VIVA’s Christmas lust list
| 12th December 2023
Tis the season, well very nearly, to get all Christmassy or just enjoy the parties, food and general goodwill.
So VIVA’s rounded up our lust list of Christmassy things. From presents (and we all need some self love so treat yourself too) to things to do. Here’s VIVA’s festive fun list for Christmas 2023…
ESPA’s wellness wonderland
ESPA’s indulgent Christmas Gift Collection has been specially crafted to bring seasonal tidings of wellness and joy and what’s more there’s real beautiful bargains to be had.
VIVA loves its Harmonising Hydration Collection at £80 but worth £107, designed to create petal-soft skin with each product packed with a burst of botanical moisture to truly replenish dry, winter skin.
Featuring beautiful naturals including rose, chamomile and jasmine for balanced, hydrated skin, It’s a complete skincare ritual for smooth, supple skin in a luxurious gift collection that includes: Hydrating Cleansing Milk 200ml, Hydrating Floral Spa-Fresh Mist 100ml, 24 Hour Replenishing Moisturiser 55ml, Overnight Hydration Therapy 15ml and cotton cloth.
We also adore the Winter Wellness Men’s Collection, again on sale for £45 but worth £63. ESPA Men brings powerful natural ingredients to the forefront to refresh, purify, and energise. From cooling Peppermint, to calming Kaolin Clay, to detoxifying TeaTree – each product is expertly crafted with multi-action formulas to perfect and purify this Christmas. Gift Includes: Invigorating Facial Wash, 150ml, Fitness Shower Oil 15ml, The Hydrator 35ml andFitness Bath Salts 55g.
Christmas Pizza!
Two of VIVA’s favourite things – Christmas and Pizza and we loved this superb deal from Franco Manca’s on King Street in their cozy, vibey restaurant. There’s a choice of two courses for only £18.50 and three courses for £22.50 and Franco Manca’s festive themed set menu is one of the most affordable on the high street, combining unbeatable value with premium quality.
Franco Manca, the sourdough pizza pioneer known for creating pizzas made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and fresh, handmade dough proved over 24 hours, has chosen a range of decadent flavours for each of the menu’s courses, which include three starters, four brand new pizzas and three desserts.
Kick off proceedings with a tempting array of winter warming small bites including a rich three cheese fonduta (a mix of Taleggio D.O.P., Colston Bassett Stilton & Franco’s grana) served with sourdough bread, or Mortadella from Bologna with creamy burrata, roasted plum tomatoes and pistachios.
The four new pizzas are bursting with festive flavour, with one of them featuring everyone’s favourite Christmas canapé – smoked salmon. The full line-up of pizzas is: Smoked salmon, mascarpone, mozzarella, Bottarga, capers from Salina, chives & lemon; pulled lamb, organic tomato, mozzarella, spicy marinated cavolo nero & Franco’s grana; porcini mushrooms, mozzarella, Franco’s grana, egg yolk, black pepper & truffle oil and a spicy plant-based mince as well as a broccoli cream base, Violife vegan cheese, green beans, beetroot & fresh chillies.
Those with a sweet tooth can finish up by indulging in a homemade tiramisu, vegan chocolate & blood orange ice cream, or a tartufo classico – chocolate and zabaglione ice cream, topped with cocoa & chopped hazelnuts. It’s the perfect option for all festive feasting fans. Party goers can get friends, family and colleagues together right up until Christmas Eve at Franco Manca restaurants nationwide (excluding Westfield Stratford and Edinburgh St Andrews).
A very Cheshire Christmas
Tis the season for decadence! For a beautiful atmosphere, and stunning food, head on down to Wilmslow’s newest hotspot – Piccolino Grande. As the name suggests, this isn’t just any Piccolino, oh no, this Piccolino is extra special.
From freshly made focaccia, pasta and it’s very own pizza oven, imported from Italy. This is an eatery unlike no other. The decor takes inspiration from the elegant art deco period, whilst the comfortable seating will make you feel right at home in Cheshire.
Piccolino Grande has brought the glitz and the glam and we know it will be THE place to see (and be seen) this Christmas.
Get into the Christmas spirit
Enjoy a modern take on the Christmas carol concert as Salford Choral Society perform a selection from Carol Ann Duffy’s beautiful work, The Manchester Carols.
Written in partnership with composer Sasha Johnson Manning, The Manchester Carols offers a contemporary version of the Christmas story that is relevant to people of all faiths and none.
The choir will sing a selection of five carols from the work, along with a haunting new arrangement of See Amid the Winter’s Snow, written by choir member and composer Peter Beenham, plus traditional favourites and the chance for an audience sing-along.
The Manchester Carols, Saturday 16 December, 7.30pm, St Clements Church, Chorlton M21 9AE. Tickets are £14 full-price, £11 concessions. Under-12s go free. Booking essential, email: tickets@salfordchoral.org.uk
Drink and be merry!
VIVA’s quaffing Black Tower’s Club Edition Range which is their newest, elevated selection of wines.
All are 100% vegan and cater to a range of palates ranging from the refreshing Riesling, the zesty Bronze Decanter Award winning Pinot Noir and the Gold Decanter Award Winning Sauvignon Blanc. The wines are stocked exclusively in ASDA stores and priced at £8.75 per bottle.