14 artisan food producers to try in the South East this spring

Zoe Gater

Spring’s here, and the South East is bursting with local flavour. From vineyards and pick-your-own farms to artisan cheeses and small-batch spirits, these are the must-visit producers this season.

This spring, explore the region’s best artisan delights – wander blossoming vineyards, pick fresh seasonal produce, savour award-winning cheeses and taste honey, crisps and small-batch spirits straight from the source.

Round & About highlights some of the best across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Oxfordshire and Hampshire.

Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Berkshire

Open for spring tours and tasting experiences, Stanlake Park Wine Estate invites visitors to explore scenic vineyard walks and enjoy the sights and scents of spring in full bloom, while sampling their award-winning English wines, including crisp whites and sparkling favourites from their seasonal collection.

Fan favourites include crisp white, Madeleine; barrel-aged Chardonnay, King’s Fumé; Pinot Noir Rosé; and Stanlake Brut – perfect for sipping on sunny afternoons.

The Marlow Cheese Co, Buckinghamshire

A family‑run artisan cheesemaker, The Marlow Cheese Co crafts small‑batch cheeses from locally sourced milk, ranging from soft lactic styles to blues and hard varieties.

Many of their cheeses have won national awards, and you can find them at farmers’ markets in Marlow, Henley and Reading — ideal for tasting or taking home a slice of Buckinghamshire.

Rectory Farm, Oxfordshire

A flagship pick-your-own farm and shop, Rectory Farm in Stanton St John starts spring with fresh asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries, and seasonal veg. Visitors can pick produce themselves or grab it from the farm shop.

The on-site café serves home-baked treats, seasonal soups and coffee with countryside views. The farm expects to welcome visitors from April 2026.

Honest Honey, Buckinghamshire

Nestled in the Chilterns AONB, Honest Honey produces pure, natural honey straight from hives in Amersham, Beaconsfield, Chenies and Latimer.

Their bees forage on gardens and fields across the Buckinghamshire countryside, and the honey is simply extracted, filtered lightly, settled and jarred. Each jar is labelled with its local source, giving a real taste of spring blossoms and summer blooms from the Chilterns.

North Aston Dairy, Oxfordshire

Step onto this family-run organic farm just north of Oxford and discover fresh spring flavours straight from the pasture. Their herd produces organic milk, thick natural yoghurt, kefir and creamy ice cream, all available in reusable bottles and jars.

You can also pick up pasture-fed lamb, beef and rose veal, sausages and burgers, either from their honesty shop or at local farmers’ markets. Spring is the perfect time to wander the farm, grab a veg box or taste the fresh dairy delights while enjoying the Oxfordshire countryside.

Beechwood Farm Free Range Eggs, Berkshire

Family-run for over 60 years, Beechwood Farm produces free-range eggs from hens roaming pastures and woodland in Hampstead Norreys.

Their rich, golden-yolked eggs are sold at local farmers’ markets, farm shops and direct from the farm, making them a true taste of Berkshire this spring.

Chiltern Charcuterie, Buckinghamshire

Discover Chiltern Charcuterie, making hand-crafted salami, bresaola, pancetta, coppa and more from free-range pork, grass-fed beef, lamb and seasonal venison. Their meats are available at farmers’ markets across the Chilterns, local farm shops and via direct order.

Make the most of the season by sampling the flavours of the Chilterns, exploring the markets, and picking up small-batch cured meats made with care and locally sourced ingredients.

Fungi Farmer, Berkshire

Based in Swallowfield near Reading, Fungi Farmer is a locally grown mushroom producer bringing both edible and medicinal mushrooms to markets across the region – including Reading and Henley.

They offer artisan mushrooms and mushroom products (fresh and dried) at farmers’ markets and local food events — a great spring stop for seasonal fungi and mushroom snacks.

Brown Bag Crisps, Surrey

A true Surrey family‑run crisps maker, Brown Bag has been perfecting its hand‑cooked potato crisps since 2010.

Still independent and never stocked in big supermarkets, their small‑batch crisps come in award‑winning flavours like lightly salted, rosemary & sea salt, and oak smoked chilli — all made with British potatoes and seasoned by hand.

Cold Pressed Oil Co., Hampshire

Located on Clare Park Farm in the Hampshire countryside near Crondall, this family‑run producer crafts multi‑award‑winning extra virgin cold‑pressed rapeseed oil from seeds grown on the farm itself.

The range includes pure rapeseed oils alongside infused dressings and mayonnaises, all made with care and designed to showcase the region’s vibrant spring harvest.

The Henley Distillery

Tucked into an 18th‑century threshing barn on the edge of Henley, this award‑winning craft distillery specialises in hand‑made gins and rums with bold character and rich botanical profiles.

Visitors can join distillery tours and tasting experiences that show how their spirits are made, sampling Henley Classic Dry Gin, Henley Pink Gin and Henley Rum, while soaking up the historic barn setting — ideal for a spring outing with a local twist.

The Oxford Cow, Oxfordshire

A true farm‑to‑cone producer, The Oxford Cow offers luxury ice cream made right on the farm at Kingston Hill, near Kingston Bagpuize.

The Christensens milk their own free‑range herd and turn that fresh milk into small‑batch ice cream on site, with staple flavours such as creamy fior di latte, mint stracciatella, salted caramel, chocolate, raspberry ripple and more. You’ll find their artisan tubs available locally and can even order direct for home delivery — a truly local scoop that celebrates the Oxfordshire countryside.

Bee Friends Honey, Surrey Hills

From apiaries around Guildford and the Surrey Hills, Bee Friends produces raw local honey, along with beeswax candles, wraps and more.

Their Surrey honey reflects spring blossom flavours, and the bee farm runs guided tours April–October to learn about beekeeping and pollinators.

The Real Jam & Chutney Company, Hampshire

Based in the heart of the New Forest, this inclusive social enterprise crafts handmade jams, chutneys and marmalades using fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from their walled garden and local growers.

Every jar — from zingy chutneys to classic jams — is made the traditional way and supports people with learning disabilities to gain real work skills and confidence in a purpose‑built kitchen. Look for their vibrant preserves at local farm shops and markets this spring.

The Bartholomew Players’ to stage classic Agatha Christie’s whodunit

Zoe Gater

Who’s behind the murder? Join the Bartholomew Players for Agatha Christie’s A Murder is Announced, this May 2026 at Eynsham Village Hall.

The Bartholomew Players are trading the familiar for the fiendishly mysterious with their upcoming production of Agatha Christie’s classic Miss Marple whodunit, A Murder is Announced, adapted for the stage by Leslie Darbon.

This year’s choice feels extra special – 2026 marks 50 years since Christie’s death, most of which she spent in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, and the Players themselves celebrated their 50th anniversary just last year: two milestones, one perfectly mysterious coincidence.

Christie’s influence is unmatched; apart from the Bible and Shakespeare, she is one of the world’s most published authors, with her works translated into numerous languages. The timeless appeal of her stories makes them a perfect fit for local theatre enthusiasts.

The plot of A Murder is Announced begins with a surprising notice in the local Chipping Cleghorn Gazette: “A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m.”

What the neighbours initially believe to be a playful “Murder Mystery” game quickly turns deadly. Enter Miss Marple, whose keen powers of observation unravel a complex web of identities, motives, and secrets in a performance guaranteed to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The production runs from Wednesday 13 May to Saturday 16 May 2026 at Eynsham Village Hall, with doors opening at 7pm and performances starting at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £14 and can be booked online at TryBooking, from Denise Santilli (07721 744020, bart.players@gmail.com), at Evenlode DIY in Eynsham, or on the door.

For more information, visit www.bartholomewplayers.co.uk.

Henley Arts Trail celebrates 20 years in 2026

Zoe Gater

Explore hidden corners and uncover a treasure trove of creativity from 300 exhibitors across 36 venues at the 20th anniversary of Henley Arts Trail 2026.

Celebrating two decades of creativity, the Henley Arts Trail returns over the May Bank Holiday weekend, inviting visitors to explore one of the region’s most popular open-studio events.

Running from Saturday 2 to Monday 4 May 2026, the trail offers the chance to experience artworks in artists’ studios, galleries, vineyards, a distillery, the world-famous Leander Club and, for the first time, a stately home on the banks of the Thames.

Founded in 2006, the trail has grown into a vibrant showcase for local talent, bringing together more than 300 artists and makers across Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding villages.

From painters and sculptors to ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists, the event offers a diverse snapshot of contemporary creativity in the Thames Valley.

What makes the Henley Arts Trail special is the chance to step inside working studios and unusual venues – from riverside locations and village halls to historic buildings and gardens – and meet the artists behind the work.

Artists announced for this year include Tim Slatter, who creates bold landscape etchings and prints and gained wider recognition from his appearance on Landscape Artist of the Year; Esté MacLeod, known for vibrant floral and still-life compositions that have attracted an international following from her studio in Charvil; and Shelagh Casebourne, a plein‑air landscape painter whose expressive work captures the British countryside.

Many venues host demonstrations, giving visitors an insight into techniques and creative processes, while most exhibitions offer the opportunity to buy original pieces directly from the maker.

Alongside established artists, the trail also supports emerging talent through ArtSpark, a competition for young artists aged 16 to 18 that includes mentoring from professional artists and the chance to exhibit during the event.

Spire Thames Valley Hospital awarded gold for commitment to patient safety

Zoe Gater

The National Joint Registry (NJR) has awarded Spire Thames Valley Hospital with Gold Level status after successfully completing a national programme of local data audits.

Part of the leading independent healthcare group Spire Healthcare, Spire Thames Valley Hospital has earned Gold Level status from the National Joint Registry (NJR) through its Quality Data Provider programme.

The National Joint Registry collects and monitors high-quality orthopaedic data on hip, knee, ankle, elbow and shoulder joint replacement procedures.

This information helps improve patient safety, raise standards of care and deliver better outcomes in joint replacement surgery. It also provides valuable feedback to orthopaedic clinicians and implant manufacturers.

The NJR introduced the Quality Data Provider certificate scheme to help hospitals achieve and maintain high standards in patient safety and data reporting.

The programme recognises hospitals that meet the registry’s strict targets for data completeness, accuracy and quality.

Each year, the NJR carries out a Data Quality Audit. It compares the number of joint replacement procedures hospitals submit to the registry with those recorded in their local Patient Administration System (PAS).

This process helps ensure the registry receives the most complete and accurate data possible from hospitals performing joint replacement surgery, including Spire Thames Valley Hospital.

Sue Holliday, Hospital Director at Spire Thames Valley Hospital, said: “Improving patient safety is of the utmost importance and something all staff at Spire Thames Valley Hospital take very seriously.

“We fully support the National Joint Registry’s work to improve clinical outcomes for joint replacement patients, and we are delighted to be recognised as an NJR Quality Data Provider.”

GuilFest 2026: Sophie Ellis-Bextor and The Proclaimers to headline Guildford’s biggest summer festival

Zoe Gater

Seven stages, huge headline acts and entertainment for all ages will transform Stoke Park into Guildford’s biggest summer party when GuilFest returns this July 2026.

Want to go to the biggest party in Guildford this summer? Join disco diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor and legendary Scottish duo The Proclaimers as they headline the 26th Guilfest.

You won’t need to walk 500 miles and there certainly won’t be any ‘crying at the discotheque’ at the party of all parties – you won’t want to miss out on this hit with tickets available now for the perfect start to your summer.

Alongside Sophie on the bill on Saturday are Rudimental, The Lottery Winners, ABC, Dutty Moonshine Big Band, Tiffany, Echobelly, Elvana, Old Time Sailors, Uncle Funks Disco Inferno, Phats and Small, Rick Parfitt Jnr, Daft Funk Live, Tankus, Bob Marley Revival and The Rock Choir.

Bringing the music before The Proclaimers on Sunday’s lineup are Kula Shaker, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Haircut 100, Heather Small, T’Pau, The Bootleg Beatles, Hugh Cornwell, The South, The Smyths, Letz Zep, Gavin Thomas, The Dolly Show and The Rock Choir.

In addition to the seven separate stages of music performing many genres, fashions and sounds, you’ll be able to enjoy the comedy tent, dance tent, art & craft village with brilliant workshops, street theatre, delicious world cuisine, huge beer tent, literary tent with interesting talks, cocktail bar, singing, dancing and drumming workshops and sessions, games tent, kids area, bushcrafts and open mic sessions.

Oh, and did we mention it has been voted Best Family Festival in the UK? Proving that it really does have something for everyone to enjoy.

If Guilfests of previous years have been anything to go by having featured Simple Minds, Pulp, Madness, Aha, Paul Weller, Motorhead and James, you won’t want to miss this year’s musical extravaganza!

A limited number of Super Early Bird tickets are available now and will only be available until they run out. These tickets do sell fast so grab yours while you can at the cheapest prices that they will be.

Payment plans options are available.

Book your tickets at guilfest.co.uk.

The Ivy Collection reveals special menu for Mother’s Day 2026

Zoe Gater

From breakfast to dinner, treat your mum – and mother-figures – to an exclusive set menu at The Ivy, with a complimentary box of chocolates and tulips to take home.

This Mother’s Day, The Ivy Collection celebrates mums and mother-figures with a special three-course menu, as well as a brand-new breakfast option at venues including Oxford, Marlow and Windsor.

Available on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026, the set menu features seasonal produce and vibrant flavours, perfect for sharing with a loved one.

Starters include favourites such as buffalo burrata with pesto; crab and avocado tian; and The Ivy classic crispy duck salad.

Tuck into lemon butter roast chicken, oven-baked sea bream with Gigantes beans, and a plant-based asparagus courgette and broad bean linguine for mains.

And those with a sweet tooth can look forward to raspberry bloom parfait, a black bee honey and white chocolate cheesecake, as well as the oh-so-decadent signature Ivy chocolate bombe.

Alternatively, the breakfast menu offers up mini pastries with butter and preserves for the table, with mains such as truffled poached eggs, eggs royale with The Ivy Cure smoked salmon and caviar, or Eggs Benedict with pulled ham.

The Mother’s Day Set Menu is priced at £38.95 per person, while the Mother’s Day Breakfast costs £27.50 per person.

Plus, mums dining over the weekend will also receive a bouquet of tulips and a box of chocolates.

For more information or to book, visit ivycollection.com.

New family mystery trail launches at RHS Garden Wisley

Zoe Gater

Become a detective in Surrey this Easter with RHS Garden Wisley’s interactive trail for families – and help rescue the Easter Bunny.

This Easter, families can put on their detective hats and take on an egg-straordinary challenge at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey.

The interactive family trail invites little sleuths to follow clues, solve puzzles, and help rescue the Easter Bunny.

The mystery begins just as the Easter Bunny was about to deliver chocolate across the country. However, to his dismay, every egg basket had been emptied, leaving behind nothing but a solitary carrot.

Eight suspicious characters were spotted nearby – can your young detectives hop to it and uncover the culprit behind this egg-celent crime?

Armed with a £3 detective pack, children can explore the garden while working together to follow clues, decode secret ciphers, and complete fun activities.

Each pack contains colouring pencils, puzzles, and a variety of Easter-themed challenges designed to spark imagination and discovery.

For younger participants, a simpler trail is available, and every budding detective receives a chocolate reward at the finish.

On selected dates, families can also enjoy Easter Storytime to solve another seasonal mystery or join the Leaf and Clue Academy. This special walk teaches children how nature leaves clues that can help solve garden mysteries, adding an extra layer of discovery to their adventure.

Garden entry is free for members and children under five, whereas under-17s are £5 each. Detective packs and the Leaf and Clue Academy cost £3 per child, with online booking required for the academy.

RHS Garden Wisley promises an un-bunny-lievably fun day out, where young detectives can enjoy outdoor adventure, teamwork, and chocolate-filled rewards.

For more information or to book, visit rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley.

Poets wanted: Celebrate Didcot’s routes in a beautiful illustrated book

Zoe Gater

Local artist Linda Benton invites you to write about personal routes, journeys and everyday discoveries with a beautiful new spring collection.

Could you write a poem for The Poets’ Trail? If the thought makes you hesitate, you’re exactly the person Linda Benton and the team want to hear from.

The Poets’ Trail is a joyful, ongoing community project encouraging local people to put pen to paper and see their words brought to life in beautifully illustrated books. What began in East Hagbourne has steadily grown, with the most recent collection, Didcot’s Oaks, reaching further across the area.

Now, organisers are inviting submissions for the next book on the theme of routes – from pathways to railways in Didcot and villages.

The brief is deliberately wide open. Poems might explore a favourite dog walk, hedgerows discovered along the way, a familiar bus journey from the top deck, a train speeding through the countryside or a cycle ride to a village pub. Personal perspectives and contrasts are actively encouraged.

At the heart of the project is East Hagbourne resident Linda Benton, an artist and long-time community champion who believes poetry belongs to everyone.

Originally from Aberdeen and trained in drawing and painting in Dundee, Linda moved south decades ago and has lived here for over 30 years.

“I’ve always worked in art,” she says, “often alongside other jobs – because art income can be rather erratic.”

Her creative life has been rooted in the community, from running a health food shop in Didcot to caretaking at Hagbourne Village Hall.

Today, daily life revolves around family, village friendships and long walks with Poppy, the family’s petite golden Labrador.

“Having a dog has completely changed our routines,” she says. “It gets us out every day, and we’ve met a whole new group of people.”

Those walks often lead into Didcot for a coffee at Cornerstone or Berro Lounge, both welcoming dogs and their humans.

The local shop and post office, along with The Fleur de Lys pub – known for its music nights and relaxed atmosphere – are all part of what Linda treasures about village life.

“There’s a real feeling of community here,” she says. “Supportive, friendly, and close to the railway too – which fits the Routes theme perfectly.”

Poems should be no more than 36 lines, including the title and spaces, and must be submitted by Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Whether you’re an experienced writer or a first-time poet, The Poets’ Trail offers a gentle invitation to follow where your words might take you.

Send to Linda.benton@live.co.uk. Any questions, please call on 01235 817891

Pub in the Park unveils sizzling line-up for 2026 – with tickets on sale now

Zoe Gater

Over four days, visitors can enjoy top chefs and pop-up restaurants, live performances from big-name artists, and a mix of talks, masterclasses, and interactive experiences as Pub in the Park returns.

The ultimate food and music festival returns to Marlow this spring, when Pub in the Park hosts some of the nation’s best chefs, tasty pop-up restaurants and unmissable live performances.

Running from Thursday 14 to Sunday 17 May 2026, guests can enjoy four days of delicious food, live music, and family-friendly entertainment.

Culinary programme at Pub in the Park

Experience bold flavours, unforgettable dishes and a showcase of talent at this year’s festival.

Visitors include talented chef, author, and presenter Si King, whose approachable, hearty cooking has captivated audiences for decades. Other stars include the renowned Raymond Blanc OBE, the much-loved UK chef James Martin, and Tommy Banks, the youngest British chef to achieve a Michelin star, who will showcase his thoughtful, seasonal approach.

And don’t miss television favourite Matt Tebbutt, joined by special guest and wine expert Helen McGinn, as well as the pioneer of modern Indian cuisine in the UK and Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar.

Other unmissable names on the bill include Simon Rimmer, Emily English, Candice Brown, Thuy Diem Pham, Ping Coombes, Adam Purnell, Jack Blumenthal, Karan Gokani, and more.

Restaurants at Pub in the Park

With a mix of new and returning restaurants and pubs, you won’t struggle to find something delicious to tuck into this May 2026.

Expect The Oarsman and The Star Inn, bringing elevated pub classics; cult chicken brand Ginger Wings; Raymond Blanc’s The George & Dragon; and, for seafood lovers, simple coastal-inspired dishes from Rick Stein.

New for this year, Temper brings bold, fire-led cooking and tacos to the park, while Six by Nico offers a playful and immersive approach to dining. Fresh from the countryside, enjoy ingredient-led cooking straight from field to flame with Oxmoor Farm, or experience brilliant comfort food at Tommy’s Pie Shop. And burger legends The Beefy Boys will also be serving their award-winning, flavour-packed creations.

After something spicy? Sticky Mango delivers global flair and vibrant Thai flavours.

Music headliners at Pub in the Park

Don’t forget your dancing shoes – Pub in the Park has a brilliant line-up of performers to keep you entertained.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, Craig David, Gabrielle, McFly, Craig Charles, and Razorlight are among just some of the top names announced to perform live for guests this year.

Alternative entertainment at Pub in the Park

If all that wasn’t enough, the festival also introduces several exciting new additions.

For the first time, guests can dance the night away at the all-new Kitchen Disco, enjoy inspiring talks with favourite authors in the Book Club Tent, and deepen their drinks knowledge in the Drinks Masterclass Tent.

Tickets to Pub in the Park

Standard ticket prices start from £47 per person, with special VIP packages also available.

For more information or to book, visit pubintheparkuk.com.

How one mobile vet is transforming pet care across Wantage and the Ridgeway

Zoe Gater

We chat to mobile vet Dr Laura Sells MRCVS , helping pets thrive across Wantage and the Ridgeway.

In a 450-year-old thatched cottage just outside Wantage, animals joyfully rule the roost at the Sells household.

There’s Zip the lurcher – the inspiration for the name of mummy Laura’s  business ZipVet and resident sofa-stealer – Reggie the rescue cat, and five gloriously named chickens: Unicorn, Hoppy, Rose and the three “Raptors” (creative direction courtesy of two small children aged three and seven).

It’s a lively household, shared with a husband who is also a vet (equine, in his case), and anchored firmly in the Oxfordshire countryside.

After relocating from Surrey in summer 2025, the family quickly fell for the Ridgeway’s wide skies and the magic of Uffington White Horse. Walks here are a regular adventure, with Zip bounding ahead and the children scanning the skyline.

At home, living near a chalk stream means kingfishers flash past like jewels, tawny owls call at dusk, and hedgehogs shuffle through the garden after dark.

Animals aren’t just part of family life – they’re the heart of her work too.

With more than 15 years’ experience as a vet, she now runs a mobile veterinary service, bringing calm, compassionate care directly into pets’ homes.

For many dogs and cats, the trip to a clinic can be stressful – particularly for older pets or those in pain. Being treated in familiar surroundings makes all the difference.

Consultations last a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing time for gentle handling, careful observation and thorough conversations with owners. There’s no rush, no clinical waiting room – just reassurance, understanding and a health plan tailored to each individual animal.

She has a special interest in elderly pet care and chronic pain management, helping beloved companions stay comfortable and content in their golden years. Regular home visits mean subtle changes are spotted early and small adjustments can have a big impact on quality of life.

“There’s something incredibly special about supporting pets as they age,” she says. “They’ve given so much love – they deserve thoughtful, individual care in return.”

As renovation dust settles and village life begins to feel like home – with coffee from Childrey Stores and dog-friendly evenings at The Greyhound in Letcombe Regis — she’s looking forward to building lasting bonds with local families and their four-legged friends.

Because for this vet, it’s always been about the animals first — happy paws, wagging tails and peaceful golden years.