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MK set to witness War of the Wings in aid of Willen Hospice

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War of the Wings in aid of Willen Hospice 17 September 2021

Twelve brave challengers from twelve MK businesses will be stepping up to the plate this coming Friday to take part in War of the Wings, an epic chicken wing eating contest to raise money for local charity Willen Hospice.

War of the Wings

The dozen plucky contenders will be going all-out to see who can devour as many chicken wings as they can in heated rounds, at the epic battle which takes place at MK Buffet Village from 11am to 2pm on Friday 17th September.

Among the local businesses vying to prove they’ve got the stomach for the challenge are MK’s WAC Agency, Fierce Gym, Astrum Construction, FuseMetrix, Taylor Walsh, Aqua Parcs and Peel Juice Bar. Each will be fielding contestants keen to show they’ve got what it takes and be crowned Chicken King or Queen.

War of the Wings in aid of Willen Hospice 17 September 2021

Organiser Steven Dryden-Hall from WAC Agency says “We’ve thrown down the gauntlet and challenged the brave and hopefully hungry contenders to take part in a challenge that will stretch their stamina as well as their stomachs.  Each will be aiming to chomp down on as many chicken or vegan wings as they can in the allotted time, in a bid to be crowned victor.

“Although it’s a bit of fun, there is a serious aim to the challenge; we have set ourselves the goal of raising over £1,000 for Willen Hospice, to support the fantastic work they do.  Every business is committed to raising as much as they can to help MK’s only adult care hospice continue providing its specialist care.

“With a little over three days to go before the challenge, there’s still time to enter War of the Wings,” adds Steven. “So if you think you’ve got what it takes and want to help a great local cause, don’t be a chicken – sign up today at https://www.mkbuffetvillage.co.uk/war-of-the-wings/

War of the Wings takes place from 11am to 2pm on Friday 17th September at MK Buffet Village

About MK Buffet Village

MK Buffet Village offers a range of over 100 dishes that caters for everyone’s tastes, perfectly suited for families, friends and couples as well as businesses looking for a venue for corporate functions. The restaurant also features a fully equipped bar with lounge facilities for up to 30 guests. Guests can enjoy wide variety of wines, beers, spirits, amazing cocktails and shooters.

Located in the heart of Theatre District, Central Milton Keynes next to the Milton Keynes Theatre and within walking distance of Xscape and MK shopping centre.

About Willen Hospice

Run by local people for local people, Willen Hospice is the only adult care Hospice in Milton Keynes. Countless people in the community are passionate about the charity, and it’s this thriving community that helps drive fundraising and donations, freeing us up to focus on easing the pain of those near the end of their lives.

As one of the most loved charities in the local area, Willen Hospice have cared for patients for over 40 years. Compassionate personal end of life care at our Hospice and in people’s homes, helping patients live well every day, and die with dignity. This exceptional care is given free of charge.

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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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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The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire

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Discover The Stable Bar at Tewinbury Farm Hotel — a new wine bar in Hertfordshire serving sustainable wines, small plates, and live jazz by the river.

The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire

Just 30 minutes from London, Tewinbury Farm Hotel — Hertfordshire’s hidden gem — is now home to The Stable Bar, a striking new wine and events space that blends countryside charm with a touch of London cool.

Set on Tewinbury’s 700-acre working farm, The Stable Bar is more than a place to drink — it’s a destination. From the handpicked art adorning exposed brick walls (curated in collaboration with Common Room Projects) to its exclusive wine list from Humble Grape, every detail has been crafted to offer an experience that’s as stylish as it is soulful.

A Wine Lover’s Escape in the Countryside

The Stable Bar serves a thoughtfully curated collection of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines from independent, family-run wineries around the world. Expect to find Old World classics from Bordeaux and Veneto alongside adventurous pours from the vineyards of North Macedonia, Bulgaria and beyond. Whether you’re discovering your new favourite orange wine or sipping on a familiar fizz, every bottle tells a story.

Paired with small plates, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and seasonal sharing boards, the menu offers easy-going luxury in every bite — perfect for slow afternoons or intimate evenings.

Discover The Stable Bar at Tewinbury Farm Hotel — a new wine bar in Hertfordshire serving sustainable wines, small plates, and live jazz by the river.

Live Music, Riverside Views & Summer Events

The Stable Bar’s riverside terrace offers a scenic setting for every season — heated in the winter and open-air in the summer, with views over the tranquil River Mimram. Inside, deep sofas, ambient lighting and a warm welcome set the tone for weekend nights filled with live jazz and acoustic sets.

July brings a host of exciting events to the calendar:

  • Acoustic Thursdays fill the bar with laid-back live music and summer vibes.

  • Fizz Fridays invite you to toast the weekend with special sparkling wine offers.

  • DJ Saturdays turn up the tempo as day turns to night with curated DJ sets.

  • And for the early risers, Farmers Market Sundays feature local produce, artisan goods and fresh coffee to start your day the Tewinbury way.

One to Watch

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply looking for a refreshing countryside escape, The Stable Bar offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair. With a packed summer schedule and an atmosphere that effortlessly bridges laid-back and luxe, it’s quickly becoming one of Hertfordshire’s most talked-about new openings.

TrendLife Magazine will be visiting The Stable Bar soon — stay tuned for the full review and inside look.

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