Catering

Option 1: Flora Bartlett - florabartlett@googlemail.com
"I live locally and am a trained Leith's cook. I have been catering on and off for the last 15 years, the last 3 for sleeps12.com. We love preparing creative dinners, lunches, brunch, breakfast, buffets and all day packages to your individual needs as well as catering for Weddings.

We use friendly and attentive waitresses from the surrounding villages and come and make your event really special.

We believe passionately in the best ingredients and well cooked food. We try to keep food miles to a minimum and use the super local meat, vegetables and small suppliers; including organic beef and vegetables from my parent's farm.

We look forward to cooking and serving delicious food in wonderful surroundings."

Struthers Party - Brighton   "Flora catered for us on Saturday night (delivery menu) - food was very high standard, delivered bang on time and went down extremely well!!! Can't recommend her highly enough"

Gregory Party - London   "I just wanted to say a huge thank you for catering for us on Saturday. The food was totally yummy and I can't tell you what a pleasure it was to be able to sit back and enjoy dinner without having to worry about it. It made the evening extra special and we felt very pampered. Our bride to be is a huge foodie, she actually works for Gordon Ramsay and I know that she was very impressed with the food and she had a fantastic time, so thank you for your contribution to her special weekend."

Bleakley Party - Berkshire   "I just wanted to send a quick note to say Thank you, for a wonderful evening. Having booked it all over a year ago – I was hoping all went off smoothly, and I’m glad to say it did…  The food was fantastic, you worked away without fuss, and Caroline was fantastic as a canapé host and waitress… everyone said how wonderful it was to have such fantastic food served, and not be getting under your feet whilst you were working. I do hope we weren’t awkward clients, and that we can avail of your services again sometime. Thanks again Flora, a fantastic evening."

Click on the links below to view menus and prices:

• Delivered Menu
• Catered Menu
• Ready to Eat or Re-Heat Menu

Option 2: The Two French Chefs - denisguillemin@yahoo.co.uk
"We are Patrick Robert and Denis Guillemin, The Two French Chefs. Using only the finest locally sourced produce, we are able to prepare a wide range of dishes in the kitchen of your holiday home to suit all tastes - whether for a sit-down meal, a buffet, or even a barbecue.

During the past ten years we have worked in several prestigious hotels and restaurants in the South West of England, including the renowned Bindon Hotel where we first worked together. It is the skills and expertise acquired in these 3 and 4 AA Rosette and Michelin Star establishments that we bring to your table."

Gilpin Party, Dorset - "The Two French chefs provided excellent, friendly service. All my queries were dealt with promptly and the dinner on Saturday was really exceptional"

June T - "Just a note to say thank you very much for an excellent meal provided for us on the 26th June and catering for our chaotic family. A good time was had by all. The food was excellent and service impeccable. Thank you once again for making our anniversary meal special"

Jo Holden - "I wanted to thank yourself and Patrick, for providing such a wonderful dinner for my birthday.  I was completely bowled over by how professional Patrick and your fantastic waiter were - I literally did nothing bar hand the kitchen and the wine over to them.  The food and service were first class and the kitchen was left spotless.  I can't recommend you highly enough!"

Click on the links below to view menus and prices: Please note that for the catered meals, there is an additional cost of £50/night for waitress/waiter service if required

• 3 course Menu - £25/person
• 3 course Menu - £35/person
• 3 course Menu - £45/person
• Medieval Menu - £75/person
• Welcome suppers Menu - £12/person

Option 3: Caroline Yates -  caroline@goodcookco.com -  www.goodcookco.com
"Having been a cook for a number of years in ski lodges, yachts and private estates I started a recruitment agency for cooks over 10 years ago. We specialise in finding cooks for private and commercial clients from dinner parties to full time positions. I am available privately to cater for dinner parties or weekends. I regularly cater for large groups and enjoy providing a tailor made menu for smaller groups (including children). With the abundance of fresh and local produce available in the West Country I like to source all my food locally with the support of my local suppliers."

Williams Party - "Lovely to meet you on Saturday night and thank you so much for the wonderful food. It was really delicious, everyone enjoyed it. Thank you for taking care of the extra bits such as champagne glasses and the cheese board, if we come again next year we will book you"

Taggart Party, London - "We had a catered dinner by Caroline at Good Cook Co - absolutely superb, we highly recommend. They were professional and discreet, friendly and polite and the food was delicious - you must try the canapes!!"

Price Party, Sussex - "Now that we are back in Sussex,having ha a thoroughly enjoyable week in Somerset, I would like to thank you for the wonderful dinner on Sunday.  The menu, cuisine and service were second to none which made the event especially memorable for me, my husband and our friends."

Malins Party - Middlesex - "Caroline's catered dinner was the highlight of the weekend. It was fabulous not having to worry about anything. The minute she arrived she kicked me out of the kitchen."

Lawfull-Brookes - Oxford- "We can't recommend Caroline Yates catering highly enough - fantastic food and service - we will be back.... thank you so much!!."

Allen - Worcester- "Caroline Yates provided an excellent meal in line with our expectations. The canapes were particularly notable."

Please click on my menus to see my style of cooking and prices - menus can be altered to suit any occasion.

• Menus - Caroline Yates
• Childrens Menu - Caroline Yates

Option 4: Your Very Own Chef -  caroline@goodcookco.com - www.goodcookco.com -
If you want to make the most of your weeks holiday let us help by providing you with a cook. Our cooks can provide breakfast, lunch and dinner to enable you to go and explore the area or simply relax. By taking the catering off your hands you will all have more time together and be able to swith off from every day life to ensure you have a truly relaxing holiday. Prices start at around £125 per day.

Option 5: Thai Gourmet - www.engagingthailand.com
Provides a top Thai cuisine service delivered in your own home in the UK, cooked in your own kitchen. Genuine ingredients are cooked for you by superb Thai Chef Khun Pratuan to recipes drawn from her long experience and instinctive knowledge based on the traditional methods and dishes of her Mother and Grandmother.

Testimonials 
 "Highly recommend the caterers, the food was excellent and plentiful"
- Paul, Essex

"The catering was out of this world and made our celebration special"
- Jane, Wiltshire

COOK - Remarkable Frozen Meals

We have partnered with COOK in Taunton to make their fabulous frozen meals available to all of our guests.
For those of you that haven't come across COOK before, they make dishes using the same ingredients and techniques that you would use at home so everything looks and tastes homemade.
Once you have placed an order, they will deliver your meals to your holiday cottage in advance or on the evening of your arrival.

Wood Party - Middlesex - "Taunton cooks frozen ready meal exceptional can't recommend highly enough. Seven differenct meals for adults and children and not one could be faulted."

You can shop online at www.cookfood.net e-mail at taunton@cookfood.net or call the COOK shop in Taunton on 01823 323001.
Please note that there is a minimum order value of £30 to qualify for delivery.

Pampering at Walnut Arbour

Have a relaxing time at Walnut Arbour with treatments provided by "My Personal Sanctuary" who offer you and your guests a variety of contemporary, cool and classic treatments with friendly professional therapists.

• Aromatherapy
• Body Massage
• Facials
• Manicure or Pedicure

For further details on treatments, packages and price list go to the website www.mypersonalsanctuary.com or contact Gillie on 07984 432602 to make a booking

Horse Riding

Click here for a list of local riding/trekking centres

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Shaldon Shooting School is set in a deep valley on the edge of Exmoor. We offer coaching for individuals or groups of up to 30 people. No experience is necessary, all ages and abilities are welcome. We supply all the equipment you will need, and plenty of instructors so you are not waiting too long for your turn. We even send someone to meet you so you don’t get lost in the lanes on the way! Lunch can be arranged in a great local pub.  

 www.shaldenshootingschool.co.uk

Birds Hill Days - Activities in the Country

A unique opportunity to experience country activities on 170 acres in one of the most beautiful settings within Exmoor National Park. Activities include clay shooting and pistol shooting or archery and laser clay shooting which can be done on-site if there is room.

• www.birdshilldays.com

Ashcombe Adventure Centre

Set in Devon's glorious rolling countryside and using their unrivalled range of outdoor activities, Ashcombe Adventure Centre design action packed events that are memorable, rewarding and fun. 

Activities include:  Shooting, archery, fishing, paintballing, quad biking, stallion karting, skid steer karts.

Ashcombe's cater for all manner of events ranging from team building to stag and hen weekends, to rewards or celebrations of any kind. 

Events must be pre-booked as they are designed specifically to meet your requirements.  Go to www.ashcombeadventure.co.uk for further details.

Essential Adventure

Leading provider of outdoor pursuits, adventure sports and team building throughout Devon and the South West. Activities include kayaking & canoeing, climbing & abseiling, coasteering, mountain biking, bush craft, caving and more...

• www.essential-adventure.co.uk

Bike Hire

Bikes can be hired from:

Kings Cycles in Wellington or Taunton.  Cost is approx. £15/day but please phone for quote.  Discounts available on larger bookings.  Phone Wellington 01823 662260 or Taunton 01823 352272 and it is recommended that you book in advance. 

Abbotshood Cycle Hire. 07958 916165 / 07904068555 and leave a message or e-mail: abbotshood@halberton.org

Links to other local activities you may enjoy

• www.quadworld.co.uk
• www.mendipoutdoorpursuits.co.uk
• www.surfersworld.co.uk
• www.clarksvillage.co.uk
• www.ballooning.co.uk
• www.cheddarcaves.co.uk
• www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk
• www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk
• www.ashcombeadventure.co.uk

Abbbey Burton - Clay Pigeon Shooting

Abbey Burton Clay Shooting

www.abbeyburtonclayshooting.co.uk - 07789 480298 or e-mail on abbeyburton@hotmail.com

Private Cocktail Bartender

Hire your own private cocktail bartender for your celebration. 

Three options available:

Personal Cocktail Bartender - A personal bartender to come to your home and make cocktails for you 
and your guests

Personal Cocktail Bartender and a Butler in the Buff

Cocktail Clinic - A personal fun training session to teach you about cocktails and how 
to make them.

Contact TheBartender on 01179 028328, email info@thebartender.co.uk or go online at www.thebartender.co.uk for further details and prices 

Portrait Photographer

Emily Fairweather is a portrait photographer based in Somerset specialising in natural and fun family portraits.

Trained as a filmmaker, with a BAFTA to her name, Emily loves taking documentary style photos that capture the spontaneity of the moment of a family or friends' weekend party, birthday celebration or wedding.
For Sleeps12.com customers Emily will come to you at your rental property, take some photos, both black and white and colour and display them on her website to view.
Prices start at £175 fee to include all post production of photos and 1 10x8 mounted photo.  A typical shoot will last around an hour and relatively pain free - even people who hate having their photos taken warm to Emily!

To view Emily's style of photography click onto her website http://www.emilyfairweatherphotography.co.uk/family.phtml or call her on 01984 667 281/07958 763029 or email emilyfairweather@btinternet.com

Rescued Memories

Rescued Memories is a small Company based in Somerset. It specialises in the production of digital audio biographies for individuals. In essence we produce a professionally recorded and edited CD of the customer telling the story of their life in their own words.

A PERFECT GIFT!

www.rescuedmemories.co.uk

Cupcakes and Cookies

Have fun making decorations for cupcakes and cookies. Suitable for the complete novice or the more experienced.
Make decorations for cupcakes from butter cream  icing to sugar paste  butterflies, snow flakes, shoes, roses and many other flowers and shapes.
Ice and decorate cookies from dresses and cakes to farm animal shapes.
All equipment supplied and 6 cakes, lots of flavors to choose from and 2 cookies ready to go.
Just bring an apron and some imagination!

The party will last approximately 2 hrs (may be longer) and cost £20 per person. Min of 4  people please.
Please call Jackie on 01823 672817 for more details or facebook "cakes Jackies cakes"

Dance

Dance

Face Painting

Amy Simmonds is Cheekaboogie Face Painting

Cheekaboogie use only Snazaroo hypoallergenic water based face paints which have been fully dermatologicaly tested. They are skin friendly, non toxic and easily removed with soap and water.
Cheekaboogie has full public liability insurance

Crafty Hen Parties

Crafty Hen Parties 

These fun workshops are brought to your accommodation where you will be provided with expert tuition and all the materials and equipment needed for you to make your own amazing professional creations. Wear & create them for your night in or out, or even for the wedding itself. Workshops last approximately 2 hours and are delivered by a professional artist/crafts person. Other crafty parties can also be catered for.

Knicker Customisation– Create your own unique designs using appliqué (fabric layering), fabric paint and pens, ribbons and Swarovski Crystal Rhinestones.

Corsages & Accessories(Textile) – Manipulate fabrics to create brooches, corsages and hair accessories. Add beads and sequins for that extra bit of sparkle …perhaps co-ordinate your accessories to go with your wedding outfit?.

Bunting– Each create your own string of bunting with no sewing involved! Choose from a selection of vintage inspired and pretty fabrics, your bunting can be personalised, or used for decorating the wedding.

Cocktail Rings- Design and make your own statement rings using beads, sequins and layered plastics. You’ll create stylish and fun jewellery that can accessorize any outfit. Other jewellery can also be made.

Bookings cost £28 per person and include all materials, equipment and expert tuition. Groups over 14 will receive a discount. Minimum guest charge is for 8 people. Bookings and enquiries to Julie Roberts julie@julieroberts.co.uk 07890 443705 www.julieroberts.co.uk

Pot Doodles

Pot Doodles has gone mobile. Welcome to Pot Doodles the "paint your own pottery experience" that has now gone Mobile! At the end of 2008 we took our fantastic Pot Doodles "Paint your own pottery experience" MOBILE. Rather than you come to us we now come to you in our unique "Doodle Van". Pot Doodles will visit your home, school, club, hall or other venue for:-

• Birthday Parties For All Ages!
• Hen Parties

http://www.potdoodles.co.uk/new/

The Local Food Company

Buy organic local food and have it delivered to your door.

• www.thelocalfoodcompany.co.uk

Taxis

• Max's Minibus Hire - Taunton Mini Buses - www.tauntonminibuses.co.uk  or tel 01823 257180 (14, 16 & 21 seater buses available)
• Knight Brothers Travel Ltd - www.knightbrotherstravel.co.uk  or tel 01823 442205 (15, 16, 18 & 24 seater buses available)
• Monument Mini Cabs, Wellington - 01823 66 44 44
• County Taxis, Wellington - 01823 666333
• A1 Taxis, Taunton (next to railway station) - 01823 332211

(It is recommended that you pre-order taxis in advance).

For links to Tourist Information and details of areas of natural beauty within Somerset go to the following

• www.heartofsomerset.co.uk
• www.quantockonline.co.uk
• www.quantockhills.org.uk
• www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
• www.whatsonexmoor.co.uk
• www.wellingtonsomerset.com

Bloomin Lovely

Based in Wellington, we can arrange for Flowers and Balloons to be at the property for you on your arrival. We offer a range of beautiful hand tied bouquets, stunning fragrant traditional style bouquets, pretty basket arrangements, but to name a few. Please phone 01823 661000 to order. www.bloomin-lovely.co.uk