Month: September 2025

Pub fireworks favourite takes on spooky theme

Pub fireworks favourite takes on spooky theme

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Fleur de Lys pub fireworks, Bonfire Night

A fireworks spectacle and spooky surprises will be central to a Day of The Dead-themed fun Halloween event at The Fleur de Lys in Lowsonford this month.

The pub’s Halloween & Fireworks Party, on October 31st, will feature a host of live family entertainment, from fire shows to music and food.

It marks the eleventh Bonfire Night event organised at The Fleur by licensees Emma and Nick Woodhouse.

Visitors this year can expect to be wowed by performances from Storm In A Teacup circus group, including a spectacular fire show, stilt walker and hula hoopers, plus, for the kids, there will be the chance to get involved in face painting, craft tables and a fancy dress competition. There’s also live music sets from local five-piece covers band Real Human Beings.

Fleur de Lys pub fireworks, Bonfire Night

Highlight of the evening is a sensational fireworks display from 7.30pm and food and drinks can be purchased, including hog roast, BBQ and mulled wine and mulled cider, from the inside and outside bars.

Emma said: “It’s a really lovely intimate fireworks event with a strong family focus in a contained and safe environment. We try to make it a little magical for the kids.

“It’s always a popular event for the local community and we love putting on an evening of entertainment for our loyal and lovely customers. But, of course, everyone is welcome.”

Fleur de Lys pub fireworks, Bonfire Night

She added: “The originator of the Gunpowder Plot, Robert Catesby, lived a stone’s throw away from The Fleur de Lys, in Bushwood Hall on Bushwood Lane. We always talk about Guy Fawkes, but it was actually Catesby’s plan to replace Protestant James I with a Catholic monarch. So, sleepy little Lowsonford is actually kind of pivotal to British history!”

The Day of The Dead theme, for Halloween, could also be seen as a nod to one of the building’s former guises as a mortuary, from where the bodies were taken to Rowington Church in the absence of a village church. It wasn’t until the early 20th century when it first opened as a tavern, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies.

Fleur de Lys pub fireworks, Bonfire Night

Gates open for the Bonfire Night at 6pm with the bonfire lighting at 6.45pm and fireworks display at 7.30pm. The food stalls close at 8.30pm and bar closes at 10.30pm.

Tickets are £16 for adults, £8 for 4-16-year-olds and free for under threes and are available to purchase HERE.

Review: The Stuart Restaurant at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Stratford upon-Avon

Review: The Stuart Restaurant at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Stratford upon-Avon

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Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stuart Restaurant, review

Nestled in the heart of Warwickshire’s countryside, the Stuart Restaurant at Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa offers a refined dining experience that blends Elizabethan charm with modern culinary flair.

Housed within a 16th-century manor steeped in Shakespearean history, the restaurant is a destination in itself—elegant, atmospheric, and quietly theatrical.

Part of the Marriott Hotels family as part of their Tribute Portfolio, the restored country hotel is popular for its beautiful grounds, sumptuous accommodation and world class health club and spa.

The hotel draws inspiration from the romantic English landscape, historic origins and the notable voices past and present that have retreated here, none less so than Shakespeare himself. The Bard is said to have penned his comedy As You Like It in the hotel’s library. Indeed, many nods to the playwright can be found around the hotel from a ceiling of floating books and hand-crafted feather pieces to more traditional artwork, allowing guests to become immersed in the rich tapestry of Billesley’s past.

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stuart Restaurant, review

Listed in the 1086 Domesday book commissioned by William the Conqueror, the Billesley Estate has an expansive history dating back to 705 AD. The Bard allegedly married Anne Hathaway in the All Saints church next to the hotel, and his granddaughter followed suit by getting betrothed in the same church.

But our recent visit was more about sampling Billesley’s present-day culinary credentials where, thankfully, guests can indulge in everything from all manner of gastronomic delights from a la carte dining to Sunday lunch and afternoon teas.

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stuart Restaurant, review

Taking our seats for dinner we were immediately struck by the grandeur of this splendid floor to ceiling oak-panelled room, the Elizabethan charm setting the scene – inside and out – with the stunning views the restaurant affords you. From our window seat we were able to glimpse some of 11 acres of grounds, which are complete with an 11th century church and listed ornate Victorian-era topiary garden inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stuart Restaurant, review

In a fun nod to Warwickshire’s famous playwright, the menu is presented as Act 1, Act 2 and Curtain Call. Starters like Confit Duck Crumpet (with poached plum and orange gel); Sun Blush Tomato Arancini (with black garlic emulsion and Basil crème fraiche) and Shakesphere Gin Cured Salmon (with compressed cucumber, dill crème fraiche and lemon gel) offer originality but it was the Pan Fried Scallops (with sweetcorn puree, black pudding crumb and apple gel) and the Soup Du Jour which won us over and, I’m pleased to say, were a delight with both their presentation and depth of flavour. (No style over substance here.)

Act 2 more than lives up to Act 1 with dishes including: Green Pea & Edamame Risotto (with parmesan crisp, pea puree and pea shoot salad); Billesley’s own take on Tikka Masala- with chicken or chickpea options or Market Fish of the Day, among the options. But our choices of Beef Fillet (served with pave potato, carrot puree, mushroom ketchup, cavolo nero, shallot and jus) and Duck Breast (with creamed polenta, beetroot puree, charred leek, tender stem broccoli, cherry gel and jus) were the lead players to our minds. Absolutely exquisite.

There is a ‘small but perfectly formed’ selection of desserts to tempt diners – and the Biscoff Cheesecake (with Biscoff crumb and toffee sauce) and Strawberry Tart (with Balsamic macerated strawberries, crème anglaise and mango sorbet) made for a fitting final act for my dining companion and I.

Other – very – tempting options though include Pineapple Rum Baba (rum-soaked cake, clotted cream and grilled pineapple); Mocha Mousse (coffee mousse, chocolate, amaretti and Italian meringue) and Vegan Chocolate & Banana Brownie (with chocolate sauce and vegan vanilla ice cream). Something to tempt every palate, including lighter bites for those on the full side.

Billesley Manor Hotel & Spa, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stuart Restaurant, review

Prices are no more than one would expect for fine dining of this standard, but probably most often reserved for special occasions and celebrations.

There is an extensive wine menu from which to toast said celebrations, with a deliberate focus on small production sustainable vineyards. Indeed, it’s clear the restaurant emphasises locally sourced and sustainable produce where possible.

Staff are attentive without being intrusive, striking a balance between professionalism and warmth and service is paced to allow guests to savour each course while enjoying the surroundings.

The Stuart Restaurant is more than a hotel dining room—it’s a culinary experience that respects its heritage while embracing innovation. From the poetic menu structure to the locally inspired dishes, it’s a place where storytelling and flavour meet. Whether you’re a guest at the manor or a local seeking a special night out, it’s well worth the visit.

Here’s to the encore. . .

Amanda in the running for Small Business Awards gong

Amanda in the running for Small Business Awards gong

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SBA Awards finalist, Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR

A local journalist of three decades is celebrating being named a finalist in this year’s Small Business Awards.

Amanda Chalmers is among those vying for the Business From Home category and the news marks the seventh anniversary of the launch of her PR agency, Chalmers News PR, which already has three national awards to its name.

Amanda spent 30 years working in the regional press, culminating with a stint in the Stratford Herald editor’s chair between 2014 and 2018, before launching Chalmers News PR, from her home in Warwick, specialising in affordable cross-sector PR for small businesses and start-ups as well as charities and not-for-profits.

It could mean the fourth accolade for her agency, winning the Ladies First Excellence In Media Award in 2023 and 2025 as well as the Woman Who Awards ‘Achieves In Media’ category gong in 2024.

The SBA judging panel consists of highly qualified industry professionals, each with a minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in their respective categories. The Awards celebrate and support small businesses across the UK.

SBA Awards finalist, Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR

The Best Home-Based Business category was introduced to highlight the growing impact of home-based enterprises and the important role they play in today’s economy.

Director of the SBAs said: “This category celebrates entrepreneurs running successful businesses from home, recognising the creativity and drive it takes to thrive outside of a traditional workplace.

“Running a business from home takes vision, dedication, and resilience. We’re proud to celebrate entrepreneurs across the nation who are redefining what modern business success looks like and home-based entrepreneurs are proving that with hard work and determination, it’s possible to build a thriving business from anywhere.

He added: “The UK Small Business Awards celebrate the passion, innovation, and resilience of entrepreneurs across the country. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this is your chance to gain credibility, boost visibility, and connect with industry leaders. Stand out, get noticed, and let your success story inspire others.

“We raised the bar again this year with tougher entry criteria, so making it through to the final round is a real testament to the businesses’ excellence, passion, and unwavering dedication.”

SBA Awards finalist, Amanda Chalmers, Chalmers News PR

Amanda worked on newsdesks in and around Warwickshire, including the former Nuneaton Tribune and Rugby Advertiser, and, as deputy editor at the Daventry Express and Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser series before joining the Herald.

She said: “There are a lot of business awards out there but very few which acknowledge the hard work and discipline that go into running a successful business from home, so I’m really proud to make the shortlist.

“Being a solopreneur can have its challenges – but, as I’ve learned, there are so many more rewards, including being part of the journey of success for fellow small businesses and start-ups and seeing them thrive. Their wins also feel like my wins – and that’s an incredible feeling!”

The Small Business Awards winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham on December 13th.

To learn more about the UK Small Business Awards visit HERE.

Warwickshire among new regions launched as part of magazine growth

Warwickshire among new regions launched as part of magazine growth

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An online magazine which champions local independent businesses, is launching in four new regions following the huge success of its flagship Cotswolds edition.

This month Warwickshire is among the new regions being unveiled under the Cotswolds Concierge banner, alongside Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

Cotswolds Concierge, which was established in 2011, now reaches more than 80k readers who all benefit from its definitive guides and directory spotlighting and connecting local businesses and suppliers.

Small businesses have played a pivotal role in the UK economy in recent years, acting as both a stabilising force and a driver of innovation and employment.  Some 99.8% of UK businesses are classified as small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), making them the backbone of the economy.

Cotswolds Concierge, Amanda Chalmers, Mette Lacey

The website’s suite of specialised platforms include cotswoldsweddings.com for couples planning their special day, cotswoldsworkshops.com for enriching workshops and learning experiences, tasteofthecotswolds.co.uk for local food and drink news, shop-cotswolds.com championing local suppliers and independent shops, and greencotswolds.com, reflecting our commitment to environmental campaigning and local growers.

Its founder, Mette Lacey, said: “Since its launch in June 2011, Cotswolds Concierge has organically grown into the definitive online guide for the region, born from my personal experience moving here and recognising a significant gap in the market for a comprehensive online platform.

“What began as a resource primarily aimed at tourists and visitors, meticulously connecting them with the best the Cotswolds has to offer, has expanded remarkably over the years.

“Beyond visitor engagement, our business extends a vital B2B arm via The Cotswolds Huddle and its monthly networking events, driven by a desire to create a new way to connect businesses and people. Our monthly networking events are free, a principle I’ve always held. It never felt right to me to charge people to meet people. Networking at its best is about building community, not barriers.

She added: “From its inception, Cotswolds Concierge was always first and foremost about empowering and supporting local businesses. I achieve this by offering transparent and affordable memberships, connecting them with a huge audience of 50K+ engaged subscribers on the email database and 30K+ across social media, and creating a network of friends in business.

“I now want to foster and nourish a vibrant and inclusive local ecosystem for businesses in Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and the Cotswolds.”

There are also plans to replicate the popular Cotswolds Awards, first launched in 2015, in the new counties.

This latest growth for Cotswolds Concierge also brings a collaboration with Warwickshire journalist Amanda Chalmers.

For the first time, members to the site will also be granted exclusive access to discounted award-winning PR for their business through multi-award-winning PR agency Chalmers News PR.

A local journalist for three decades – and former Stratford-upon-Avon Herald editor – Amanda now specialises in affordable cross-sector PR for small businesses and start-ups as well as charities and not-for-profits.

Amanda said: “As someone who has lived and worked in Warwickshire for over 20 years, I am looking forward to seeing Mette’s successful brand benefit many of the smaller businesses in this region, including many of my own clients. Its online community offers affordable support and opportunities for smaller businesses so is very much aligned with my own ethos.”

Cotswolds Concierge, Amanda Chalmers, Mette Lacey
Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR collaborates with Mette Lacey on the launch of Warwickshire Concierge.

Mette said: “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Amanda and Chalmers News PR on this exciting new chapter for Cotswolds Concierge. As a local PR expert, Amanda has a fantastic understanding of the region, and I know her passion and expertise will be invaluable in helping to promote members across the wider regions following our expansion to Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, and Gloucestershire.”

Cotswolds Concierge operates on a transparent membership scheme, offering both standard directory listings and premium PLUS options with enhanced benefits, including dedicated email blasts and features across its websites. This reaches over 50K+ potential customers via an email database and 30K+ social media followers, all while actively connecting members through exclusive events.

The core mission remains to be an independent and inclusive platform, striving to keep membership costs low to ensure accessibility and affordability for all local independent businesses, fostering a thriving local ecosystem.

Further information is available HERE.

Visit Warwickshire Concierge HERE.

Review: Dune at Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Newquay

Review: Dune at Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Newquay

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Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Dune restaurant, Newquay

Nestled just off the iconic Fistral Beach, in Newquay, Dune Restaurant offers a dining experience that’s as much about the view as it is the food.

With sweeping vistas of Cornwall’s rugged Atlantic coastline and the rhythmic pulse of world-class surf outside, the setting alone is enough to make for an unforgettable experience.

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Dune restaurant, Newquay
Mussels with Cornish Cider, Smoked Bacon, Shallots, Pangrattato and Sourdough.

But it’s the cuisine we’re most excited to sample and Dune’s menu is a celebration of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including fruit, seafood and vegetables. From gourmet burgers and melt-in-the-mouth Fillet of Beef (with confit cherry tomatoes, mushroom rarebit, bèarnaise, hand cut chips) and Chicken Supreme (potato fondant, asparagus, gem and bacon fricassee, jus, crispy skin and lemon) to inventive vegetarian dishes like Moroccan Spiced Baked Aubergine (mint, almond & apricot cous cous, yoghurt, pomegranate and baba ganoush), the kitchen showcases both flair and finesse.

Courgette and Spinach Custard Tart

Starters such as Beef Carpaccio (parmesan, rocket, truffle and candied walnuts), 72-Hour Pork Belly (caramelised cauliflower purèe, fig, pear and pork jus) and Basil-Infused Isle of White Tomatoes (pine nut ice cream and tomato consumè), are beautifully presented and perfect for their seasoning and depth of flavour.

As you would expect, fish also features heavily on the menu, from Mussels to Roasted Monkfish and Market Fish and, as a starter, Cornish Mackerel or Fistral Gin-Cured Chalk Farm Trout.

My choice of Courgette & Spinach Custard Tart (mint, radish, broad beans and parmesan) was a deliciously light and tasty appetiser ahead of the hearty Lamb Rump (boulangère, broccoli, baba ganoush, lamb oats, jus) and palate-cleansing Clotted Peach Melba (with almond sable biscuit, peach bavarois and raspberry ripple ice cream.) Particularly enjoyed the crunchy texture of this dish – and hubby and son savoured their Iced Chocolate Parfait (with griottine cherries and pistachio ganache) and Clotted Cream Panna Cotta (with macerated strawberries, sable biscuit and strawberry sorbet.)

Despite being busy on the night, the vibe at Dune is relaxed and refined. The restaurant underwent a refurbishment in 2023 – with nods to the surfing theme in the décor – the same year it was awarded two AA Rosettes. Head Chef Pablo Borruto succeeds in serving up a seasonal menu to reflect its coastal inspiration and maintains a high standard without feeling pretentious. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and refreshingly unhurried, allowing guests to truly savour their experience.

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Dune restaurant, Newquay
Fistral Beach

Dune Restaurant is more than simply a place to eat—it’s a sensory escape. With its ocean-inspired menu, attentive service and breathtaking views, it’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable meal in Newquay, whether local or, like us, tourist. Indeed, it has a coastal charm that’s hard to resist.

Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa, Dune restaurant, Newquay

Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa is an adults-only coastal retreat set directly above Newquay’s iconic Fistral Beach. The contemporary hotel features 71 rooms—including sea-facing suites with private balconies and in-room hot tubs—designed for romantic escapes, relaxing getaways, and wild Cornish adventures. The serene spa offers a full suite of GAIA treatments, a vitality pool, steam room, sauna, and a tranquil relaxation lounge.