I was invited to take part in a tea ceremony at August Moon Tea in Cheltenham recently. I jumped at the chance, because, you’ve guessed it, this sounded just my cup of tea!
Tea Ceremony at August Moon Tea
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Cotswolds
Discover what to see and do in the Cotswolds
Woodchester Valley Vineyard Visit
After our first wine-tasting visit to Woodchester Valley Vineyard was snowed off earlier this year, Mr Skylark and I were pleased the weather was on our side for a rescheduled visit in spring.
We headed up a single-track road, off the A46 between Stroud and Nailsworth, passing an old stone Covent building and winding our way up towards the top of the hill. I was astounded by the view as I got out of the car. The vineyard looks across a beautiful, wooded valley towards the miniature, hilltop village of Amberley. Suddenly I felt transported far from home.
Shinrin-Yoku in the Forest
A small group gathered mid-morning in the car park at Cranham Woods to meet our guide Karan for a ‘Yoga in Nature Walk’. A trained Dru Yoga teacher, Karan has based the idea of her yoga walks on the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, literally translated as ‘forest bathing’.
Scientific researchers in Japan have concluded that spending time in the forest has significant health benefits. Shinrin-yoku is prescribed in Japan for preventative health care. Its benefits reportedly include reduced blood pressure and stress levels; improved sleep and energy levels and a boosted immune system. I was keen to try it out and see what affect forest bathing had on me.
Restaurant Review: Babel, Cheltenham
Babel is one of the newer additions to the restaurant scene in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter. It’s a combination of bar and restaurant, so you can just go for a drink, choose some light bites or have a proper meal. I like their funky décor and it probably has a good buzz about it on a Friday or Saturday night. We visited on a Monday evening, so it was fairly quiet.
Painswick Rococo Garden
My winter visit to Painswick Rococo Garden, in the Cotswold town of Painswick, gave me a glimpse back to a flamboyant and frivolous era, where gardens were designed to capture the light-hearted and pleasure-seeking atmosphere of the times.
While this garden is beautiful to visit at any time of year, it is most famous for its breathtaking display of snowdrops visible in winter.
Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle 2017
Indian fine dining at Prithvi
I hadn’t been to Prithvi, on Cheltenham’s Bath Road, since it first opened. Quite probably because I’m a spontaneous sort of diner, and you have to book a table here weeks in advance, due to its immense popularity. This restaurant doesn’t purport to be your usual style of curry house, but offers Indian fine dining.
Vegetarian Cookery Course at Foodworks
Do you like the idea of eating less meat in your diet? Whilst I am not a vegetarian, I have definitely been cutting down on my meat intake over the last few months, so I was keen to learn some new recipes. Read on to find out about the Vegetarian Cookery Course offered by The Foodworks Cookery School, near Cheltenham.
Best Breakfast Cheltenham Race Week
Going out for breakfast on race day has become a tradition. It’s something I look forward to every year. While I like to think of myself as being spontaneous, I actually like to do my research. Using my local knowledge, I’ve put together my Top 7 list of where to eat breakfast Cheltenham Race Week, for all tastes and budgets.
Best Bars Cheltenham Race Week
Like putting on your lipstick and donning a pair of heels, the town of Cheltenham dramatically changes its image from day to night during Cheltenham Gold Cup week. Whilst this usually sedate town empties during the day, the tide of racegoers floods back in late afternoon, to celebrate or commiserate their day at Prestbury Park. To help you decide where to go, I’ve used my local knowledge to put together my list of best bars Cheltenham Race Week.