Whatley Manor, Wiltshire
“It’s hardly surprising that the hotel once known as Twatley Manor decided to have a name makeover in favour of the more elegant Whatley Manor – now considered one of the most sophisticated hotels in the UK.”
Author Rebecca Lipkin
The ENB’s Sleeping Beauty
“If Anna Pavlova was dainty enough to lend her name to a meringue dessert, then the English National Ballet dancers of this Sleeping Beauty remind one of a selection box of Ladurée macaroons.”
The Rothschilds: Wine in the Blood
“For over 150 years the name of Rothschild has not only been synonymous with high finance but the fine wine of Bordeaux, considered to be the greatest wine region since the 13th century.”
Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty
“Matthew Bourne might not be for the purists in the audience, but for those of us eager to see a new take on traditional ballets he consistently succeeds in creating excitement and surprise for old and young alike.”
Festive Frolics: Skating and Candlelit Carols
If Christmas turns you into a couch potato and you’re looking for some ideas to keep your relatives and sugar-fuelled children entertained this Christmas, here is our guide to the best of the best during the festive season…
Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company: Quimeras at Sadler’s Wells
“It was the press night of the Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company’s Quimeras . The journalist seated beside me whooped at any opportunity, sobbed during the second half, and was the first one to her feet when it came to the standing ovation.”
Handbags at Dawn: Carmen at the ENO
“Carmen, Bizet’s masterpiece, was first performed at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1875 where it initially received only limited success before catching the imagination of opera lovers everywhere.”
Ockenden Manor, West Sussex
“Located in Cuckfield, considered one of the prettiest Tudor villages in England, Ockenden is an Elizabethan manor dating from 1520, the beamed interior of which resonates with creaking floorboards and character…”
Hollywood Costume at the V&A
“The V&A’s major autumn exhibition, Hollywood Costume, is the equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame; displaying over 130 of the most memorable costumes in a century of movie history.”
To the Manor Lawn: Glamping at Hidcote
“We made use of a wheelbarrow to transport our luggage across the muddy field; it certainly made a change from pulling up outside a plush hotel and having the luggage magically transferred to our room.”
A Chorus of Disapproval
“It’s just a bit of fun.” Rob Brydon takes to the West End stage in Alan Ayckbourn’s 31st play. With a sterling cast and direction by Sir Trevor Nunn, this is light-hearted entertainment for a mainstream audience.
Hope House: A Churchill Inspired Weekend
“A boutique gem in the charming and historic town of Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Hope House is just a hop, skip and a jump from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.”