• Howick and Pakuranga Times

There’s no fudging the truth; roast almond and honey handmade fudge from 36° South packs a very pleasant punch and melts in the mouth!

A glorious blend of roasted almonds and New Zealand honey, this fudge is handmade in small batches; the almonds roasted to intensify the flavour. Combined with honey, butter and sugar the end result is fabulous fudge to enjoy as a treat or to give as a thoughtful and tasty gift.

30° South Almond & Honey Fudge, 120gm, RRP $5.79. Available from Farro Fresh, Mt Wellington.

Pub passes test of time:

Over the summer I’ve popped into Cock & Bull Botany on various occasions mostly for a quick meal – once after a movie; the other night after a longish day at work and, on another occasion with the family because we knew the non-stop kitchen could accommodate grandson’s early dinner time of around 5.30pm.

Most recently the husband and I popped in one Sunday night after being out and about all day. We both ordered roasts – pork for him, lamb for me – hearty pub meals with plenty of roast vegetables that left us, to put it mildly, stuffed!

As a result I just had to acknowledge that Cock & Bull really has stood the test of time.  The standard of fare remains consistent, there is plenty of variety – everything from a Cajun chicken salad (hurrah) through to bangers and mash, steak and mushrooms, pasta, curry and a whole lot more.

The Old English décor remains convivial and service is obliging and brisk. I’ve been a Cock & Bull regular since the former Little Cock & Bull opened on Ti Rakau Drive more than 10 years ago.

Today the Botany location remains on our radar for after work drinks and a tasting platter, the occasional quiz night or sometimes, as a place to put up one’s feet after an hour or two of shopping.

What’s more, I know management there support many community projects, which makes it that little bit special. No doubt, I’ll be in for another Cock & Bull fix before long.