Zoe Gater, Author at Round & About Magazine

Castle Hotel Windsor to reopen following £9.5 million refurbishment with new British brasserie

Zoe Gater

August 5, 2026

Zoe Gater

One of Windsor’s oldest hotels is set to begin a new chapter this summer, with Castle Hotel Windsor unveiling a £9.5 million refurbishment and a brand-new restaurant inspired by British classics.

Castle Hotel Windsor is set to relaunch in summer 2026 following a £9.5 million refurbishment, introducing redesigned bedrooms, refreshed public spaces and a new British brasserie in the heart of the town.

Located just moments from Windsor Castle, the landmark hotel dates back to 1528, when it first opened as The Mermaid Inn. Today, it offers 108 bedrooms and one of the largest event spaces in central Windsor.

The refurbishment will see every guest room redesigned, alongside updates to the hotel’s public areas, blending contemporary comforts with details inspired by the building’s Georgian heritage.

Expect classic British interiors featuring bold colours, layered textures, brass accents and traditional wall panelling, with upgraded in-room amenities including Roberts radios and coffee machines.

Guests looking for a quieter stay will also be able to book one of six new Mews bedrooms and suites, created within the hotel’s former stables.

The relaunch will also see the debut of Penningtons, a new British brasserie and bar named after 17th-century innkeeper George Pennington, who once ran the historic property.

Developed in partnership with Auden Hospitality, the restaurant will celebrate seasonal British produce with a menu featuring classic dishes given a contemporary twist, alongside signature pies, traditional Sunday roasts, afternoon tea and a dessert trolley.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s bar has been designed as a modern take on a traditional British pub, serving craft beers, local brews and cocktails created by flavourist and author Zoe Burgess.

The refreshed lounge will provide an all-day space for everything from morning coffee and working lunches to afternoon tea and evening drinks, while improvements to the hotel’s entrance and landscaping aim to create a more welcoming arrival experience.

The Castle Hotel Windsor is expected to reopen in summer 2026.

For more information, visit castlehotelwindsor.com/dining.

Take the Trunks across the Thames trail home with a brand-new Top Trumps pack

Zoe Gater

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

Zoe Gater

Fans of the Trunks across the Thames elephant trail can continue the adventure long after their visit, with a new Top Trumps pack launching this August, to raise money for Thames Hospice.

Visitors to the popular Trunks across the Thames art trail will soon be able to put their favourite elephant sculptures head-to-head, as a brand-new Top Trumps pack launches on Monday 10 August 2026.

Created to celebrate Thames Hospice’s first-ever public art trail, the special edition card game features the colourful elephant sculptures that have been delighting visitors across Windsor, Eton and Slough this summer.

Inspired by the classic family game, the pack allows players to compare the trail’s much-loved elephants through a series of fun facts and unique statistics, offering a new way to discover the herd while testing their knowledge of the trail.

Jane Symmons, Director of Fundraising at Thames Hospice, said: “We’re delighted to bring Trunks across the Thames to life in a whole new way through this exciting partnership with Top Trumps.

“The trail has captured the imagination of thousands of people this summer, and now families can continue the adventure at home while discovering even more about their favourite elephants.

“Every pack sold helps support the vital work of Thames Hospice, so it’s a fantastic way to take home a lasting memento of the trail while making a real difference to local people and their families.”

The Trunks across the Thames trail, created by Thames Hospice in partnership with Wild in Art, features more than 90 decorated elephant sculptures displayed across Windsor, Eton and Slough until Sunday 13 September 2026. Following the trail, the large sculptures will be auctioned to help raise funds for hospice care.

The new Top Trumps pack will be available to buy from 10 August at Thames Hospice shops in Windsor, Slough, Langley and Maidenhead, as well as at the hospice itself and online.

For more information, visit thameshospice.org.uk.

Fleet Phoenix launches urgent appeal to help safeguard youth services in Hart District

Zoe Gater

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

Zoe Gater

Fleet Phoenix is calling on businesses, organisations and the local community to help find temporary premises before it must leave its current home at the end of 2026, warning that vital services for thousands of young people could be significantly reduced without a solution.

Fleet Phoenix has launched an urgent appeal for support as it searches for temporary accommodation ahead of the redevelopment of its current premises.

The Hampshire youth charity, which supports more than 2,200 children, young people and families each year, must vacate its existing building by 31 December 2026.

While the move has always been expected to be temporary, with plans to return to a renovated building in January 2029, the organisation says it is still awaiting a decision on its future accommodation.

Despite exploring alternative venues, shared facilities, funding opportunities and changes to its operating model, Fleet Phoenix says it has yet to find a sustainable solution that would allow it to continue delivering its current level of service.

If suitable premises cannot be secured, the charity warns it may have no option but to significantly reduce its services, operating from a much smaller office base focused on advice, mentoring and support while scaling back many of the community projects it has delivered over the past 15 years.

It also says losing its operational base would mean placing equipment and resources into storage, making it difficult to continue delivering larger programmes including summer projects, outreach activities, youth events and practical workshops.

Charlotte, Managing Director of Fleet Phoenix, said: “This is about far more than finding another building. It is about protecting a service that thousands of children, young people and families rely upon each year.

“It is about preserving a skilled workforce, maintaining trusted relationships and ensuring that young people continue to have somewhere safe to turn when they need support.

“If our community believes these services matter, now is the time we need your support more than ever.”

Fleet Phoenix is now asking businesses, organisations, landlords, trusts and community leaders to come forward with potential temporary premises, accessible storage space, funding opportunities or introductions that could help the charity continue operating until it is able to return to its permanent home.

Anyone who believes they may be able to help is encouraged to contact Fleet Phoenix directly via info@fleetphoenix.co.uk, 01252 812308 or fleetphoenix.co.uk.

Discover Waddesdon Manor’s brand-new Wild Wood Adventure Playground this summer

Zoe Gater

August 5, 2026August 5, 2026

Zoe Gater

Just in time for the school holidays, Waddesdon Manor has unveiled its new Wild Wood Adventure Playground, inviting families to climb, slide and explore an imaginative woodland play space inspired by the historic estate.

Families have another reason to visit Waddesdon Manor this summer, with the opening of its spectacular new Wild Wood Adventure Playground.

Now open, the woodland attraction has been designed for children aged two to 12 and features towers, tunnels, slides, swings and climbing structures, all inspired by the historic Manor and its surrounding landscape.

Created by natural playground specialists TouchWood Play with input from local schools and community groups, the adventure playground encourages children to explore, play and connect with nature.

Among the highlights are the Lost Mansion, an imaginative play structure inspired by Waddesdon Manor itself, and the Plaviary, a treetop walkway inspired by the estate’s famous Aviary.

Families can also discover playful nods to Waddesdon’s history throughout the site, including a giant wooden mynah bird, a stick insect and Poupon – founder Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s much-loved poodle.

Pippa Shirley, Director of Waddesdon Manor, said: “I am so excited the new playground is now open, bringing the garden and woodlands to life for children and families.

“TouchWood have been such collaborative partners and have helped us create something which could only be found here at the Manor, reflecting so much that is distinctive about our wonderful site.

“We all know, in our technologically dominated world, how important these moments are, and how important it is for families to connect and make their own unique memories. We’re all incredibly proud that the Wild Wood can play a part in that.”

Alongside the new playground, visitors can also enjoy a woodland trail along Miss Alice’s Drive, picnic areas, cafés and a packed programme of family-friendly events throughout the summer.

Entry to the Wild Wood Adventure Playground is included with a Grounds Entry ticket and is free for National Trust members.

To plan your visit or find out more, visit waddesdon.org.uk.

Images © Waddesdon Manor Image Library, Will Amlot.

Big Motoring World becomes RAC-approved dealer with market-leading warranty package

Zoe Gater

August 4, 2026August 4, 2026

Big Motoring World joins the RAC-Approved Dealer programme, launching an enhanced warranty with RAC Breakdown Cover, wear and tear protection and vehicle purchase price cover.

All vehicles sold by Big Motoring World are now covered by an enhanced three-month Big Care – Inspect & Repair Warranty, which includes RAC Breakdown Cover, £0 customer contribution and immediate Wear and Tear cover.

Notably, customers are covered for the full value they paid for the vehicle – a key difference from the more typical ‘market-value’ limits applicable to the cover offered by many used car retailers.

Every vehicle sold by Big Motoring World is subject to a rigorous 200-point inspection, which aligns with the RAC’s Approved Preparation Standard. The 200-point check, which covers mechanical, electrical and safety elements, will be validated and audited by the RAC a minimum of six times per year to ensure total and ongoing compliance.

Customers can extend the standard three-month warranty on their vehicle by purchasing an RAC Inspect & Repair Extended Warranty or RAC Inspect & Repair Extended EV Warranty for a period of 12, 24 or 36 months.

The RAC Inspect & Repair Extended EV Warranty offers market-leading protection for EV batteries, covering failure up to the value of the vehicle purchase price (excluding degradation), and multimedia protection up to £4,000.

Laurence Vaughan, CEO at Big Motoring World, said: “We know that most car buyers don’t have a ‘rainy day fund’ to cover expensive issues discovered after purchase, so it’s important that customers know buying a used car from Big Motoring World comes with peace of mind as standard.

“We want customers to visit one of our stores knowing that they can believe in the quality of our used cars. Now, with Big Motoring World as part of the RAC Approved Dealer programme, customers have an added layer of independent validation that helps mitigate perceived risks when buying used.”

Sean Kent, Managing Director, Automotive Europe at Assurant, which provides and administers RAC warranty products, added that Big Motoring World’s strong focus on customer experience, use of technology and ambition to grow matched their position, saying “the partnership closely aligned with our strategy of helping customers thrive within the automotive industry”.

Big Motoring World was established in 1986 and has grown to become one of the UK’s largest independent car supermarket groups, selling over 60,000 vehicles in 2025.

Find out more at bigmotoringworld.co.uk.

In partnership with Big Motoring World

Big Motoring World is one of the UK’s leading used car supermarkets, offering thousands of quality, manufacturer-approved vehicles across multiple locations. The company focuses on providing competitive pricing, flexible finance options, and a hassle-free buying experience. With a wide selection of makes and models, it helps customers find reliable cars to suit every budget.

Former Thames rower gifts 50 queer books to Henley and Wallingford libraries for Pride season

Zoe Gater

August 3, 2026August 4, 2026

Zoe Gater

British author and former competitive Thames rower Alexander Paul Burton has donated 50 copies of his queer literary works to libraries in Henley and Wallingford, as well as Oxfam Books & Music in Henley, to mark Pride season.

Readers in Henley and Wallingford will have greater access to LGBTQ+ literature this Pride season, thanks to a donation of 50 books from British author and former Thames rower Alexander Paul Burton.

The gift includes 32 special hardcover editions, shared between Henley Library and Wallingford Library, alongside 18 paperback copies donated to Oxfam Books & Music on Bell Street in Henley, where proceeds from any sales will support Oxfam’s international development work.

With a combined retail value of around £1,070, the donation features four of Burton’s books, including three novels from his Silverbourne series – A Clean Finish Wins The Race, Desire at Henley and Midsummer at Henley – along with his memoir, Between London and Toronto: Intentionality in a Gay Expat’s Life.

The Silverbourne novels are set within a fictional Chiltern estate stretching between Rotherfield Greys and Wallingford, with Henley Royal Regatta providing the backdrop for much of the series. Several scenes also take place in and around Wallingford, drawing on Burton’s own experiences as a competitive rower on the River Thames.

Burton, who now lives in Toronto after growing up in Somerset, rowed competitively for clubs on the Tideway before joining Argonaut Rowing Club in Canada.

He said: “I came to the Thames as a competitive rower from a rural Somerset starting point, and I always wanted to write literary work built around the world of rowing, told through queer lives.

“Wallingford and Henley aren’t a backdrop in these books, they are the setting. Pride season felt like the right moment to offer the books to the landscape that shaped them.”

The donation forms part of a wider Pride initiative that has seen Burton gift books to libraries across the UK and Canada during 2026, including collections in Somerset, Ontario and British Columbia.

Published through Burton’s independent imprint, Tremolo A Tiempo Design House, the books are available to borrow from Henley Library and Wallingford Library, while paperback editions may also be available to purchase from Oxfam Books & Music in Henley.

Enjoy live music and sunset dining at Sandford Springs’ new Summer on The Terrace evenings

Zoe Gater

August 3, 2026August 3, 2026

From live acoustic music and handcrafted pizzas to golden-hour views across the Hampshire countryside, Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club is giving guests a new reason to head outdoors with the launch of its Summer on The Terrace evenings.

Looking for the perfect way to make the most of a summer Friday? Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club is launching Summer on The Terrace, a brand-new outdoor dining experience combining live acoustic music, delicious seasonal dishes and sweeping views across the Hampshire countryside.

Running every Friday until 25 September 2026, the new event invites guests to unwind with al fresco dining, refreshing drinks and live entertainment in the picturesque surroundings of Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club near Kingsclere.

Whether you’re planning date night, meeting friends after work or celebrating a special occasion, Summer on The Terrace promises a relaxed evening as the sun sets over the golf course. Local acoustic musician Darragh Finan will perform live from 5pm, creating the perfect soundtrack for long summer evenings.

Launching alongside the event is the hotel’s new Terrace Menu, created especially for outdoor dining. Expect sharing plates, handcrafted pizzas, seasonal favourites, lighter bites and indulgent desserts, all designed to be enjoyed in the fresh air with panoramic countryside views.

Tom Moran, General Manager at Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club, said: “We’re delighted to introduce Summer on The Terrace and create a place where people can truly enjoy everything that makes summer special.

“From live acoustic music and fantastic food to stunning evening views across the golf course, we have created an experience that’s relaxed, welcoming and perfect for bringing people together. We hope Summer on The Terrace becomes a favourite destination for both our local community and visitors throughout the season.”

Open to hotel guests, golfers and non-members, Summer on The Terrace takes place every Friday until 25 September 2026 from 5pm, with advance booking recommended.

Visit sandfordsprings.co.uk for more information or to reserve a table.

Rewind Festival South returns to Henley with star-studded 2026 line-up

Zoe Gater

July 30, 2026July 30, 2026

Relive some of your favourite 1980s artists and hits in Henley at Rewind Festival South, from 21st to 23rd August 2026.

It’s time to Rewind once again at Temple Island Meadows! “The sound of the crowd” is shouting – and that’s just for headliners The Human League.

In addition to The Human League on Saturday, making their debut on Sunday will be The Proclaimers.

Joining them, without walking 500 miles, will be Rewind favourites Kim Wilde, Soul II Soul, Roland Gift, The Trevor Horn Band, Blancmange, Bow Wow Wow, Peter Wylie (The Might Wah), Tony Hadley, Nik Kershaw, Tunde (Lighthouse Family,) The Undertones, The Beat (featuring Ranking Jnr), Tom Robinson, Toyah, and Lotus Eaters’ Peter Coyle.

Plus, you can enjoy a whole bunch of Rewind firsts performing on stage – Louise, Toploader, Dave Hill’s Slade, Peter Andre, and Dodgy. All presented by our hosts with the most – Jenny Powell & The Doctor. So, get your tickets now and you’ll never have to say “Don’t you want me?” Because it’s going to be Gold and you’re all invited.

Rewind Festival will also see the return of many favourite activities such as the Pink Flamingo & River Stage, the Silent Disco, the Inflatable Church for your Rewind Wedding requirements, When Nature Calls, otherwise known as the Spend A Penny Arcade, funfair rides, and the kids’ zone with entertainment for little Rewinders.

Plus, shops & stalls, food & drink, all your camping & glamping requirements to enjoy the weekend in the comfort of your own accommodation.

You’ll be Dancing in the Moonlight as Rewind ends on Sunday with a spectacular firework display!

For tickets & more please visit south.rewindfestival.com/tickets.

In partnership with Rewind Festival

Rewind Festival 2026 is a celebration of ’80s and beyond, featuring nostalgic music, camping, family fun, great food and drink and much more in Henley.

Spend the August Bank Holiday weekend at CoppaFest on the Thames

Zoe Gater

July 29, 2026

Zoe Gater

CoppaFest is returning to The Swan at Streatley this August, bringing a full day of live music, riverside activities, family entertainment, food and drink, fireworks and late-night celebrations to the banks of the River Thames.

The Swan at Streatley is set to host another unforgettable summer celebration as CoppaFest returns to the riverside venue on Saturday 29 August 2026.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the River Thames, the one-day festival promises a packed programme of live music, family entertainment, food, drink and outdoor experiences, making it the perfect way to spend the August Bank Holiday weekend.

From midday, guests can enjoy live performances from local artists, complimentary boat trips and paddleboarding on the Thames, plus family-friendly activities from entertainment experts Sharky & George.

Throughout the day, the riverside grounds will come alive with immersive entertainment, relaxed festival vibes and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the setting at The Swan at Streatley.

As the sun goes down, the festival will move into its evening celebrations, with headline act Platinum Queen taking to the stage to perform some of Queen’s most-loved hits. At 9pm, fireworks will light up the skies above the Thames before a resident DJ keeps the party going late into the night.

Food and drink will be a major part of the experience, with festival-goers able to enjoy dishes from The Lawn Bar & Grill, freshly made wood-fired pizzas, artisan ice cream from The Real Scoop, outdoor bars and a selection of festival favourites from food and drink partners.

For those looking to make the occasion extra special, VIP tables offer a riverside experience for groups of up to six guests. The package includes a reserved space for the evening, a magnum of Nyetimber on arrival, a sharing feast served from the grill, priority access to boat trips and the perfect spot to enjoy the live music, fireworks and DJ set.

General admission tickets include access to all live entertainment, family activities, boat trips, paddleboarding, fireworks and the festival grounds. Adult tickets cost £16.50, while child tickets are £11.

Whether you’re heading along for the music, looking for a family day out or simply want to enjoy a summer evening beside the Thames, CoppaFest offers a fun-filled festival experience in one of Berkshire’s most scenic riverside settings.

CoppaFest takes place on Saturday 29 August 2026 from 12pm until midnight at The Swan at Streatley.

For tickets and further event details, visit designmynight.com/coppafest.

Fire & Feast riverside supper club comes to The Great House in Sonning this August

Zoe Gater

July 29, 2026July 29, 2026

Zoe Gater

The Great House in Sonning is hosting a one-night-only Fire & Feast supper club this August, bringing together live-fire cooking, communal riverside dining and live music for a summer evening inspired by Italian long-table feasts.

The Great House in Sonning is inviting food lovers to gather by the River Thames this summer for Fire & Feast, a one-night-only supper club celebrating seasonal British produce, open-fire cooking and communal dining.

Taking place on Friday 7 August 2026, the special event will see guests seated around a single long table on the hotel’s riverside lawn, inspired by the Italian tradition of leisurely shared feasts.

Prepared over live fire grills by the hotel’s chefs, the four-course sharing menu showcases the best of the British summer.

Diners can expect dishes including hand-dived scallops cooked in their shells with seaweed butter and coppa, alongside dry-aged Berkshire picanha served with charred spring onions, chimichurri, blistered leeks, summer squash and new potatoes.

Dessert features grilled peaches and pineapple with brown sugar and rum, served with coconut ice cream, mint and lime.

As the evening moves from day to dusk, a live string duo will provide the soundtrack while guests dine beside the river before continuing the evening with drinks on the terrace overlooking the Thames.

Tickets cost £64.80, including the four-course sharing menu, with drinks available to purchase separately.

Just 60 places are available, with advance booking required.

Part of the Coppa Club collection, The Great House is a former Elizabethan coaching inn on a peaceful stretch of the River Thames, known for its glass-fronted terrace, riverside gardens and relaxed dining.

Fire & Feast takes place from 6pm on Friday 7 August 2026.

For more information or to book, visit designmynight.com/fire-feast-at-the-great-house.

One of Windsor’s oldest hotels is set to begin a new chapter this summer, with Castle Hotel Windsor unveiling a £9.5 million refurbishment and a brand-new restaurant inspired by British classics.

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Fans of the Trunks across the Thames elephant trail can continue the adventure long after their visit, with a new Top Trumps pack launching this August, to raise money for Thames Hospice.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Fleet Phoenix is calling on businesses, organisations and the local community to help find temporary premises before it must leave its current home at the end of 2026, warning that vital services for thousands of young people could be significantly reduced without a solution.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Just in time for the school holidays, Waddesdon Manor has unveiled its new Wild Wood Adventure Playground, inviting families to climb, slide and explore an imaginative woodland play space inspired by the historic estate.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Big Motoring World joins the RAC-Approved Dealer programme, launching an enhanced warranty with RAC Breakdown Cover, wear and tear protection and vehicle purchase price cover.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

British author and former competitive Thames rower Alexander Paul Burton has donated 50 copies of his queer literary works to libraries in Henley and Wallingford, as well as Oxfam Books & Music in Henley, to mark Pride season.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

From live acoustic music and handcrafted pizzas to golden-hour views across the Hampshire countryside, Sandford Springs Hotel & Golf Club is giving guests a new reason to head outdoors with the launch of its Summer on The Terrace evenings.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Relive some of your favourite 1980s artists and hits in Henley at Rewind Festival South, from 21st to 23rd August 2026.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

CoppaFest is returning to The Swan at Streatley this August, bringing a full day of live music, riverside activities, family entertainment, food and drink, fireworks and late-night celebrations to the banks of the River Thames.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

The Great House in Sonning is hosting a one-night-only Fire & Feast supper club this August, bringing together live-fire cooking, communal riverside dining and live music for a summer evening inspired by Italian long-table feasts.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox