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Enjoy St Albans Food & Drink Festival returns this September

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St Albans Food & Drink Festival

The St Albans Food & Drink festival, now in its 14th year, features an exciting programme of events across September including Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park, Stars at the Bars and the Oaklands Farm to Fork.

St Albans, in Hertfordshire, has a remarkable history and reputation for food and drink and the month-long event is hugely popular with locals and visitors looking for an incredible foodie experience.

There will also be a 24-hour photography challenge, pub quizzes and iconic film nights, livestock events, street food nights, Bollywood dancing, live radio events and pop-ups a plenty – it truly is a jam-packed festival with something for everyone.

Manager of St Albans Bid, Denise Parsons, said… 

“We are delighted to sponsor the festival which celebrates our food and drink heroes who have gone above and beyond during lockdown. There is something for everyone to enjoy, including live music which is hugely welcomed and adds to the vibrancy of our outdoor events.”

St Albans Food & Drink Festival

Highlights… 

Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park event on 10th-12th September in Verulamium Park brings together special chefs, artisan products and top musicians for one big party- with live music from big names such as All Saints, Basement Jaxx, Gabrielle and the Lightening Seeds.

The awards for the district’s best food and drink businesses are one of the festival highlights but due to the pandemic have been scaled down to one prestigious award this year. Nominations for the Kate D’Arcy Award, recognising an individual who has given exceptional customer service to their community during the pandemic, are open until Monday 23rd August and the nominees will be invited to a presentation event on Monday 20th September at St Michael’s Manor Hotel.

St Albans Food & Drink Festival

The festival culminates with the incredible FEASTIVAL street event on Sunday 26th September. The central streets in the town centre will be peppered with over 100 food and drink stalls, street entertainment, bars with live music, art and crafts activities, cookery demonstrations, face painting and fun for all ages.

Just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London St Pancras International and excellent road connections, St Albans is easily accessible, making it the perfect day or staycation destination.

Where to stay? 

Accommodation in the city centre ranges from small and intimate bed and breakfasts to large hotels including the stunning country style Manor hotel, St Michaels Manor, the luxurious Sopwell House and the Victorian Grade II listed Torrington Hall.

Find out more details about the St Albans Food & Drink Festival and where to stay at EnjoyStAlbans.com 

*NEW* 2021/2022 official St Albans Visitor Guide out now! Click here 

Foodie Related Notes: 

  • An historic inn-keeping city, St Albans has the most pubs per square mile in the country and is home to England’s Oldest pub, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, as confirmed by The Guinness Book of Records. 
  • Did you know the hot cross bun originated in St Albans. The ‘Alban Bun’ was created by Brother Thomas Rocliffe, a 14th Century Monk at St Albans Abbey, who developed the recipe and would feed the poor on Good Friday.
  • The city is famous for its café and pub culture with a fantastic range of award-winning eating and drinking establishments.

About St Albans: 

  • St Albans is one of the best-kept secrets in UK tourism. A historic gem of an English Cathedral City just 20 miles and 20 minutes by train from London is easily accessible by road with links to the M25, M1 and A1(M).
  • The city’s colourful history and heritage can be seen in the Roman remains and the beautiful medieval architecture and picturesque buildings that look spectacular all year round.
  • A fabulous shopping destination, St Albans is home to an array of innovative independent retailers and well-known chains.
  • There are lots of green, open spaces and parks, making St Albans a family-friendly destination.   

*NEW* 2021/2022 official St Albans Visitor Guide out now! Click here. Find out more details about the St Albans Food & Drink Festival and where to stay at EnjoyStAlbans.com 

Never full or satisfied, I am always willing to try new things and visit new places. Lover of food and all things FAST - Not necessarily fast food. If I am not in the office, you can find me near a track or under a car. I also work with great people in TrendLife's Editorial team.

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Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

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Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden 2025: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

This autumn, step into the world of Downton Abbey as The Ivy Marlow Garden celebrates the cinematic release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with an elegant limited-edition menu. Launching on 3rd September 2025, the specially curated menu will be available across The Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*, inviting guests to dine like the Crawleys in true aristocratic style.

A Taste of the 1930s with an Ivy Twist

Inspired by the refinement of 1930s dining and the glamour of the Crawley family, the Downton Abbey at The Ivy menuis priced at £27.95 for two courses or £34.95 for three courses. Guests can expect dishes steeped in heritage, luxury and comfort, all reimagined through The Ivy’s signature touch.

Highlights include:

  • Starters:

    • Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter

    • Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta

  • Mains:

    • The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash

    • Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon

    • 21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce

    • Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour

    • Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option

  • Desserts:

    • The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce

    • Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish

    • Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic


Raise a Glass to Downton Abbey

To elevate the occasion, guests can toast with The Ivy Guest Champagne or indulge in The Gilded Peach Cobbler – a 1930s-inspired cocktail crafted from sloe gin, Crème de Pêche, Beesou honey aperitif, pineapple syrup, and Champagne. A drink worthy of the grandest Downton dinner party.

Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden 2025: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

Don’t Miss the Grand Finale

Sean Burbidge, Executive Chef at The Ivy Collection, shared:

“We’ve taken great joy in creating dishes that reflect the elegance of the era, inspired by the film’s characters, 1930s flavours, and even dishes once served at The Original Ivy. We hope each plate transports guests into the world of Downton – with all the charm, nostalgia and indulgence that entails.”

Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Crawleys or simply seeking a luxurious dining experience, this limited-edition menu offers the chance to relive the grandeur of Downton Abbey — one plate at a time.

Downton Abbey at The Ivy Marlow Garden 2025: A Grand Finale Dining Experience

Book Your Downton Abbey Dining Experience

Available from 3rd September 2025 at The Ivy Marlow Garden and participating Ivy Collection restaurants nationwide*.
️ Book your table here: Downton Abbey at The Ivy


*Menu available at all Ivy Collection restaurants except The Ivy Dawson Street, Dublin. The Original Ivy (West Street, London) will offer a bespoke menu.

Follow The Ivy Collection on Instagram: @the_ivy_collection

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Summer City Break in Rome: Escape to Palazzo Dama

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Discover a last-minute summer escape at Palazzo Dama, a boutique hotel in Rome with a hidden pool, fine dining, and access to the city's best events.

As the summer sun casts its golden glow over Rome, there’s no better time—or place—for a last-minute escape than Palazzo Dama. Tucked just steps from the Tiber and Piazza del Popolo, this former aristocratic villa-turned-boutique hotel offers a serene yet stylish base for soaking up the Eternal City’s vibrant culture, timeless charm, and relaxed summer rhythm.

A City Break for the Soul

Rome in the summer is a city of open-air concerts, riverside strolls, and golden hour light spilling across cobbled piazzas. Whether you’re slipping out of your sandals for a dip in Palazzo Dama’s hidden pool or heading to a concert at the Baths of Caracalla, the hotel offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration.

By day, the city is yours to discover—perhaps after a slow breakfast in the garden or a long lunch under the olive trees at PACIFICO, the hotel’s lush Nikkei restaurant. As the evening settles in, the hotel’s concierge can help secure tickets to Rome’s summer cultural lineup—from Nick Cave at Roma Summer Fest to candlelit opera under the stars.

Poolside Calm in the Heart of the City

Poolside Calm in the Heart of the City

One of Rome’s best-kept secrets? Palazzo Dama’s peaceful pool, set in a garden of lemon and olive trees—a rarity in the city’s historic core. It’s the perfect spot to cool off with a cocktail, nap in the shade, or gather with friends for aperitivo. And while guests have it on their doorstep, it’s also open to non-guests for lunch and evening dining—a welcome retreat for any urban explorer.

From Pisco Bars to Private Spas

Dining at PACIFICO is an experience in itself. The fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines brings an unexpected twist to the Roman culinary scene—think Wagyu carpaccio, fresh ceviche, and expertly crafted cocktails served beneath Warhols and crystal chandeliers.

DAHAM Health & Beauty Spa at Palazzo Dama

For those needing a true pause, the DAHAM Health & Beauty Spa offers a tranquil break from the city buzz. Unwind with a Turkish bath or tailored wellness treatment before heading out again—or don’t. The calm may be too tempting to leave.

Wake Up Where History Meets Glamour

Each of the hotel’s 29 rooms and suites offers a glimpse into Roman elegance, with design details that nod to its noble past while embracing contemporary luxury. Want to explore the city with flair? The concierge can arrange a vintage Fiat 500 tour or bicycles to meander through Rome’s tree-lined avenues at your own pace.


Make It a Summer to Remember

Whether you’re in Rome for a cultural fix, a romantic escape, or just to lounge in a lemon-scented garden, Palazzo Damais a rare find: a boutique retreat that feels both deeply Roman and delightfully removed from it all. For those seeking a spontaneous summer getaway, this hidden gem is calling.

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BEAR by Carlo Scotto Brings Bold Dining to Beaconsfield

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BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

Award-winning chef Carlo Scotto unveils his most personal project yet with BEAR – a daring 14-seat chef’s table opening this July at the Crazy Bear Hotel in Beaconsfield.

Launching on Wednesday 30th July, BEAR strips back fine dining to reveal something raw, refined, and deeply expressive. Set inside an immersive open kitchen, this intimate space offers diners an unforgettable front-row seat to Scotto’s innovative culinary storytelling.

BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

Carlo Scotto’s Next Chapter

Following the success of Amethyst in London, Scotto’s newest venture draws on his global experience in the kitchens of Gordon Ramsay, Angela Hartnett, and the Galvin Brothers. At BEAR, his signature style evolves into something even more daring and personal — a stripped-back, ingredient-led experience that feels more like a private dinner party than a restaurant.

BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

A Seasonally Driven, Emotionally Charged Menu

The menu at BEAR showcases Scotto’s fearless approach to flavour, technique, and presentation. It’s a culinary journey that spans continents while remaining rooted in seasonal British ingredients.

Expect dishes like:

  • Langoustine with Pickled Attika Kohlrabi, jalapeño & purple shiso

  • Hand-laminated brioche with Carlo’s unique three-layered butter

  • Moroccan-spiced duck with morels poached in aged pickled rum

  • British asparagus fermented in tempeh and wild garlic jus

Two Menus, One Exclusive Table

Guests can choose between two tasting experiences:

  • Carlo’s Edit – A six-course seasonal snapshot
    Available Tuesday to Saturday at 6pm

  • The Full Experience – An eight-course immersive journey
    Available Tuesday to Saturday at 7.45pm

Both menus are available with thoughtfully selected wine pairings.

A Unique Setting at Crazy Bear Beaconsfield

Located inside the iconic Crazy Bear Hotel, BEAR benefits from a setting as distinctive as its food. The hotel itself blends 15th-century charm with modern opulence, offering a lavish escape just outside of London.

With BEAR, Beaconsfield welcomes a new era of destination dining — one that’s sure to attract serious food lovers from far and wide.

BEAR by Carlo Scotto: An Intimate Culinary Experience Arrives in Beaconsfield

TrendLife Will Be Visiting This Summer

We’ll be visiting BEAR by Carlo Scotto later this summer to experience the menu firsthand. Keep an eye out for our full review and behind-the-scenes look at one of 2025’s most exciting new openings.

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