Going wild with Caorunn Gin

In which G.M. Norton joins a group of epicurean adventurers for a journey into the unknown.

One might suppose that I am partial to a gin or three. If you have jumped to that conclusion about me, I must congratulate you and confirm that you are indeed correct.

Rowan berries form the very soul of Caorunn Gin

The people at Caorunn Gin must have made the same accurate assumption as they were kind enough to invite me on a little foraging expedition, with the promise of cocktails and lunch afterwards. Never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I accepted their offer with gusto.

So, why the invite to go foraging? Well, as part of Caorunn Gin’s Forage to Glass initiative, they have been working with watering holes to discover wild ingredients to help create unique and tasty cocktails. After a few successful foraging outings with local bartenders at Lawn Club and Elixir, they turned their attention to people interested in drinking them, offering them the chance to get at one with nature too.

An attempt at 'street photography'

So, one wet and chilly morning, I travelled to the meeting place, 22 Redbank in Manchester where I was welcomed with warm smiles and a hot beverage. It was reminiscent of a rather agreeable sitting room with Chesterfields and a resplendent rug.

The British Beard & Moustache Championships 2014

In which G.M. Norton hands over the reins to his new No. 2 for a hairy update.

Following Mr. Ryan Pike’s summer guest spot on The Chap Olympiad, he has now filed his latest report. This time, it concerns The British Beard & Moustache Championships held last weekend.

The Pike Report

The city of Bath is well known for its magnificent architecture and culture, the Roman presence, the magnificent Abbey which marks over 100 years of history and the splendid catacomb of shops, cafes and bars that line the winding back streets. This weekend the city was more vibrant than ever as not only did it host a local rugby game filling the streets with supporters dressed in blue, white and black but also a Jane Austin convention which saw many don period costume and parade through the town, transforming the area to a time long forgotten.

However besides all this splendour, there was another very important occasion hosted by the city. Early risers strolling through the Pavillion Gardens about 0930 will have noticed a curious array of ladies and gents assembling for a parade, the men all having some form of facial hair and many of the ladies wearing fake, homemade beards and moustaches. Not an everyday sight you may well say, but the 13^th September marked the occasion of the second British Beard and Moustache Championships which is held every two years (the previous event being held in Brighton in 2012). 

Real-life dandy: Shaun Gordon

In which G.M. Norton interviews an extraordinary tie-maker and all-round natty dresser.

 

I first came across Shaun Gordon on Mr. B the Gentleman Rhymer’s Twittering page. He had attended the launch for a new tie collection by an immaculately-dressed gentleman described as “not your average tie-maker”.

Aware of Mr. B’s commendable taste in neckwear (have you seen the Gentleman Rhymer’s own range of Partridge-esque club ties?), I was instantly intrigued so proceeded to this tie-maker’s webular site. His name of course, was Mr. Shaun Gordon and as was evident in a matter of milliseconds, he makes exceedingly good ties.

Mesmerising ties aside, what struck me about Mr. Gordon was how incredibly dapper he is. What’s more, he makes it seem so effortless. Upon joining Instagram at the beginning of the year, I made the commendable decision to follow this most dashing of dandies. So, when I was considering which sartorially elegant gentleman to feature for the next ‘real-life dandy’ feature, I naturally thought of Shaun. Being the thoroughly decent chap that he is, he agreed to take part and here are the results.

The terrible twos

In which G.M. Norton celebrates Norton of Morton’s second birthday.

 

This next week marks a pretty momentous event in the old calendar, for the 8^th September means it is precisely two years since Norton of Morton came to life.

I do so enjoy reminiscing when I reach an important milestone. Take last year’s 1st birthday celebrations for instance, where I received a telegram from Her Majesty the Queen.

Or marking a year of my handlebar moustache with a time capsule ceremony.

I almost let this periodical’s second birthday pass by with no fanfare. I didn’t even get my chums, Puttin’ On The Blitz! to sing a jolly tune in celebration. 

But then, when I started to list all the things that had happened over twelve extraordinary months, I couldn’t resist. So, here are my highlights.