NEW MANAGER FOR THE CLOCK HOUSE, RIPLEY

Serina Drake, owner of The Clock House in Ripley, Surrey, has announced the appointment of Iain McArthur as the Michelin-starred restaurant's new Restaurant Manager. McArthur, whose career includes stints in South Africa at a luxury country lodge hotel, and South Lodge Hotel, is widely experienced in the hospitality business and his appointment follows the departure of Joseph Pocceschi. After four years heading up The Clock House front of house team, Joseph has returned to France to run his family-owned hotel and restaurant.

Commenting on the appointment, Serina Drake said: "I am delighted that Iain is joining our team. Having previously worked together a few years ago re-launching The Anchor, I know that the restaurant is in safe hands. Iain is a consummate foodie and has great breadth of knowledge. Also, being a trained chef gives him a real understanding of the overall guest experience. He is a great asset to our team and already has some very exciting plans for the future."

"I feel privileged to work in such a renowned establishment," says McArthur, "The Clock House building has held a Michelin star, in one form or another, under Serina's proprietorship for over 12 years, and together with other recent awards, is widely recognised to be one of the best dining experiences in the area. I am very much looking forward to working with head chef Fred Clapperton, and the rest of the brigade."

To book please visit >>> www.theclockhouserestaurant.co.uk

Tags: Ripley, The Clock House, Serina Drake, Iain McArthur, Surrey, food, restaurant Manager

A swarm of twelve earthquakes has prompted a demonstration today outside an oil drilling site in Surrey. Campaigners are swooping enmasse to protest drilling at Horse Hill, and other sites in the south east linked to seismic disruption.

Simon Elster of the Weald Action Group said: "With oil and gas companies pumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of waste fluids underground, and others testing new wells, we are clearly seeing the seismic results." (1)

A group of senior geologists recently called for a moratorium while the earthquakes are investigated. In a letter published in the Times, academics from Edinburgh university, UCL and Imperial College London wrote: "A moratorium is urgently needed on hydrocarbon exploration in the area of Surrey recently affected by 12 earthquakes." (2)

In the last six month Surrey has felt twelve earthquakes, the largest of which was 3.1 on the Richter scale. According to the British Geological Survey, which recently installed earthquake monitors in the area, the earthquakes occurred 200-700 metres below ground.

Campaigners claim oil and gas operations are the possible cause, and are the result of the recent drilling.

Simon Elster said: "We call for an moratorium and and immediate inspections of all wells to ensure their well integrity remains intact."

In Lancashire a gas company admitted to causing two earthquakes near Blackpool in 2011. This led the government to impose an informal moratorium. The earthquakes were 2.3 and 1.5 on the Richter scale.

Weblinks:
www.drillordrop.com
www.davidsmythe.org
www.brockhamoilwatch.org
www.voiceforleithhill.co.uk

1/ At a drill site near Brockham, Surrey, Angus Energy recently injected 600,000 gallons of wastewater into a well, an activity linked to earthquakes in the US. Meanwhile at nearby Horse Hill, UKOG are currently "flow testing", a process that involved pressuring the sub strata to assess underground reserves.

2/ "Surrey Quake Fears", the Times (attached), letter signed by Stuart Gifillian, senior lecturer in geochemistry, University of Edinburgh, Stuart Haseldine, professor of geology, University of Edinburgh, Bill McGuire, emeritus professor in geophysical and climate hazards, UCL, Richard Selley, emeritus professor of petroleum geology, Imperial College London.

Tags: News, Earthquakes, Surrey, protest

SILENT POOL DISTILLERS LAUNCHES TWO NEW SEASONAL SPIRITS

Silent Pool Distillers has extended its offering for Christmas with the introduction of two new seasonal spirits: the Albury Sloe Gin and Damson Gin. Both have been neatly handcrafted in the Surrey Hills distillery, ready to bring a touch of berry warmth to your festivities and offer the perfect gin-lovers’ gift this Christmas.

Just launched, the Albury Sloe Gin (£30 per 50cl) puts a modern twist on the traditional sloe recipe, with a slightly higher strength and the addition of a secret spice. Using less sugar than most other brands, the Sloe Gin expresses a delicious balance between the sweetness and classic tart finish from the fruit. Expect an initial hit of rich berry, followed by subtle notes of juniper and almond, ending on a pleasantly warm finish.

Sip your Sloe Gin from a hip flask on a long winter’s walk, enjoy it neat or poured over ice with an optional squeeze of lemon. Or better still, why not add a splash to your Christmas champagne?

Offering an equally tempting after-dinner tipple, the Damson Gin (£30 per 50cl) brings together sumptuous notes of ripe berry and plum, with hints of almond, juniper and a finishing note of vanilla. Crafted using damsons sourced from Kent, this flavorsome British classic is not to be missed from your festive drinks selection. Mix yours with lemon juice and soda for a classy Christmas Collins!

The new spirits join a whole host of handcrafted products on offer from Silent Pool Distillers this season; from innovative liquid garnishes to boozy Christmas crackers, scented candles, gin-infused salmon and its signature, award-winning Silent Pool Gin.

The Sloe Gin, Damson Gin and all other products crafted by Silent Pool Distillers are available to buy now at the distillery, or online at www.silentpooldistillers.com.

Tags: Silent Pool, Albury Sloe Gin, Damson Gin, Distillers