Star Q&A: Double Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

Liz Nicholls chats food, festivals & more with Raymond Blanc OBE who stars at Blenheim Palace Food Festival in May…

Bonjour! What’s your first festival memory?

A beautiful festival du vin in the Jura in France. It was about community, no excess, no ego, just people enjoying food, culture and each other. Festivals are about people coming together. At Blenheim and Pub In the Park, I’ll demonstrate simple food – beautiful, tasty, delicious, with heart!

Who are your favourite musicians?

Jacques Belle was my first love, Francis Cabrera, Carla Bruni… French music from the soul! I also love British music, blues and rock. I love Amy Winehouse, such a beautiful soul.

You’ve said being ‘exiled’ here in England in the 1970s was awful, with terrible food! Any Brit food faves you’ve grown to love?

Brown sauce! I used to hate it but I fell in love with it on a fishing trip… HP even awarded me a silver bottle as I do so much to promote it, haha!

Anything you don’t eat..? Andouillette perhaps?

I’m a Frenchman, Liz, I eat everything! When we grew up you ate or went straight to bed! British food is much better nowadays but overcooked food is the worst. And sliced white bread?! Dis-gus-TING! It’s nutritionally rubbish, do not eat it!

Le Manoir reopens next year – what can we all expect?

Magic! Modernity, creativity and memorable experiences

Hospitality is a high-stress industry. How do you look after your mental health?

As a young man, I faced setbacks – losing my job, being in a foreign country. But I never let that break my pursuit of excellence. I wanted to be part of a team that created a positive, creative kitchen environment.

Later on, during my battle with Covid, I spent a month and a half in hospital on the brink of death. I focused on survival, meditation and positive thinking.

Despite being surrounded by suffering, people dying, I concentrated on breathing, light and gratitude.

The experience taught me surrender and the importance of mental and physical care. I exercise every morning, breathing, stretching, and swimming once or twice a week.

Mental health requires personal work and support from trusted people, friends, mentors, and parents. Speaking out is the first step. I have created a safe, kind space for my team.

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

For France to win the World Cup! Also, that we can learn from the past, enjoy more empathy, and grow a world that’s more harmonious. I’m a romantic dreamer.

Are we going to have a great summer?

My grandfather taught me to read the signs in nature… And the red berries on the holly tree show that the weather will be extraordinary.

Images © Poppy Thorpe

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

The Bear in Oxshott reopens after refurbishment with new menu and terrace

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

Zoe Gater

A much-loved Surrey pub has reopened its doors following a major refurbishment.

Located in the heart of Oxshott, The Bear has returned after an extensive top-to-toe makeover, bringing a fresh new look, revamped menus and a renewed focus on relaxed socialising.

Blending heritage charm with contemporary design, the newly imagined space features cosy seating alongside mixed-height tables, making it just as suited to a quick pint as it is to a leisurely Sunday lunch.

Outside, the team has transformed the sun-trap terrace with new decking and festoon lighting, creating an ideal spot for al fresco drinks with friends and family.

The Bear’s new chapter brings a packed calendar of events that aim to unite the community, including weekly quizzes, monthly ‘Butcher’s Block’ steak nights and Friday seafood specials.

Behind the bar

Guests can expect a well-rounded selection of cask ales, IPAs and pale ales, alongside Hawkstone and Jubel Peach.

There’s also a globe-spanning wine list and a lineup of seasonal spritzes, including a martini spritz with olives, a white sangria with peach, and a raspberry honeybee made with Beesou honey. Non-drinkers are catered for too, with alcohol-free options like 0% Amalfi and berry Hugo.

On the menu

In the kitchen, head chef Toni Mitchell is serving up a menu packed with elevated pub classics and seasonal British ingredients.

Starters range from chicken and bacon Caeser bon-bons to a prawn and crayfish ‘Bloody Mary’ cocktail, while mains include pork, apple and leek toad in the hole, Jacob’s Ladder short rib and minted Welsh lamb and pea pie.

And for group dining, there are generous sharing plates designed for grazing, with a standout dish being the fondue-style Welsh rarebit with Guinness chutney and soldiers.

Sundays are all about the roast, with a line-up of prime cuts including crispy pork belly, West Country beef and lemon and thyme roast chicken, alongside a wild mushroom and asparagus wellington.

Expect all the trimmings, from golden roasties to towering Yorkshire puddings, with the option to go all out with a short rib sharer.

The Bear is open seven days a week.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

10 of the best places to go fruit picking – within easy reach of London

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

Zoe Gater

From sun-ripened strawberries to pumpkin-filled autumn fields, these pick-your-own farms near London offer the ultimate seasonal day out – with plenty of fresh air, flavour, and countryside charm.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about picking your own produce straight from the source. Whether it’s a punnet of perfectly ripe strawberries, a bunch of vibrant wildflowers, or a wheelbarrow-worthy pumpkin in autumn.

And fortunately, you don’t have to travel far from the capital to find some of the UK’s best pick-your-own (PYO) experiences. Across Surrey, Oxfordshire and beyond, farms are opening their gates each season to welcome visitors into their fields.

So whether you’re planning a wholesome weekend activity, entertaining little ones, or simply chasing the taste of fruit at its freshest, these PYO farms deliver a seasonal experience that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious.

Fruit picking in Surrey

Garson Farm, Esher

If you’re after a pick-your-own experience that really delivers, Garsons Farm more than earns its award-winning reputation. Crowned ‘Pick Your Own of the Year’ at the 2025 Farm Retail Association Awards, it’s a go-to for top-quality produce and beautifully kept fields.

Spanning an impressive 155 acres, and farmed by the same Thompson family since 1871, it’s one of the UK’s largest PYO sites. Expect row upon row of vibrant crops – from juicy strawberries to colourful flowers – with around 30 varieties to choose from across the season. PYO typically kicks off in late spring, just in time for those first sweet harvests of the year.

Crockford Bridge Farm, Addleston

Steeped in history (it even gets a mention in the Domesday Book!), Crockford Bridge Farm blends heritage with a seriously good seasonal offering. Set across 80 acres of Surrey green belt, this family-run spot is a firm favourite for good reason.

There’s always something new to pick from June through to December – think sun-warmed strawberries and raspberries in summer, followed by pumpkin patches and winter squashes as the seasons turn. And whatever you do, don’t leave without stopping by its ice cream parlour – the perfect end to a day in the fields.

Secretts of Milford, Godalming

A staple of Surrey’s food scene is Secretts. Just outside Godalming, this award-winning farm is known for its lively events, beautifully maintained fields, and seriously fresh, seasonal food.

Depending on the time of year, you can wander through fields picking everything from asparagus and rhubarb to pumpkins – all harvested just metres from where you stand. Afterwards, the farm shop is a must-visit – especially the cheese counter, which boasts more than 300 varieties (yes, really).

Priory Farm Estate, Redhill

Looking to turn your fruit picking into a full day out? Priory Farm Estate has you covered.

Alongside seasonal PYO fields, you’ll find woodland trails, nature-inspired play areas, and plenty of space to roam. Kids can run wild, and adults can slow down – ideally with a basket full of fresh produce in hand.

Fruit picking in Oxfordshire

Rectory Farm PYO, Oxford

Rectory Farm has been feeding Oxfordshire (and beyond) for generations – and its PYO offering is just as impressive as you’d expect.

With 45 acres dedicated to pick-your-own crops – plus a further 60 acres of asparagus fields nearby – there’s plenty to explore. From April through to October, the fields come alive with more than 30 varieties, from spring asparagus and strawberries to late-summer sunflowers and autumn pumpkins (with thousands planted each year).

Fruit picking in Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Peterley Manor Farm, Great Missenden

Tucked away in the Chilterns, Peterley Manor Farm feels like a proper countryside escape. Family-run and full of charm, it offers a relaxed, scenic setting for a spot of seasonal picking.

Depending on when you visit, you might find yourself gathering plums, strawberries, or redcurrants in the sunshine – or wandering through fields of sunflowers and pumpkins later in the year. Come Christmas, it transforms again, with rows of beautifully grown trees ready to take home.

Copas Farms, Cookham/Iver

If variety is what you’re after, Copas Farms – operating as The Fruit Fields – is hard to beat. With multiple sites and a well-planned growing calendar, it offers a steady stream of crops throughout the seasons.

From the first strawberries and cherries of early summer to raspberries, apples, sweetcorn and more, there’s always something worth picking. It’s a reliably good choice for those who like their PYO trips easy, well-organised, and packed with flavour.

Fruit picking in Hampshire

Pickwell Farm, Bursledon

A much-loved local spot just outside Southampton, Pickwell Farm has been welcoming visitors since 1985.

The picking calendar is packed with variety, from early rhubarb and strawberries to late-summer sweetcorn and autumn pumpkins. In between, expect everything from raspberries and blackberries to courgettes and beans – perfect for filling your basket (and your kitchen) with fresh, seasonal produce.

Goodall’s Strawberry Farm, Lymington

For a more traditional, no-frills PYO experience, Goodall’s Strawberry Farm is a south coast classic.

Best known for its beautifully grown strawberries, this is the place to come on a sunny day when only the freshest, sweetest fruit will do. Simple and seasonal!

Fruit picking in Wiltshire

Lotmead Pick Your Own, Wanborough

Friendly, relaxed, and easy to visit, Lotmead PYO is a great all-rounder for families and casual pickers.

Fields are well-kept and full of variety, with strawberries and raspberries in summer giving way to pumpkins as autumn rolls in. Whether you’re planning a wholesome day out or just popping by for a punnet or two, it’s a lovely spot to soak up the seasons.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

10 perfect picnic spots across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

Zoe Gater

From riverside lawns in Marlow to peaceful corners near Henley and wide-open parkland with far-reaching views, these are our favourite local spots to roll out a blanket and make the most of the warmer months.

With sunnier days upon us, it’s the perfect excuse to slow things down, grab the factor 50, pack up a few sandwiches and head outdoors.

Whether you’re planning a last-minute lunch, a family day out or a catch-up with friends, these picnic spots across our patch offer just the right mix of scenery, space and fresh air.

Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

A standout National Trust estate, Cliveden combines sweeping terraces, woodland walks and beautifully maintained gardens overlooking the River Thames. There’s plenty of space to explore, with quieter corners to settle in for a picnic with a view.

It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a full afternoon wandering before finding the perfect spot to pause and take it all in.

Higginson Park, Buckinghamshire

Set along the Thames in the heart of Marlow, Higginson Park is a firm local favourite. With open green space, riverside views and easy access to the town’s cafés and delis, it’s an effortless choice for a relaxed picnic.

Watch the boats drift past, enjoy the lively atmosphere and make the most of one of the area’s most scenic town parks.

Greys Court, Oxfordshire

Just outside Henley, Greys Court offers a quieter, more secluded setting. With its orchard, wildflower meadows and gentle woodland walks, it’s ideal for those looking to escape the busier spots.

It’s a peaceful place to unwind, with plenty of tucked-away areas perfect for a leisurely picnic.

Dinton Pastures Country Park, Berkshire

Dinton Pastures Country Park is a popular choice for group outings, thanks to its mix of lakes, open fields and walking routes.

There’s ample room to spread out, whether you’re bringing a picnic for family and friends or planning a full day outdoors exploring the trails and waterside paths.

Basildon Park, Berkshire

Set within rolling parkland, Basildon Park offers far-reaching countryside views and a classic picnic backdrop.

With wide open spaces and historic surroundings, it’s a great option for those who enjoy a slower pace and a more scenic setting for their outdoor lunch.

Shotover Country Park, Oxfordshire

Just outside Oxford, Shotover Country Park combines woodland trails with elevated viewpoints across the city and beyond.

It’s a great choice if you fancy pairing your picnic with a walk, with plenty of space to explore before settling in at one of the higher vantage points.

Windsor Great Park, Berkshire

Spanning vast areas of open land, ancient woodland and landscaped scenery, Windsor Great Park offers no shortage of picnic spots.

Whether you’re looking for wide grassy expanses or quieter shaded areas, it’s easy to find your own peaceful corner away from the main paths.

Black Park Country Park, Buckinghamshire

Surrounded by woodland and centred around a large lake, Black Park Country Park is a great option on warmer days.

With shaded areas, walking trails and open clearings, it’s a relaxed, natural setting that works well for both short visits and longer stays.

Cookham Common, Berkshire

Offering open grassland along the Thames, Cookham Common is a classic riverside spot with plenty of space to unwind.

There are scenic walking routes nearby too, making it easy to combine a gentle stroll with a relaxed picnic in a laid-back setting that feels quintessentially local.

Henley-on-Thames riverside, Oxfordshire

Sometimes the simplest option is the best. The riverside in Henley-on-Thames offers one of the prettiest picnic backdrops in the area, with rowers gliding past and plenty of spots to pause along the water’s edge.

Bring a blanket, settle in and enjoy one of Oxfordshire’s most charming views.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Daisy Sandwiches launches new food trailer popping up at events across Godalming

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

Look out for a new trailer dishing up fresh sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats around Godalming as Daisy Sandwiches hits the road.

“These must be the best sandwiches in Godalming,” said one very happy customer of Daisy Sandwiches – and now locals will have even more chances to try them, with the launch of an eye-catching new food trailer popping up at events across the town.

Lizzie and James have been running Daisy Sandwiches at Godalming Station, serving commuters coffee and freshly made sandwiches, since taking over from James’s parents, who founded the family business in 2002.

Now, the couple are excited to bring their much-loved food to the wider community, with Daisy’s new trailer appearing at local events and gatherings.

Alongside the hand-prepared sandwiches that regulars already know and love, visitors can also expect homemade cakes and savouries, plus cold drinks and snacks – perfect for grabbing on the go.

All sandwiches are made to order using fresh, high-quality ingredients and locally baked bread. The menu is also designed with dietary needs in mind, with allergens catered for – something particularly important to Lizzie, who is gluten and dairy intolerant herself and understands how tricky it can be to find suitable options.

As part of the new venture, Daisy Sandwiches will also be supporting The Meath Epilepsy Charity, which has been providing specialist care and support for people living with epilepsy in the Godalming area for more than 130 years.

Keep an eye out for Daisy at upcoming local events including ChoirBlast, the Godalming Spring Festival on Friday 4 April 2026, Blackmoor Apple Day and more.

The trailer is also available to book for private events and parties.

For bookings or enquiries, call 07786 616221 or email daisytrailerevents@gmail.com.

For more information, visit daisysandwiches.co.uk.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

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

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

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

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

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

Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Berkshire

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

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

The Marlow Cheese Co, Buckinghamshire

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

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

Rectory Farm, Oxfordshire

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

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

Honest Honey, Buckinghamshire

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

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

North Aston Dairy, Oxfordshire

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

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

Beechwood Farm Free Range Eggs, Berkshire

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

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

Chiltern Charcuterie, Buckinghamshire

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

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

Fungi Farmer, Berkshire

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

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

Brown Bag Crisps, Surrey

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

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

Cold Pressed Oil Co., Hampshire

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

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

The Henley Distillery

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

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

The Oxford Cow, Oxfordshire

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

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

Bee Friends Honey, Surrey Hills

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

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

The Real Jam & Chutney Company, Hampshire

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

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

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

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

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

Zoe Gater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

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

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

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

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

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

Culinary programme at Pub in the Park

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

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

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

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

Restaurants at Pub in the Park

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

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

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

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

Music headliners at Pub in the Park

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

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

Alternative entertainment at Pub in the Park

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

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

Tickets to Pub in the Park

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

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

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Treat mum to a countryside escape in Newbury this Mother’s Day

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

Looking to treat mum to an unforgettable Mother’s Day in 2026? Newbury’s charming boutique pub and hotel, Hare & Hounds, has pulled together a full weekend of celebrations to make her feel extra special.

Families looking to celebrate Mother’s Day in style can head to Hare & Hounds in Newbury, where a full weekend of brunches, afternoon teas, Sunday roasts and overnight stays will take place on 14 and 15 March 2026.

To begin with, the weekend kicks off with a Mother’s Day Brunch, where mum will receive a complimentary mimosa, Bloody Mary or soft drink on arrival. For those wanting to elevate the experience even further, there’s the option to upgrade to 90 minutes of bottomless cocktails for £38 per person.

Alternatively, guests can opt for Afternoon Tea with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and Tiptree preserves, alongside indulgent sweet treats such as red velvet cake and mini chocolate eclairs.

And what’s Sunday without a traditional roast? Guests can tuck into seasonal dishes specially designed for the occasion, starting with pressed duck terrine, burrata or twice-baked cheddar soufflé.

For mains, choose from rosemary roasted leg of West Country lamb, dry-aged rump of British beef or porchetta. To finish, desserts include blueberry cheesecake, Belgian chocolate mille-feuille and classic sticky toffee pudding.

What’s more, tables of four or more dining after 5pm will receive a complimentary bottle of prosecco. Meanwhile, for evening bookings between 6pm and 8pm, kids can eat for just £1, making it an ideal option for families.

Finally, for those wishing to turn the celebration into a full weekend escape, the hotel is offering a special Mothering Sunday overnight stay package. This includes breakfast and a bottle of prosecco in the room, with prices starting from just £99 per room on Sunday 15 March.

For more information or to book, visit hareandhoundsnewbury.co.uk.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter:

Surprise tasting menu launches at The Mutton at Hazeley Heath

Zoe Gater

Posted on

food

A five-course menu that changes daily, championing the best seasonal British ingredients, has arrived at one of Hampshire’s most celebrated countryside pubs — giving diners a fresh reason to book a table.

Foodies looking for a reason to escape to the countryside have a delicious excuse as The Mutton at Hazeley Heath launches its brand-new ‘surprise’ tasting menu.

The award-winning Hampshire pub is serving up a five-course dining experience that changes daily, championing the every best seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Designed to showcase peak British produce, the menu promises something different with every visit.

Curated each day by head chef Rob Boer, the tasting menu is guided by the freshest ingredients available and the kitchen’s creative inspiration.

Diners can expect beautifully executed dishes that reflect both the rhythm of the seasons and the skill that has cemented The Mutton’s reputation as a destination for exceptional dining.

Priced at £70 per person and available Tuesday to Saturday, the experience is a celebration of flavour and flexibility, with an ever-evolving line-up of dishes drawn from the pub’s most loved creations.

Set within a lovingly restored 19th-century public house, The Mutton pairs refined cooking with warm, rural charm.

Over the years, the Hampshire gem has racked up an impressive list of accolades, including South East ‘Pub of the Year’ at the 2024 National Pub & Awards, Silver for Best Pub at The Beautiful South Awards 2025/26 and two AA Rosettes.

For more information or to book, visit The Mutton’s website.

Get the latest news straight to your inbox

Choose which newsletter: