Issue 059 - Reflect Magazine

14 Lincolnshire’s Finest Food
Lincolnshire’s Pride 15
Great Gifts From
The Lincoln Whisky Shop
Specialising in rare and unusual whiskies, The Lincoln
Whisky Shop is the perfect place for anyone looking for
the perfect gift, or even an investment, for 2012. With a
history dating back to 1976, The Lincoln Whisky Shop is
now under the experienced and enthusiastic management
of Nick and Cathy Ridout, who bought the shop in
October last year.
Nick told Reflect: “The Lincoln Whisky Shop started life as one of a small chain of local
off-licenses here in Lincoln, known as Pratt’s, but in 1976, it was transformed into the specialist
whisky shop it is today. We’re the fourth set of owners since that time and only came across
the opportunity to buy the business by chance. We were regular customers and discovered in a
chance conversation with the previous owners that they were selling up, so Cathy and I decided
to buy it. I’d recently retired from 35 years in the Army and was looking for something to do. I’ve
always been interested in whisky and odd/unusual drinks and felt that shop keeping would be
a fun and interesting way to spend a few years, so we took the plunge. I’m loving being my own
boss as well as meeting people from all over the country who share my passion for whisky.”
The Lincoln Whisky Shop specialise in those rare and unusual whiskies, spirits and
liqueurs that you won’t find in your local supermarket. Nick said: “Our core business
is whisky; we sell a wide selection of malts and blends, the sort of bottles you can get in the
supermarket but we pride ourselves on catering to a niche market as well, selling those unusual
varieties that you won’t find elsewhere. I also relish the challenge of finding a whisky at special
request, whether it be from a small distillery or from a certain year to give as a gift to mark a
milestone birthday or event. I aim to please and enjoy responding to customer requests.”
As well as whiskies, The Lincoln Whisky Shop sells a wide selection of spirits and
liqueurs and a small range of specialist gifts, including crystal glasses and hip flasks.
There’s also a selection of miniatures to buy, which are especially good for sampling a
new whisky before committing to a big bottle, as well as for cooking any recipes that
require a splash of whisky. They are popular for wedding favours too.
The Lincoln Whisky Shop caters for all budgets, with everyday whiskies starting from
£20 per bottle, whilst the more unusual bottles can cost several hundred pounds a
bottle. Nick explained: “Whisky is a great investment. Some people invest in artwork or
jewellery, well whisky is another good investment, especially at the moment with interest rates
so low. As well as being a great investment, whisky also makes a great present, especially for
anyone celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary. In fact, I had an interesting request a
few weeks ago; a customer wanted me to find an 18-year-old bottle of whisky as a christening
present, to be given to the child on his 18th birthday – I thought that was lovely and a great
demonstration of the universal appeal of whisky. The oldest bottle I have here at the moment
dates back to 1948 but I’m regularly asked to find bottles that are 18, 21 and 30-years-old.”
Online ordering is available from www.lincolnwhiskyshop.co.uk and
Nick and Cathy endeavour to dispatch all orders within two working
days, with delivery to most UK addresses next working day guaranteed.
Opening Times
Monday to Saturday 10am until 5pm
Sunday 11am until 3pm from April to December only
(Closed from January to March)
For more information, please call 01522 537834 or
email nick@lincolnwhiskyshop.co.uk
Lovely
Lincolnshire
©VisitBritain/ Tony Pleavin
A Fun Family Day Out
January and February can feel like long, dull months, which is why Reflect would like to
encourage you to get out and about and make the most of your weekends. Situated in the
village of Mumby in Lincolnshire, On Your Marques is a unique collection of model vehicles
and motor racing memorabilia built up over the last 20 years by Chris & Jane Dring.
Chris told Reflect: “The idea for the museum came about whilst on holiday in 1991 and just seven
months later my wife and I had moved from north London to Lincolnshire to start a new life. The
farm was derelict when we moved here and over the last 20 years, I’ve restored the barn conversion
that we live in, converted a series of outbuildings into the museum and built an annex. My aim with
the museum is to enable entire families to have a great day out here; children can see toys they
play with, whilst parents can see things they played with as children – there’s so much to see and I
change my displays every year.”
Around 4,500 models are displayed every year but the collection now consists of over
16,500 items. This year, alongside 19 cabinet displays of Chris’ collection, there are two guest
displays for 2012, which Chris told us about: “The first guest collection features fire engines from
a private Derbyshire collector, whilst the second display celebrates 50 years of Skoda, with 300
pieces from the Owners Club collection.”
On Your Marques is currently closed, but the 45 metre Scalextric Track and café is open at
weekends until Sunday 26th February, when it will close so Chris can revamp the track. The
whole museum will re-open on April 1st from 10:30am until 4:30pm (closed on Thursdays)
right through May, June, September and October. As July and August are the busiest times, On
Your Marques opens every day from 10am until 5pm.
For more info or prices, visit www.on-your-marques.co.uk or call 01507 490052
If you’re looking for an inspiring day out, Reflect
would like you to look no further than Lincolnshire.
With its fabulous coastal resorts, historical charm,
thriving market towns, unspoilt countryside and
cultural heritage, Lincolnshire is a varied and vibrant
county sure to keep a smile on any visitor’s face.
Fabulous Coast
For a traditional seaside holiday, Lincolnshire cannot
be beaten! Head to the bustling towns of Skegness,
Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes on the Lincolnshire
Coast, where, come rain or shine, fun is never in
short supply.
Skegness is a popular choice for family holidays
with quality hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast
accommodation and self-catering properties.
There’s also plenty of caravan and camping parks for
those looking to enjoy a holiday on a budget.
The resort of Mablethorpe can be found just along
the coast from Skegness and boasts a sandy Blue
Flag beach, complete with its very own sand train,
as well as unique beach huts, known as the ‘Bathing
Beauties’, along the promenade and beyond. Each
one of these huts was designed as part of the
Bathing Beauties Festival, which takes place each
September.
Historical Charm
Lincoln is a city rich in history. The cobbled streets of
Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter will transport you back
in time as you wander through the superb historical
landmarks and amazing architecture that sets this
place apart from other cities. The stunning, gothic
cathedral dates back to 1072, and offers some
fascinating tales from the past. It’s also known for
drawing film fans from far and wide since featuring
in the 2006 box office smash the Da Vinci Code.
Lincoln Castle, built by William the Conqueror in the
late 11th Century, is also a must for anyone thinking
of visiting the city, as it houses one of only four
surviving copies of the Magna Carta. This important
document, which was drawn up in 1215, set the
standard for democracy and laws within England,
and is exhibited proudly alongside the story of its
creation.
Unspoilt Countryside
Wanting an alternative to the busy city Then head
to the coast and wider countryside for more fun,
frolics and fresh air. Golfing, fishing and horse riding
provide a more liberating and leisurely way to
explore Lincolnshire.
Ramblers are well catered for in Lincolnshire with
numerous pub, canal, nature, village, aviation,
history and even literary trails to be explored. All the
paths are well marked and the terrain is wonderfully
varied.
With some of the best fishing venues in England,
Lincolnshire is a great place to enjoy a fishing break.
Many British rod records have been held and broken
in the county and the area’s perfect for anglers of all
abilities - from novice to experienced - thanks to the
variety of rivers, drains and canals plus still waters
across the county.
Golfers can also make either a day or weekend of it,
by teeing off from one of Lincolnshire’s vast range
of 50 golf courses. From championship standard
to stunning parkland courses, breathtaking links
courses to some truly challenging nine-hole
courses, Lincolnshire has something to suit all
golfers.
Visit www.visitlincolnshire.com for more fun ideas
A Great Garden Thanks To
Laburnum Plant Centre
You might not feel like getting out and
about into your garden this month, but
a little time and effort now will repay
you come the summer.
A family-run independent plant nursery,
Laburnum Plant Centre offers an
unrivalled range of rare and unusual
hardy perennial plants for the green
fingered amongst you. Established in
2002, Laburnum Plant Centre is the
brainchild of keen gardener and experienced landscaper Karen Prince, who told Reflect:
“Laburnum Plant Centre developed due to our need for plants on demand for our established
landscaping business; we didn’t want to be kept waiting by other suppliers for our plants, so we
created Laburnum, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Specialising in hardy perennial plants that you won’t find anywhere else, including a
new and unusual range of Heuchera (evergreen) perennials, Laburnum Plant Centre
also stock a range of shrubs and seasonal bedding plants, perfect for transforming your
garden in 2012. In fact they’re hoping to expand their range of products further by
selling compost and fertilisers when they open to the public in March. Karen added:
“We don’t sell anything that isn’t plant based, so you won’t find giftware or candles here. We’re
strictly for the true gardener looking for something different and unusual. We’re also happy
to source plants that you may wish to add to your garden and I’m always on hand to offer
support and advice where needed. We go out of our way to give you a first-class, personal
service that you wouldn’t get at a larger chain.”
With perennial bedding plants starting from £2.50 and specialist plants starting from
£15, there’s something to suit every budget. Laburnum Plant Centre re-opens on
Thursday 1st March (until Friday 30th November) from 11am until 5pm, Tuesdays to
Sundays, and Bank Holiday Mondays.
For more information, visit www.laburnumplants.co.uk or call 01469 530212