Latest news with #MonkeyShoulder
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I visited the ultimate foodie heaven at a London park and left sunburnt but smiling'
I spent my Saturday in a proper foodie paradise. Pub in the Park rolled into Gunnersbury Park for the first time, and I was there for the daytime session. If you like top-tier pub grub, decent live music and a strong cocktail under the sun, it was absolutely the place to be. This was my third time at Pub in the Park, but my first visit to this new London location. Gunnersbury turned out to be an ideal setting. Open and green, well kept, easy to get around, and just far enough from traffic to feel like a proper escape. The sun turned up too. Let's talk food. That's what you're there for. Dozens of top pubs and restaurants dishing up small-plate versions of their signature dishes, served fast but cooked with real care. The idea is you don't just have one meal – you try a few, compare notes, and eat your way across the field like a very lucky critic with no deadlines. First up for me was The Pig's Ear's crispy buttermilk chicken with coronation crème fraîche. It sounded a bit experimental but completely nailed it – crisp coating, juicy meat, and a sharp, creamy sauce that somehow didn't feel out of place. (Image: Amy Clarke) My friend picked the Madras-spiced cauliflower from Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Land. Topped with lime pickle mayo and a poppadom crunch, it had serious depth. We followed that with a chicken tortilla from Tom Kerridge's. Simple, solid, and just what we needed to reset the palate. Dishes weren't huge, but that's part of the experience. You're not sitting down to a Sunday roast. You're roaming, tasting, mixing it up. READ MORE: We caught Simon the Butcher at the fire pit stage doing a live demo. Proper knives, proper heat, and a good bit of showmanship. Over in the M&S Food Village we stumbled into a tomato cooking session, focused on Isle of Wight varieties. I had an incredible whiskey cocktail from a stand called Monkey Shoulder – strong, well balanced, and ice-cold. Plenty of craft options, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic alternatives dotted around. The music kicked off gently. I caught the end of Pandora's club classics set – think 90s and early 2000s floor-fillers. (Image: Amy Clarke) Norman Jay followed with a smooth run of soul and funk that suited the weather perfectly. Soul II Soul were the big draw, and they didn't disappoint. The field in front of the stage filled up fast, and when Back to Life dropped, everyone got involved. The crowd was spot on. A proper mix of ages. Families with kids running around the fairground rides, groups of mates chasing cocktails, couples sunbathing between sets. A few very relaxed dogs. No aggro. No posing. Just happy people eating, drinking and making the most of the sunshine. I had a VIP pass this year, which meant access to a quieter seating area, a decent view of the stage, and a couple of extras like private tastings. Nothing too fancy, but it gave us a good base to regroup and rest our feet. At one point, I realised I'd forgotten sun cream and was already going a bit pink. I asked one of the security staff if they had any – they didn't, but about half an hour later he found me again with another member of staff who handed some over. (Image: Amy Clarke) That kind of gesture says a lot. Friendly, thoughtful and not something you get at every big event. Before heading out, we hit the dodgems which were surprisingly brutal. Easily one of the most fun bits of the day. There was also a vintage Ferris wheel and plenty of fairground stalls, adding to the old-school summer fair feel. By the time we left in the late afternoon, we had spoken to a number of people who had decided they were going to stay for evening session but for me, the daytime slot was enough. I'd eaten well, danced a bit, learned a few things about tomatoes and wine, and had a brilliant day in a corner of London I rarely visit. Pub in the Park knows what it's doing. The food's the star, but the festival around it creates this perfect summertime atmosphere. I'll be back next year, with a hat, sun cream and even more appetite.
SowetanLIVE
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SowetanLIVE
Monkey Shoulder kicks off career-making contest for fashion rebels
This May, Monkey Shoulder swapped barrels for boldness as the official pouring partner for Soweto Fashion Week (SFW) Autumn/Winter 2025 — and true to form, the premium whisky brand didn't just pour; it performed. Think cocktails with character, streetwear with swagger, and a stylish new showdown that turned heads and timelines. Hosted over four days at the iconic Soweto Theatre, SFW showcased the sartorial skills of 35 emerging and established local designers as they presented their latest collections. In the Monkey Shoulder VIP lounge, whisky wasn't the only thing served. The space came alive with a bold mural by 2024 Brushstroke Battle winner George Mars, curated to reflect the SFW theme, 'Uncharted Creativity', with a riot of colour and cultural influences. It quickly became the go-to content spot for stylists, influencers and industry insiders.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Monkey Shoulder Threads the Needle at Soweto Fashion Week with a New Streetwear Showdown
The Street Thread Battle is now open! Fashion students, rebels, visionaries - this one's for them. This May, Monkey Shoulder traded whisky barrels for wardrobe rails as the brand stepped into Soweto Fashion Week 2025 as the official pouring partner - and they didn't come to pour quietly in the corner. They came to mix things up - fitting, considering that they are the only whisky that's made for mixing. In true Monkey Shoulder style, the VIP lounge wasn't just a drinks station - it was a full-blown immersive experience. Think bold cocktails, bold people, and a bold mural, curated to reflect the Soweto Fashion Week theme by 2024 Brushstroke Battle winner, George Mars. His work brought the space to life with a creative energy that had influencers, stylists, and celebs snapping faster than one can say 'neat, or on the rocks?' But that wasn't all Monkey Shoulder had up their tailored sleeves. On opening night (Wednesday, 7 May), the ever-stylish Shamiso Mosaka joined the affair to officially launch the next frontier of Monkey Shoulder's creative movement: the Street Thread Battle - a Johannesburg-based search for the next young fashion designer who dares to disrupt the runway. The Street Thread Battle is now open! Fashion students, rebels, visionaries - this one's for them. By submitting their portfolios via the splash page [ entrants stand the chance to: Win R20,000 in prize money Collaborate with the iconic BLANK Collection Receive a personal mentorship from designer Fulu Rathumbu And here's the mic-drop moment: showcase their own collection at Soweto Fashion Week in November 2025 That's not just a win. That's a game-changer. Speaking of change-makers, this year's runway also toasted the first-ever Monkey Shoulder fashion collaboration, featuring none other than Fulu Rathumbu, the creative force behind BLANK Collection. Fulu debuted both his signature Autumn/Winter Threads and the limited-edition Monkey Shoulder capsule, where fashion met flavour in the freshest way possible. Monkey Shoulder is beyond excited to continue this journey with Fulu and the soon-to-be Street Thread champ. The future of fashion just got a playful whisky twist. Ready to thread the needle? Entries are open now at Monkey Shoulder encourages everyone to enjoy our whisky responsibly. Please drink mindfully and ensure a safe journey home. Only for individuals over the legal drinking age. The Star
Hype Malaysia
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Get Invites To Monkey Shoulder's Ongoing KL Bar Takeovers For Dope Entertainment, Cocktails & Perks!!
Feeling stuck in the 'where are we going tonight?' loop? Monkey Shoulder's got you covered. The award-winning blended malt whisky brand is spicing up your nights out with the Make it Monkey campaign from May to June, bringing the party to some of the coolest hangout spots across Klang Valley. Say goodbye to decision fatigue with Monkey Hotline – a playful text-to-play experience that puts Klang Valley's best parties in your pocket. Just drop Monkey Shoulder a message to unlock fun perks and a fresh, unexpected night out without the hassle of endless planning. So How Does It Work? The Monkey Hotline keeps things simple, just the way a good night out should be! All you need to do is send a WhatsApp text to +6011-1220 3895 and you'll get a playful reply along with instant access to Monkey Shoulder bar takeovers across Klang Valley. Plus, surprise perks, party-starting tips, and secret invites dropping weekly. No apps, no guesswork, just a straight-up good time delivered to your phone. 'Monkey Shoulder is all about mixing things up. Not just in cocktails, but in your nights out too!' said Brendon Khoo, Regional Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder. 'We believe everyone's nights out need a fresh mix! And with Monkey Hotline, we'll shake up your evenings with spontaneity and a good measure of playful spirit. To all the party-planners, party-starters and everyone in between, this is your cheeky invite to out a night out that's anything but the ordinary.' Expect a full-blown Monkey Shoulder takeover, complete with dance performances, exciting prizes, cheeky challenges, DJ sets, and Monkey Shoulder cocktails. For those who prefer their nights a little more laid-back, head over to Frank's Bar or Vér Bar, where a specially curated Monkey Shoulder cocktail menu will be available from May to June. Whether you're turning up the night or just along for the ride, Make it Monkey promises to bring a riot of energy, good vibes, and unexpected twists at every corner. Are you ready to give your night a fresh mix with Monkey Shoulder? Visit their website and stay connected on Instagram (@monkeyshoulder). Let's Make It Monkey!
Press and Journal
16-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
The Tannochbrae: Inside former Dufftown doctor's surgery where well-known whisky term 'monkey shoulder' was coined
Almost eight years ago, James and Louise Creane-Smith took over The Tannochbrae guest house in Dufftown. And since taking the reins, the couple have put their stamp on the place, which attracts both tourists from around the world and locals. The building in the heart of Speyside dates back to 1872. It features five en-suite bedrooms and can accommodate up to 12 guests. The building, a former doctor's surgery, was where the phrase 'monkey shoulder' was coined for malt men with repetitive strain injury. And in homage to whisky workers, William Grant & Sons named one of their malt-blended spirits Monkey Shoulder. You can spot remnants of Dr Scott's surgery and enjoy a dram of Monkey Shoulder in the whisky bar – the former surgery's waiting room – which has more than 350 drams on offer to sample. In recent years, they have made modern upgrades to the house. James, whose parents previously ran the Fife Street business, said: 'Originally I was the chef in the restaurant that was part of The Tannochbrae. 'Then we ended up taking over the whole business from my family. 'It's been challenging and through Covid, we had to make changes. 'We ended up deciding to get rid of the restaurant as it was challenging to get really good staff consistently and the 18-hour days. 'It was important to adapt and ensure it continued to be a success.' In recent years, the couple upgraded the property with heating zones and auto lighting to help save energy. However, the couple say it was important to keep the character of the historic building. James said: 'We did some things to modernise it with automated lighting and heating zones as these days people are more conscious. 'Also, it has resulted in a huge reduction in all that electricity consumption which is great. 'Meanwhile, we did work on the roof to ensure it's good for the next 150 years.' He added: 'It is all about preserving this building which has a rich history. 'The floors in the entrance way and the staircase are the original. 'We want to deliver a modern guest house, while still showing off the history.' Tourists come in their larger numbers when visiting the nearby whisky distilleries like Glenfiddich and The Balvenie. However, the guest house also welcomes people coming back to the area to visit their family too. She added: 'We get a lot of Scandinavian tourists staying here when they are visiting distilleries. 'Also Americans too, we recently had a group of five guys from different parts of America coming together to enjoy a great time together here and some whisky too. 'On the other hand, we had people at Christmas who live within five miles from the house too. 'We cater for a lot of different guests.' James is positive about the future of Dufftown with new businesses opening up. He said: 'There is a lot of fresh blood coming into Dufftown and opening new businesses which is great to see. 'It brings new energy to the town and a lot of positivity. 'Over recent years, there has been the likes of the Cozy Coo and we have Beinn Coffee & Books opening soon too.'
