super closely with them as a company and will be doing exclusive content for them! All very exciting.

Saff xo

Bodega Birmingham | AD – GIFTED

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* Old content, original post was uploaded to saffronbaker.com April 2019 to know why click here *

We were kindly invited to Bodega in Birmingham to try out their menu!

We drove from Coventry and parked in the Mailbox car park which was only a 5 min walk from the restaurant so it was super easy to get to.

I hadn’t heard of Bodega before, but on arrival, it was clear how popular this little place was! I was shocked at how busy it was for a Tuesday evening!

The décor is so lush, with lots of things to look at and really helps set the mood for the evening.

Looking at the menu there were so many yummy dishes to choose from so we went for an option where we could try 5 of their most popular dishes in a smaller form.

Bless our waiter she did warn us it was going to be a lot of food, but we knew we could take some home if we were defeated!

Spoiler alert, we couldn’t finish it!

For starters, we tried The Cola chicken wings, refried beans, nachos with chilli brisket, quesadillas and sweet potato fries.

My gosh, our table was full with so much yummy food. It all came out so well presented!

My favourite had to be the quesadillas they were so good! I had never tried Cola Chicken before but that was also amazing!

The Nachos were homemade and super tasty, Luke wasn’t a massive fan and would of much preferred them to be nacho crisps.

For mains, I went for the burger… I will just tell you now! This was honestly one of the best burgers I have ever had. It was so good!

Bodega’s Burger a la Parilla 11.95

Homemade 6oz beef burger, cheese and chipotle mayo in a toasted tortilla with sweet potato fries & smoky slaw on the side

It came in a wrap which I loved, it was so full of flavour super juicy and the cheese just oozed out. Making me hungry just writing this!

It was served with coleslaw and sweet potato fries we shared half the burger and took the rest home… I was defeated.

Luke went for the Peanut butter chicken, not something he would normally go for! Now I’m not a fan of peanut butter but I tried it and was just so creamy and lush!

Brazilian Xim Xim 11.95 (GF)

Chunks of chicken, prawns and diced vegetables in a creamy peanut butter sauce with rice, onions and peppers

We couldn’t finish it all so we took it home in boxes, the staff were so lovely and organised this for us. Once we were home my dad tucked in and absolutely loved it, he took the leftovers to work the next day. He now wants to go back so another trip is in order!

If you live locally to a Bodega then lucky you as you can now get it delivered to your door… I’m jealous I need another burger and cola chicken!

Have you been to Bodega before?

A huge thank you to all the staff for looking after us we had the best evening!

Saff xo