Lucy Benjamin, Guildford panto star Q&A

Liz Nicholls

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We chat to EastEnders star, actor Lucy Benjamin who stars as Cinderella’s Wicked Step Mum in the Yvonne Arnaud’s pantomime this year.

Hello Lucy! What’s your first memory of pantomime?

“My first memory of panto, is back when I was five or maybe six when my Grandma took me to Camberley to see Jim Davidson playing Buttons in Cinderella. I even remember getting a merchandise pen! This was a bloomin’ long time ago!”

Q. What are your earliest memories of TV and what’s your favourite soap nowadays?

“I remember watching Bagpuss, Mr Benn, Camberwick Green and Trumpton; I was an avid TV watcher even from a very early age. My fave soap is currently EastEnders because I’ve just been back on the square and got right back into watching it.”

Q. Who was your hero growing up? And now?

“My mum was my hero growing up and still is now. Mums are the best!”

Q. How do you feel about this production of Cinderella?

“I’m delighted to be playing The Wicked Step Mum in Cinderella this year and stepping into the Uglies’ shoes, as there’s nothing more fulfilling than to be playing a baddie, when I’ve spent a lot of my panto years being the goodie. Bring it on!”

Q. Who is the ‘baddest’ pantomime and soap villain of all time?

“I remember performing alongside Kate Omara in Dick Whittington in Dartford one year and realising that it was probably one of the best and sexiest panto villains I’d ever seen. My favourite soap baddie has to be Dirty Den in EastEnders… Phil Mitchell can give him a run for his money though too!”

Q. What is the weirdest or most touching piece of fanmail you have received?

“The weirdest fan thing that’s ever happened to me was that a woman once turned up at stage door at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton during panto season and proceeded to show me a tattoo she’d had done on her thigh of my face! I think she went on to truly regret it, as you would.”

Q. Do you love Christmas and what does the festive season look like in your household?

“I love the Christmas holidays and all the food and drink that goes with being with the family over an extended time. Although I do find cooking Christmas dinner very stressful.”

Q. What’s your favourite piece of music and who’s your favourite singer?

“My favourite artist at the moment is Labi Siffre and the track Lying, Laughing, Loving, Crying.”

Q. What is your favourite book?

“My favourite book as a child was always The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, which ignited my love of reading for the rest of my life!”

Q. What do you most love about Berkshire & Bucks and how was it as a place to grow up?

“I went to Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead from the age of nine to 17, so have very fond memories of spending many of my formative years in Berkshire. I was also born in Reading, so I have a very local connection.”

Q. How about Surrey – will you and the cast & crew go out in Guildford during the production run?

“I’m sure there will be a little bit of socialising with the cast and crew during the panto run, but trust me, doing two shows a day is no mean feat!”

Q. What advice would you have for any youngsters who are interested in acting?

“My advice to any youngsters wanting to go into acting is to pursue your dreams, but always make sure you have an education to fall back on in order to give you as many strings to your bow as possible if things don’t work out. It’s a tough old business.”

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?

“I’m no Greta Thunberg, so my best (cheesy) answer to this question, is for everyone that can or is able to, to come and see our fabulous panto at the Yvonne Arnaud this year and make the most of the festive period! You won’t be disappointed!

You’re all invited to the ball! Cinderella, 2nd December to 7th January: book your tickets at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

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Sale e Pepe’s iconic Italian recipes

Liz Nicholls

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With neighbourhood trattoria Sale e Pepe recently being given a complete refurb ahead of its 50th anniversary next year, we’re saving up a taste of la dolce vita for those seeking a fresh at-home recipes to keep those summer vibes going!

The Knightsbridge staple invites lovers of traditional Italian food to take their hand at their classic dishes. Ideal for hosting across the summer period, the illustrious restaurant has always attracted a jet-setting crowd, loved by the likes of Rod Stewart, Sir Roger Moore, Priscilla Presley and Ringo Starr.

Sale E Pepe prides itself in serving the very produce, try your hand at their infamous Costaletta di Vileto Milanaise – pan-fried veal chop with breadcrumbs which is signature to the Lombardy region or the Camparian Linguine all’ Aragosta – Linguine with lobster, cherry tomatoes, basil and garlic. Opt for a more light dish of Insalata di Granchio – crab and avocado salad with tomato concassé, spring onions, chives and lemon dressing, bringing the Italian summer to the table.

Costaletta di Vileto Milanaise

Ingredients:
• 500g one bone in veal cutlets about 3/4 thick, trimmed or you can ask the butcher to make flattened for you than will be easier to prepare at home,
• Three eggs
• 100gm breadcrumbs granules
• 80 gm all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 240g clarified butter (recipe is mentioned below)
• One lemon, quartered

Method:
1. Make two or three cuts on the edges of cutlet to keep them from curling up as they cook
2. Heat the clarified butter over medium high heat. The secret to cooking the meat is to cook it quickly at a very high temperature to seal the outside and create a crunchy breading while keeping the inside moist and juicy.
3. Whisk the eggs and place them in a shallow pan
4. Place each first into the flour, then the eggs bath and then finally the breadcrumbs as you go to ensure that they don’t fall off
5. Fry the cutlet for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, then remove to a plate lined with paper towels and allow the extra butter to drain off
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then place on a baking sheet

Linguine all’ Aragosta

Ingredients:
• 600g Canadian lobster
• 80g linguine pasta
• 120g red cherry tomato
• 5g fresh basil leaves
• 18g garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 45ml white wine
• 28ml extra virgin olive oil
• 5g mix micro herbs (optional)

Method:
1. Cover the bottom of a large frying pan with olive oil, chopped garlic, basil leaves and fry your cherry tomatoes together. Add stock, black pepper and fry for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally
2. Add the lobster tail and chunks and fry for 1 minute
3. Add the dry white wine and make sure to cook all the alcohol out and reduce until the sauce has thickened slightly
4. Cook your linguine or spaghetti in a LARGE pot of rapidly boiling salted water. Stir the pasta regularly and cook until al dente almost 5 to 6 minutes and using your spaghetti spoon lift, the cooked pasta out of the pot, allow the water to drain off and add it spoonful by spoonful straight into the pan of lobster pasta sauce
5. Toss well and serve garnished with the micro herbs

(Insalata di Granchio) crab & avocado salad

Ingredients:
• 45g diced tomatoes
• 85g freshly handpicked crab meat
• One ripe avocado
• 30ml fresh lime juice
• 55ml extra virgin oil
• 5g chipped chives
• 5g spring onion
• 1 gram or pinch of chilli powder
• Sea salt & pepper as per taste

Method:
1. First in a small bowl mix together avocado cubes, lime juice, diced tomato, chives, olive oil, salt & pepper, mix well and set aside.
2. Then repeat the same process and add crab meat, lime juice, diced tomato, chilli powder, chopped chives, spring onion, olive oil, salt & pepper, mix well and set aside.
3. Take a flat base plate, place the round shape ring in a centre and add avocado layer and add crab mixture for second layer up, garnish with olive oil & chopped chives.


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Greyhound team are AA gold winners

Liz Nicholls

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Congratulations to the team at The Greyhound Inn in Letcombe Regis who have earned two rosettes and a four-star gold award plus a breakfast award in the latest AA Hospitality Awards.

Catriona Galbraith and the rest of the trusty Greyhound team know how it feels to be on the receiving end of warm praise, having won the loyalty of locals and visitors as well as a galaxy of awards including CAMRA pub of the year.

But an extra serving of praise goes to them all today, including Head Chef Martyn Sherriff and Sous Chef Attila Fulop, for winning two rosettes and a four-star gold award after a visit from discerning AA inspectors.

Catriona tells us: “Since opening almost eight years ago, The Greyhound Inn has strived to offer our guests a dining experience that will make them want to return again and again. Without being pretentious or formal, we look after our guests in a friendly and efficient way and serve food that we are extremely proud of. Receiving this award from the AA of two rosettes, on top of an entry in the Good Food Guide earlier this year, demonstrates our team’s commitment to creating a memorable experience for our guests which, to us, is the point of having a hospitality business.”

“Without being pretentious or formal, we look after our guests in a friendly and efficient way”

We enjoyed a taste of this award-winning hospitality at the weekend and will serve you a review in our next edition of Round & About, plus details about Christmas and NYE parties.

Meanwhile, book in to enjoy the six-course Autumn Tasting Menu on Thursday, 19th October with a wine flight of specially paired wines. For more details visit The Greyhound Inn or call 01235 771969.

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Cultural Travels from Home: online adventures!

Liz Nicholls

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After venturing online during lockdown, Cultural Travels from Home are still flying high and taking happy travellers to far-off destinations virtually with a highlight on 28th September, thanks to art historian Siân Walters

Art tour and event company, Art History in Focus has been much loved by Surrey residents for over 20 years who have regularly followed its impressive programme of local courses and overseas tours around the world. The focus of the company changed however during the Covid pandemic when its director, art historian Siân Walters devised pioneering approach to cultural travel, bringing galleries’ art collections to people at home. At a period when all museums were closed and when people were unable to travel, she worked with directors of many major European art galleries and cultural sites, enabling people to enjoy exclusive, live access to their collections.

Museums at your fingertips

The programme, entitled Cultural Travels from Home, has gone from strength to strength. Led by expert guides and art historians, each tour is live and interactive, with an opportunity to ask questions and spend time savouring details of artworks which cannot be seen with the naked eye, thanks to the high-resolution technology used during the visits. The programme has become particularly popular with art followers who now find it difficult to travel or who are challenged physically, meaning that in-person visits are not so easy. There’s also a sense of friendship and camaraderie: as one regular puts: “I feel as if I have a new ‘art family’!”

Private exhibition visits

Another innovative feature is the exhibition tour programme, enabling viewers to enjoy a private online tour of a major art exhibition, from anywhere in the world. This October, viewers will enjoy an exclusive tour broadcast from a Titian exhibition at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, led by its curator. Later in the year there will be a broadcast from the Belvedere in Vienna with a special focus on Gustav Klimt, and a tour of an important upcoming exhibition dedicated to the enduring popular artist Rosalba Carriera and her career as a miniaturist.

Cultural Travels from Home

Since its creation, Art History in Focus has devised and presented the world’s first livestream tours of the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, the Medici Palace in Florence, the Brera Art Gallery in Milan, the Palazzo Colonna and Galleria Doria Pamphilj in Rome and very many more.

There are also regular walking tours throughout Europe from Lisbon, Ljubljana and Amsterdam to Madrid, Bruges and Barcelona. The special expertise of the Art History in Focus guides often lends a unique touch to the experiences – for example, participants recently attended an unforgettable twilight tour of Pompeii in the company of a well-known local archaeologist, who showed them some of the site’s most recent excavations.  

Another highlight was a tour from Kyiv in which viewers were able to learn about the history of Ukraine and celebrate its beauty and cultural heritage. One happy traveller commented: “Thank you so much for another beautifully presented course… Travel and galleries and museums are difficult for me, so I very much appreciate particularly the live visits.”

Worldwide following

Siân, who alongside running Art History in Focus lectures for the National Gallery in London – and for many years lectured at the University of Surrey – says: “It has been heart-warming to receive such wonderful feedback from our visitors and students as well as the participating museums, and I’m so glad to be continuing with these programmes which are enabling us all to enjoy art and culture in new and varied ways. Our followers now join us from all over the world and it’s such a pleasure to welcome them each week.”

Coming soon

Amongst the events scheduled for the coming months are a live virtual guided tour of Titan 1508 at the Gallerie dell’ Accademia in Venice and Rosalba Carriera: Miniatures on Ivory at the Ca’ Rezzonico, commemorating the 350th year anniversary of the artist’s birth in 1673. These visits form part of an online course entitled “Europe’s Great Galleries”, starting on 29th September and exploring a different museum each week. 

For further information, please visit Cultural Travels from Home: The Frari Basilica in Venice – Art History in Focus

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Q&A with Fiona Allen on tour

Liz Nicholls

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We chat to comedian & Smack The Pony star Fiona Allen who is on tour with her debut stand-up show On The Run, including stops at Guildford’s Electric Theatre on 28th September, plus Swindon, London & Maidenhead

Q. Hi Fiona. Seeing as your show is called On The Run, can you tell us about your impulse to get away from your hometown?

“I think I get my wanderlust from my mum and dad. My mum grew up in the time of Franco and left Spain as a young woman. She couldn’t speak English and was an au pair, then she became a nurse in the north of England where she met my dad (a psychiatric nurse). He then went on to work in Saudi Arabia when I was eight (interesting school holidays in Saudi…). Then the family home moved back to Spain, then back to the UK, so basically itchy feet are hardwired into me. I think I’m genetically predisposed to look at the horizon and think I wonder what’s over the hill. I was like that as a chid, and I simply haven’t changed.”

Q. How did you meet your husband & how has the whirlwind of family life affected ‘romance’?

“He was a location manager on the first series of Smack The Pony. We kept glancing at each other but trying to look like we weren’t. Then the director, who was getting slightly irritated, said ‘for God’s sake, talk to each other and go on a date’. One day I slipped filming a scene and missed the crash mat as it was the wrong way round. I banged my head, and he took me back to the base. It was then, when I was dazed, confused and slightly concussed that he asked me out for a drink! I could be flippant about the romance question, but I won’t be as one thing I really believe is that marriage is sometimes how you navigate the tough times together. Flowers, kind thoughts and actions are lovely, but nothing is more romantic than knowing that every day, no matter what, someone has always got your back. However he doesn’t tidy up and drives me bonkers.”

Q. What about meeting your father-in-law, Michael Parkingson?

“He was just a normal (very) Northern bloke who happened to be famous. Good to chat to as a journo and cut through stuff. He can ask a question. I can so answer it.”

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Adam Smith’s Peppered Venison dish recipe

Liz Nicholls

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Adam Smith, executive chef at Coworth Park in Ascot, shares his recipe for a seasonal game salad

This is a great dish showcasing some of my favourite autumnal ingredients. It’s simple to prepare in advance and although relatively light eating it’s also warm and comforting with the rich sticky figs and beautifully spiced vension.

Peppered venison salad, serves six

Ingredients

• 1kg venison loin
• 1tbsp black peppercorns
• 2tbsp pink peppercorns
• 1 star anise
• 1tbsp juniper berries
• 6 fresh figs
• 250g roast pecan nuts
• Selection of bitter leafs (red and white chicory, radicchio, frisse, Castro Franco)
• 120ml walnut oil
• 100ml rape seed oil
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 100ml cabernet Savion vinegar
• 200ml red wine
• 200ml ruby port
• 200g soft brown sugar
• 50g fresh ginger
• 2 star anise
• 6 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 6 juniper berries

Peppered venison loin

• 1kg venison loin
• 1tbsp black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp pink peppercorns
• 1 star anise
• 1tbsp juniper berries
• 1tbsp Dijon mustard

Method

1. Roast all the spices in a dry pan, then into a pestle and mortar and crush them to a coarse powder
2. Season the venison loin with salt and sear in a hot pan, remove from the pan brush all over with the Dijon mustard and roll into the crushed spices
3. Cook in the oven at 180C until a core temperature of 48C is achieved
4. Remove from the oven and allow to rest at room temperature

Dressing

• 120ml walnut oil
• 100ml rape seed oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 100ml cabernet Savion vinegar

1. Whisk the Dijon mustard and the vinegar together in a round bottomed bowl
2. Combine the two oils and slowly add to the bowl ensuring to continually whisk to emulsify the dressing
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Port roast figs

• 6 fresh figs
• 200ml red wine
• 200ml ruby port
• 200g soft brown sugar
• 50g fresh ginger
• 2 star anise
• 6 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 6 juniper berries

Method

1. Thickly slice the ginger and crack the cardamom pods and place into a pan with the cloves, star anise, soft brown sugar, red wine and port
2. Bring to the boil and reduce to a syrup
3. Pass through a fine sieve
4. Score the figs and drizzle in the syrup
5. Place into an oven at 180C and cook for around 4-5min
6. The timing will differ depending on the ripeness of your figs, you want the soft and sticky but still able to hold their shape

To serve

• Pick down and wash all of the bitter leaves in ice cold water, if you have a salad spinner, spin then dry
• Place the washed salad with ½ of the pecan nuts into a large salad bowl and dress generously with your walnut oil dressing
• Arrange these into your serving bowl
• Slice your peppered venison about 5mm thick then place on the top with the roast glazed figs
• Add the other ½ of the pecan nuts on top and add a little extra dressing if desired

Visit Coworth Park – 5-Star Luxury Hotel

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Spooky Bucks – October Halloween special

Liz Nicholls

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Bucks is home to many spooky sites including the Hellfire Caves… Liz Nicholls gathers up some local ghost stories

Some 300 feet beneath the Church of St Lawrence, capped with its gold ball, lie the Hellfire Caves. This intricate network of caverns a quarter of a mile into the hillside was created by Sir Francis Dashwood who, in 1747, introduced a poor relief bill to pay workers a shilling a day to mine the chalk here and build a road into Wycombe.  

Once the haunt of members of The Hellfire Club, whose former HQ in Medmenham Abbey invited river-bourne visitors to Fait Ce Que Voudras (“do what thou wilt”), as Bill Spectre (ghosttrail.org) explains… “As guests could arrive without being seen by the pappazzi, the great and good would play there with their mistresses. They say ladies of the night were hired to walk around dressed as nuns [“dollymops”]. When he took it over in 1750, Sir Francis had the grounds turned into a ‘garden of lust’ with explicit statues, fruity plants and suggestive topiary. He was finally pushed into moving to the Hellfire Caves after a monkey he’d released ran riot during a church service.” 

Tall tales of satanic rituals and debauchery here abound, and Hellfire Caves is a thriving tourist attraction today, as well as Hughenden Manor, whose former resident Prime Minister & Earl of Beaconsfield Benjamin Disraeli is said to make his presence felt. The caves, with their imposing flint entrance, have featured on screens big and small, including TV shows Inspector Morse, Most Haunted and Chucklevision.  

As David Kidd-Hewitt explores in his book, Buckinghamshire Stories of the Supernatural (with good spirits and a generous pinch of salt), Hellfire Club steward Paul Whitehead left his heart to be entombed in the Mausoleum but it was stolen by an American soldier. Paul’s ghost is said to stalk the caverns and hills above. 

Others have related visits from “Sukie”, a young woman, dressed in white, said to have been summoned to meet her suitor in the caves before realising she was the victim of hoax by local lads. She’s said to linger here amid the dripping caves and at her place of work, the nearby George & Dragon. As David notices: “Pubs and taverns always seem to predominate when it comes to supernatural stories and Buckinghamshire is no exception. In fact, so many public houses across the country claim to be haunted, it would be unusual to find a pub without a ghost or two…” The book explores paranormal stories at the Ivy House, The Greyhound in Chalfont and The Boot & Slipper in Amersham, as well as Wycombe Swan and the abandoned Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital in Taplow. 

The Royal Standard in Forty Green, which claims to be England’s oldest pub is said to be haunted by a 12-year-old drummer boy who was among a dozen Royalists beheaded by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War. Charles II’s mistress is also said to visit in spirit. 

You can book in for a spooky sleepover with Haunted Rooms (hauntedrooms.co.uk) at venues including Missenden Abbey, which was founded in 1133 and favoured by King Henry III. The November dinner & stay is already booked up by eager ghoul-hunters seeking the immoral “Black Monks of Missenden” and the lady in crinoline carrying flowers floating down the stairs and through a door. 

Henry VIII brought Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard (the two wives he had beheaded) to Chenies Manor, another Haunted Rooms ghost hunt venue. I used to do silver service here during my shortlived teenage career as a waitress and always felt a shudder as I passed the staircase. But when I stayed last December for a last-minute birthday treat, no spirits slipped by (except for a few vodkas). But plenty of other spirits are reported at Chenies where, during the English Civil War, parliamentary troops used the long gallery as a barracks. 

As many as five ghosts are claimed to frequent the Crown Inn in Amersham, the setting for Hugh Grant and Andie MacDowell’s romantic scene in Four Weddings and a Funeral, as well as my own parents’ wedding. Staff at the 16th century coaching inn have complained of shouts to “get out now!”. Some punters have reported a spectral drinker at the end of the bar at last orders. 

Make of all these spooky stories what you will, but as David adds by way of caveat: “The devil is in the detail runs the saying, but more often than not you would find it difficult to locate very much ghostly detail, let alone a devil.” 

Claim a 20% discount at countrysidebooks.co.uk with code R&A20 

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Mucky Weekender out of this world

Liz Nicholls

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All the stars aligned to make Mucky Weekender the best small festival on Planet Earth this summer…

A short time ago (last weekend) in a galaxy not very far away… the stars of jungle, dub and more came out to shine.

Four thousand rockers and ravers took off from Vicarage Farm near Winchester on a two-day mission to explore Mucky Weekender created by intrepid Dub Pistols frontman Barry Ashworth.

And this summer’s highlight did not disappoint with four star-spangled stages for 2023. As promised, The USS Seanie T spaceship boldy went where no MC had gone before, and the Crazy Diamonds Club Stage dazzled bright. Leeroy Thornhill (ex Prodigy) and DJ Format were two of the many highlights blowing minds at The Shack while The Ashworth Mad House provided the perfect base for astronomical sets from Goldie MBE, Charlie Tee, Stereo MCs, general Levy, Krafty Kuts, Bez’s Acid House and many many more.

This was my first trip to Mucky Weekender, and the fourth event spreading the love thanks to hedonist and helper Barry, who is patron of Tonic Music for Mental Health who offer free support and recovery programmes for the vulnerable people within the music and arts community.

The intimate capacity crowd of all ages, roaming a stunning 28 acres of private parkland, make for a community feel, with great vibes and everyone taking care of each other – especially important on this scorcher of an end-of-summer weekend.

Top marks must also go to the weird and wonderful creatives who added their own sprinkles of spacedust, such as Jethro & Tom with their sonic instrument experience in The Stump. Also, everyone who got involved with this year’s intergalactic theme outdid themselves, with outfits and props of stellar proportions.

If any of this means anything to you, and you miss the old days and spirit of drum and bass, Mucky is for you. Coming back to reality might be a bumpy landing, and your legs might not work the same way for a couple of days afterwards, but this is a price worth paying to leave the home planet for a few days.

Next year’s shindig will have a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party there, so make yourself a brew, happy recovery and hope to see you next September!

Visit: Mucky Weekender Festival

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Donnington Valley raises autumn spirits

Liz Nicholls

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Missed summer? You’re sure to feel the glow with a minibreak at Donnington Valley Hotel, Golf & Spa

Summer this year has offered a bit of a false dawn: a scorching few weeks followed by soggy second half…

But if you weren’t able to jet off to sunnier climes August onwards (like the rest of the world, judging by social media) I recommend a stay at Donnington Valley where the warm welcome is sure to top up your mojo levels.

Backing on to the rolling landscaped golf course (which is even prettier in autumn mizzle) the privately owned four-star hotel and spa has earned rave reviews and several industry awards for its top-notch hospitality and food. No wonder it’s become a popular choice for everyone, from walkers to wedding parties.

I arrived in the middle of a stressful week, fairly frazzled, and within about five minutes of being ushered into the calm sanctuary of the spa, Gabriele had kneaded the tension from my poor shoulders with a Sonoma Aromatherapy Massage. As well as feeling a warm afterglow which lasted days afterwards, the indulgent Germaine de Capuccini skincare products left even my knackered skin feeling peachy and bright.

There are lots of great packages on offer, such as the half spa day including a 25-minute treatment tailored to you, such as a Walkers Leg Therapy massage or an express Royal Jelly De-Stress Facial. You can enjoy a bento box or afternoon tea and plenty of time to relax in (or alongside) the turquoise pool which is a heavenly haven with a jacuzzi, sauna and aromatherapy room – or hit the gym as well if you haven’t melted into total relaxation by that point. If you have opted for a spa break (check out the autumn package deals) you can then float along the corridor and straight into an immaculate room for a totally restful and comfortable sleep in a luxurious kingsize bed, and you can keep the good vibes going the following morning with the best breakfast in Berkshire.

Strictly Pro Dancer Karen Hauer recently checked in to The HangOut, Donnington Valley’s an al fresco dining grill and chill area where she and star chef Darren made their own pizzas hot & crispy from the oven. The HangOut has stayed abuzz all summer and continues to sizzle into September, under the fairylights. You can settle in (under cover if the heavens open) to relax and enjoy a perfectly mixed cocktail or glass of wine or three, with live music on Saturday evenings. Inside (in the huge cosy beamed Bacchus wine bar and restaurant) or out, the food is of epic feast proportions: I can heartily recommend the Donnington Burger with Ogleshield cheese and the trio of Berkshire sausages with bacon bubble and sticky onion jus. Sunday roasts (12-2.30pm) also earn high praise – and all the winter warmers are sure to raise your spirits even on a cold day.

The staff are amazingly kind and helpful and will help you forget your everyday cares and worries – I felt as though I’d been away somewhere far-off for a few days.

Visit donningtonvalley.co.uk 

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Dub Pistols’ Barry Ashworth Q&A

Liz Nicholls

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We chat music, heroes and mental health with music industry veteran Barry Ashworth ahead of Mucky Weekender festival in Winchester, 8th & 9th September, plus Dub Pistols’ upcoming UK tour…

Q. Hello Barry! Like us, you love a festival! What’s your best festival memory, and why?

“Playing nearly three festivals a week for over 25 years… that’s a hard one to answer. Rise festival in Victoria Park was pretty special because we had Terry Hall and Lynval Golding from The Specials playing with us and it was the first time they had played together in over 20 years; we played Gangsters and over 100,000 people lost their minds. They went on to say that day was the catalyst for them reforming the band. Last year’s Glastonbury Glade show was pretty special too, it was the biggest crowd we had played to at Glastonbury and the roar from the crowd when we came out was spectacular.”

Q. What’s your first memory of music?

“My mother loved her Motown music, I remember she had a white record player and would play and sing along to all her favourite Motown tunes all day long; she loved singing.”

Q. Who was your hero growing up? And now?

“I had a few to be honest, I’m a mad Liverpool fan so Kenny Dalglish was my idol. Musically I had a few: Terry Hall from The Specials, Joe Strummer from The Clash and Paul Weller the Modfather, all have had a massive influence on me musically.”

Q. Really tough one but what’s your favourite tune? (Or top three!)

“Almost impossible to answer this one as it changes daily but going with the above answer; The Specials – Ghost Town, The Clash – Straight To Hell and The Style Council – Shout to the Top.“

Q. Who are you most looking forward to seeing, hearing and hanging out with at Mucky Weekender this year?

“Everyone on the line up – that’s why I’ve booked them all!”

Q. How do you take good care of your mental health?

“I’m very fortunate to live in a small village called Reed in Hertfordshire. Walking is so good for your mental health. Being in the fresh air in the middle of the countryside makes me very happy.”

Q. Have you enjoyed any other great festivals this summer?

“Festival season is always my favourite time of the year. Every festival is unique and brings its own vibe but there are three that I feel are very close to my heart and have a special connection to. Beat-herder, in my opinion, is the best independent festival in the country. We have such a strong connection with the crowd there and the love that we get from them is something I will never take for granted. The amount of work and attention to detail that goes into Beat-herder is unique. The venues they build are off the scale and if I were handing out awards for best festivals in the UK this would be a winner. In Europe nothing comes close to Electric Castle in Romania. The production is next level and again the relationship we have built up from being part of the festival from the beginning is one of mutual love and respect. The noise, the energy and the vibe that comes when we walk-out leaves me quite emotional. So, I have covered the UK and Europe, but it is always festival season somewhere in the world and my next mention is halfway around the world in New Zealand. Splore Festival is another one of my spiritual homes. A better location for a festival is hard to find. Set on a beach in Tapapakanga National regional park, its ethos, its connection to the people and the traditions of the Māori land it is on, make it truly unique and one of a kind. I feel blessed to have been part of it over the years and again for the bond we have built with its crowd. For me, these festivals stand out against the others due to the care and pride the production team have for what they have created and for the experience they are providing.”  

Q. What is the best feedback you’ve ever had from Mucky Weekender?

“We have people coming to the festival on their own and leave with a tribe of new friends. This always blows me away. For customers to feel safe to arrive alone because they know the vibe and crowd are so friendly. We have a lady who’s traveling solo all the way from Australia. Her first year coming to Mucky was 2022 and she’s made friends that will last a lifetime that she’s meeting up with again this year. I think this is such a huge compliment for the environment we’ve created. It’s incredible how many people are traveling from different parts of the globe to join us.” 

Q. What else is on the horizon for you over the next few months?

“Rest, if only I could relax! The Dub Pistols have recently released a new album called Frontline on my own label Cyclone Records. It went to number 3 in the UK charts. There is a stack of remixes due for release from the likes of Don Letts, Guadi, The Allergies, Klue and a host of others. We have a winter UK tour lined up and I am already working on my next album with The Freestylers. Oh, and a documentary called what could possibly go wrong. The history of The Dub Pistols. It’s a rock n roll story of every band and a cautionary tale of what not to do to make it in the music industry!” 

Q. Finally, if you could make one wish for the world, what would it be?

“It is cheesy but I am a socialist. I would like to see peace, love and unity throughout the world. A world where everyone is given a fair chance and a decent existence. A world in which we care less for ourselves and more for others.” 

Mucky Weekender, named after one of the Dub Pistols’ bestselling singles Mucky Weekend, covers all genres across four stages at Vicarage Farm with an intergalactic theme this year. See you at the front! For info about Dub Pistols’ long awaited album Frontline visit dubpistolsmusic.co.uk/category/new-releases/. A Dub Pistols documentary will be out soon.

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