What To Book Around The UK This August
DINE UNDER THE STARS HERE: Coworth Park, Buckinghamshire
Until mid-September, country house hotel Coworth Park is hosting an al fresco summer dining concept in collaboration with Dom Pérignon. ‘Dining Under The Stars’ is a pop-up private dining concept held in Coworth Park’s Lime Grove, devised by executive chef Adam Smith. Here, guests can dine under a starry night’s sky in a geodesic dome, where the menu perfectly pairs with a hand-picked selection of Dom Pérignon. Dinner packages offer three or five courses, offering best-of-British dishes such as langoustine with tomato, kimchi and ginger; Kentish lamb kebab with buttermilk, salted cucumber and mint; BBQ veal cutlet with garden salad, pickled tongue and truffle; and Kentish mango and coconut sorbet with lime and chocolate mint. An afternoon tea is also on offer, and a telescope will be on hand during the evening sessions to allow guests to explore the galaxy.
Blacknest Road, Sunningdale, Ascot, SL5 7SE; until mid-September
Visit DorchesterCollection.com
FIND YOUR NEW FAVOURITE COMEDIAN HERE: Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh
For three weeks each August, the Scottish capital welcomes an expanse of comedy, music and theatre acts from around the globe. Last year saw 53,232 performances of 3,398 shows in 300 venues – trust us when we say there’s something for everyone. From the biggest names in the world of entertainment to unknown artists looking to build their careers, the festival is an inclusive event that incorporates theatre, comedy, dance, physical theatre, circus, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, spoken word and exhibitions. In need of somewhere to eat or drink? Check out our extensive guide (sheerluxe.com/2019/08/02/best-places-eat-drink-edinburgh).
Various venues across Edinburgh; until 26th August
Visit EdFringe.com
PARTY HERE: Lost Village, Lincolnshire
Relatively new on the scene, Lost Village is an immersive festival experience set in an abandoned woodland village. Returning for its fourth year, the boutique weekender invites guests to dance in the grounds of the Abandoned Chapel, feast at the Tribal Banquet, learn new skills on Forger’s Lane and expand their minds in the Institute of Curious Minds. This year’s musical headliners include Little Dragon and Maribou State, plus a raft of acts yet to be announced. A spa, massages and hot tubs will all be on hand for any post-party recovery that may be needed. Line-up highlights include Todd Terje, Little Dragon and Black Honey.
Norton Disney, Lincolnshire, LN6 9QF; 22nd-25th August
Visit LostVillageFestival.com
GET COOKING HERE: Mahé Cookery School, Cornwall
Paul and Emma Ainsworth have opened their fourth Padstow venture, Mahé Cookery School and Chef’s Table. The cookery school, which can host up to five guests at a time, offers a space for students to develop their kitchen skills while learning how to master a selection of delicious dishes from their chosen course. Each class has been designed to ensure each student receives one-to-one time with exec chef John Walton and leaves with expert skills and know-how from his wealth of experience. Courses throughout the year include ‘Dinner Party Secrets’, ‘Sugar and Spice’, ‘Pasta Masterclass’, and ‘Bistro Cooking’. Seating ten guests, The Chef’s Table element of Mahé offers visitors the chance to witness the creation of restaurant-quality food from start to finish – and then sample it.
6 Middle Street, Padstow, PL28 8AP; open now
Visit Paul-Ainsworth.co.uk
HAVE A FIZZ-FILLED DAY OUT HERE: Ridgefest, East Sussex
Following a successful 2018 event, Ridgefest is returning to Ridgeview Wine Estate on 24th August. Held among the vines and grapes of the South Downs vineyard, Ridgefest is a great summer day out for adults and families, offering an eclectic selection of street food vendors, live bands and acoustic sets, DJ sets, a silent disco and, of course, plenty of its award-winning English sparkling wine. Further drinks will be on hand in the cocktail lounge and guests will also be able to go on tours of the vineyard and winery.
Ditchling Common, Fragbarrow Lane, East Sussex, BN6 8TP; 24th August
Visit Ridgeview.co.uk
BOOK AHEAD FOR THIS: The Crucible, Sheffield
This first adaptation of the award-winning novel that inspired the Oscar-winning movie, The Last King of Scotland, is an electrifying thriller about corruption and complicity. Idi Amin is the self-declared President of Uganda. When Scottish medic Nicholas Garrigan becomes his personal physician, he is catapulted into Amin's inner circle. A useful asset for the British Secret Service, is Garrigan the man on the inside, or does he have blood on his hands too? Make sure to book ahead – this has ‘sell-out’ written all over it.
55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA; 27th September-19th October
Visit SheffieldTheatres.co.uk
DO YOUR BIT HERE: Story By The Sea, Cornwall
This month sees critically acclaimed chef Tom Sellers close up shop at his Michelin-starred London spot Restaurant Story, and take the entire team to the Cornish coast to launch six-week residency Story by the Sea. Located on the Carbis Bay Estate, visitors will be able to book for lunch or dinner seven days a week and enjoy Sellers’ food while lapping up views of the beach. A sea-inspired menu will include dishes such as crab tart, lobster and leek, and lemon sherbet. Over the course of the pop-up, the team is working with creative ocean campaigners Parley to remove 50 metric tonnes of plastic from the ocean. This waste will be transformed into upcycled tote bags designed by leading contemporary artists such as Doug Aitken, Jenny Holzer and Julian Schnabel. The bags will be presented to guests at the end of their meal at Story by the Sea.
Carbis Bay, St Ives, Cornwall, TR26 2NP; until 14th September
WATCH AN AL FRESCO FILM HERE: The Grove, Hertfordshire
Throughout the month, The Grove in Hertfordshire is hosting a secret garden themed pop-up cinema showing family-friendly films such as Matilda and The Jungle Book, as well as classics like Dirty Dancing and Pride & Prejudice. Guests will be able to enjoy the silver screen in the hotel’s secluded Walled Garden, surrounded by an outdoor pool and private urban beach, complete with bean bags, snacks, a Tanqueray bar and ‘Ciroc Shack’ serving vodka slushies. Up to 45 films will be screened over the month, with evening screenings from Wednesday to Sunday, together with selected matinee viewings and late-night shows.
Chandler's Cross, Watford, WD3 4TG; until 31st August
Visit TheGrove.co.uk
EAT HERE: The Ivy, Glasgow
Glaswegians are now able to enjoy breakfast, elevenses, lunch, light snacks, afternoon tea, cocktails, weekend brunch and dinner at The Ivy’s newest opening. Set across two floors, the brasserie features striking interiors, two onyx bars and a private dining room. The Parisian-style outdoor seating area can be enjoyed all summer long, while DJs and musicians provide regular entertainment on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings for those dining upstairs or enjoying cocktails at the first-floor bar. The kitchen serves the likes of heritage tomato and feta salad with avocado, watermelon, pistachio and olives; lobster linguine; and chargrilled halloumi with padrón peppers. Alongside the food menu is a series of locally-inspired cocktails, including ‘The Discovery’, made with Shackleton blended whisky, Barolo Chinato, rosemary and orange syrup and Peychaud’s bitters.
106 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 2NB; open now
Visit TheIvyGlasgow.com
BE A VIP HERE: University Arms, Cambridge
Cambridge newcomer University Arms reopened last year a two-year, £80m transformation by classical architect John Simpson and interior designer Martin Brudnizki. Overlooking Parker's Piece, the historic building is now home to 192 ‘playfully’ designed rooms and destination restaurant, Parker’s Tavern, which is inspired by the communal dining halls synonymous with Cambridge colleges. This month, SL VIPs can save up to 25% on the ‘best available room only’ rate and receive complimentary breakfast in Parker’s Tavern, alongside complimentary late checkout (2pm). Not yet a member? Sign up using the link below.
Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AD; until 15th September
Visit SheerLuxeVIP.com
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