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A Global Celebration Of Garlic



As spring settles comfortably into its stride, bringing longer days and a renewed appetite for all things fresh and vibrant, there is one humble hero of the kitchen that deserves a moment in the sun. Every year, on 19th April, garlic enthusiasts around the globe come together to honour the ingredient that has quietly yet confidently transformed our meals: it is, of course, National Garlic Day.


Garlic, with its unmistakable aroma and punchy presence, is far more than just a seasoning. For thousands of years, it has found its way into kitchens, apothecaries, and even folklore. Believed to have originated in Central Asia, garlic spread along ancient trade routes, weaving itself into the culinary traditions of countless cultures. From the garlic-heavy aioli of Provence to the robust garlic naan of South Asia, it is a truly global ingredient, celebrated for its versatility and unmistakable depth of flavour.


But garlic’s reputation extends well beyond its culinary credentials. Historically, it was revered for its supposed medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians swore by it for strength and stamina, even feeding it to the builders of the pyramids. In Medieval Europe, it was hung in bunches to ward off everything from plague to vampires. While the latter might be more fiction than fact, modern science does recognise garlic's health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and natural compounds such as allicin, it is praised for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to boost heart health.


On National Garlic Day, however, it is the joy of eating that takes centre stage. Across Britain and beyond, food lovers use this date as the perfect excuse to indulge in their favourite garlicky dishes. From slow-roasted bulbs served with crusty bread to delicate pasta sauces kissed with just the right amount of garlic, there’s no shortage of inspiration. Even the more daring recipes come into play — think black garlic caramel desserts or creamy garlic ice cream for those with an adventurous palate.


Chefs, home cooks, and gardeners alike revel in the opportunity to showcase garlic’s many faces. It is a reminder of the beauty of simplicity, of how one unassuming bulb can elevate a dish from mundane to magnificent. For those with green fingers, April is also an excellent time to appreciate the plant itself, as garlic thrives in British gardens when given plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil.


More than just a day of culinary appreciation, National Garlic Day invites us to savour tradition and innovation alike. It is a moment to relish the bold and the subtle, the comforting and the unexpected. So whether you’re dicing cloves for a rustic stew, marinating meat for a smoky barbecue, or even daring to try garlic-infused cocktails, let this day be a celebration of a small but mighty ingredient that continues to bring people together, one pungent clove at a time.

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H.R. Owen - the UK’s leading luxury automotive dealer group – has officially opened the doors to its brand-new Bentley Hatfield showroom. The new flagship site is the first in the UK to feature Bentley’s new experiential design concept, elevating the showroom experience with new levels of luxury and innovation. Bentley Hatfield joins other H.R. Owen-operated Bentley showrooms in Surrey and Mayfair, London.


Richard Leopold, UK Regional Director of Bentley Motors, said: “The opening of Bentley Hatfield is a milestone moment for our UK operations, a demonstration of our joint commitment with H.R. Owen to our home market and our ambition to continue to lead the luxury car sector in the UK for many years to come.”


Bentley Hatfield features a showroom space that is both open and luxurious and intimate and cosseting. Away from the large glazed frontage and warmly lit floor displaying the latest range of Bentley models, sits the Mulliner Commissioning Studio. This sanctuary features high-definition screens, paint samples, leather swatches and fine wood strips as inspiration for the bespoke process of co-creating your new Bentley with Mulliner. This co-creation process is revealed to great effect with a new range of Mulliner-created models available exclusively through Bentley Hatfield, known as the de Havilland Collection.


Bentley Hatfield is with an H.R. Owen multi-marque facility built on the site of the former de Havilland aircraft factory where legendary models like the Mosquito and Comet Racer were built. The bespoke ‘de Havilland Collection’ examples of the Continental GT S, GTC S, Flying Spur S and Bentayga S feature Tornado Red accents in homage to the red paint of the de Havilland Comet Racer, winner of the 1934 England-Australia air race. Inside, the subtle exterior theme is emphasised with a bespoke Mulliner colour split across the front of the cabin that pairs a Hotspur red main hide with a Beluga secondary hide, contrasted by Mulliner White piping. The fascia and door waistrails feature a split of Beluga and Cambrian grey, intersected by a chrome pinstripe.


The all-new 110,000 sq/ft H.R. Owen facility that houses Bentley Hatfield is also home to three service centres, including a cutting-edge Bentley Aftersales site that brings ultimate customer service and convenience. Every Bentley brought to Hatfield enters via one of two ‘Drive Through Lanes’. The registration is checked by ANPR, while six 4K cameras operated by BodyGuard® inspect the entire exterior of the car. Further into the drive through lane the Fastlign® system checks both the tyre tread depths and basic wheel alignment. Even before it has entered the workshop a customer car has had a full visual assessment.


Ken Choo, H.R. Owen CEO, said: “H.R. Owen has a long and illustrious history retailing Bentley vehicles, and the launch of Bentley Hatfield marks an important milestone in that journey. Our new multi-million-pound automotive retail complex is the perfect location for Bentley Hatfield, especially given the rich aviation history between the former de Havilland site and Bentley’s factory in Crewe, which produced the Merlin engines that powered the Mosquito.


“Across the H.R. Owen Group we sell, service and maintain some of the most extraordinary supercars in the world. Our new complex offers a real opportunity for us to evolve the Bentley sales and aftersales experience in-line with the changing needs and desires of our customers.”

H.R. Owen further cements its position as the UK’s leading luxury automotive dealer group, with investments across the H.R. Owen Bentley range. Bentley Surrey moved into an all-new showroom and aftersales site in April 2021, and Jack Barclay was treated to a multi-million-pound renovation in 2018.


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