Discover some fantastic new wines for Easter. Round & About’s wine columnist Giles Luckett recommends a clutch of new wines for Easter.
Hello! With Easter in the offing and the prospect of some downtime over the extended weekend, I thought I’d look out for some wines to suit the season and the celebration. I’ve always loved Easter. As a good Catholic boy, it meant a deluge of chocolate (scoffed between seemingly endless trips to Mass), and later in life, it marked the end of Lent and a return to wine. Now, while I can’t claim to have forsworn wine for the forty days – the attempt would have been sworn at – I have made the acquittance of some wines that I’m sure will brighten your Easter break. So, in the spirit of helping my fellow man, here are six of the Easter best:
First up, one of the prettiest rosés I’ve seen in a long time, the Provence Rosé from Adnams (£11.99). While many rosés seem to focus on creating looks so exotic they would put a Versace perfume bottle to shame. Adnams seem to have focused their efforts on the contents – I know, a fresh form of madness or what? It has paid off, however, as the wine is so attractive. Made from Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose offers enticing tones of flowers, red berries, and citrus. On the palate, there’s a seem or pure red berry (raspberry, strawberry, and bitter cranberry) that’s deliciously offset by citrus and minerals. If the sun decides to shine this Easter, this will make a superb garden sipper.
“If the sun decides to shine this Easter, this will make a superb garden sipper.”
My next recommendation is an Albarino. Albarino is a grape whose class is undeniable, whose wines can be astonishingly good, and is regarded as a national treasure in its native Spain. Think liquid Stephen Fry without the passion for Norwich City, and you won’t be far off. While there are many great ones out there, the Pazo San Mauro (Palmers Wine Store £17.42) is a real treat. Freshness is the keyword here. From the explosive grapefruit, green apple, and herb-tinted nose to the ripe yet tangy pear, peach, melon and lemon palate, this is as clean as a whistle. Look closer, and you’ll find depth and complexity. Nectarine, minerals, a shot of honey. This is made for seafood – literally in Spain – but would be glorious with green salads, chicken, smoked fish, or Good Friday’s fish supper.
Sticking with Spain but moving to the other end of the tasting spectrum, we have the Contino Blanco 2019 (Noble Grape £23.99) – confession time; I’m obsessed with Contino’s Riojas. There’s something magical about this producer. Maybe it’s how they meld tradition with innovation or how they can create so many extraordinary styles from a single estate. Or simply as the wines are often breath-taking.
Breath-taking is the word I’d use for the Contino Blanco. I’ve only had this wine once, so perhaps I’m still in the first flush of infatuation, but it seemed to be love at first sip. Mid-gold, the bouquet is complex, displaying honey, almonds, pears, lemons, and wax. In the mouth, it’s mellow but clean, with layer-upon-layer of orchard fruits, warm spices, honey, lime, and butter. A real show stopper, give this a couple of hours open and pair it with white meats or fish.
Easter Sunday will see us hosting half the western world – pop in if you’re at a loose end; one more won’t make any odds. With recovery Monday the following day and with roast beef a must, a goodly supply of a great value red is a necessity. This year I’ve got some of the Antakari Carmenere Reserve (Laithwaites £8.99). Carmenere is Chile’s signature grape, and this iteration is packed with soft blackberry and blueberry fruit, with underlying notes of chocolate. Easy drinking; it’s a great wine that offers great value.
Back to Spain, we have another Rioja, this time the Vina Real Crianza 2019 (Waitrose £12.40). This is Rioja in exuberant form. Made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo, it’s red berry-driven, but beneath the surface are richer tones of plum, creamy oak, spices, and orange zest. This is one of those wines that cries out for a food partner, and dishes as varied as cheesy pasta, tapas, roasted red meats, or, weather-permitting, barbecued fare would be ideal.
My penultimate wine is something of a myth-buster. To many, the name Beaujolais conjures up visions of hoorays charging to France in November to bring back Nouveau (why they bothered, I’ll never know) or pretty but forgettable flower-adorned bottles from Dubouef. Real Beaujolais is made from sterner stuff and is Burgundy’s best-kept secret. had the Louis Jadot Beaujolias Villages 2021 (Tesco £12.50) last week, and it was fantastic. My expectations were high as 2021 was a lovely year for Burgundy, and I wasn’t disappointed. With its bouquet of cherries, bubblegum, blackberries, and wildflowers, it’s as pretty as a picture of, well, something nice. In the mouth, there are the same fruit tones, but there are minerals, strawberry conserve, mint and almonds, all presented in a soft, edgeless body.
And finally, fizz. Oh, come on, you didn’t think I’d do a column without mentioning it? Might as well expect the rain not to be wet. Easter is a time for celebration, so here are two gems for you. The first is the Bouvet Ladubay Saumur Rosé (Majestic £10.49). Saumur in France’s Loire Valley was making sparkling wines when the likes of Dom Perignon were getting to grips with their Ladybird Book Of The Catechism. With its marginal climate, free-draining limestone soils, and long growing season, Saumur is a great place to create quality sparkling wines. The pale pink fizz bristles with notes of black cherry, green peppers, apples, peach stones and creamy yeast.
My second is Champagne Taittinger’s Nocturne (Tesco £39). Nocturne is a ‘sec’ Champagne, which means it’s not as dry as a brut. This wine demands time, one to sip after a meal or into the evening. The classic, elegant Taittinger style is there, but the extra residual sugar extenuates the peaches in syrup tone to give a champagne that, while far from an off-dry demi-sec, has a certain richness and silky, tropical edge to it. It’s a marvellous accompaniment to good conversation and gives a fresh view of this historic wine.
Well, that’s it for now. Next time, I’ll look at some wines from that bastion of brilliance, the Rhône, but until then, have a great Easter.
Radio DJ legend, dad & grandad Tony Blackburn chats to Liz Nicholls ahead of his Sounds Of The 60s live tour at a theatre near you
Q. Hello Tony! How are you? You’ve just had a big birthday, I believe?
“Hello! Yes, I’m great thank you. I just had my 80th last Sunday, at Cliveden. As you might know, it’s where the Profumo Affair happened… not that you’d remember that! I stayed there with family on my 70th too – it was great fun. It was a family get-together and was meant to be a surprise then my wife accidentally told me where we were staying and let it out the bag.
Then the person who booked us in let my daughter’s name slip so I knew she was coming, plus my son and grandchildren. Over the last two weeks we’ve done six theatre shows which I love. As long as you enjoy what you’re doing, that’s the main thing.”
Q. What’s your first memory of music?
“When I was a youngster, four or five, loving music and listening to people like Frankie Laine. I had a deep love of soul music right from the word go because my dad, who was a doctor down in Poole, he loved Jackie Wilson and we used to play him over & over again. I’ve always loved black soul music particularly. I just loved Motown, people like Marvin Gaye and Sam Cook, all the original people, I just loved them, and I’ve been lucky enough to get to know them over the years as well.”
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Easter is the perfect occasion for family adventures and spending time together, as well as offering the chance to find more eggs than you could possibly eat, there are a variety of other fun activities to entertain you too
How about following an egg trail at a National Trust property near you? Trails cost just £3 plus normal National Trust entry and all end with a chocolate egg, or vegan and free from egg, made in the UK using cocoa responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. To find out more including whether booking is required (in many cases it’s not), visit Easter trails and Easter egg hunts | National Trust
Hop along to the Walled Garden at Blenheim Palace to enjoy a whole host of egg-citing activities including circus skills, balloon modelling, bubble performances, bungee trampolines and a travelling vintage variety show, not to mention appearances from the Easter Bunny, 7th to 10th and don’t forget the Easter egg hunt to win a tasty chocolate treat. Tickets Easter Eggstravaganza | Blenheim Palace
Adopt a dragon this Easter at Oxford Castle & Prison from 1st to 16th. Join the Dragon Masters and paint and decorate a dragon egg, build your own nest for your dragon and then adopt your dragon to take home. Each child will take home their egg, nest and soft toy dragon as well as a certificate of adoption and fact sheet for them and their fiery friend. Spaces limited, book at Oxford Castle & Prison
Myths and legends swirl around the neolithic landscape at White Horse Hill. With burial mounds, hillforts, Giants Steps and a Dragon Hill to discover at this unique site in Uffington from April 7th to 10th. Complete all the activities and take home a chocolate egg.
Travel back in time to the golden age of Great Western Railway and savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam at the 21-acre living museum at Didcot Railway Centre with trains dating from Victorian times. April bank holiday steam days run from 7th to 10th, 29th and 30th with May bank holiday steam days 27th to 29th. You won’t want to miss that lovable bear Paddington on May 1st. More details and tickets at Didcot Railway Centre.
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Thame Country Fair comes to Thames Showground on Easter Sunday and Monday, with country sports and pursuits and arena entertainment. Watch falconry, gundogs, horse boarding, scurry driving and a stunt display team. Enjoy demonstrations and have-a-go events while a visit to the World of Dogs is a must for any dog lover. The Food Glorious Food Section offers street food and drink vendors, chef demonstrations and music and stop by the craft village. Plenty of amusements for children too. Tickets at Thame Country Fair | Living Heritage Country Shows.
Join the Family Easter Trail: Easter Bunny’s Egg Hunt at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre, follow the trail and help the Easter bunny discover who has laid all the different eggs to earn your Easter treat, 3rd to 6th! More at Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.
Leap into a new era of bouncing at Oxfordshire’s largest inflatable park! The Bounce Park is now open weekends at Willowbrook Leisure Centre, Didcot offering fun for all ages. Looking for the ultimate birthday party? Let The Bounce Park host with all the fun with no stress. Open bounce, Tots and SEN sessions available online at The Bounce Park are offering all Round & About customers an exclusive discount when booking open sessions, please use Rabout10 code when checking out!
If you’ve over indulged on choccy at Easter how about walking it off in a good cause? Challenge yourself to a 10 or 20-mile Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace on Saturday, 13th May and soak up the sights on the ramble-ready routes. Starting and finishing in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace, the walk will showcase the best of the Cotswolds’ spectacular rural scenery. Whether you’re a newbie walker or a seasoned hiker, the Pink Ribbon Walk is for you. Sign up now www.breastcancernow.org/pinkribbon
West Berkshire
What are the differences between rabbits and hares? How fast can a hare run? Discover more about this wonderful, elusive creature at Where’s The Hare? Family Easter Trail at the Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham 4th and 5th, includes a take-home craft and a small chocolate treat, more at Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.
Spring into Newbury and enjoy the great Newbury Easter egg hunt from April 1st to 16th along with the Easter Farm and Family Fun Day on 6th when you can meet rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, lambs and donkeys in the Market Place. Details at visitnewbury.org
Go on a journey of discovery at the Living Rainforest, Thatcham this month and take part in the latest in a new series of monthly Children’s Rainforest Activity Trails. Discover Rainforest Foods – find out how the rainforest is linked to your kitchen cupboard in this latest adventure in the warm tropical glasshouses. Pre-order a children’s Activity Pack when booking at The Living Rainforest or buy onsite.
Join the fun at Avebury this spring for an Easter adventure. Explore the garden and have a go at lots of exciting activities to claim your Easter egg. Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family between Saturday 1st and Sunday 16th.
Image: National Trust / James Dobson
Berkshire
If you’re looking for some motivation to get outdoors (especially after all the chocolate) why not join the Goring Gap walk, a ramble along the Thames and through the riverside villages of the Chiltern Hills. Choose from half marathon or marathon distance routes (13 or 26 miles) starting at Mapledurham House, Saturday 13th May. Fully signposted, friendly marshals, village hall refreshments/ facilities on route, medals, massage and more at the finish. Dogs welcome! Find out more at Goring Gap Walk.
Follow the trail and find nature-inspired activities leading to a secret garden at Basildon Park. Find blossom-inspired activities for the whole family as you make your way along the Easter trail through the spring parkland at Greys Court, Henley. Both trails run April 1st to 16th and include a trail map, pencil, bunny ears, and a chocolate egg at the end.
Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey
Wellington Country Park has a cracking assortment of Easter events planned from 1st to 16th with Junk Jodie and her Easter crafts and singing and dancing with Canary Mary and her friends Custard the Chick, Lolli the Lamb and the Easter Bunny. There’s Big Top show tent entertainment too from PeteZa, Big Foot and Friends and Circus Wellingtonia. Don’t miss the Mega Egg Hunt on Sunday 9th – solve the clues and find the missing eggs to claim your prize. More info and to book visit Wellington Country Park.
Plant a wicker basket decorated with a bow to create a charming Easter gift at Squires Garden Centre, Wokingham, April 3rd to 14th (booking required) and join the bunny hunt – same dates – and follow the clues in the centre to help find the magic word.
The Berkshire Egg Run is a Motorcycle Ride across Reading which takes place annually on Good Friday, April 7th this year. Riders converge at Stadium Way in Tilehurst from 11.30am, for a 12.30 departure, riding through Reading ending up at The Abbey Rugby Club in Emmer Green where the Easter Eggs are donated to the Rotary Club and Southcote Children’s Centre who distribute them across Berkshire. The Ride is marshalled and slow so all types and size of bike/scooter/trike and quad can join in. More at www.tvvultures.co.uk/the-berkshire-egg-run
Dive into a world of adventure with Secret Adventures in the Berkshire countryside. Tuck into a four-course woodland feast at Goring Heath on April 29th. Walk through the woods, enjoy a botanical cocktail on arrival and chef’s mouthwatering fare. Find out more at secretadventures.org
Image: National Trust / Chris Lacey
Add a twist to your egg hunt this Easter, by looking for dinosaur eggs at Savill Gardens, Windsor, on April 5th and 6th. Follow the footprints to find dinosaur nests and evidence of other egg-laying creatures. Discover how plants, animals and dinosaurs evolved on Earth along the way, and help solve a mystery to win a chocolate egg. Suitable for children aged four to 11 years, but all children are welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Book at Dinosaur Egg Hunt.
Binfield Easter Egg Hunt is back for the eighth year, 2nd – 10th, and it’s all set to be another eggsellent hunt! There will be 30+ eggs to find around the village, simply buy a map for £3 from either Binfield Village Stores, Daphne’s Coffee Shop or Foxes Den Community Cafe, and have some fun. With cafes, shops and playgrounds enroute, come and have a great day out, www.binfieldevents.com/easteregghunt
Buckinghamshire
Sports day comes to Stowe with an Easter-themed twist from April 1st to 16th, so hop, jump, throw, run, stretch and race your way around each of the activities. As you play and have fun on your family adventure in nature, there’s plenty of new life to spot along the way.
The Easter trail at Waddesdon is jam-packed with fun games and creative activities. Follow your map, get involved in 10 activities to claim your chocolate egg at the end. Starting at the back of the Manor, it makes its way around the grounds before ending at the Woodland Takeaway and Toyshop. Visit the newly-refurbished playground and refuel with delicious food and drink. Tickets must be pre-booked for the Easter trail which runs from March 29th to April 9th, excluding April 3rd and 4th.
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family in the grounds at Cliveden from March 31st to April 16th. Families and dogs are all welcome on this seasonal adventure. After picking up an activity pack, there are 10 activities to find around the estate. Make your own Easter discoveries, have fun and head back to the Easter Trail tent to collect your treat.
Surrey
The flowers herald the arrival of spring at Polesden Lacey with nearly 200,000 planted creating a floral fiesta of daffodils, irises and anemones (to name a few). This year’s Easter adventure trail (until April 19th) will get your family running wild through time, journeying back to when wolves and lynx roamed free. Check out the new natural play area too.
Limber up this Easter on the activity trail at Claremont Landscape Garden until April 10th. Join in with games in the garden whilst taking in the picturesque views. Spring offers the chance to stroll through swathes of daffodils, feed tiny goslings, and make the most of bright days in this historic royal pleasure ground.
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Waxy magnolia blooms and swathes of daffodils line the paths in the upper arboretum at Winkworth, take a voyage of discovery through the arboretum on an activity-filled nature trail – 1st-16th – while taking in the landscape springing into life and colour. Kids can make their own masterpiece with items found on the woodland floor, search for wildflowers or predict the weather. Booking advisable.
On the Long Walk at Hatchlands Park, the delicate cream flowers of blackthorn blossom are a welcome sight of spring, followed closely by the hawthorn blossom. Be on the lookout for some giant eggs hiding around the grounds on an adventure trail from 1st to 16th.
Games and challenges abound on the adventure trail at Hindhead Commons and the Devil’s Punch Bowl from 1st-16th. Try birdwatching, den building and bug hunting as you take in views across the Weald or explore heath, streams and woodland.
A walk along the towpath at Dapdune Wharf will reveal lots of new life this Easter – ducklings, baby coots and moorhens and green shoots from the waterside vegetation. Kids can spring into action too on a fun-filled Easter trail, 7th-10th, before trying some relaxing creative crafts at the wharf.
Image: National Trust / Trevor Ray Hart
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Haslemere Museum celebrates British wildlife this spring. The Museum’s amazing collection of wildlife specimens means it has been chosen as lead museum for the Surrey consortium in the national Wild Escape project. There’s a lively programme of wildlife-related events and activities for all the family, including talks, workshops and fun sessions for children. Why not combine a scheduled event with a browse around the Museum’s displays and woodland grounds? More at HaslemereMuseum.co.uk
Children can do an Easter Egg Hunt with a difference 1st-16th April at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens. Find 10 eggs hidden in the garden and use clues to work out which creature laid them, (hint, it’s not only birds that lay eggs!). Complete the trail and claim a prize. Easter Egg Hunt With A Difference!
Farnham’s Rural Life Centre invites you to follow the trail of eggs left by the Easter bunny on April 9th and 10th. Collect a trail sheet, spot them all and claim your treat.
Surrey Artists feature strongly in AppArt’s Art Exhibition & Sculpture Trail. Soroya French, President of the Society of Women Artists will open AppArt’s exhibition at Prior’s Field School, Godalming GU7 2RH, on Saturday, 1st April. With over 700 artworks this is one of the largest exhibitions in Surrey and an ideal free outing for families over the Easter holidays. AppArt will open from 1st to 16th, 10am to 4pm.
Image: National Trust / James Dobson
In spring the Painshill landscape comes alive with beautiful daffodil displays and goslings around the lake. Enjoy soaking up the season with a walk around the stunning 18th century garden. Over Easter, magical beasts have come to the landscape to lay their eggs. Can you spot all the dragon statues and match them to their eggs? Find them all with this fun family walking trail over the school holiday, April 1st-16th.
From dragons to witches with Room on the Broom at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this Easter holiday. Hop aboard from 7th to 9th and join the witch and her cat along with some unexpected hitchhikers – a friendly dog, a green bird and frantic frog – but is there room on the broom for everyone or will the hungry dragon snap them up? Tickets at Room On The Broom.
Dive into the world of science with the Ministry of Science Live at G Live on April 11th. Expect 20ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, fire tornados, hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and a self-built hovercraft! Book at G Live | Guildford.
With thoughts turning to summer activities, how about tennis? Godalming Lawn Tennis Club is a friendly club open to players or all ages and abilities in Farncombe, whether you have never held a racket before or are looking to perfect your serve and volley. There’s everything from five floodlit hardcourts to a variety of club playing and training options and a social calendar to get involved with. All you need to bring is a desire to play, find out more at www.godalmingtennis.co.uk
West Sussex
Celebrate spring by taking in blossom trees and bug hotels, and spotting butterflies and bluebells on the Springfest Easter trail at Nymans. The fun continues in the Play Glade where games, musical instruments and a play tent can all be found. There’ll be plenty of photo-ops around the garden too, and don’t forget to pick up your prize until April 16th.
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Take a spring adventure through Petworth House’s glorious 18th-century Pleasure Garden. Collect your map and get cracking to find 10 fun activities to complete from 1st to 10th. There are winding paths and spring flowers, old stone monuments to explore and amazing views to discover as you track down animal- and flower-themed games, crafts and puzzles.
Hampshire
Come out and play this spring as you journey through the gardens at The Vyne. Among other activities, look for wellies hiding in trees, spot nature in bingo and hopscotch your way alongside the lake. Easter trail sheets and chocolate egg prizes will be available to purchase at Visitor Reception from 1st to 16th. Booking essential Easter adventures at The Vyne | National Trust.
It’s ‘ready, set, hop’ at Hinton Ampner with their Spring into Nature Easter egg hunt. Explore and play in the grounds and complete a set of Easter-fuelled tasks to win a chocolate prize! You’ll leap like a rabbit and jump like a spring chicken as you spot the dazzling array of spring colour in the beautiful gardens.
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Explore woods, gardens and meadows at the beautiful Uppark House and Gardens near Petersfield, high up on the South Downs. Uppark’s Easter trail, 1st-16th, is jam-packed with fun family challenges. Can you jump as far as a deer on the lawn, or hula hoop for 30 seconds in the scented garden? Who’s best at racing just like a rabbit, or playing Bug Bingo in the woods?
Waxy magnolia blooms and swathes of daffodils line the sides of the main paths in the upper arboretum at Winkworth so this Easter – 1st-16th – take a voyage of discovery winding your way through the arboretum on an activity-filled nature trail while taking in the landscape springing into life and colour. Kids can have a go at making their own masterpiece with items found across the woodland floor, search for wildflowers or predicting the weather. Booking advisable.
Explore Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery in a new light with fun, self-guided trails for the family. Follow the clues, find the hidden objects and take part in a series of challenges in exchange for a mystery prize from April 1st to 15th. The 15th is also the date for an Easter Family Fun Day with an Easter Hop Disco and seasonal crafts through to the Easter hunt trail. Can you find the eggs and treats the Easter rabbit has dropped throughout the museum and gallery before it’s too late? Book at School Holiday Trail: Spring Forward | Petersfield Museum.
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Image: National Trust / James Dobson
Boom & Bloom runs on weekends through the Easter holidays until April 17th at Winchester Science Museum. As well as all the usual science centre fun with two floors of hands-on exhibits and the out-of-this-world Planetarium, families can join an eggs-travaganza Easter hunt and search for eggs laid by animals that hatch. If they find them all, children will be in for a delicious Easter treat. Help plant the Boom & Bloom garden when visitors can discover more about flowers and plants and plant their own. There’s also hands-on bubble fun in Science Live and a pollination exploration live show in the Science Theatre called Flower Power, www.winchestersciencecentre.org
Here’s a great way to feel better about all that chocolate you’ve eaten (and help a fabulous cause) – walk it off by getting in training for the brand new Breast Walk Ever coming to a town near you in 2023! Raise funds for vital breast cancer research. Take part at IBM Hursley near Winchester on Sunday 7th May, with a choice of three distances on signposted routes. Medal, massage and a glass of fizz at the finish. Discounts available for teams of four and dogs welcome. Sign up at www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/events
Explore
Get away for the day with Barnes Coaches with a wide range of day trips on the schedule for spring including great family days out by coach for over the Easter holidays and May Half Term. Join them going to exciting attractions such as Longleat, Bletchley Park, Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, Kew Gardens and more! Request a free day trip leaflet on 01793 821303 or view at www.barnescoaches.co.uk
‘Yesterday’s vehicles supporting today’s children’ is the simple message from the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs which is holding its charity Drive It Day on April 23rd
Vintage vehicles are taking part in Drive It Day on Sunday, 23rd April to raise awareness of the classic car movement in the UK and raise money for Childline.
Run by The Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs, a grouping of more than 450 clubs and museums with around 1,500 trade and individual supporters, Drive It Day offers enthusiasts and the public the opportunity to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the new invention that was the motor car.
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We’re sharing a taste of Gennaro’s Cucina: Hearty Money-Saving Meals from an Italian Kitchen by Gennaro Contaldo, out now published by Pavilion Books
Ä Linguine alla puttanesca
This typical Neapolitan dish is sometimes referred to as pasta alla marinara or simply as con olive e capperi, which are com-mon ingredients is this part of Italy. The name Puttanesca came about in the mid-20th century it was claimed that this dish was served in the brothels of Naples – puttana means ‘whore’ in Italian. Another theory was that a restaurant owner on the island of Ischia put together this dish when a group of late-night customers asked him to make una puttanata qualsiasi – in other words, make whatever you’ve got to hand. And that is exactly what he did with the ingredients he found in his kitchen. Whatever the reason behind its title, this spicy pasta dish is quick and simple to prepare with store cupboard ingredients.
Ribollita
This traditional hearty Tuscan soup is perfect for using up vegetables and stale bread. It was born out of a necessity to make meals go further and last longer. It was probably also made to be eaten for several days, hence its name Ribollita, which means “to reboil”. You can use any type of cabbage, spring greens and spinach and basically any vegetables you have.
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Cathie Welch of Cathie’s Gardening School turns her attention to one of the most pressing issues for gardeners this month – the pruning dilemma
With the extremes of temperature and subsequent plant damage I have attended many garden consultancies and answered numerous questions from my students and clients. All the questions and concerns have been exactly the same; do I prune now or leave well alone? This question is one that has stumped all of us experts as these climate extremes have never happened before.
Dead or alive?
Even though plants have suffered terribly some will have died and others will have just become defoliated or gone brown. The important bit is under the bark on the stems (the cambium layer where the cells divide). Using your nail or the blade of secateurs scrape away a little of the bark. It should be bright green. If it’s brown it’s dead. This all depends on the type of plant of course and it’s never that easy!
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The Ashmolean Museum rooftop restaurant is the perfect setting to enjoy a selection of Greek-inspired highlights to enjoy to tie in with the LABYRINTH: Knossos, Myth & Reality exhibition until the end of July.
I’ve often thought that the rooftop restaurant on top of the Ashmolean – the world’s oldest museum, no less – occupies the most impressive spot in the city.
Perched high above the Dreaming Spires, within spitting distance of the grand old Randolph Hotel, it’s a dreamy space of blonde wood, fluffy globe lighting & trippy round window holes that’s bright, breezy & rather fabulous, even on a drizzy winter’s day.
So it’s wonderful that the new menu buzzes with Greek pizazz to tie in with the fabulous current exhibition centred on Knossos, especially that mythic beast The Minotaur.
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Here are the best places to see spring flowers at National Trust gardens in Sussex this season. From blossom to bluebells, daffodils to rhododendrons, the signs of spring are sure to raise the spirits.
Everyone’s got a favourite spring flower, one that makes us happy, or brings to mind someone close to us. The hopeful sight of a swathe of purple crocuses or cheerful carpet of delicate bluebells can make our day.
As we emerge from the hibernation of winter, this is the perfect time to meet up with loved ones for a spring pilgrimage to see the bulbs and blooms, followed by a catch-up over a cuppa.
Find out more about the National Trust’s spring gardens near you:
Spring bulbs and magnolias at Nymans
Near Handcross, West Sussex, normal admission applies
The romantic garden at Nymans is dreamy in spring, with the Wall Garden full of blossom and bulbs. Spring starts with the first daffodils, narcissi and fragrant daphnes in March and April, followed by unusual heritage varieties of bulbs, along the recently replanted Edwardian spring border. Look out for the large collection of magnolia trees throughout the garden, which are spectacular at Nymans. These are followed by bold, colourful azaleas and rhododendrons, which come into their own as spring warms up in April and May.
Views out across the Weald are beautifully clear at this time of year and you can spot wildflowers along the pathways in the woodland, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Joe Whelan, Head Gardener at Nymans gives these gardening tips: “Early spring is a good time to plant trees, before the ground starts to heat up too much, it will give them a chance to get established. A lot of tender annuals can be sown indoors, or on a windowsill, in February and March. Keep on top of the early spring weeds, it will save you time later in the year.”
Image: National Trust / Andrew Honour
Image: National Trust / Andrew Honour
Rhododendrons and blossom at Sheffield Park and Garden
Near Uckfield, East Sussex, normal admission applies
With shimmering sweeps of lakes, woodlands glowing with bluebells, bustling rhododendrons and a vast parkland you can lose yourself in, Sheffield Park is the perfect spot to energise and feel the excitement of nature awakening. Bring family and friends, or just treat yourself, as you dive into a blossom-filled Sheffield Park and find your sense of wellbeing within nature.
Each year the gardeners at Sheffield Park plant new trees, to ensure the beauty of the garden for years to come. This year they are focusing on planting blossoming trees such as ornamental cherry, crab apple and magnolia in the newly reopened stream Garden, café border and throughout the formal gardens. Look out too for early-flowering blackthorn and hawthorn blossom, which are so crucial to native insects and wildlife at this time of year.
Image: National Trust / Andrew Butler
Apple blossom and spring bulbs at Standen
Near East Grinstead, West Sussex, normal admission applies
Standen comes to life in springtime, with banks of daffodils and fritillaries around the garden and tulips on the house terrace. The bluebells in Rockinghill Wood are spectacular in late April. Rhododendrons from Mrs Beale’s original collection can be seen around the garden from mid May. While in late spring, wisteria clothes the wall by the lavender lawn with fragrant purple blooms. The garden team at Standen recently replanted the cafe borders with over a thousand alliums and a narcissus called Goose Green.
James Masters, Head Gardener, describes his favourite spots to see blossom at Standen:“The Orchard is beautiful in the mornings with the sun behind, the beehives dotted throughout and daffodils underneath. We have apple, pear, cherry, quince and medlar blossom at Standen – in the orchard, around Goose Green and the kitchen garden. Pear blossom is normally first out in mid-March, with pink apple blossom coming through in April. Most of our fruit trees are local varieties. The large espalier apples in the lower Kitchen Garden were planted in 1893 and are still producing fruit. They are some of the most impressive trees we have in the Garden. The best places for photographs include the medlar, which is a lovely small tree on the Green and the first tree you see at the property: it has rocks around it which are great for group shots, perched in front of the blossom.”
Image: National Trust / Laurence Perry
Tulips at Bateman’s
Burwash, East Sussex, normal admission applies
In the walled Mulberry Garden, at the home of Rudyard Kipling, an array of early flowering tulips in ruby red, bronze, orange and purple are planted in drifts with complementary wallflowers. Visit in mid to late April to enjoy a visual feast of spring colour and delight in the blooms from around 4,000 bulbs – including fourteen different tulip varieties. Watch them open in the sun and follow the sun’s path throughout the day. The fragrant, colourful wallflowers and provide forage for early bumblebees such as the common carder.
Spring in the pleasure garden at Petworth House
Petworth, West Sussex, normal admission applies
The pleasure garden was designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in the late 18th century. Today it is one of Petworth’s best kept secrets and well worth exploring. The serpentine paths, stone follies and spring blossom make this a beautiful place to walk. Crab apple and cherry blossom is interspersed with bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas.
A great place for a spring photo at Petworth is the Ionic Rotunda, which was constructed in 1766 and is reminiscent of the Temple of Vesta at Trivoli, Italy. The ground leading to it is filled with daffodils in early spring – and then bluebells. You can also see these flowers in the formal beds near the mansion, along with primroses and cyclamen in the garden.
Daffodils at Uppark
Near Petersfield, West Sussex, normal admission applies
Hundreds of fragrant white narcissus ‘Thalia’, and creamy white and yellow frilled variety ‘Ice Follies’ greet you just outside the main gates to these landscaped gardens. Delicate pale yellow dwarf narcissus ‘W.P Milner’ lines the driveway to the mansion house – a favourite spring display with visitors.
Keep an eye out for pale blue spring starflower and a mix of irises in the border next to the café. In the formal garden, a magnificent magnolia tree produces large waxy pink petals and perennial honesty provides a profusion of scented, lilac-white flowers that bees and butterflies love.
In late spring, Uppark’s small wildflower meadow begins its changing displays, as the long grasses are gradually dotted with yellow rattle, crown imperials and fragile orchids. On a warm spring day this is a lovely space to wander into and sit for a while, surrounded by the gentle yum of wildlife.
Garden rooms at Woolbeding Gardens
Near Midhurst, West Sussex, entry by prebooked tickets, travel by minibus from Midhurst, admission applies
Woolbeding Gardens delights at every turn with its distinctive garden rooms set against thoughtfully composed borders – look out for primulas, geraniums and other early flowering perennials. Apples trained to climb the historic walls of the herb garden reveal displays of blossom set around a central sundial and English thyme beds. In the Ruined Abbey, cherry trees show their white and pink blossom, which create a carpet of petal confetti on the grass below, in the spring breeze.
Cottage garden at Alfriston Clergy House
Alfriston, East Sussex, entry by prebooked tickets, admission applies
The cottage garden at Alfriston Clergy House is a lovely place to find inspiration on a domestic scale. The orchard is planted with rare varieties of apples such as Lady Sudeley, Crawley beauty, Monarch and the local Alfriston apple.
Blossom and bulbs at Monk’s House
Rodmell, Sussex, entry by prebooked tickets, admission applies
A beautiful English country garden designed by Leonard Woolf with incredible views of the Sussex Downs. Virginia Woolf was greatly influenced by the garden and her short story ‘The Orchard’ was inspired by the garden at Monk’s House. In spring the garden is bursting with buds and flowers, including tulips, daffodils, hellebores and magnolias. While the orchard is a flurry of apple and pear blossom.
Design legend Wayne Hemmingway MBE chats to us ahead of a charity retail highlight at The Oracle this month
We love vintage shopping here at R&A. How do you fancy some resale therapy this month, while helping great causes, and the planet?
The Charity Super.Mkt is a concept for social and environmental good, where people can shop the best of charity retail all in one place.
You’ll find a mix of household names and local favourites, brought together as a purposeful collective.
In January, Charity Super.Mkt opened in London’s Brent Cross Shopping Centre, for a 31-day stint, extended due to popular demand. The projected turnover for the month-long pop-up was surpassed on day four and is set to reach 10 times its original target and organisers hope for a similar smash-hit with the Reading highlight.
We caught up with the design legend Wayne Hemmingway MBE…
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Here are the best places to see spring flowers at National Trust gardens in Surrey this season. From blossom to bluebells, daffodils to rhododendrons, the signs of spring are sure to raise the spirits.
Everyone’s got a favourite flower, one that makes us happy, or brings to mind someone close to us. The hopeful sight of a swathe of purple crocuses or cheerful carpet of delicate bluebells can make our day.
As we emerge from the hibernation of winter, this is the perfect time to meet up with loved ones for a spring pilgrimage to see the bulbs and blooms, followed by a catch-up over a cuppa.
Find out more about the National Trust’s spring gardens near you:
Spring bulbs and blossom at Polesden Lacey
Near Dorking, Surrey, normal admission applies
Take in the views of the Edwardian house at Polesden Lacey framed by swathes of daffodils and spring bulbs, while the little ones can enjoy the brand new play area. Take a walk through the gardens to find floral fiestas in the spring borders, daffodils along New Lime Walk and anemones in the courtyard.
New for this year are 35,000 spring crocuses planted in the Ladies’ Garden to commemorate Mrs Greville. The garden team are planting a new Blossom Garden as you enter the property. In years to come 40 new cherry trees will blossom, among a meadow of wildflowers.
For well-established blossom trees, wind your way to Home Farm Orchard, where mature apple and pear trees are full of blossom in spring. Perch on a picnic bench under the apple blossom and breathe in the spring.
Image: National Trust / Megan Taylor
Image: National Trust / Eddie Hyde
Bluebells at Hatchlands Park
Near Guildford, Surrey, normal admission applies
The parkland at Hatchlands is a glorious place to visit for a spring walk. Delicate bluebells form a carpet of violet in the ancient woodlands in late April and early May. Pretty anemones and violets are scattered along the Long Walk, followed by the cheery sight of cowslips in the meadow and May blossom. Enjoy the scent of lilac and skimmia in the garden and see daffodils beneath a magnificent London plane tree.
The much-loved Hatchlands donkeys are moving to a new purpose built stable this spring. Close by will be a small play area for pre-schoolers and picnic benches.
Image: National Trust / James Dobson
Daffodils and rhododendrons at Claremont Landscape Garden
Near Esher, Surrey, normal admission applies
Take time out to enjoy the refreshing sights of spring, when Claremont Landscape Garden is at its loveliest. Swathes of daffodils and camellias first herald the new season, with azaleas and rhododendrons following on.
As the days get longer, stroll through corridors of rhododendrons, the sunshine sparkling on the lake and look out for tiny ducklings and goslings. There are wonderful viewpoints and vistas from which to watch the signs of spring emerge as the garden awakens.
Image: National Trust / Andrew Butler
Image: National Trust / Andy Millar
Bluebells and azaleas at Winkworth Arboretum
Near Godalming, Surrey, normal admission applies
Spring arrives at Winkworth with pops of daffodils and magnolias in bloom at first, then an explosion of colour: with rhododendrons, azaleas and bluebells spreading glorious colour across the arboretum.
Walking down the azalea steps at Winkworth Arboretum on a May morning is a moment of heaven in Surrey, with their boldly coloured flowers and the echoing song of blackbirds. The upper slopes of the arboretum and bluebell wood fill out with an unmissable carpet of native bluebells.
Thanks to recent conservation work by the countryside team, the bluebells will have even more opportunity to emerge throughout the arboretum this year.
Image: National Trust / John Millar
Image: National Trust / James Dobson
Rhododendrons and bluebells at Leith Hill
Normal parking charges apply
At the foot of Leith Hill, the winding paths of Caroline Wedgwood’s historic rhododendron wood are lined with vibrant rhododendron blooms and gently scented azaleas. The towering specimen trees, including redwoods, provide dappled shade and a place to relax.
A climb up to Franks Wood will be rewarded with the wonderful haze and scent of native bluebells and spectacular views across the south downs.
