Eating
The Swan Salford & Black Horse Woburn open with new Spring menus
If, after months of being inside, you’re planning to make a beeline to your local pub garden when they re-open, here are two fantastic options you won’t want to miss to sit outside and embrace the joys of Spring!
The Swan at Salford near Milton Keynes and its sister pub The Black Horse in Woburn have both now re-opened, offering a warm welcome to anyone who visits and the chance to raise a glass and celebrate being back at the pub.
Both pubs are back with plenty of the good stuff, with new menus for Spring and lots of new arrivals on the drinks list. Both are celebrating great British produce, from grass-fed beef and free-range pork and chicken to fish and top quality British cheeses. Cellars are well-stocked with real ales and the wine is chilling.
The Swan in Salford
The Swan is a great gastropub with a gorgeous garden in a lovely village setting just minutes from Milton Keynes. Its sunny terrace is a great place to sit back and relax as is its big garden. Here, you’ll find beautiful new round tables that seat six comfortably, perfect for an alfresco lunch or supper.
In front of the pub is a spacious stretch tent with plenty of spots for sitting and enjoying morning coffee or a sundowner, with stylish wooden tables and rattan chairs piled with comfy cushions and fleecy throws. At night it glows under warm white festoon lights with lanterns and wood-burning chimineas making an ideal setting for a candle-lit dinner.
Right in the middle of the pretty village of Woburn is The Black Horse. Behind its eighteenth century terraced frontage lies a secluded courtyard garden that’s an excellent sun-trap. It has comfy chairs and tables under cover of giant umbrellas, with new lighting and heating for cooler evenings.
Both pubs are welcoming groups of up to six people from any number of households or groups of two households, for good food and drink and great hospitality. So whether it’s a midweek lunch with friends, a family roast or a gathering to mark a special occasion, book a table today.
Delicious food is being served all day, from breakfast to dinner and everything in between. There are deli plates for sharing, seasonal main course dishes and a good choice of vegetarian and vegan options.
It’s easy to order either from the pubs’ friendly teams or by using your mobile. Pick up a card when you arrive and you’ll be just a few clicks away from something tasty to eat or refreshing to drink. And if you want it to go, you can also pick up your evening Supper or Sunday roast.
Peach Partner Frazer Sutherland who looks after the pubs says, “It was a long time coming but the great day when we could at last welcome people back finally came, and what a day it was,” says Peach Partner Frazer Sutherland. “The changes we have made at the pubs mean we can do just that and do it really well, whatever the weather. We’ve created the ideal setting for people to celebrate getting back together again and enjoy being back at their local. Make sure you come and see us soon.”
The Swan playing host to #lunchNbloggers
Both pubs are now taking bookings outdoors for groups of up to six, or up to two households and are open Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 11pm. The Swan serves food Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 9pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 8pm, while The Black Horse’s kitchen is open Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 8.45pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 8pm.
You can also enjoy some of your favourite dishes from either pub by treating yourself to a Peach at Home box, now available nationwide. Starters, mains, sides and puds are all masterfully prepared and ready for you to finish in your own kitchen. Just the ticket if you’re celebrating, in need of a break from cooking, looking for a gift or simply want to have our great food at home. https://www.makinglifepeachy.com/peach-at-home/
The Swan is at 2 Wavendon Road, Salford, Milton Keynes, MK17 8BD. Tel: 01908 281008. https://www.swansalford.co.uk/ for bookings. The Black Horse is at 1 Bedford Street, Woburn MK17 9QB. Tel: 01525 290210. https://www.blackhorsewoburn.co.uk/ for bookings.
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:
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Starters:
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Severn & Wye Smoked Salmon with brown bread, lemon and butter
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Salade Du Verger with figs, pecans, truffle vinaigrette and whipped feta
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Mains:
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The Ivy Shepherd’s Pie – slow-braised lamb and beef with Cheddar mash
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Grilled Lemon Sole on the Bone with beurre noisette, capers and lemon
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21 Day Aged Sirloin Steak with peppercorn sauce
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Braised Duck Curry blending British tradition and global flavour
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Garden Vegetable Curry – a vibrant vegetarian option
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Desserts:
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The Ivy Chocolate Dome with honeycomb and caramel sauce
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Orchard Apple Tart with Calvados – flambéed for a dramatic finish
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Caramelised Crème Brûlée – a comforting classic
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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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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Langoustine with Pickled Attika Kohlrabi, jalapeño & purple shiso
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Hand-laminated brioche with Carlo’s unique three-layered butter
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Moroccan-spiced duck with morels poached in aged pickled rum
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British asparagus fermented in tempeh and wild garlic jus
Two Menus, One Exclusive Table
Guests can choose between two tasting experiences:
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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.
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.
