Homelessness charity’s festive evening at Reading Town Hall on December 5th will mix music, readings and tales of Launchpad’s work
Get ready to sing your heart out for a fabulous cause on Tuesday, 5th December when this year’s Carols by Candlelight takes place at Reading Town Hall from 6pm.
The festive evening will be hosted by Launchpad patron, Danyl Johnson and broadcast journalist and presenter at BBC Radio Berkshire, Bridgitte Tetteh.
Launchpad will be joined by the English Martyrs Primary School choir and Take Note Community choir. As well as seasonal songs there will be readings and inspiring stories about Launchpad’s work with people in housing crisis.
Every ticket sale for this unmissable evening 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, or who have already lost their homes.
Fiona Keyte, Fundraising Manager at Launchpad, said: “Every year people tell us that Carols by Candlelight marks the start of their Christmas celebrations. I’m really looking forward to hearing some great singing this year, while knowing that we’ll be helping people across Reading too.”
Tickets are £12 per person and under 3s can attend for free. There is unreserved seating but accessible seating can be requested at the point of booking. For more information and to buy your ticket, visit lpcarolsbycandle.eventbrite.co.uk
There will also be some incredible prizes to be won in our raffle on the night – including a £50 voucher for Bill’s restaurant, dinner for two in the Reading Room at The Roseate and a tour of the Double-Barrelled Brewery. Please bring cash or card with you to enter the raffle!
For anyone that is unable to attend, you can still support our work with a donation so we can help ensure local people have a roof over their head and a place to call home. Simply visit launchpadreading.org.uk/donate
Seven new displays as the UK’s original festive lights trail returns to Kew Gardens, November 15th to January 7th
Brand-new installations will showcase Kew Gardens in a whole new light, as the UK’s original festive light trail returns to the world-famous botanic gardens in London this November.
Since the inaugural Christmas at Kew trail in 2013, this unique event has paved the way for festive displays across the country. This year’s trail is a celebration of nature by night, bringing Kew’s incredible natural architecture to life. Visitors can expect the return of seasonal favourites alongside immersive new installations, seven of which are making their UK debut. Not to be missed, Christmas at Kew is enchanting seasonal experience for everyone to enjoy.
New installations for 2023
Bespoke new installations include Lili by TILT, a series of abstract, illuminated flowers that stand at almost three metres tall, towering over visitors. ArtAV return with Trapezoid, one of the longest light tunnels to ever feature at Christmas at Kew, and along Camellia Walk over 400 cascading lights are suspended from the tree canopy, set against an assortment of neon backdrops.
Elsewhere, the Hive – a stunning piece of contemporary artwork at Kew that recreates life inside a beehive – will feature in the trail for the first time. With its 1,000 LED lights aglow and an accompanying musical score, see this unique structure like never before as twilight descends across Kew Gardens.
Creative studio Pitaya return to Kew with Spark Ballet, 24 lanterns filled with subtly sparkling lights that appear to ‘dance’, and candles. This brand-new commission sees one hundred candles suspended in the air, magically appearing to float above visitors’ heads. The flickering flames will illuminate tree-lined passageways to create an enchanting festive atmosphere.
Festive favourites
With many of Kew’s 12,000 trees and other botanical treasures being accentuated along the route, visitors can wander beneath colourful canopies and bushes draped in seasonal sparkle, experiencing nature from a new perspective whilst treasuring the essential role that plants play in all our lives.
Other returning favourites include Kew’s famous Christmas Cathedral, a twinkling tunnel of light inspired by arched church windows, and a newly designed Fire Garden. Over 300 candles will line the path to the Temperate House, the oldest Victorian glasshouse in the world, as flame bulbs create the illusion that this cathedral of glass is glowing from within.
Elsewhere, visitors will be entranced as a series of breath-taking light displays dance across the surface of Kew’s iconic Palm House, and LED lights ‘float’ on the surface of the adjacent lake. This grand finale is set to a memorable playlist of much-loved Christmas classics, guaranteed to stir sentimental memories or provide a soundtrack for new traditions.
To add an extra touch of magic to the Christmas at Kew experience, visitors can book a delicious traditional Christmas dinner at The Botanical Brasserie. Indulge in celeriac and truffle soup, Caramelized shallot, beetroot and mushroom wellington or turkey ballotine stuffed with sausage meat, washed down by a warming glass of mulled wine. Kids favourites can be found at the Family Kitchen & Shop, and tasty treats from a selection of independent street food vendors are available along the route. Treat yourself to loaded hash browns, spiced cider, waffles or hot chocolate.
Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: “Christmas at Kew is a magical celebration of Kew’s natural landscape, offering sparkle and festivities during the winter months. With an incredible range of brand-new installations and some returning favourites, this year’s trail is guaranteed to be a seasonal spectacle like no other.”
At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, Glow Wild celebrates a milestone 10 years. Bringing festive magic and wonder to the South East with 10 new installations and myriad hand-crafted lanterns, this winter lantern trail is not to be missed.
Tickets for Christmas at Kew and Glow Wild are available to purchase now at: Royal Botanic Gardens
Boo, hiss, you won’t want to miss… It’s time to sprinkle the fairy dust and wave your wand to welcome larger than life characters and slapstick galore – pantos are back!
Our Q&A star this month Lucy Benjamin got into some scrapes during her time in EastEnders and as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, this festive season will no doubt get into some more in the classic rags to riches tale. Radio’s Peter Gordon returns for his 18th year, this time in a hilarious Ugly Stepsister duo alongside Guildford Shakepeare Company co-founder Matt Pinches. It’s also welcome back to CBeebies star James Merry for his third Yvonne Arnaud panto! The godmother of all pantos, full of slapstick and slosh, music and magic runs from December 2nd to January 7th. For tickets visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
The story of a young girl’s journey from scullery to ballroom is also being told with tears, laughter, music and fun at Camberley Theatre from December 9th to 31st. This new, magical production of the timeless story of Cinderella will delight the whole family featuring a jukebox of much loved songs, beautiful costumes and a talented cast of actors and dancers. Will Cinderella be able to escape her cruel family for a chance of one night of fun, and maybe find love along the way? Find out more for yourself at camberleytheatre.co.uk
Holly, Santa’s newest elf and Trixie the experienced elf are busy decorating Santa’s workshop in the lead up to Christmas. Holly reveals Lapland’s biggest secret, that once a year Santa sends a magical gift to one person who deserves it the most. Holly writes her Christmas wish on a snowflake and places it on the window ledge, a gust of wind takes it, and in the morning a large golden gift appears in its place. Is it really Santa’s Magical Gift? Find out in this heart-warming festive story with audience participation, comedy routines and a present for every child in the audience from Santa at the Rhoda McGaw Theatre, December 17th to 24th. Book at atgtickets.com
Aladdin may be poor but he has ambitions beyond Widow Twankey’s laundry where he helps his mum and hapless brother Wishee Washee. Enter stage left to boos and hisses, the evil Abanazar tempting Aladdin with untold riches. Add a wish or three of magic in the shape of an enchanted lamp, plus not one but two genies and you have all the ingredients for a traditional panto in this year’s offering from Godalming Theatre Group at Ben Travers Theatre, Charterhouse, Godalming, December 15th to 18th. Tickets from thelittleboxoffice.com
Meet The Society for Christmas Creatures at Farnham Maltings this December. They are the world’s only expert team of festive detectives, and they know a thing or two about Christmas. Armed with a taste for adventure (and a pair of knitting needles), they’ve trekked far and wide searching for Christmas creatures of every shape and size. Now they’re here in Farnham for their toughest mission yet: to find the elusive Christmas Lobster and maybe (just maybe) discover the true meaning of Christmas. Will they find him? Find out from 13th to 24th, exc 19th. Book at farnhammaltings.com
When Christmas is over there’s still time to enjoy a panto with The Quince Players’ who this year are staging Ba-Ba Land, a brand new story about the land of nursery rhymes, a budding romance between Bo Beep and Little Boy Blue and a competition that the Big Bad Wolf is determined to win. Performance dates are January 11th-14th and 18th-20th at Cordes Hall, Sunninghill. Tickets will be available from mid-November at quinceplayers.com
Hampshire
Pumpkin Pantos are back with another spellbinding pantomime and this year it’s one as old as time featuring a cursed prince, an enchanted rose and a magical castle. Can the cold-hearted Beast find true love before it’s too late? Is the beautiful Belle his chance of a happy ever after? Only time will tell in this spectacular production with stunning scenery, lavish costumes, memorable songs and laughs galore. Join Beauty and the Beast at Alton Assembly Rooms, December 9th and 10th and Forest Community Centre, Bordon, the week after on 15th-17th. Tickets at www.pumpkinpantos.co.uk
Dick Whittington, a plucky young man from the country, arrives in London to make his fortune, with his trusty feline sidekick in tow. Little does he know, his journey could fulfil an ancient prophecy and Queen Rat will do everything in her power to stop Dick in his tracks. Come along on a whirlwind journey through the streets of London and across the seas at the Harlington, Fleet from December 9th to 29th. Book here theharlington.co.uk
Cinderella is also looking for her lost shoe at Theatre Royal Winchester in this retelling of the greatest fairytale of them all. With original songs, loads of corny gags, audience participation and some surprising twists to the tale, the whole family is invited to the ball from November 30th to January 1st. Book at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk
The swashbuckling adventure at The Anvil, Basingstoke this Christmas is The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Hook starring Gavin & Stacey’s Melanie Walters as Mrs Darling and Ethyl Mermaid, Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenter David Ribi as Peter Pan, the ever-comical Chris Pizzey (CBBC’s Basil Brush) back by popular demand as Smee, Nickelodeon’s Holly Atterton as Tinker Bell, while Chris Fearn returns as Captain Hook. Check out anvilarts.org.uk for full details.
Santa is determined to deliver the most fantastic Christmas present to Sarah, but he doesn’t get it right straight away! With the help of his cheeky Elf, he finally settles on something ‘perfect’, just in time for Christmas Eve. From the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, Dear Santa, is an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged two and over. Meet Santa in his grotto after the show at The Haymarket, Basingstoke and receive a free gift. The show runs from December 7th to 10th, book at anvilarts.org.uk
The Phoenix Theatre in Bordon bring three classic tales to life this Christmas. A-Lad-In-Space is their adult’s only pantomime, telling the tale of Aladdin with a 1950s science-fiction feeling; you’ll rekindle your warp drive and be sent into orbit frm December 14th to 16th. For younger ones Oomph Theatre brings Hansel & Gretel on December 18th and 19th, a fabulous feast of festive fun. The Phoenix Players’ Red Riding Hood takes you on a journey through the deep, dark forest to Granny’s house. January fun on 19th, 20th, 25th to 27th. Book tickets for these at phoenixarts.co.uk
Oxfordshire
Get ready for a gigantic panto experience and climb new heights with Jack and the Beanstalk, a fee fi fo fun pantomime for everyone to enjoy at Oxford Playhouse, November 24th to January 7th. Poor Jack can’t seem to help getting into trouble with his mum. Now he’s really landed himself in it by selling the family cow to a stranger for a handful of old beans. But those mysterious beans have started to grow…and grow… and GROW! Full of infectious laughter, brilliant storytelling, singing, dancing, cheering for the goodies and booing for the baddies, an Oxford Playhouse pantomime is fabulous festive fun for everyone aged 5 to 105! Book tickets for this at oxfordplayhouse.com
Oxford’s New Theatre is home to one of the biggest shows in recent years, coming of age musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Sixteen-year-old Jamie doesn’t quite fit in, terrified but determined to be a sensation and with love and support from his mum and friends, Jamie beats prejudice and the bullies to step into the spotlight. A hit in the West End, see it for yourself from December 12th to 30th. Tickets at atgtickets.com
Join The Sinodun Players on an epic journey across the seas in The Adventures of Sinbad at the Corn Exchange Wallingford this January, 12th to 27th. With all the magic and fun of a traditional panto, be enchanted by the sparkling diamond cave, wonder at the magic carpet and the myriad characters that make up this exciting story, oh and there’s a baby elephant too! Intrigued? Full details and booking at cornexchange.org.uk
It’s the panto you’ve ‘bean’ waiting for! Immersion Theatre are thrilled to bring a giant amount of fe-fi-fo-fun to the Kenton Theatre as they present Jack and the Beanstalk, a magical pantomime of epic proportions from December 9th to 31st. Packed with comedy, music and audience participation, this hilarious and action-packed adventure promises to be a joyous and festive experience, oh yes it does! Book at kentontheatre.co.uk
The Henley Children’s Theatre’s annual panto is Beauty and the Beast. It may be a tale as old as time, but there is nothing outdated about this production, and certainly not the cast of enthusiastic youngsters! We meet our book-loving heroine Belle and Prince Perfect who is turned in to a Beast and must find someone to love him all while the clock is ticking! The cast of local children, aged 4-16, will delight with their joie-de-vivre (and questionable French accents) at the Kenton Theatre, January 3rd to 6th. Tickets at kentontheatre.co.uk
Deep in Sherwood Forest, local hero Robin Hood robs from the rich and gives to the poor. Will he rescue Maid Marion from the clutches of the money grabbing Sheriff of Nottingham? Packed with songs, slapstick, the most dangerous archery competition you ever did see and all the fairy-tale magic of traditional pantomime. Enjoy the merriest panto in the land at The Beacon Wantage on December 9th and 10th. For tickets visit beaconwantage.co.uk
Christmas is coming and Sally can’t sleep – it’s far too hot! The weather has gone topsy-turvy. Sally has a dream that changes everything – a mysterious silver spark transforms her bedroom into a glistening, white field where she meets the glowing Heart of Winter. The magical new musical show at Didcot’s Cornerstone (December 18th to 24th) celebrates family, friendship and the good fortune of finding the winter we really need and want…with the festive offering of lots of fluffy snow! Book at cornerstone-arts.org
Abingdon Drama Club are telling the story of Peter Pan, January 11th to 14th and 17th to 20th. Join Peter, Wendy and the lost boys as they do battle with Captain Hook in this comic caper. More details and tickets at abingdon-drama-club.com
Abingdon’s Amey Theatre offers a variety of seasonal shows to entertain, including The Snowman Live with Wantage Band on 3rd December. The concert will centre on a performance of the soundtrack to the 1982 film with a showing of the film itself. On 12th December, you can also join Clara, her Nutcracker doll and the Sugar Plum Fairy in the magical Christmas ballet in the Royal Opera House live performance of The Nutcracker. To browse and book events at the Amey Theatre, visit abingdon.org.uk
Kingston Bagpuize Drama Group present Cinderella, a pantomime by Tom Whalley. Forced to do all the terrible chores at Hardup Hall by her two awful, ugly stepsisters, Cinderella dreams of the day her Prince Charming will take her away to a happily ever after. With a little help from her Fairy Godmother and some magic it might just happen. November 23rd to 25th at Southmoor Village Hall, OX13 5BY. Tickets at tinyurl.com/3rzyccfa
Expect toe tapping songs, lots of audience participation, very corny jokes, comedy and even a bit of Carry On Camping thrown in to Snow White at the Corn Exchange Witney, December 14th to 31st (selected dates). The story has a host of colourful characters including a talking mirror. Join Buttercross Theatre Productions and find out if Snow White manages to outwit her wicked stepmother and bag her handsome prince with the help of her seven new friends. Book at buttercrosstheatreproductions.co.uk
There’s a Latin American twist to a traditional tale at the Theatre Chipping Norton this Christmas, where Cinderella promises to be the perfect panto for Encanto-loving families. Director John Terry calls it “a joyful blast of carnival colour and energy the likes of which neither Cinderella nor Chipping Norton has seen before!” The clock is ticking. Book your tickets now for the panto, November 15th to January 14th, at chippingnortontheatre.com
Berkshire
Reading’s favourite panto star Mr Tumble aka Justin Fletcher is back at The Hexagon for Sleeping Beauty from December 9th to January 7th. The wicked fairy Carabosse’s evil curse causes the princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep, can anyone rescue her from a magical slumber before it is too late? Sleeping Beauty will have everything you expect from a pantomime at the Hexagon, memorable musical numbers, tons of fun and laughter and a happy ever after! Book at whatsonreading.com
Why see just one pantomime when you can see seven? A madcap ride through the biggest and best pantos is on offer at Reading Rep Theatre courtesy of Potted Panto. All the beloved pantomime characters arrive on stage in this wonderfully absurd festive treat. A dastardly double act dash from rubbing Aladdin’s lamp to roaming the golden streets of Dick Whittington’s London and making sure that Cinderella gets to the ball! This might not be the traditional panto you think you’re looking for, but it’s the panto you need, from November 27th to December 31st. Book your tickets at readingrep.com
Make all of your wishes come true and join Windsor’s favourite threesome on a magical (carpet) ride of adventure and fun! With traditional pantomime comedy capers, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes, and a sprinkling of magic, you won’t want to miss this ‘genie’-ous show! Due to popular demand, this year’s pantomime is being extended for an extra week from November 24th to January 14th – making Aladdin Theatre Royal Windsor’s biggest panto of all time! Tickets at theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Magic and mayhem are the order of the day at the Wilde Theatre with a new version of the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty. A young princess is cursed to die on her birthday by an evil witch. After pricking her finger on a spinning wheel’s spindle, she falls into an eternal sleep from which she can only be awoken by true love’s kiss. Will the Princess find her true love and live happily ever after? Expect laughter, silly songs, colourful characters, slapstick comedy, and dangerous dragons in this panto favourite full of creative sparkle. You’ll be enchanted! November 24th to December 31st. More at southhillpark.org.uk
‘Every time a bell chimes an angel gets it’s wings’ in this adaption of the seasonal classic It’s A Wonderful Life, November 30th to December 30th at Reading Rep Theatre. It’s Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls… Down-on-his-luck banker, George Bailey, feels life has passed him by. So when his guardian angel pays him a visit, George is amazed to discover what life in his beloved town would be like without him in it… Maybe it’d be a little less wonderful after all? Based on the critically acclaimed 1946 Frank Capra movie this reimagining is brought to life by four actors playing all the residents of Bedford Falls. Don’t miss this heart-warming tale; readingrep.com
Experience Aladdin, Jasmine, and Genie on their magical journey to find the lamp and defeat the evil sorcerer in the magical, musical and hilarious adventure for the whole family brought to you by Wokingham Pantomime Group. Book your tickets for The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School on December 29th and 30th at ticketsource.co.uk
Riverside Players are bringing Old Mother Hubbard, the Lady who Lived in a Shoe to The Memorial Hall, Windsor from December 1st to 3rd and 7th to 9th. The show features all your favourite characters from the hard-working Dame, Mother Hubbard, doing her best for her mischievous orphans Jack and Jill. There’s a classic love story between Little Miss Muffet and Little Boy Blue, Wee Willy Winky has been up all night and needs help staying awake, and the evil Baron is intent on bringing the village of Lower Bottom to its knees. Plenty of other characters show up along the way too. Book at riversideplayers.com or call 07803 705437.
Panto continues into the new year with Twyford Drama putting on Treasure Island, January 12th and 13th. The nautical masterpiece combines a comical riot of piratical hi jinks, flying custard pies, suspenseful chases, ferocious fights and of course…a never-to-be-forgotten hair-raising haunted grotto. Tickets and more info at twyforddrama.co.uk
Buckinghamshire
Strictly Come Dancing glitter-ball winner Joe McFadden will reprise his role of baddie, the arrogant Eugene, alongside Hear’say and musical theatre star Suzanne Shaw as the Enchantress in Wycombe Swan and Imagine Theatre’s all-star Beauty and The Beast from 8th to 31st December. Joe says: “I’m excited to be back at the beautiful Swan after having a brilliant time here earlier in the year with the tour of Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d.” Suzanne adds: “I couldn’t be more delighted to be in Beauty and the Beast in my home town, I’ve wanted to do panto in Wycombe for 16 years and finally my wish has come true!”
They will star, along with Wycombe favourite Jon Clegg and another vocal local, Britain’s Got Talent Favourite La Voix, who recently appeared in ITV’s Queens For The Night as well as starring in Queen Of The Universe, the international drag-singing competition from RuPaul. Currently touring the UK in her show, The Red Ambition Tour, La Voix is no stranger to pantoland, telling us: “I can’t wait to play Peggy, internationally renowned barmaid of the village tavern! “Now, it sounds like I’ve been round the block a bit but this must be coming up 20 years of panto… And I love it: Christmas and panto!” Book at wycombeswan.co.uk
The Young Theatre at Beaconsfield’s The Curzon Theatre, HP9 1RG, will dazzle you with Cinderella, directed by Emma McGrath, 21st to 24th December, with an original script and loads of great songs and music, as well as some “truly ridiculous” jokes. Book your tickets at youngtheatre.org.uk
At The Elgiva in Chesham, you’re invited to step into a world of enchanted pumpkins, a handsome prince and some very special footwear… The team are preparing the sparkly costumes for a dazzling Cinderella from 2nd to 8th December. Please book your tickets at elgiva.com
Maidenhead pantomime Beauty and the Beast, supported by Marlow FM promises to whisk you away, at the Baylis Theatre in Braywick Leisure Centre, 14th to 24th December; maidenheadpanto.co.uk Aylesbury Waterside Theatre brings you Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs from 1st December to 3rd January. More than 50,000 people watched last year’s production, and sales indicate another record-breaking year in store. BBC3 Counties breakfast show star Andy Collins returns, by popular demand, for a 12th magical year, playing the role of Muddles. “Year on year I feel so lucky getting to do something I love, in a town that I love, and with audiences who are quite simply the best around. Every year I do my thing on stage and see the faces of school children, parents, grandmas and grandads having fun and making memories.” For info & tickets visit atgtickets.com
At Aylesbury’s Norman Bragg Studio, HP20 1UG, there are the festive alternatives of A Christmas Carol, 12th to 17th December, and Santa’s New Sleigh 19th to 24th December; please visit atgtickets.com
Some different festive offerings from Norden Farm… Enjoy an evening of stories, flowers and fragrant festive designs on 16th November with Mig Kimpton In Floral Pantoland! Miki is a magical family show for ages 3+ following a polar bear and penguin, 28th November to 30th December. And The Hundred Watt Club bring you A Burlesque Christmas Special on 15th December. To find out more & book please visit norden.farm
The Lane End Players are an established amateur theatre group whose talented players are polishing up their Pinocchio, featuring the famous puppet brought to life and his subsequent adventures with a circus, mermaids, a whale and lots more! Shows at the hall, HP14 3JE, from 12th to 27 January; visit laneendplayers.com
And inclusive Iver Heath Drama Club will offer six shows of Dick Whittington over two weekends from 20 to 27th January 2024, written by Lee Hall and directed by Lee Hall and Kaia Barton. Tickets at available to book here
Whichever pantos you choose, we hope you enjoy the best of the season. All together now.. he’s behind you!
Quaglino’s, the iconic restaurant in the heart of St James’s, has created a delicious menu specially for Christmas Day, as well as an all-day swing extravaganza for New Year’s Eve.
Where better to celebrate the festive season than the first restaurant the late HM Queen Elizabeth ll ever visited? The historic and stylish vibe is the perfect backdrop to enjoy contemporary European cuisine, vibrant cocktails, champagne and live entertainment.
Christmas Day
Guests will revel the season spirit in a relaxed manner and glamorous style, feasting on four courses (£150pp) whilst listening to the sounds of live music from the wonderful String Infusion from 12pm – 8pm. The lavish meal begins with starters such as Wild mushroom tortelloni, winter truffle, aged parmesan or Duck liver parfait, clementine, candied walnuts, toasted brioche. Sumptuous mains includes dishes such as the classic Roasted bronze turkey breast, venison sausage roll, pigs in blankets, potato fondant, cranberry & red wine jus or Gnocchi, roasted Delicata pumpkin, oyster mushrooms, kale crisps. Desserts include delicate crowd pleasers such as Christmas pudding, hot butter rum sauce, redcurrants and Chocolate, raspberry & pistachio. This comes to a satisfying conclusion with a seasonal mince pie.
New Year’s Eve:
See out 2022 with an all day swing extravaganza in the heart of London’s West End, with the theme of ‘All That Glitters Is Gold.” Live entertainment starts with the swing brunch at 12pm, followed by early dinner seatings from 6:30pm (£150pp) or there’s the option to choose the late dinner seatings (£280pp), meaning guests can keep their tables right up until 3am. Britain’s Got Talent winner’s Jack Pack will create a memorable atmosphere to welcome in the new year before a DJ sees the evening off. Guests can raise a glass of champagne, carefully curated cocktails and dance the night away with the incredible acts on the grand stage.
Quaglino’s, is the ideal place to indulge in contemporary European food, legendary cocktails and live music. Founded in 1929 by Giovanni Quaglino, the iconic restaurant became famous for its fashionably late supper followed by music and dancing. In addition to Quaglino’s own charm and grace, the venue struck exactly the tone which glamorous society favoured. Some of the restaurant’s most famous visitors include The Queen in 1956 as well as a number of royals, including Princess Margaret, who enjoyed a permanently reserved table. Quaglino’s was the first public restaurant the late HM Queen Elizabeth ll visited after her coronation in 1952 and this made it the first public restaurant a reigning monarch had ever eaten in.
After Quaglino’s retirement, the restaurant was opened in 1993 by Conran Restaurant, once again creating excitement amongst Royals and celebrities alike. It is even rumoured that Princess Diana was known to sneak through the kitchen to access her table unseen by paparazzi.
in 2014, Quaglino’s relaunched again, now as part of D&D London, with a brand-new look and glittering stage. The venue’s famous staircase remains, making one’s entrance to the restaurant a truly glamorous affair and the rest of the interior is brimming with elegance, boasting mirrored walls, black and gold décor and a grand bar in the centre of the space. With its iconic history and unique dining experience, Quaglino’s maintains its reputation as the ultimate evening hotspot. With entertainment seven nights a week, the venue is always alive with conversation and live music.
The European menu offers exciting, vibrant dishes and much-loved classics using seasonal ingredients. Complementing the live music and a decadent dining experience, the talented bar team at Quaglino’s offer a new depth to the drinking experience and have a created an innovative list of cocktails that reflect the style and elegance of the venue.
Michelin-starred chef’s festive meal for the same price as the average school lunch in the UK
Michelin starred chef Tom Kerridge has created a festive Full Time Meals Christmas recipe for four with plenty of Boxing day leftovers for under £10.
Tom’s Turkey Meatloaf Tray Bake uses turkey mince, sausage meat and stuffing to create a tasty festive treat alongside roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sprouts and Savoy cabbage topped with a rich gravy and all for just £9.88.
Follow Tom’s step-by-step guide on how to create this dish on Full Time Meals.
Tom and The Food Foundation, supported by Bloomsbury Publishing, are highlighting the situation of more than 800,000 schoolchildren who slip through the eligibility net and go hungry at school. These children do not meet the Free School Meals criteria despite household income being so low they are classed as living in poverty.
He has produced the tasty meal for £2.47 – the average price of a hot meal.
He says: “No child should be hungry at school. I wanted to highlight this critical situation the best way I know how – with food, so I created a Full Time Christmas meal for the same price as an average school lunch in the UK. Christmas is a stark reminder to look after each other, and it shouldn’t be just over the festive period, it should be all the time.
“No child should be hungry at school”
“There are kids going to school with empty lunch boxes, hiding from the dining room because they are so embarrassed. It’s a national crisis and truly a heart-breaking one, that the Government can change. So, I am asking the Great British Public to write to your MP to ask for a change in policy, we need to make our voices heard, for our children, and make it clear that enough is enough.”
The Full Time Meals campaign supports FareShare, the UK’s largest charity fighting hunger and food waste. The average cost of a school meal is £2.47 – that’s less than the price of a high street coffee. Please help by making a donation – just £5 will cover the cost of two school meals. A donation of £12.34 could help buy a week’s worth of school meals for a hungry child.
To donate £5, simply text 5FULL to 70580. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network message. To donate £12.34, or whatever you can afford, head over to fareshare.org.uk/fulltime
Michelle Miley is left in seventh heaven at The Georgian, Coppa Club’s new boutique hotel in the heart of the Surrey Hills, Haslemere
Seven years ago, my husband and I said: “I do!” so, in celebration of our copper wedding anniversary we gleefully headed to The Georgian, Coppa Club for a rare night away together. We arrived at the charming Grade II listed property on a bitterly cold, frosty night so we were thankful that the fires had been stoked as we walked through the grand entrance to a warm welcome. It was Friday night and amidst the beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, the bar and restaurant hummed with the sound of clinking glasses and festive cheer, putting us in the mood for an evening of fabulous cocktails and feasting.
The Hotel
The Georgian, Coppa Club opened its doors in May and since then has been stirring up the Surrey hospitality scene in the leafy streets of Haslemere. The tenth property to join Coppa Club’s portfolio of clubhouses and third hotel location, The Georgian offers an all-day lifestyle venue with no membership fees. It’s an escape for the community of Haslemere and a destination that is accessible to everyone, where visitors and locals alike can enjoy the exceptional facilities to work, eat, drink, meet, relax and stay. Complete with a café, bar, restaurant, lounge, terrace and private dining space, available from morning to night, visitors can pop in with their laptop for a morning coffee or casual business meeting, sit for cocktails at the bar or in a cosy booth for an indulgent dinner.
“The Georgian, Coppa Club opened its doors in May and since then has been stirring up the Surrey hospitality scene in the leafy streets of Haslemere.”
The interior is an inspirational mix of traditional and contemporary style that allows the building’s Georgian features to shine alongside fun design features. I particularly liked the playful use of brass hands as coat hooks in the bar. Georgian-inspired patterned floor tiles and Georgian panelling in gorgeous hues of green create a relaxed feel in the bar and snug areas. There is also a more formal, wooden panelled private room that can be used for meetings or private dining. The tiles and panelling feature again in pastel pink tones in the plant-filled Summer House, making it ideal for children’s parties or casual meetings. The lounge has dark blue panelling and matching ceiling that highlights the Tudor-style wooden beams and emulates a snug feel where you can relax with a drink.
The Georgian has 13 individually designed bedrooms for a comfy getaway. Although the hotel welcomes everyone, we chose to leave our young son at his grandad’s house for a sleepover enabling us to appreciate the blissful peace and fully unwind. Our spacious bedroom felt very tranquil with its calming green palette and huge bed, and the ensuite was luxurious with an incredible rainforest shower. The room was also well equipped with a flatscreen TV, hairdryer, ironing facilities and fridge with water and fresh milk for that essential morning coffee.
Dining
There are several dining spaces each offering a different fantastic experience. The main restaurant is large and airy with ‘Bonbon’ lanterns that create an atmospheric glow. Leading off the restaurant is a glass-enclosed terrace with a large fire pit keeping it toasty, and for year-round dining under the stars, three iconic heated igloos dominate the garden.
First things first, we ordered from the inventive cocktail menu a refreshing Raspberry Moscow Mule and a sweet Tiramisu Martini. Premium ingredients are blended with flair and creative twists are incorporated into classic cocktail recipes.
The food menu is focused on European, British and Mediterranean dishes, and the festive specials menu features this season’s favourites served in a modern way. Ordering from the festive specials, to start, I had Salmon Tartare paired with baby capers and tangy ponzu which I slathered on crispy flatbreads. My husband tucked into perfectly tender smoked Duck Breast served with celeriac.
For mains, I savoured Slow cooked Duck Leg with a crisp skin and meat that glided off the bone served with braised butter beans and accompanied by roast potatoes, roast root vegetables and pan-seared Brussels sprouts (served with all the festive specials). My husband enjoyed his house classic, 10oz Rib Steak on the Bone cooked pink to perfection and served with a side of skinny fries and spicy chimichurri sauce.
After our indulgent dinner, we just about had room for dessert. I opted for classic, fruity and rich Christmas Pudding drenched in sweet brandy butter, and my husband had Spiced Cranberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake. Feeling contented, we snuggled up in a cosy nook by a fireplace and finished the evening with an ice-cold Baileys and warm mince pies – it is Christmas after all!
In the morning we headed to the terrace for a hearty breakfast of creamy, crushed avocado, poached eggs and crispy cured English bacon stacked on sour dough, and an impressive Skillet Breakfast served piping hot. I feel that the mark of an excellent English breakfast should be judged by the quality of its sausages and the Cumberland sausages at The Georgian were superb.
Location
Considered a fashionable hotspot and just a short drive from the beautiful Surrey countryside, Haslemere is a charming market town. Boasting boutique shops, independent cafes and interesting tourist attractions – these include a nearby vineyard, distillery, national trust property, classic car show and food festival. With easy access from London, Hampshire and Sussex, Haslemere is the ideal staycation destination for those looking to enjoy a weekend in the Surrey Hills, where you can spend some time in the great outdoors and unwind.
“Treat yourself to a supper and stay this Christmas time.”
The Georgian, Coppa Club is a fabulous, welcoming retreat for celebrating a special occasion like we were, or to spend time with friends or family catching up over drinks or a meal. Indulge in a treat for yourself and book the Festive Supper and Stay (available throughout December from £184) before (or after) the masses descend on your home this Christmas.
For more information on The Georgian, Coppa Club, please visit https://coppaclub.co.uk/the-georgian/ or call 01491 525 879. High St, Haslemere GU27 2JY
Round & About’s resident wine columnist Giles Luckett gives his top ten choices for bubbles at this most wonderful time of the year
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” So the song goes, and while I wholeheartedly agree with Andy Williams on this, I do wonder if our reasons for thinking so are the same. For while he seemed focused on marshmallows toasting and kids “jingle belling” (1963’s equivalent of TikTok?), for me it’s all about the fizz.
The festive season gives me the excuse (like I need one!) to indulge my passion for sparkling wines. When I first started taking a serious interest in wine, this meant champagne. While there were non-French sparkling wines out there most were either brilliant but expensive (Californian), lovely but hard to find (New Zealand), or affordable, available, and avoidable at all costs (Lambrusco).
“The festive season gives me the excuse (like I need one!) to indulge my passion for sparkling wines.”
Roll forward 30 years, and the world of fizz is a better place. From Spain to South Africa, Australia to England, the US to France (yes, I was surprised) great, affordable sparkling wines now abound.
So, in my final column of 2022 for Round & About, I’ll run down my top ten festive fizzes, wines that are bound to put some sparkle in to your Christmas.
10. Tesco Rosé Cava – at the time of writing (and until mid-December if my inside source, OK our delivery driver) is to be believed, the Clubcard price and 25% off any six wines makes this £4.50 a bottle. At such a price I’m prepared to forgive the fact that this should be called “rosado” rather than rosé. Pedantry aside, this is an excellent bottle of affordable fizz. Pale pink, the nose offers red cherries, raspberry sherbet, and earth. On the palate its fresh, with strawberries leading the charge, quickly followed by cherries, boiled sweets and just a hint of salinity. Great fun, and amazing value.
9.Champagne Bruno Paillard “Dosage Zero” MV (Multi-Vintage) (Hedonism Wines £49.80) A wine I came to late in the year, from a producer I fell for early in my career. Bruno Paillard is an exceptional champagne house, one that has consistently wowed me with the quality of their wines, and their willingness to innovate.
The “Dosage Zero” element refers to the fact that this wine doesn’t receive a shot of sugar before bottling, which is the case for almost all champagnes. This is a bold move as dosage can balance out a wine and add creaminess to the mouthfeel. Paillard have achieved a similar effect by using 50% reserve wines from previous years, and by giving it extended ageing of three-to-four years prior to release.
The result is a striking, fascinatingly complex wine with a style that is all its own. The nose is piercing and intense, with notes of white berries, citrus, and yeast. The palate is at first clean, and lively, but soon a creaminess joins the pear, grape, grapefruit, and chalky tones, so that by the time the finish hits you get a taste of brioche with lime marmalade. Bravo, Bruno!
8. The Wine Society’s Celebration Cremant de Loire 2019 (£12.95) – a vintage fizz for under £20, yes please. Cremant de Loire is one of the world’s oldest sparkling wines and is traditionally made from Chenin Blanc, though a proportion of Chardonnay is also often included these days. Cremant’s have slightly less C02 than Champagne, and this and the choice of grapes can give them a richer, more luxurious mouthfeel. Produced by leading producer Gratien Meyer, the bouquet is complex and subtle, with notes of yellow plums, apples, and honeysuckle. In the mouth it’s well-fruited, but elegant and stylish, the white fruits balanced by a clean acidity and a ripe note of yeast.
7.CVNE Cava (Majestic £9.99 when you buy any six wines) – CVNE is one of my favourite producers. They make a huge range of wines including the Rioja Reserva (Sainsbury’s £12), which is never out of my cellar, up to world-class fine wines such as the Contino Viña del Olivo (Waitrose £66) a wine I would urge any lover of Rioja to try. Their Cava is a new wine, to me, and it didn’t disappoint. Rich, creamy, and full of autumn fruits, there’s serious depth and complexity on show here, with highlights of citrus and white currant, balanced by honey and yeast. Another class act from CVNE.
6.Balfour Hush Heath Estate 2018 Blanc de Blancs – English sparkling wine has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame, and is now rightly said to rival the world’s best. I’ve enjoyed several excellent examples this year, and many have come from Balfour. We toasted the Jubilee with a bottle of their joyous Hush Heath Estate Rosé (Waitrose £33.99 on offer, down from £39.99), and two of their wines make this list.
The Hush Heath Estate 2018 Blanc de Blancs (Balfourwinery.com £45) is a serious, refined, elegant wine. The citrusy nose is tinted with coconut and lime leaves, while the palate offers apples, melon, biscuity yeast, and touch of peachy ripeness on the finish.
5. Balfour Hush Heath Estate 2018 Blanc de Noirs (Balfourwinery.com £45) provided a fascinating contrast. Still young, I let this breathe for a couple of hours, and it opened with a shot of pure raspberry fruit before robust tones of brambles, red apples, minerals and pears come through. This impressive wine will age well, I suspect, though it’s hard to resist now, and would be glorious with smoked salmon.
If you feel like pushing the boat out, Balfour have just released their Archive Collection 2008 (Balfourwinery.com £120). Showing the remarkable ageing potential of English fizz, it’s on my must-taste list for 2023.
4. Taittinger 2015 (John Lewis £60) – my second champagne is an absolute pearl of a wine, 2015 was an exceptional vintage and Taittinger have taken full advantage of this. Typically stylish, the nose combines grapes, white flowers, peaches and yeast. In the mouth flavours of white berries, peach stones, black grapes, vanilla, and minerals effortlessly flow together, to give a silken, seamless experience. It’s a beautiful wine, one the despite its delicacy has the capacity to age and develop.
3.Gosset Grande Reserve (Waitrose £50) – there are many wonderful things about Gosset’s wines. They are made to exacting standards in the pursuit of perfection, they are stylish, strikingly powerful and intense, yet have such charm. The Grande Reserve is incredibly precise, the nose wonderfully delineated with notes of red berries, citrus, yeast, and dried pears. On the palate it seizes your attention with an intense attack of red and white berries, followed by rich, creamy tones of peaches, vanilla, mirabelles and minerals. Try this with smoked fish and white meats.
2. Graham Beck Vintage Rosé – I’ve been an admirer of Graham Beck’s wines for decades. The Graham Beck Brut (Majestic £11.99) has been our house fizz for years and yet every time I open a bottle I exclaim “Such a good wine.”
The vintage rosé takes their efforts to a whole new level. This is a sublime, a fizz that’s fit to grace anyone’s festive table. Deep pink with amber highlights, the nose is a blend of strawberries, cherries, and a hint of minty citrus. The palate is broad, rich, and offers a range of red berries, cherries, lime, and orange zest. The best value rosé sparkler in the UK? Probably.
1.Taittinger Prelude (John Lewis £55) – and so we come to not only my wine of choice for Christmas, but my wine of the year. I had this for the first time in 2020 and I’ve used any excuse to open a bottle since. Made from grapes from Grand Cru vineyards and given a luxurious six years of bottle ageing (double the usual amount for a non-vintage wine), this is a remarkable wine. The nose is a mellow mix of yellow skinned fruits suffused with vanilla, and a lovely savoury tone. The palate is succulent, packed with fruit and has Taittinger’s signature peaches in syrup tone to finish. This is a wine that fascinates and delights in equal measure, and will certainly make for a happy Christmas in my house.
Well, that’s it for 2022 from me. I hope you will try some of these wines and that you will have a fine Christmas.
All together now, it’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Blue Collar Corner have prepared a huge variety of events and extra opening dates for the festive season
For their first New Year’s Eve since opening the venue, Blue Collar are hosting DISCORAMA, a special night to welcome in 2023 with the greatest disco music of all time. The venue will be decorated especially, have extra dancefloor space, NYE cocktails, special NYE menus from the street food traders and all ticketholders will get a glass of bubbly to celebrate at midnight.
On Sunday 12th December, local music festival Are You Listening? Celebrate their first line-up announcement with a Festive Matinée. With acoustic performances from Lilac, Matt Greener, Kito Riley & Buildings on Fire (solo) alongside DJs, this will be Blue Collar Corner’s first live music event and runs between midday and 5pm. Again, as with all December events except New Year’s Eve, entry is free. All England games in the World Cup 2022 will be screened across three screens at the venue as well as the World Cup final on Sunday 18th December. From 10am-3pm on 18th December, Reading’s Indie Christmas Market will take place, with a plethora of local crafts stalls providing last minute Christmas gifts and decorations.
“We’ve had an amazing couple of months since we winterfield Blue Collar Corner with extra covering and heaters and now mulled wine and a fantastic stage for live music, World Cup screenings and guest DJs.” explains Blue Collar’s Glen Dinning. “We love Christmas and have great party DJs lined for every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in December. We’re opening every day in the week before Christmas then from 27th December until New Year’s Eve when our DISCORAMA party will be a massive celebratory night before we close for the first two weeks in January!
Schedule for the rest of December at Blue Collar Corner:
Sat 10th Dec – Rum n’Donuts DJs + DJ Rachael Chrisp
Sun 11th Dec – Are You Listening? Festive Matinée w/ live acts & DJs + Sonning Flowers Wreath Making Workshops (sold out)
Thursday 15th Dec – Party Thursdays w/Twin Sun
Friday 16th Dec – DJ Alfresco
Sat 18th Dec – Reading’s Indie Christmas Market + World Cup Final
Mon 19th Dec – Bonus Christmas sessions 17:00-00:30
Tue 20th Dec – Bonus Christmas sessions 17:00-00:30
Wed 21st Dec – Bonus Christmas session 17:00-00:30
Thu 22nd Dec – Party Thursdays w/DJ Rich Sloman
Fri 23rd Dec – DJ Ryan MacGregor
Sat 24th Dec – Christmas Eve session 11:00-20:00
Tue 27th Dec – Bonus Christmas session 15:00-00:30
Wed 28th Dec – Bonus Christmas session 17:00-00:30
Thu 29th Dec – Party Thursdays w/DJ Rachael Chrisp
Fri 30th Dec – DJ Ben Narbutas
Sat 31st Dec – Discorama NYE party w/DJs + more
For tickets to DISCORAMA NYE, Christmas booking and info on all other events, see www.linktr.ee/blue.collar
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas at a service in one of Abingdon’s churches
The Church in Abingdon has several venues at which you can enjoy a traditional service or carol concert this month, details here and more at www.church-in-abingdon.org.uk.
Abingdon Baptist Church
Ock Street, OX14 5AG
Sunday 11th December, 6:30pm – Carols by candlelight
Sunday 18th December, 10:30am – Nativity service with special guest ‘Donkey’
Nature Discovery Centre reopens after £125,000 revamp just in time for Christmas
Berkshire’s beloved Nature Discovery Centre has reopened after a £125,000 refurbishment. The revamp has created an open-plan layout for the popular cafe and shop, new educational table displays and a wildlife-themed children’s play corner.
The icing on the cake is a brand new ‘hide in the sky’ on the first floor of the centre in Thatcham. A viewing station overlooking the wildlife lake where visitors can use a telescope and binoculars to spy on all the wild goings-on below.
The café is also serving a new warming winter menu and new products in the shop. Including locally produced honey, Fairtrade chocolate, local art and jewellery and a host of Christmas cards, decorations and gifts. The renovations were commissioned by Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). Which manages the site and funded by a grant of £125,000 from site owner West Berkshire Council.
Steve Johnson, NDC’s manager, said: “We’re so excited to show everyone all our new features. This is the biggest refurbishment we’ve had in years. It makes the whole centre a more welcoming, easy-to-use space for all our visitors.
“The NDC is now the perfect place to go for a family day out this winter. Take a bracing walk around our wildlife lake, come and have a hot pastry or panini, take a hot chocolate up to the hide in the sky, then pick up a few Christmas gifts while you’re here! Huge thanks to West Berkshire Council for the funding.”
Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter, Executive Member for Environment and Transformation at West Berkshire Council, said: “We’re delighted to help BBOWT deliver this important improvement to the Discovery Centre with a grant.
“Ensuring our residents can be closer to nature is an objective of the council’s Environment Strategy, which this investment achieves. The Nature Discovery Centre is a key educational and wellbeing asset. I would encourage all our residents to visit and enjoy.”
As well as improvements indoors, the centre team have also put up several new interpretation boards in the grounds, telling visitors about things to do around the site and upcoming events.
A host of new welcome signs also include an innovative three-dimensional wooden ‘Nature’ sign on an exterior wall which is filled with bits of wood and other natural materials, which solitary bees and other insects can nest in.
Inside, a new wall-mounted screen is showing specially commissioned drone footage and other videos of animals and plants around the site. So visitors can admire the diverse wildlife even on the rainiest days. The Wildlife Trust is confident that all the new features will encourage more people to visit the NDC and help teach all visitors young and old, about wonderful local wildlife.
