4 DECEMBER 2004, Page 22

MARTELL Christmas arrives earlier every year, to the despair of

any CADDAD sufferer such as me. Christmas Affected Doom, Depression And Despondeney, to give the syndrome its full nomenclature, is a terrible ailment which usually strikes in late November. 1, however, begin to feel its chilly grip around mid-September, the first twinges coinciding with the arrival of Christmas cards in Oxfam and plastic trees in BootTinsel brings on a rash, mistletoe a sneezing fit, crackers the shakes and the exhortation to "Hai e a Cool Yule", induces an acute bout of Tourette's. The food is unspeakable. SO vile that we only eat it once a year, and we would much rather spend our Christmases with close friends rather than our families. Aaaanaglt!! The exquisite boutique hotel, Blanch House in Brighton, is the perfeet refuge, owned by fellow sufferer Amanda Blanch anti her husband, Chris Edwardes. a connoisseur of quality drinks. A relaxed meal with close friends and an hour in the hotel's intimate bar, glass of Martell Cordon Bleu cognac in hand and the shakes and the sweats disappear. It might be the excellent grub, Amanda's sympathetic voice, or Martell's inimitable smoothness, but suddenly 1 know that it's all going to he ALI, RIGHT, and realise with a jolt that I've forgotten to get Santa his mince pies.

We are offering one reader the chance to recreate your very own 'Martell Moment' in style with dinner for two, Iwo complimentary glasses of Martell Cordon Bleu and an overnight stay and breakfast at Blanch House. Simply email marteilmoment@richmonshowers.com with a description of your perfect way to celebrate Christmas with Martell Cordon Bleu for your chance to win.

As the meal ends. enjoy the rest of the evening in style with a glass of Martell Cordon Bleu, the flagship XO cognac from the world's oldest major cognac house.

As well ns Blanch House, j Martell Cordon Rica can he enjoyed i in some of the UK's most prestigious

loacs and restaurants including the :American Bar at The Savoyand the Chukka Bar at The Laugham hi Laudon; Koha Cocktail and Members' Bar in Brighton;

Bahingtion House in S trset and Gidleigh Park lintel in Devon.