New beer garden and event space planned as Royal Saracens Head undergoes transformation

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

Popular Beaconsfield pub the Royal Saracens Head will close for five weeks while a significant refurbishment transforms its interiors, beer garden and function space, with new jobs also being created ahead of its July reopening.


The Royal Saracens Head in Beaconsfield is set to undergo a major refurbishment this summer, with the popular Buckinghamshire pub closing on Monday 8 June 2026 before reopening with a fresh new look on Friday 10 July 2026.

Part of the Premium Country Pub Collection, the venue sits in the heart of the market town and has long been a destination for relaxed dining and drinks. The renovation aims to blend the character of a traditional country pub with a more contemporary design.

Among the planned improvements is a revamped beer garden featuring new planting, decking and lighting, creating an enhanced outdoor space for the warmer months. The pub’s function room is also being refurbished and will accommodate up to 35 guests for private celebrations, weddings and business events.

The investment is expected to create four new front-of-house roles when the venue reopens.

Food will remain central to the experience, with a menu focused on seasonal ingredients and classic dishes prepared by the pub’s chefs. Guests can also take advantage of a fixed-price Weeknight Escape menu, available Monday to Thursday, offering two courses from £22.95 or three courses from £27.95.

A weekday set lunch menu will be served from 12pm to 5pm, with two courses from £21.95 and three courses from £25.95. Cocktail fans can also enjoy a 2-for-£16 offer throughout the day from Monday to Thursday.

Commenting on the refurbishment, general manager AJ Pilavullathil said: ‘The Royal Saracens Head has always been at the heart of the Beaconsfield community, and the refurbishment is a chance for us to elevate the country pub experience for our guests this summer.

‘We can’t wait for the people of Beaconsfield to experience our fresh, new look while enjoying the classic premium country pub experience with great food and a warm welcome from the whole team.’

For more information or to make a booking, visit theroyalsaracens.co.uk.

Q&A with YYY England 2026 Chef Finalist Benjamin Mabley

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

Local chef Benjamin Mabley returns to national finals aiming to go “full guns blazing”.


Reading-born chef Benjamin Mabley is preparing to represent the region at the World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist England Finals 2026, taking place at The Peninsula London on 8th & 9th June.

Benjamin, who works at Hartwell House Hotel & Spa near Aylesbury, is returning to the prestigious competition for a third time. The World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist competition has helped launch the careers of hospitality stars including Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, Theo Randall and Mark Sargeant, and showcases some of the country’s most promising young chefs, waiters and mixologists.

Ahead of the finals, Benjamin spoke to Round & About about his earliest food memories, culinary inspirations and why he’s determined to take more risks this year.

Q. What’s your first food memory?

“Me and my family went to Majorca when I was about five. We ate at an outdoor restaurant on a boat. I ordered a kids’ meal and my mum ordered moules marinière. I liked hers so much that we ended up swapping meals. That’s my first real food memory.”

Q. What’s the first meal you remember blowing your socks off? Or any other inspiration to becoming a chef?

“When I first went to college, my dad took me to Restaurant Pétrus in London and we were lucky enough to get a tour. The standout dish was guinea fowl cooked sous vide with a mousse, Jerusalem artichokes and an amazing sauce. It opened my eyes to the whole fine dining side of cooking.

“As for becoming a chef, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do when I was at secondary school. Things started to fall into place when I met Daniel Richardson, who is now my Executive Chef at Hartwell House. I’ve also spent time with Jason Atherton and Adam Handling, who were big inspirations and helped me develop my own style of cooking.”

Q. Any teachers worth a shout-out?

“Stefan Greubel from the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts. He was amazing. He really helped build my confidence and understanding of the industry during my training.”

Q. Who’s your chef hero?

“Gordon Ramsay. He’s someone I’ve looked up to throughout my career. The standards he sets are incredible and I admire how he’s built such a successful business while still staying focused on the food.”

Q. What are your favourite local pubs or restaurants?

“The Nut Tree Inn in Murcott. It’s a Michelin-starred pub but in a really relaxed setting with fantastic food. That’s the sort of place I’d love to have one day – somewhere people feel comfortable but where the food is still exceptional.”

Q. What’s one thing you wish people knew about hospitality?

“The craftsmanship and time and effort that goes on behind the scenes. People often overlook just how much work goes into creating dishes, developing flavours and making sure everything is right before it reaches the table.”

Q. What do you love about Hartwell House – for anyone who hasn’t eaten there?

“I actually stayed there recently just after my wedding, so it was nice to experience it from the other side. You’re immediately struck by the grandeur of the house and the beautiful rooms. The team make you feel like royalty, but it’s also incredibly welcoming. It’s a great country house hotel that somehow feels like your own home.”

Q. Who would be your dream dinner party guests, living or dead, real or fictional?

“Definitely Gordon Ramsay and Thomas Keller. I’d love the chance to pick their brains and hear their stories. Having two chefs of that calibre around the table would be pretty special.”

Q. If you had a magic wand what would you wish for?

“My own restaurant. I’d love to run a countryside pub with a bit of grandeur; somewhere serving impeccable food that looks amazing but still has a relaxed atmosphere, great ales and a strong drinks offering. A bit like Heston’s pub in Bray.”

Q. Returning to Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist England 2026, how are you feeling about coming back?

“It’s really exciting. This is my third time competing and every year I’ve learned something new. It’s an amazing opportunity, but there are definitely some nerves as well because the standard is always so high.”

Q. Why nervous?

“It’s a big competition and a real stepping stone. The people you meet, the exposure it gives you and where it could lead your career make it a huge opportunity. You want to do yourself justice and showcase what you’re capable of.

Q. Any key things about what you might do differently this time?

“Last time I probably played it a little too safe. This year I want to trust myself more, be more adventurous and really showcase my style of cooking. I’m going to go full guns blazing and see what happens.”

Whether his all-out approach delivers the title or not, Benjamin is clearly relishing the opportunity to test himself against some of the country’s best young chefs. The results of this year’s England Finals will be revealed on the evening of Tuesday, 9th June at The Peninsula London.

Inside Nathalie Pymm’s creative world ahead of Bucks Art Weeks

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

Local artist Nathalie Pymm tells us about printmaking, puppies & opening her studio for Bucks Art Weeks this June.


Art has always been woven into Nathalie’s life. Growing up with an architect father and a freelance artist mother, she developed an early fascination with the built world – watching drawings transform into buildings sparked a lifelong appreciation for structure, detail and creativity.

Now based in Amersham, where she’s lived for 30+ years, Nathalie is a self-taught printmaker and mixed media painter whose work celebrates the colour, texture and the beauty of everyday moments. Working across vibrant lino prints and richly layered paintings, she brings the same energy and curiosity to each piece.

Her creative career, however, wasn’t always full-time. After more than three decades working as a nurse, a period of spinal surgery prompted a life shift that allowed her to fully embrace her artistic path.

It’s a transition she clearly relishes, spending her days in a garden studio, now shared with her newest companion, Bella, a puppy in training as her “studio assistant.”

When she’s not creating, Nathalie can often be found exploring the local countryside, walking from Amersham through woods towards Chesham and Old Amersham. Stops at favourite cafés are part of the routine, with Bella warmly welcomed along the way.

Nathalie will once again open her studio as part of Bucks Art Weeks (Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 June), alongside ceramicist and sculptor Caroline Selvey and jewellery designer Heidi Fenn. Visitors can expect a vibrant, immersive space, with artwork displayed from floor to ceiling and the chance to chat directly with the artists about their process and inspiration.

It follows a busy year that has seen Nathalie exhibit widely, including having her lino print Quintet in Red selected for the Royal Society of British Artists exhibition at the Mall Galleries. She has also shown work locally and continues to be an active part of the thriving Chilterns arts scene.

Alongside her own practice, Nathalie co-organises Amersham Art Unlocked, a much-loved showcase of regional talent spanning painting, jewellery, ceramics and more. This year’s event takes place on Saturday 31 October and Monday 1 November.

For Nathalie, art is more than a profession – it’s a form of connection, creativity and calm.

She said: “If I had one wish, it would be for everyone to find an art form they love.”

Find more info at nathaliepymm.com.

Meet the Bucks stylist nominated for eight national hair awards

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

We chat to Shannon Byrne, the Bucks stylist & SEN champion mum who’s earned national recognition with eight UK award nominations.


For local stylist Shannon Byrne, building a business has always been about more than great hair – it’s about heart, community and confidence.

Founder of Shan’s Salon, a home-based space specialising in colour, blondes and creative transformations, Shannon has spent the past decade honing her craft.

Starting in the industry aged just 16, she qualified by 19 and has since built a loyal client base – all while raising her two young children.

“It means so much to build something in the town I’ve grown up in,” she says. “There’s a real sense of community here.”

Inside the award-nominated home salon

That connection is now being celebrated on a national stage. Shan’s Salon has been named a finalist in an incredible eight categories at the UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2026, including Best Home Salon, Best Colour Salon and Hair Stylist of the Year.

For Shannon, the recognition goes far beyond technical skill.

“It reflects the whole experience – the care, the branding, the environment. Everything I’ve worked so hard to create.” Her salon is designed to feel calm, welcoming and personal – a place where clients can truly relax.

Creating a calm and inclusive client experience

This ethos extends to her inclusive approach, offering flexible, understanding appointments for SEN children and neurodivergent clients.

“It’s something very close to my heart, everyone deserves to feel comfortable and looked after.”

A proud homegrown Bucks success story

Shannon’s roots in the area run deep. Having attended local schools before training at Buckinghamshire College Group, her journey is a true homegrown success story.

Today, she continues to champion other independents, giving a shout-out to local favourite Livia’s Sweet Treats and supporting community events wherever she can.

She is also a member of the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, reflecting her wider commitment to the local environment and community.

Representing Aylesbury on a national stage

Looking ahead, the awards ceremony is set to be a major highlight in an already landmark year.

“To represent Aylesbury at that level is something I’m incredibly proud of,” she says.

But despite the accolades, Shannon remains grounded in what matters most: her clients, her family and the town that supported her from the start.

For her, success isn’t just about great hair – it’s about creating a space where people feel seen, supported and confident when they walk out the door.

Find out more by following @shans_salon on Instagram.

Designer Roger Bennett reflects on a lifetime of creativity in autobiography Chair Man

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

Still working at the age of 94, local furniture designer & father Roger Bennett reflects on a remarkable career and life in his book, Chair Man, with profits to Great Ormond Street.


At an age when many have long since retired, Roger Bennett is still working, creating, reflecting and sharing the story of a life shaped by design.

Now aged 94, the father, grandfather and great-grandfather has published his autobiography, Chair Man, charting a career that spans decades and captures the spirit of a transformative era in British furniture design.

Written in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, the book offers both a personal and professional journey through changing times.

Roger made his mark during the “swinging sixties”, working with leading names including G-Plan and contributing to projects for major clients such as the Hilton Hotel Park Lane.

It was a time of bold ideas and evolving tastes, where furniture design began to reflect a more modern, aspirational lifestyle.

His story is also closely tied to Bucks, long regarded as a powerhouse of British furniture making. During the 1960s, the county was a hub of innovation, with manufacturers experimenting with new materials and forms that helped define the era’s distinctive look.

Among Roger’s most recognised creations is the internationally renowned GoGo chair, produced by Evans of High Wycombe. With its bucket-shaped design and bold vinyl finish, it perfectly captured the energy of 1960s pop culture. The chair was exhibited across Europe.

Like much of Roger’s work, it balances function with flair – a hallmark of his design philosophy. But Chair Man is more than a catalogue of achievements. It’s also a deeply personal account of a life lived with curiosity and resilience, offering insight into challenges and triumphs behind the scenes.

Describing himself as a “restless creature”, Roger’s memories of his childhood and early fatherhood offer charming glimpses of a bygone era, as well as his own impressive paintings.

Roger and his first wife Joyce opened In Time in Hazlemere, where he served as postmaster for 23 years and was given exclusive rights for sales of Paddington Bear, thanks to a young Jeremy Clarkson. Today, he continues to run In Time in Hazlemere.

His passion for design remains evident, not just in his past work but in his ongoing engagement with the industry.

Perhaps most striking is the book’s final chapter, where Roger reflects candidly on ageing. With honesty and warmth, he explores both the rewards and realities of growing older – a perspective that resonates far beyond the world of design.

You can buy a copy of Chair Man for £5.95 from In Time in Hazlemere; 01494 718497.

Win! Stowaway Festival tickets

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

Escape to the woods for a weekend of music, lakeside living and laid-back festival magic.


Fancy discovering one of the UK’s most talked-about independent festivals? We’ve teamed up with Stowaway Festival to offer one lucky reader a pair of weekend tickets to its fifth birthday edition.

Taking place from 31st July to 2nd August at Blackpit Farm in Stowe, Stowaway blends cutting-edge music with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere in a stunning woodland and lakeside setting.

This year’s line-up is seriously impressive, featuring Nightmares on Wax, Kokoroko, Skream and Emma-Jean Thackray, alongside a special 30th anniversary takeover from Hospital Records.

But it’s not just about the music. Think wild swimming, paddleboarding, woodland spa sessions and late-night dancing beneath laser-lit trees. Add in artisan food, hidden bars and plenty of activities for kids, and you’ve got a festival that truly balances party energy with laid-back charm.

Still proudly independent, Stowaway has built a reputation for its welcoming crowd and unforgettable atmosphere.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets, simply enter below.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 10 July 2026.

Your Name

Your Address

Your Email*

Telephone

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Would you like to opt in and receive marketing communications from our competition supplier? If yes, how?

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Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.

Fall in love with the UK again: The rise of modern staycations

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

We’re all going on a summer holiday, and more of us are going on staycations – double-decker bus optional…


I do like to be beside the seaside – and in the countryside too – and so do millions of us, with more opting for a staycation last year than hopping on a plane and going abroad.

South West England, Yorkshire, Wales and Scotland are the most popular choices with cottages, caravans and camping all enticing us to enjoy the stunning scenery, history and heritage around us, not to mention visits to the many and varied excellent local pubs and restaurants too.

Combine the comforts of home with the atmosphere of a destination break with a home from home at a holiday park. They make the ideal choice if travelling as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, they’re designed to make holidays easy, enjoyable, and packed with choice, offering plenty to entertain the whole family.

Accommodation is a big part of the appeal. Holidaymakers can choose from cosy caravans and modern lodges to luxury cabins with hot tubs, often set in scenic locations by the coast, countryside, or lakes. Many options are fully equipped with kitchens, living spaces, and outdoor seating, giving you the freedom to holiday on your own terms.

On-site facilities are another highlight. Most holiday parks feature swimming pools, restaurants, entertainment venues, and play areas, so there’s always something to do without leaving the park.

For families, kids’ clubs and organised activities keep younger guests engaged, while adults can enjoy live shows, fitness facilities, or simply unwind.

Holiday parks also offer a strong sense of community and convenience. Everything you need is usually within walking distance, from shops to dining options, creating a safe and social environment. At the same time, you have the flexibility to explore the surrounding area, whether that’s beaches, walking trails, or local attractions.

Holidaying this way allows you to strike a balance between activity and relaxation – giving you the freedom to do as much or as little as you like, all in one place.

With the increase of flexible working, pet-friendly accommodation, and with a nod to more mindful travel, staycations are here to stay and are better than ever and if holidaying without airport queues, luggage allowances and keeping an eye on your carbon footprint strike a chord then staycationing is the way to go.

Discover the hidden gems this country has to offer from cosy countryside escapes to indulgent spa days and vibrant local dining, a staycation lets you experience all manner of delights and fall in love all over again with favourite childhood destinations.

Win! A foodie stay for two at The Kings Head in Cirencester

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

You could win a two-night midweek foodie stay for two at The Kings Head in Cirencester – here’s why it will leave you feeling majestic!


“What have the Romans ever done for us?” As it happens, quite a lot, especially if you find yourself descending into the vaulted cellars at The Kings Head.

Set right on the historic market square in Cirencester, this 14th-century coaching inn is a masterclass in old-meets-new.

There’s heritage at every turn – Roman vaults, Georgian grandeur more exciting than any Bridgerton bodice-ripper, medieval bones – but it’s all been brought bang up to date with a stylish, characterful redesign that never tips into try-hard.

What really makes it, though, is the atmosphere. The place is vibey. On a recent stay, the bar was alive with chatter: dogs snoozing happily under tables, couples lingering over wine, and young children in glittery dresses bopping along to live music. It’s that sweet spot of feeling both elevated and entirely at ease.

And then there’s the food. Head chef Mathew Peter (formerly of The Frogmill) is firmly focused on seasonal, locally sourced produce – and it shows. I settled into the gorgeous brasserie (after a couple of golden ales) and the wild mushrooms on sourdough toast arrived piled high and deeply savoury, the kind of dish that feels simple but delivers big, earthy flavour. A generously portioned fish pie followed – comforting, rich and exactly what you want from a classic done properly.

Across the table, my carnivore boyfriend went all in on the short rib. “Melt-in-the-mouth and pink,” promised our server – and it absolutely delivered. It’s that attention to detail, paired with genuinely warm, knowledgeable service, that elevates the whole experience.

Upstairs, 64 individually styled rooms (many dog-friendly) offer a calm retreat from the buzz below, while outside, you’re perfectly placed to explore. Wander past St John the Baptist Church (we watched a choral concert through the keyhole), dip into independent gems such as Witches Knickers, or simply soak up the rhythm of this impossibly pretty Cotswolds town.

Beautiful, bustling and brilliantly welcoming, The Kings Head is the kind of place you check into – and immediately start plotting your return.

The best part? You could experience it all for yourself.

One lucky reader will win a two-night midweek bed and breakfast stay for two, including a superior room and a three-course dinner with a bottle of house wine on one evening.

How to enter

To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 26 June 2026.

Your Name

Your Address

Your Email*

Telephone

How did you find us?

Would you like to opt in and receive marketing communications from our competition supplier? If yes, how?

Sign up to our newsletter


Where to find more prizes?

Head to our competitions page to find all of our current prizes.

Get your garden match ready for the ultimate summer of sport

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

From BBQs and outdoor bars to cosy seating and weatherproof shelters, discover how to turn your garden into the perfect space for al fresco dining and summer entertaining as football fever takes over.


It’s coming home, it’s coming home… the World Cup kicks off on Thursday 11 June 2026 and whether it comes home or not, there will be plenty who will celebrate or commiserate in their gardens. Is yours worthy of winning the coveted trophy or more of an own goal?

As the World Cup lights up summer, make sure your garden is ready for whatever highs and lows it brings with friends and family round to lead the cheers.

Gardens can be games of two halves as football matches can – you need somewhere to relax and put your feet up and somewhere for that all-important get together over food as you clink glasses.
Al fresco dining isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience.

The smell of fresh dishes mingling with a gentle breeze, the plink plink of ice cubes splashing into glasses cheers-ed together alongside laughter that lingers long after the sun goes down. Whether it’s a relaxed brunch in a sunlit courtyard or a candlelit dinner beneath the stars, everything tastes better outdoors.

Flavours are savoured and taste buds sharpened, there’s something so very special about cooking outside.

BBQs have come a long way from the iconic charcoal kettle-style to gas powered and brick built ones to today’s bouji outdoor kitchens that are designed to impress (and make your culinary skills do the same), or perhaps pizza’s your thing and you like to mix and match your toppings and have your unique family favourite?

True al fresco fans will have constructed their own bar and perhaps already put up that TV ready to settle in front of the match – think about the variable British weather with this.

A shelter or shade of some sort is a must. Shades, sails and awnings have become popular in recent years to add a stylish touch and are the ideal way to protect you from a shower and also to ward off excess heat, fingers crossed.

Depending on your home and garden, perhaps a pergola, gazebo or lean-to is a more permanent option?

If it’s going to be a late night, you’ll need lighting to keep the party going – solar power is a popular choice, strings of fairy lights, wall lighting or spotlights in your decking, and you’re ready to party into the early hours.

Why classic cars remain timeless icons of style and driving passion

Zoe Gater

buckinghamshire

Think of a classic car and you think of a pure driving experience, effortless style, nostalgia and the wind whipping through your hair…


Like good music and fine wines, classic cars age well, evoke emotions and are timeless in their appeal and are why you’ll see thousands gathering at meets and rallies over the summer months to drool over the sleek lines and stylish features.

A classic is defined as “something of the highest quality that serves as a standard or model for others”.

More than just old vehicles to be admired by young children and dreamed of by older enthusiasts, they are celebrated as machines with a soul, offering a connection to the past and stirring memories of a time when cars were still a luxury and oozed historical significance rather than being today’s necessity as a means of getting from A to B.

This sense of nostalgia and “harking back to yesteryear” are the enduring lure for many.

Gareth Williams is part of the team working on Hart Classics, a classic car and motorcycle show at Hartley Wintney on Sunday, 21st June. He believes classic cars reflect changing design and style influences through time.

“Like good music, certain car designs age well, bring about certain emotions and become timeless classics. The Porsche 911 is a classic case in point – while the latest iteration is a completely different car from the original classic, the design still bears a strong resemblance and has been iterated sympathetically through time.

“I’ve always loved cars and at a younger age I was in awe visiting motor shows with my dad, reading car magazines/books and even playing Sports Car Top Trumps with my brothers. I always thought that one day, should the opportunity arise to own one of these previously unobtainable cars, I would like to.”

He is “lucky enough” to own a 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera – known as the G series, impact bumper model – “it is a joy to own”. Some of his fellow organisers of Hart Classics are huge Jaguar and Lotus enthusiasts. All will be on display at the event where owners will be happy to share their love and what drives the attraction of owning one.

“One driver’s attraction to VW Beetles is another’s attraction to Ferraris,” explains Gareth. “For some, classic cars have proven to be an attractive long-term investment, driven by rising demand and limited supply; but like all investments, the value can rise and fall. I prefer to focus on driving them and enjoying the experience.

“It puts a smile on your face. The driving experience is more raw, more analogue than today’s modern cars, which makes driving them a more involved, enjoyable experience. I always find I’m ‘waved out’ at junctions in my classic car, which says a lot; fellow drivers appreciate seeing them on the road and are intrigued.”

The appeal is down to the driving experience for Mark Perkins who is CEO of Historics Auctioneers which has recently unveiled a new £5m HQ in Lyndhurst Road, Ascot.

“The wonderful thing about classic cars is everyone is bonded by the passion of ownership, no matter their age and the depth of their pockets, with values of classic cars ranging from a few thousands of pounds to many millions.

“In this comparatively sanitised motoring world of new cars, those of yesteryear get a big thumbs up for their diversity, the driving enjoyment at the wheel and as a passenger, plus, for many, the ability to tinker with their pride and joy.”

In recent years he’s seen major growth in “modern classics”, cars of the 1980s, ’90s and 2000s, adding that collecting is not purely the preserve of the “more mature enthusiasts”.

He says: “These tend to attract a younger age group of buyers, which will continue to swell the ranks of classic cars on the road. Not surprisingly, the interest in ownership is championed by thousands of UK clubs representing the interests of owners of individual car makes and models – the social aspects of classic car ownership cannot be over-estimated!”

A typical Historics auction showcases cars close to a century in age up to a relatively young 40, spanning differing marques.

If this whets your appetite, Historics’ summer auction is at the rural setting of Windsorview Lakes in Datchet on 18th July, just minutes from Junction 5, M4. Visit historics.co.uk