Not long to go now. 3 weeks in fact. Before long we'll all be around the lake, arm in arm, cider in hand and enjoying the myriad of wonders that can be found in the magical place we know and love. This mail out is all about food and we've got a host of things to tickle your taste buds, in the garden and beyond. Read on for news of our spectacular restaurant Soul Fire, Dirty Banquets from the far out Guerilla Science, a community dining experience from the Village Hall and a whole host of dining delights to be found at our new playground, Wilderness. Full information and Tickets

Wilderness Festival dining

As you know gardeners, we've found a new field to play in this summer, and in it there will be a whole host banquets over the weekend. Those coming with us to Wilderness Festival will have the extraordinary chance to enjoy three of the finest dining experiences around.  

Our very own gardener Thomas Hunt from Fino Catering (ex River Cottage, The Shisha Lounge) will be leading the way on Friday with a feast of epic proportions. He'll be serving local game and seasonal vegetables to the masses. Let's hope you're hungry…

On Saturday and Sunday, Michelin-starred chef Skye Gyngell and her Petersham Nurseries Cafe and Sam & Sam Clark and their Moro Restaurant will make their debuts on the festival circuit, appearing at this pioneering new festival. On their respective days, Skye, Sam and Sam will act as hosts and culinary maestros of the festival's flagship outdoor dining experiences. It's a rare opportunity to catch some of the cooking from both restaurateurs, and the audience will be encouraged to get involved.

For a better idea of what Wilderness festival is, have a look at this little video…

And in our very own garden....

Soul Fire Restaurant

 Triumphantly returning for its third year in the Garden, Soul Fire is open for bookings and filling up fast. The most extravagant dining experience in a field, Soul Fire brings a la carte food and incredible entertainment into one space. Our top in house chefs have painstakingly created the 3-course menu, offering you a fantastic choice of options. Whether you're a herbivore, carnivore or somewhere in between, there will be a delightful option for you. 

On the menu this year you'll find a range of dishes, from Daube of Beef Provencal to Tabouleh Stuffed tomato, halloumi, Aubergine and herb salad. For those with a sweet tooth perhaps the Manuka Honey Cheesecake will sate your cravings. All ingredients are locally and ethically sourced and the dishes cooked with love.

Soul Fire can cater for any number of diners, from couples to groups up to 30 in a private dining yurt, so however large or small your table plan, we'll be able to fit you in. Of course, if a three course dinner doesn't take your fancy, drop in for brunch for the best Eggs Benedict and elderflower champagne on site.

The first sitting on Saturday night has already sold out, and the other sittings are selling out fast; last year the restaurant sold out before the festival even began. So if you want to experience this treat in festival dining the check out the full menu and book a table HERE

Dirt Banquet with Guerilla Science and Bompas & Parr

 This edible adventure will provide diners with an unprecedented culinary experience that promises to be both thought provoking and surprisingly appetizing.

Each course will explore the theatrical, social and experiential possibilities of a meal while providing guests with extraordinary and provocative food. The various courses will be inspired by the physical, biological, ethical, architectural, social, political and temporal dimensions of dirt and will include geophagy, radioactive cheese serum, imu cooked pork, Islay whiskey, fermented natto, and an aphrodisiac dessert.

Expert speakers will accompany the meal, feeding guests with ideas about the nature of dirt: anthropologist Val Curtis will guide diners through the evolution of disgust, and epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani, author of The Wisdom of Whores, will speak on sexuality. 

Village Hall presents Centre Camp

 As the heart of the festival, Centre Camp is an essential place for Gardeners to meet, gather and share together. The Village Hall will be facilitating this with their very own special brand of magic.

Breakfast with the villagers

The Gardeners meet the Villagers over breakfast. Set out on one long table that seats 30 people that will be beautifully laid with a cotton table cloth, vintage tea pots, sugar bowls, milk jugs and flowers, Gardeners will be invited to sit. Then for a small price all will be served cereal, fruit, orange juice, cake and tea. There will be live music from piano, violin, and accordion. Newspapers, books and magazines will all be available, making for a truly civilized breakfast. 

The Restaurant

This will be a fine dining experience in the way only a Village Hall could manage. Think china plates, flowers and candles. There will be quirky waiters plating up starters and main courses from nearby caterers taking the effort away from Gardeners, with puddings and drinks coming from our tea tent. Accompanied by romantic acoustic music, magicians and other performers, once again gardeners will be able to experience dinner in the village hall...

For further information and line up