An intimate candlelit highlight from Waterperry Opera on 8th December in St Mary-le-More in Wallingford will raise much-needed funds
Demand is outstripping support for the first time in 13 years at Wallingford Food Bank.
Book your tickets to enjoy Handel’s Messiah, performed by Waterperry Opera Festival, 7-9pm on Sunday, 8th December, at St Mary-le-More Church, OX10 0EG.
Waterperry Opera Festival will bring their ensemble of renowned singers and period instrumentalists to perform a candlelit Messiah concert. With a reduced orchestra and five soloists this intimate performance closely resembles how the piece would have been originally performed, using period instruments.
Doors open at 6.30 pm and mulled wine and soft drinks will be available. Tickets: £22
Reading’s leading homelessness prevention charity invite you to enjoy Carols by Candlelight on Tuesday, 3rd December
This fantastically festive evening will return to Reading Town Hall from 6pm, with Launchpad patron and BBC presenter Matt Allwright and long-term supporter Andy Briggs as the hosts for the evening.
Enjoy a magical night of music and carols with the Take Note Community choir and the Reading Phoenix Choir. As well as seasonal songs there will be readings and inspiring stories about how, with your help, Launchpad is changing lives in Reading.
Every ticket sale will help Launchpad continue to provide homes for Reading’s most vulnerable this winter. Launchpad’s supported housing offers warm, clean, and safe accommodation for over 100 people in need – which are a lifeline to the many individuals, couples, and families at risk of homelessness, or who have already lost their homes.
Fiona Keyte, fundraising manager at Launchpad, says: “Every year, people tell us that Carols by Candlelight marks the start of their Christmas celebrations. Our event is a beautiful reminder of the spirit of community and the joy of giving during the festive season. We’d love to see you there!”
Tickets start at £12 per person and under-threes can attend for free. For more information and to buy your ticket, visit Carols by Candlelight 2024 – Launchpad
For anyone who is unable to attend, you can still support Launchpad’s work with a donation so the charity can help ensure local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home, for Christmas and beyond. Simply visit Donate – Preventing Homelessness In Reading
A stunning shot of ‘near threatened’ bee has been crowned the winner of a wildlife photography contest
The extreme close-up of an armed nomad bee won first prize in the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) 2024 Photography Competition. A winter lake scene and a hungry bank vole are among the other winners.
The contest launched in April with nine categories including taking action for nature and mobile phone photography, and nature lovers of all ages were challenged to take pictures at one of BBOWT’s nature reserves or in their community.
The winning shot was taken by Luke Chambers at BBOWT‘s Dry Sandford Pit reserve Abingdon.
Luke said: “During one of my 4am outings, I was checking some vegetation for any subjects. This is one of the challenges with macro, you often have no idea what you’ll find, and it’s pure luck. But there she was, a very rare species of nomad bee, fast asleep. With my left hand, I adjusted the position of a nearby scabious flower so it was behind the bee, and help onto the plant she was on to stabilise the scene.
The image is also a focus stack – I took around 10 frames, all at different points of focus across the bee, then merged them together to achieve the detail you see. It wasn’t an easy photograph, but it was worth and is one of my favourite images to date. To win this competition with it means a great deal.”
As overall winner, Luke received a high-tech bird feeder camera. Along with all other category winners, he also won a wildlife photography masterclass as well as the honour of having his photo appear in BBOWT‘s 2025 calendar.
New for this year, the vote was also thrown open to the public with a new ‘People’s Choice Award’. After nearly two thousand votes were cast across ten shortlisted images, Peter Hines was crowned the public favourite with his close-up portrait of the iconic robin, and won a Nexcam solar-powered trail camera.
Peter said: “I am absolutely thrilled to received this award. My late sister-in-law, Anne, inspired me to get into photography 12 years ago and I love it. I have learnt so much from mistakes and successes. Wildlife, sunsets, smoke art and macro are my passions, so to have this recognition for one of my photographs is wonderful. A huge thank you to all who voted for my robin. Also thank you to BBOWT for giving me the opportunity to share my photos.”
Nine-year-old Logan Brown won the children’s category with his capture of a red admiral butterfly perched on red valerian. In addition to the category prizes, Logan has won a bundle of nature books for his school.
Speaking on behalf of Logan Brown, Frankie Gillespie said: “Logan has recently been diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disease and unfortunately the outcome will be total blindness. He has always loved photography and nature, so for him to have become one of the winners is wonderful news and he’s so excited!”
Nearly 200 photographers were submitted entries for this year’s competition, and the winners were painstakingly chosen by our panel of judges: BBOWT’s Wild Magazine editor Ben Vanheems, BBOWT website & design officer Chris Deeney, BBOWT’s membership assistant Beth Milner and wildlife photographer Steve Gozdz of GG Wildlife Experiences.
Ben Vanheems said: “Being on the judging panel is such an honour. The photos demonstrate a real flair for detail and an eye for creativity, and being able to go through that is just a ‘wow’ moment! There’s been incredible deliberation because there’s been such strong photography this year. It’s a joy to be involved in this process.”
Steve Gozdz added: “We’ve seen a wonderful selection of photographs this year in all categories and from so many wide-ranging people, from the kids right the way up to the adults. My personal favourites have again been the insects – we get to see them at such great detail which is something you don’t get the chance at with the naked eye. Well done to all entrants and thank you for making it so hard to judge.”
The winners
• Butterflies and other insects, and overall winner: Luke Chambers (Armed nomad bee at Dry Sandford Pit). Runner-up: Andrew Bristow (Grasshopper).
• Children (ages 6-11): Logan Brown (Red admiral). Runner-up: Henry Webb (Glistening inkcap).
• Teens (Ages 12-17): Harry Huie (Brown hairstreak). Runner-up: James Lloyd (Red kite)
• Birds: John Kearns (Marsh Tit at Warburg Nature Reserve). Runner-up: Grace Miller (Mute swan at Loddon Nature Reserve).
• Mammals: Mark Lauri (Bank vole at Warburg Nature Reserve). Runner-up: David Byrne (Rabbit at Greenham Common)
• Our nature reserves: Martin Wheeler (Cholsey Marsh). Runner-up: Peter Smith (Round-leaved sundew at Snelsmore Common)
• Urban nature: David Thirlwall (Kingfisher). Runner-up: Eddie Leslie (Honey Bee)
• Taking action for nature: Graham Bonham (Hedgehog). Runner-up: Richard Hopkinson (Barn owl)
• Mobile phone photography: Jennifer Stevens (Thatcham Reedbeds). Runner-up: Emma Stone (College Lake)
As we head towards Christmas there are events and activities aplenty to get you in the festive mood with illuminated trails starting this month to kindle your enthusiasm for the season ahead
Tis the season to set eyes all aglow and nothing does that like the wonder of an illuminated trail. The illuminated outdoor Christmas Trail in the grounds of Blenheim Palace is one of the highlights of the festive calendar. Wander the picture-perfect gardens filled with Christmas cheer to discover a place where new memories are made as a multitude of glowing lights and Christmassy sounds fill the air with festive fun. Inspired by the natural world and festive themes, the illuminations have been created by internationally renowned artists and are guaranteed to add extra magic to the festive season. Wander through thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles, shimmering tunnels of light and vibrant woodland lakeside displays. November 15th to January 1st. Booking essential Christmas at Blenheim | Festive Light Trail & Christmas Market
The family-friendly illuminated lights trail at Cotswold Farm Park is a wonderous night-time experience, showcasing marvellous creations, installations and illuminations. The lights will guide you on an enchanting stroll through the park after hours along the picturesque trail. Enjoy thousands of light on Nov 22nd-24th, Nov 29th-Dec 1st, 6th-8th, 13th-15th, 18th-23rd and 28th-31st. Book at A Magical Enchanted Light Trail On The Farm | The Cotswolds
Step into Greys Court, sparkling with Christmas decorations from November 23rd to January 5th and take part in the children’s festive trail around the grounds. Join a candlelight tour of Greys Court and get into the festive spirit on December 5th, 11th & 19th when a knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour of the house with a mince pie and glass of mulled wine.
At the home of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre at Coleshill, explore the makers market to discover artisan gifts handmade by local crafts people and craft course providers. Browse locally handmade crafts, gifts, and much more. Bring the kids along to enjoy some festive children’s activities too on Sunday, 24th November.
Come home for Christmas at Nuffield Place this year with a visit to the home of Lord and Lady Nuffield. Filled with real Christmas trees and car themed decorations throughout the house; it will be festive day out not to be missed from November 30th to January 5th, selected dates.
If meeting Santa is on the wish list then head to Cogges Manor Farm, Witney, December 6th-23rd. Book at Christmas at Cogges | Cogges to meet the main man, take a seat for story time and take home a gift. Visit for the ‘Later’ session where the Festive Light Trail brings magic to the grounds, and some surprises! With lashings of festive cheer, mulled wine and seasonal treats, Christmas starts here.
There’s a Christmas crisis at the North Pole aka Millet’s Farm! Mervin Sneakybottom, the very mischievous elf, has swiped Santa’s Nice List! Now they’re in a tinsel tangle trying to figure out which children deserve presents. Can you help sort this mess out? Join an elf-tastic adventure where you’ll complete fun festive tasks to prove you belong on the Nice List so Santa can deliver your presents on Christmas Day! November 16th-December 24th. Book at The Christmas Grottoat Millets Farm | Webbs Garden Centres
Join the Christmas Trail at Oxford Castle & Prison to travel up to a thousand years back in time with Santa’s little helpers. Meet the man in red and enjoy some festive activities, November 26th to December 23rd.
Steam into Christmas at Didcot Railway Centre and help Santa find his missing reindeer, November 30th and selected dates in December. The reindeer have escaped and are lost, he needs them to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve. You’ll receive a special passport and stocking as you enter as well as a small gift at each reindeer station. On December 17th book for a very special one-man show, A Christmas Carol features Gerald Dickens, Charles’ great great grandson. Book at Didcot Railway Centre
Take a train trip with Santa at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway this Christmas and be entertained by Santa’s elves. Younger travellers will receive a present while adults can tuck into a mince pie with a festive drink before departure. Booking essential at Santa Express. Dates in November & December.
Help find Rudolph and friends who are lost in Waterperry Gardens from November 23rd to December 24th. Shop for handmade gifts at the November Christmas Market 23rd & 24th and December 7th & 8th.
Bertie Slippers will have the whole family laughing as he brings the Christmas cheer with his magic, balloons, and puppet show to Hobbs of Henley Santa cruises, December 21st, 22nd & 23rd. Father Christmas will be holding court in his grotto, bearing gifts for all the good girls and boys. Visit Santa Cruises with Hobbs of Henley ~ Hobbs of Henley to book.
The annual Follow the Stars – Macmillan Carols will take place in the splendour of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford on Friday 6th December at 8pm. The popular fundraiser features a special evening of your favourite carols and choral music performed by the world-class voices of the Oxford Bach Soloists. This year they will be joined by the wonderful actors Shaun Evans, Jason Isaacs, Toby Jones and Gugu Mbatha-Raw (all subject to change) for a festive collection of literary readings. Book your tickets soon as this wonderful event regularly sells out quickly. Visit Follow The Stars | Tickets Oxford
Step back in time and experience the magic of the Victorian era at the beloved Oxford Victorian Christmas Market. Join the fun on Broad Street for a festive celebration like no other. Join the fun on Broad Street for a festive celebration like no other. Enjoy live music, browse artisan traders, and eat delicious festive treats. Plus, don’t miss out on the captivating street entertainment, featuring a live DJ compere and a Victorian stilt man roaming the market. Broad Street will come alive with joy and merriment, come and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere. November 14-17th.
Christmas is taking over Wallingford on Sunday, 1st December when artisan stall holders will be spreading festive cheer with all manner of gifts to shop. Embrace the festive season on December 11th and go along and sing carols by the tree in Wallingford Market Place.
The Abingdon Community Christmas Extravaganza is one of the town’s highlights on Saturday, 30th November with a full day of fun, activities and events for all to get involved in. Shop at the Christmas market to find gifts, artisan food, charity stalls and crafters and say hello to the donkeys from Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary. There’s entertainment throughout the day from a variety of local dance troupes and musical groups, not forgetting Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. The popular parade takes place from midday while the entertainment continues. Catch the main act FREE 4 ALL at 5pm before the start of the lights switch on ceremony at 5.45pm with the big switch on at 6pm. For more, visit Programme
Gather round the Christmas tree in Wantage from 4pm on Friday, 6th December for the start of the popular Dickensian Evening. The lights go on at 6pm before an evening of entertainment with carol singing, local bands and a performance of an extract from Oliver by Jigsaw. There are also events going on at Wantage Parish Church, Vale & Downland Museum and Wantage Library. Full details at What’s On | Love Wantage list of events around Wantage
The lights are going on in Witney Market Square on Friday, 29th November, 4-7pm, thanks to the wonderful folk of Witney Rotary Club who help facilitate this.
The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis near Wantage is offering a fixed price Festive Dining Menu from November 29th until Christmas Eve from £35pp. Private dining rooms available for larger groups. Wreath-making courses available 29-30 November. Stuck for a present idea? Buy a Greyhound Gift Voucher for a range of dining or stay experiences. All details at Home – The Greyhound Inn or call 01235 771969 to discuss your requirements.
Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without that great British tradition, the panto… oh no it wouldn’t and there are plenty to choose from with Sleeping Beauty at the Oxford Playhouse, Nov 22nd to Jan 5th; Snow White at the Kenton in Henley, Dec 14th to 30th and Cinderella at the Cornerstone, Didcot, Dec 18th to 31st. Not to mention all the local groups around the region who will be taking to the stage too. More to come in our panto special next month!
Running for six weeks, November 4th to December 15th, the latest menu at Six by Nico is inspired by the Land of Oz
Six by Nico, the dynamic dining experience known for its six-week tasting menu rotation, has introduced its latest six-course instalment to Oxford. Customers will be taken on an adventure full of magical flavours where each bite sends your taste buds into technicolour.
Inspired by the iconic story, customers will begin their journey on the yellow brick road, travelling through a bewitching menu where each bite leads you closer to the Emerald City on a magical culinary experience where you’ll be transported to the Land of Oz.
The menu includes:
Course 1 – ‘Nugget of the Yellow Brick’ Sweetcorn Beignet, Yellow Courgette, Saffron & Güero Chilli
Course 2 – ‘Scarecrow’ Hay Smoked Middle White Pork, Fennel, Apple & Pickled Mustard
Course 5 – ‘Witch of the West’ Barbecue Leek, Burnt Onion & Black Garlic Ketchup Parsley Risotto, Confit Garlic & Pickled Shallot
Course 6 – ‘Emerald City’ Apple Cremeux, Honey Mousseline, Yoghurt Sorbet & Lemon Gel
For £50, guests will be able to experience the magical flavours from the Land of Oz, with a matching wine pairing from £38.
Nico Simeone, CEO and Founder of the Six Company, said: “The Land of Oz is a really exciting menu for us. We have been looking at this world and concept for a while, and first explored this through somewhere in Glasgow. After further research and feedback from our valued guests, we feel our creativity of the dishes is really led by the story. We’re excited for guests, we feel our creativity of the dishes is really led by the story. We’re excited for guests to experience what is a totally new and unique experience for Six by Nico.”
Enjoy treats galore – and find inventive ways to use seasonal squash well – The White Hart in Fyfield
‘Tis the season to do creative things with a pumpkin… But, step away from the carving tools, and put yourself in the capable hands of The White Hart at Fyfield.
Foodies are rightly spellbound by this stunning restaurant and pub, which occupies a beautifully converted 15th century chantry house, with its own kitchen garden in one of the country’s prettiest spots.
If you haven’t been (it’s amazing how many lifelong locals haven’t), you’re in for a treat, and if you’re quick (today!) you can enjoy the frighteningly good Halloween menu. This has been crafted by Grahame Wickham, who joined as head chef earlier this year at the small family-run business owned by chef Mark Chandler and his wife Kay.
Popular favourites which show the kitchen’s skills and might well blow your mind include popular nibbles such as Korean chicken, pickled red onion, chilli and sesame. From the off, you know you’re in excellent hands but make sure to arrive hungry to make room for the epic feasts which feel fitting in the gorgeous baronial dining room: think doors heavy enough for any Hammer horror film, antlers galore and gloriously comfortable thrones and banquettes to settle into for a whole afternoon.
You’re pretty much guaranteed the royal treatment, which is the same as accorded to the best in seasonal produce (you can often find the chefs foraging locally) including the monkfish bourguignon, smoked pancetta, wild mushrooms, Grelot onions, spinach puree, red wine jus (£32), or pan-roasted duck breast, confit Roscoff onion, wilted greens, toasted pumpkin seeds, sweet potato fondant, preserved plums, balsamic and plum ketchup, duck and plum sauce (£31).
But, impossible as this sounds, make sure you have room to try the puddings which are a whole other level! From the incredible nutty and nice concoction of chocolate delice with peanut butter and the pumpkin cheesecake, your heart will be won by a brain-melting array of flavours, as well as the homemade ice creams, from pear through to coffee and caramel.
Admirably, the team working their magic at this gourmet destination are as passionate about food as they are sustainability. This week, the whole menu has done more to demonstrate the power of the pumpkin than a whole showroom of jack-o-lanterns. They are also giving out delicious pumpkin recipes to help you use your pumpkin leftovers and carve, cook and squash food waste together!
So, book in to find out how The White Hart has scooped a whole array of awards as well as two AA Rosettes held for 17 years and earned the die-hard love of diners and drinkers.
More to follow, but for now: upcoming highlights include Game Night on 14th November and a festive gift fair on 5th December.
Join Professor Dave Waltham for an eco-friendly Busting the Myths highlight at 7pm for 7.30pm on Thursday, 14th November, at Marlborough Town Hall
Your local Citizens’ Climate Lobby was formed in 1981 and has 59 members, men and women, Do we really need drastic action to curb fossil fuel emissions? If so, how can it be done – what will it cost – and which of us will bear those costs? Will business be badly damaged? Will the poorest (as so often) suffer most?
The local branch of Citizens’ Climate Lobby UK urges you to join us to address and debate the key existential question of our time, headed by a speaker long acquainted with the fossil fuel industry, and its place in the energy economy.
We’ve been assailed with conflicting and disturbing accounts of the climate/ecological crisis. On May 1st, this year the Telegraph (in line with the government of the day) claimed that The Net Zero Leviathan is Crushing the Economy.
Days later, the Guardian urged new efforts to meet climate targets to avoid a ‘semi-dystopian future’ of heat-waves, wildfires, floods and famine’, quoting hundreds of the world’s leading scientists from the authoritative IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change).
How can we know what to think? And how can we believe that we individuals have any real role to play?
Last May over 100 people joined the Lobby at the Town Hall for a showing of the film 2040 – a heartening, fact-based vision of the astonishing and under-appreciated possibilities for climate safety, human wellbeing, and environmental regeneration in a post-carbon world.
Professor Dave Waltham, now writing the Carbon Literacy Curriculum for Royal Holloway University, is passionately concerned to convey a clarifying and heartening account of the policies needed, and how we can support them.
Free entry, tea and cake available – donations welcome
Panel show star & foster parent Kiri Pritchard-McLean brings her dazzling Peacock show to the North Wall in Summertown on 30th October as part of a UK tour
Kiri Pritchard-McLean has had a busy few years. As well as hosting Live at the Apollo, fronting the Radio 4 panel show Best Medicine and starting a comedy school, she’s become a foster parent.
Didn’t know that about her? Well, until now she hasn’t been able to talk about it on stage, she hasn’t even told the kids in her care that she’s a comedian oh and she uses a different name – she’s the Bruce Wayne of comedy but without the mansions.
However, this year something changed and after a couple of the eggiest gigs of her career in boardrooms to social workers, a show about becoming a foster carer has been signed off! So, come and join “Louise” as she lifts the lid on social workers, first aid training and what not to do when a vicar searches for you on YouTube.
“It’s fantastic to see our foster carer, Kiri, positively promoting fostering during her UK tour,” says Alastair Cope, head of Foster Wales.“It will really help increase awareness of foster care, and challenge false perceptions around what it takes to be a foster carer. We hope that through Kiri candidly sharing her fostering journey, people will recognise skills and qualities in themselves and consider putting in an enquiry to foster”.
Welsh comedian Kiri is a multi-award winning comedian, satirist and writer. Her recent credits appearances on Have I Got News For You, 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order. She has a weekly show on BBC Radio Wales, and has hosted Newsjack, Loose Ends and The News Quiz and her Radio 4 panel show, Best Medicine, has recently been commissioned for a second series.
Kiri is co-creator and co-host of cult hit podcast All Killa No Filla, about serial killers that has a huge following worldwide. For the podcast Who Are You Wearing, Kiri chats to her guests about their experiences with fashion. She also co-hosts a comedy travel podcast, The Pod of Wales, with Esyllt Sears.
She is one fifth of the sketch group Tarot and a former winner of the Caroline Aherne Bursary. She has written and directed for The Old Vic and her BBC Radio Wales sitcom, The Learners has just been re-commissioned for a third time. In 2023 she made her screen directing debut for the BBC with Pobl Bachyn. Kiri has also written extensively across radio and was a writer on four series of The Russell Howard Hour.
During lockdown Kiri hosted Live From The Covid Arms, which was declared a cultural highlight of 2020 by The Telegraph. It was recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest online pub and also raised over £150,000 for food banks and The Trussell Trust.
Get ready for an unforgettable half term experience at Blenheim Palace, where families can enjoy a range of eerily exciting activities from Monday 26th October to Sunday 3rd November
From pumpkin decorating to captivating storytelling and fire performances, this October half term, Adventure Play, the Walled Garden, and the Great Court at Blenheim Palace are all being transformed into a spook-tacular sensation for all ages.
In the Walled Garden visit the Pumpkin Patch for decorating and the Wizard Walkabout with Bumblebore the Wizard. The Walled Garden will also host daily Family Circus Shows at 12.30pm and 3pm, and a Circus Workshop at 1.30pm. Amid hay bales and playful scarecrows, capture spooky memories of the enchanting experience with special photo spots.
In the Great Court witness mesmerising Fire Performances every hour from 12pm to 3pm, lighting up the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Adventure Play, families can experience the all-new immersive Pip and Posy trail based on the delightful episode of the ‘Grumpy Pebble’, that will guide children through a series of imaginative and engaging activities. Along the way, little explorers will complete tasks and traverse the immersive play area featuring secret chambers, clamber nets, tunnels, slides, rope bridges – and giant carrots!
What’s more, for just £1 per person, hop on board a miniature train ride through the Terrifying Tunnel that will be running all day for families from 10am until 3.45pm.
The themed activities will be available exclusively during the half-term week only and require a valid Pass or day ticket. Full details of the October half term line-up along with terms and conditions can be found on the Blenheim Palace website.
The Palace & Play Pass is £150 for a family of four (two adults and two children) and is £50 per adult and £40 per child for individual day passes. Existing Family Annual Pass holders (two adults and two children) can upgrade to the new Palace and Play Pass for £51 and individual annual passes can be upgraded for £18 per child and £12 per adult.
*Please note that this lineup for Haunted Half Term is a separate event to the Halloween light trail which is a ticketed event that can be experienced from dusk into darkness from Friday 25th October to – Sunday 3rd November 2024.
Tibi Magda, head chef at Gourmet Pasta Co in Newbury, shares his thoughts about food & local life as he prepares another batch of fresh pasta workshops for fellow foodies!
Newbury’s freshest new indie business on the block, Gourmet Pasta Co, offers both classic Italian and Italian-South American recipes, inspired by the waves of Italians who immigrated to South America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dishes to make your mouth water include green ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta with a sage butter sauce and pink sorrentinos (South American circular shaped pasta) filled with roasted butternut squash and almonds and an orange butter sauce.
“We make all our fresh pasta in-house, and we also sell our gourmet pasta frozen so you can cook it at home,” says Tibi. “We run regular midweek events including pasta-making classes, cocktail nights, ladies socials, and a monthly live jazz night.”
Originally from Romania, where he says it was amazing to watch the transition from communism to democracy growing up, Tibi has lived in Newbury for nine years, working in a number of local restaurants. His passion for Italian food was also forged while living and working in Caravaggio, Italy for 10 years.
Tibi adds:”Newbury is a lovely historic market town, and it’s a great size – big enough to have lots going on, but small enough so you can walk everywhere, and you bump into friends. Newbury and its surrounding villages offer great off-the-beaten-track culinary hotspots, with independents, Michelin stars, and a very foodie Saturday market right outside Gourmet Pasta Co. I might be biased, but if you like fresh pasta, Gourmet Pasta Co is the best quality and value restaurant in Newbury. We’ve had Italian visitors rave about it, which is a true compliment! There are several other good independent restaurants too.
“It’s nearly the end of the year, but we run a really interesting series of events. It’s great to see the restaurant full and buzzing during these, even if we’re rushed off our feet in the kitchen! Personally, it’s exciting building the perfect team in the restaurant and exploring and innovating creating new fresh pasta dishes.
“As a chef, it’s hard to have a pet, as I work evenings and long days. If I did, I’d have a dog, partly because there are amazing walks in and around Newbury. A great starting place is following the Kennet and Avon Canal towpaths, which run for miles in both directions.”
“If I could make one Christmas wish for the world, it would be a world without borders, so everyone can travel anywhere.”
Gourmet Pasta is at 34 Market Place, RG14 5AG. To find out more please call 01635 635603& visit gourmetpasta.co.uk
