Friday, 18 November 2016

Cocktail Making Classes


Cocktail Classes - WSS - Norwich

So a few weeks ago (time really is flying by, maybe it's the cold weather, 'Winters Coming' after all) I attended my first Cocktail Class, and my first bloggers night. - tick, tick. ✔✔ I signed up to it without even having started blogging, (so yes I was already thinking they'll think I'm a wally and just there for the cocktails..) but I knew it was something I was planning on doing and well just thought I'll dive straight into the deep end and then I can blog about it. Even though this evening was a few weeks ago now, I feel bad about how long it has taken me to write up about it. That's the thing though, don't feel bad, feel okay, you'll get it done, just in your own time.. I've been pretty busy lately, I haven't been home much as away with modelling, and trying to do this whole 'think positive' and then you'll 'feel positive' thing.. something that I'm writing about in another blog post soon (but I've got to do some research first).


 Before I talk about the event itself, I just wanted to say that the reason I wanted to start blogging is because it's something to do, it's sociable and I do love meeting new people and listening/reading about what they have to say. I also think it fits in pretty well around what I'm doing in life at the moment. Modelling. I've worked with numerous fashion designers and brands as well as make up artists, body paint artists, stylists, photographers etc. Social media is so apparent these days I still think it's weird but it really is an amazing way to advertise through the numerous platforms around. I thought I'd write about experiences on shoots and the makeup I've discovered (through very talented MUA's) finding out about products and all this contouring and highlighting shizzle is really beyond me, but I'll get there and I am not afraid to ask questions (even though I feel like a massive wally) So it just so happened that I've taken the plunge and gone for it - not sure how to expand or get interest in the 'stuff I write about' - but always best to keep positive and take the risk!

So back to the Cocktail Class. I met up with Norwich Bloggers (their blog) (founded by Courtney, Justine and Hannah, I haven't met Justine or Hannah yet so am looking forward to at the next event, plus I couldn't find their blogs so shall add these in later too). 
So at this particular event there were 10 of us in total, bloggers of all kinds. Everyone has so many different stories to tell and it was really interesting to find out more about the girls on a face to face basis rather than just reading their blogs (which I have done and think they're great) I've listed everyones names and blog sites below if you'd like to check them out as I think it's always great to appreciate others work and support them as well as have a read! Words and Pictures. :)
From left to right in the photo above -
Laura Ellen Wright - https://www.lauraellenwright.com
Shelley Beth - http://shelleybeth.com
Laura Stafford Smith - http://www.laurastaffordsmith.com
Me
Then there's Courtney Fullerton who's taken the photo - http://www.courtypeach.co.uk

The Cocktail Masterclass was held at Warwick Street Social - WSS - off Unthank Road, Norwich. To be honest I hadn't actually been there since the refit - it used to be called The Mad Moose and was a pub pub, good for food and watching football and lots of seating. It was always really busy when I used to go when I was a student and living off Unthank Road and so I was a little sceptical about this new refit as I (as well as many other people) am not great with change. I am aware that statement isn't particularly a positive one, but I try to tell myself I am fine with change and I can deal with things, little things yes maybe but big things no not really. I had seen the menu earlier on during the Summer and it did look good, I like fish dishes and there were a few listed, I feel this is usually something that Norwich restaurants/pubs miss out on, I don't know whether this is purely because 1) fish/seafood is expensive and 2) perhaps it's the wrong time of year. I'm trying to branch out though and get into new things. Maybe I'll do a blog about trying new things, that is being an adult.

Even though I was really sceptical about this new pub/gastro WSS actually I was really impressed with the place. Yes it does look completely different from before, but sometimes you just need a uplift and a new start and then you just get used to (like having a hair cut, initially straight after the cut you're like oh m g's like should I have done this?? Then after a few days you're like hmm.. then after a week you're like oh m g's I LOVEEEE it). The WSS felt strangely homely and warm, very Scandinavian/ Swedish clean and minimal characteristics I do think these new places just need to be lived in a bit more so give it time. We were in the Snug room which was really quite cute as it's separate to the main pub area and we had our own bar too, so this would be perfect for hiring for small get togethers or clubs!

Our Cocktail Wizard was called Scott (I didn't get a surname so if you'd like to speak to him about classes then either go in or email them) We had some nibbles - the food looks incredible and I was very tempted to get something - although I had just had a massive dinner at my mothers house so I just nibbled on some chips! I can't wait to eat there and I've recently signed up for the Christmas Blogger Event night with the girls later in November, so that will be fun.


The idea of this Cocktail Making evening was to pick a cocktail selected by us for the welcoming drink for the bloggers Christmas evening on the 25th November at WSS - there are only a limited number of tickets so if you'd like to come get in touch here. There were 6 cocktails to choose from, 3 normal ish ones and 3 made up ones found on the tinternet by Courtney.

 The list of cocktails we made were:

* Mojito
* Bramble
* Pina Colada
* Spiced Gingerbread
* Pumpkin Fizz
* Candy Cane
Scott would explain how to make each cocktail as he is the pro wizard and then we each took turn to make a cocktail first hand which was great as I've always wanted to learn how to make them because: 

1) they taste great 
2) it's a real skill getting it right.
The favourites were - Bramble (who doesn't love Gin), Candy Cane and Spiced Gingerbread. I had written down the information for each one (mainly the favourites but I've somehow misplaced my note pad so when I find it again I'll either edit this or do a blog about Christmas Cocktails at home)

After a lot of deliberation (and a few more tastings) we decided the winner would be Spiced Gingerbread, plus the addition of the little gingerbread man was really quite cute! The Christmas cocktails were a firm favourite, keeping in mind of the season we would be in, the other finalists were very much up there but come on it's Christmas and we want people to feel the Christmas spirit !

There were also thoughts of having the candy cane cocktail as a refresher drink after the main course, to refresh our palettes! So I believe that may make an appearance, we shall see. If not I believe it will be around if you'd like to try it!

It was such a good evening and I'm really pleased I attended and took the social risk into the blogging world. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who's looking for a sociable friendly atmosphere to meet new people with similar interests and you get to check out places you haven't been to before which is always a plus. (I like to know a place well so can recommend it to friends) and it gets you out of the house, always a plus for the fresh air.
Hope you've enjoyed my blog, thanks for reading,
Speak soon,
Lots of Love,

Amy
xx
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