Summertime and the weather isn’t easy – but that doesn’t mean the dining isn’t. From hot air balloon lunches to suave Champagne terraces, here are five of the UK’s most charming dining experiences for summer 2021
1 Savour something special with Beaverbook’s balloon experience
Putting a nostalgic, imaginative spin on al fresco dining, this exquisite balloon dining experience at the prestigious Beaverbrook hotel in Surrey gives guests the rare chance to savour a special meal in six stationary hot-air balloons.
Temporarily grounded within our magnificent Italian gardens at The House, each one of these vintage-style, ruby-and-pink-striped beauties seats four in wooden-and-wicker comfort. An authentic menu from the Japanese Grill will be served with a generous portion of estate views – how dreamy.
The Yakiniku Menu will start with cocktails and a selection of Japanese amuse-bouches. A spectacular sushi and sashimi sharing platter is then followed by a selection of the finest meats (including Japanese Wagyu Beef from Kobe and Kyushu Island, Acorn-Fed Iberian Pork and Wild Cured Deer) and vegetables to grill tableside. To finish, a selection of fluffy, sweet puddings inspired by clouds.
When: The Reach for the Sky experience will take place until the 5th September and starts from £195 per person.
How: To book please call +44 (0)1372 571300 or visit beaverbrook.co.uk
Where: Beaverbrook, Reigate Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8QX
2 Try Teepees by the Thames at The Lensbury
For something both fabulous and family-friendly, The Lensbury, a gorgeoys resort situated on the banks of the river Thames in Teddington, has launched a unique riverside dining experience, Teepees by the Thames. Designed to host exclusive entertainment for hotel guests and visitors this summer, book this fun experience for a rustic meets chic dining experience.
Located in the hotel gardens and overlooking 25 acres of manicured grounds and towards the river, it is an idyllic setting for a magical dining experience. The teepees are filled with cushions, blankets and candles, for the ultimate comfort and relaxation, and decorated with bunting to celebrate being back together with loved ones.
For an afternoon or evening of family feasting, guests can enjoy private use of a teepee from 12pm – 3pm or 6pm-9pm and choose from a selection of delicious dishes. The teepee takeaway menu features classics that the whole family will enjoy, such as battered cod with hand-cut chips, the renowned The Lensbury beef burger, and a selection of homemade stone baked pizzas, as well as tempting deserts like a chocolate brownie and strawberry Eton mess, all delivered straight to the teepee. Even better, it’s affordable – this unique dining experience can be enjoyed by a minimum of four and a maximum of eight guests per teepee for just £25 per adult and £15 per child.
This summer, guests and visitors can also book a teepee for a private BBQ experience cooked by one of The Lensbury’s top chefs; a stress-free way to way to get the whole family together for delicious, summer food. The private BBQ teepee experience costs £49 per person based on a minimum of two people sharing.
Where: Broom Rd, Teddington TW11 9NU
How: Please visit lensbury.com to find out more and make a booking.
3 Book the Beach Club at Carbis Bay
For those embarking upon a Cornish staycation this summer, Beach Club at Carbis Bay – which has some of the best views across the bay, from St Ives all the way across to Godrevy Lighthouse, makes an excellent pitstop. If offers some of the finest sunsets I’ve ever seen, it’s no wonder artists have flocked to the area for it’s amazing light for so many years.
Think casual, beachside dining – with as much locally sourced ingredients as possible, especially seafood and fish landed at nearby St Ives or Newlyn Fish Market ( their hand-picked crab is especially good!) During the summer months when the sun is shining, the Cloudy Bay hut serves a light tapas menu to occupancy the extensive Cloudy Bay wine list to be enjoyed on the terrace, as well as picnics for guests to enjoy on the golden sands below.
The Beach Club sits above one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, it as awarded it’s Blue Flag status again this year, confirming the care and attention the hotel ensures goes into making sure it is a safe, clean and wonderful place to visit.
Where: S W Coast Path, Carbis Bay, Saint Ives TR26 2NW
How: Find out more and make a booking via carbisbayhotel.co.uk
4 Experience elegance with The Cavendish at Baslow’s Laurent Perrier Seafood & Champagne Terrace
For those situated towards the Midlands this summer, The Cavendish at Baslow has launched an exciting and elegant pop-up restaurant – a Laurent Perrier Seafood & Champagne Terrace, where diners can feast ‘al fresco’ on freshly caught seafood, whilst enjoying open countryside views over the Chatsworth Estate from the hotel’s lawns.
Feast upon a range of seafood dishes and platters for sharing, accompanied by a favourite tipple, whether it be Laurent Perrier Champagne La Cuvée, Whittaker’s Gin, or a chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The selection of seafood includes shellfish from the East Coast and Lindisfarne oysters, flash fried whitebait, ceviche of sea bream, poached lobster, Chatsworth Gin cured salmon caviar.
There can be no finer place in Derbyshire to toast the return of more convivial times this spring and summer. The timeless elegance of a restaurant under stretch canvas, friendly relaxed service and a candlelit ambience during the early evenings, with patio heaters and blankets for your comfort.
Where: Church Ln, Baslow, Bakewell DE45 1SP
How: Book online or call 01246 582311 www.devonshirehotels.co.uk/lp-terrace-derbyshire/
5 Picnic like royalty at Buckingham Palace
Forget the typical picnic and feast like a princess (or prince!) this summer. Evan Evans Tours – London’s longest established sightseeing company – has teamed up with the five-star Rubens at the Palace hotel to offer a delicious picnic afternoon tea to enjoy on a visit to The Garden at Buckingham Palace this summer.
For the first time this summer, Buckingham Palace has opened its gardens to the public, allowing guests to freely wander around the garden’s winding paths at their own pace, experiencing the beauty and calm of this walled oasis in central London.
Open until 19 September, the magnificent garden features include the 156-metre Herbaceous Border, the Horse Chestnut Avenue, the Plane trees planted by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and the famous lake with its island that is home to the Buckingham Palace bees.
Evan Evans Tours has a confirmed allocation of tickets throughout the season and is partnering with the Rubens at the Palace – the nearest five-star hotel to the palace and part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection – to provide a sumptuous picnic loaded with generously-filled finger sandwiches, home baked scones and Royal inspired pastries that guests can take with them and enjoy against the backdrop of The Queen’s official London residence.
On the menu, picnic sandwiches include smoked Scottish salmon and horseradish cream cheese on beetroot bread, Coronation Chicken and toasted almonds on white bread, and egg and watercress on spinach bread. Don’t forget the quintessential delicious scones – the Rubens picnic features a special honey and white chocolate scone recipe alongside traditional plain, served with homemade seasonal fruit preserve and clotted cream.
There’s even pastries and sweet treats to reflect the regal ambience of both the hotel and the palace itself including The Crown, a cinnamon chocolate mousse with brownie biscuit and coconut marshmallow (chocolate reportedly being a favourite of Her Majesty The Queen) and Fruit from the Queen’s Orchard, a seasonal glazed fruit-shaped mousse with compote (a tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s orchard at Windsor Castle) – plus plenty more! Fear not, fellow dietary request foodies, as gluten free and vegan options of the picnic afternoon tea are available on request.
How: Prices for The Garden at Buckingham Palace with picnic are £55.00 per adult and £32.00 per child. Prices for The Garden at The Garden at Buckingham Palace with Royal walking tour and picnic are £79.00 and £49.00 per child.
For more information and to book, visit www.evanevanstours.com / https://evanevanstours.com/attractions/the-garden-at-buckingham-palace/ or email:reservations@evanevanstours.com or call 020 7950 1770.
Where: London SW1A 1AA
Image credit: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 202
