NEARLYWED NEWS

EDITOR LOVES This something blue vegan leather purse, £14.99, can be personalised with any initials (£3.99 extra), from Oxfordshire-based https://katieloxton.com NEW WOODLAND WEDDING SETTING

Lucy Shaw, estate director of Nuneham Estate, recently opened The Cricket Field, a new marquee wedding reception venue, for a wedding showcase to help promote small local suppliers and businesses emerging from lockdown. It was important to the team at the country estate that small businesses were given a chance to get back on their feet after the uncertainties of the past year at no cost.

Harry Saunders, owner of Husk Marquees (www.huskmarquees.co.uk) who is partnering with Nuneham Estate, provided the backdrop in one of his stunning structures ideal for a woodland-style wedding while Berkshire-based wedding photographer The Beautiful Due (http://thebeautifuldue.co.uk) captured some incredible images (pictured).

Couples planning their wedding at the venue can be assured that the preferred list of suppliers is known and trusted. Tracy Hammond, who oversaw the event on behalf of Nuneham Estate, is now setting up a wedding network so that these positive NEWS Nearlywed collaborations can be strengthened and coming soon for weddings at the venue will be The Walled Garden, a magical space for celebrations. To find out more and to book, visit www.nuneham.com www.instagram.com/nunehamestate The latest news from around the counties

HEDSOR HOUSE LAUNCHES CANINE CONCIERGE SERVICE

Quintessential English wedding venue Hedsor House, located in Buckinghamshire, has launched a Canine Concierge service for couples wishing to include their dog in their wedding. In partnership with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, couples marrying at the venue can now add their furry friend to the guest list. With the support of an external professional dog handler, they’ll be safe in the knowledge that their pet pooch will be chaperoned, pampered and entertained.

A Pawfect Day package includes the provision of tailored practical advice on how to care for the dog throughout the day, as well as a personalised Hedsor House gift and edible treats. The Unconditional Love package is where a professional dog handler will attend to care for the canine from the beginning of the day, assisting with everything from a pre-ceremony walk around the estate to supervising the photo opportunities. Couples will be able to craft a tailored itinerary ensuring the dog is available to greet guests and walk down the aisle. Bespoke dog attire, flower crowns, a doggie wedding breakfast and a personalised dog wedding cake can be provided at an additional cost. Overnight dog-sitting is also available, with the pet being returned to the happy couple the following morning.

For every dog-friendly wedding, the property will be donating to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The team at the venue tell us, “Dogs have always been part of family life at Hedsor House and we know that many couples are happiest when their furry friends are there to share the special moments with them. We’re thrilled that our new Canine Concierge Service will also benefit a worthwhile canine cause, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, who are local to us in Buckinghamshire.”

A Spokesman for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People added, “A dog is a huge part of the family so it’s only natural for couples to want to include them on their big day. We love how Hedsor House recognise this and go above and beyond to welcome dogs to their gorgeous venue, and to make them feel happy and comfortable. We’re delighted to be partnering with them. Their support will help us train more hearing dogs that will change the lives of deaf people.” To find out more and to book, visit www.hedsor.com

CROCKERS HENLEY OFFER 20 ROOMS FOR £100 Crockers Henley, a restaurant with rooms offering understated luxury across seven elegantly designed contemporary bedrooms, recently celebrated one year of opening. Housed in a Grade II listed building in Henley’s popular Market Place, the accommodation is furnished with roll-top baths, four-poster beds and restored Georgian features, perfect for a staycation mini-moon. The emphasis is on great food and immersive experiences in a relaxed and unpretentious setting.

Downstairs is The Grill, overseen by Tom Westerland, which is a hive of activity offering a casual dining affair. There are two 16-seat Chef’s Tables that each present an immersive dining experience over ten courses. The Thames Table, overseen by talented young chef Alex Payne, celebrates the best of modern British dining whilst The Gardiner’s with Iain Dixon at the helm concentrates on pan-Asian flavours.

Luke Garnsworthy, CEO tells us, “The last year has been a bumpy ride and I’m just thrilled to see Crockers Henley make it to its first birthday. The team has done a great job despite the challenges and I’m excited about what’s to come for the venue. Thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way, and to those yet to visit, we look forward to meeting you soon.”

Crockers Henley is offering 20 rooms for £100 to celebrate, available to book by emailing hello@crockshenley.co.uk (dates exclude 13th December 2021 until 3rd January 2022). A one-night stay at Crockers Henley starts from £400 inclusive of overnight accommodation and a three-course breakfast based on two people sharing, plus dinner at one of the Chef’s Tables (reservation is essential). To find out more and to book, visit www.crockershenley.co.uk

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GREENE KING INNS UNVEIL NEW WEDDING TREND

Green King Inns, with properties across the UK including in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, has revealed that intimate ceremonies are extremely popular following the pandemic. These smaller wedding sizes are causing a shift from couples choosing traditional venues, as 27 per cent of people would now consider tying the knot in their local pub and more than half (53 per cent) would contemplate having a micro wedding.

Liane Hunt, spokesperson for Greene King Inns said, “The pandemic has caused us to reevaluate many aspects of our lives, and weddings certainly haven’t escaped this. Thousands of couples have had to delay their celebrations until they have been able to fit everyone in again – but over the last 17 months or so, it appears the wedding goalposts have been moving as people consider downsizing from a Covid-safe perspective, but also to keep costs down.” She continues, “Despite this new lean towards smaller weddings, Greene King Inns offer plenty of places to tie the knot with wedding packages that cater for both large and small affairs. With accommodation, function rooms and even hotels with capacity for larger weddings, should people want to go all out for their big day, they can.” To find out more and to book, visit www.greenekinginns.co.uk FANS CAN ENJOY A HARRY POTTER-INSPIRED MINI-MOON

The University of Oxford acted not only as the inspiration for some of the Harry Potter settings but also as a well-used filming location. Now, fans wanting to enjoy a mini-moon in the city can book an Oxford & Traditional Cotswold Villages tour through Rabbie’s, a company providing awardwinning small-group tours departing from London and other major cities. Eagleeyed guests will spot the New College Cloisters featured in the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

This one-day tour departs from London with prices from £65 per person. For more information and to book, visit www.rabbies.com

ENJOY A SPA ESCAPE AT FAIRMONT WINDSOR PARK Luxury hotel Fairmont Windsor Park nestled on 40 acres next to Windsor Great Park has launched a selection of spa offers including a Two Night Spa Break, a Spa Escape and the Signature Spa Experience. The ideal choice for a staycation mini-moon or a pre-wedding pamper, the hotel is home to extensive state-of-the-art spa facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam, sauna and steam rooms and offers a wide range of treatments including a Bamboo Massage and a Repair and Replenish Facial.

The Spa Escape includes an overnight stay, breakfast and a three-course dinner in MOREISH, a 55-minute treatment and access to the spa facilities. For further hotel details, visit www.fairmont.com/windsor-park and to book, visit www.spabreaks.com

CONGRATULATIONS To local businesses throughout Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire who scooped the top spot in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2021. Now in their eighth year, this was the most popular Muddy Awards to date where readers of lifestyle website https://muddystilettos.co.uk nominated and voted for their favourite independent businesses across 27 different lifestyle categories, from Best Destination Pub to Bridal Store and Wedding Venue. The winning wedding venue was The Tythe Barn in Launton while the winning bridal store was White Lace and Butterflies in Great Missenden.

Hero Brown, founder and editor-in-chief of Muddy Stilettos tells us: “I set up these awards eight years ago to give local lifestyle businesses a chance to shout about how brilliant they are. After a year of multiple lockdowns, it has been an honour to showcase the most awesome lifestyle businesses across Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire. The response to this year’s Muddy Awards has been unprecedented – thousands of people voted to give a boost to so many.”

www.gettyimages.co.uk ORWELLS RESTAURANT OWNERS SAVE THE LOCAL PUB

Renowned chefs Ryan and Liam Simpson-Trotman, joint owners of award-winning Orwells Restaurant in Henley-on-Thames, have delighted their local community by saving disused village pub The Plowden Arms. Ryan and Liam will launch their first pub venture, bringing to it their trademark commitment to quality ingredients with a strong focus on sustainability.

The pair, also known for their appearances on the television show James Martin’s Saturday Morning, has established a loyal following since launching Orwells Restaurant in 2010 and have won multiple accolades including four AA Rosettes. They plan to reopen the pub under its original name, The Plough at Shiplake, which dates back to 1774, retaining many of the much-loved qualities. The overall philosophy will mirror that of Orwells Restaurant which has been celebrated for its sustainable and entirely seasonal menu with up to 75% of the fruit and vegetables used grown by Ryan and Liam in their smallholding. The family and dog-friendly establishment will be an informal allday dining affair open seven days a week. To find out more, visit www.theploughshiplake.co.uk and to make a reservation at Orwells Restaurant, visit https://orwellsrestaurant.com