Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - Page number 9 - June/July 2021 (Issue 89)

NEWS The latest news from around the counties SUMMER STAYCATION Monkey Island Estate located in Bray-on-Thames has unveiled a new Summer Shepherd’s Hideaway Experience. One of the estate’s hand-crafted shepherd’s huts has been transformed from a cosy winter cabin into a rustic summer suntrap furnished with contemporary countryside interiors to welcome groups of up to six guests for celebratory picnics and occasions. The gourmet picnic hampers offer a mouth-watering menu of coronation chicken-curried drumsticks, poached salmon and potato salad, truffle sausage rolls and a selection of quintessentially British finger sandwiches. For dessert, there’s a millionaire’s shortbread, carrot cake, macaroons and traditional scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream plus half a bottle of Harrow & Hope Brut Reserve per person. Guests can enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn or get back to nature with a stroll around the seven acres of manicured grounds home to a herb garden, four beehives and the estate’s resident hens. The island’s second-largest shepherd’s hut has also had a transformation and now offers a pop-up bar. There’s also the Monkey Bar inside the hotel for a creative cocktail, and classic British dishes served at The Monkey Brasserie. The Summer Shepherd’s Hideaway Experience can be booked as an add-on to an overnight stay at Monkey Island Estate and is also available to book for those not staying at the hotel. It caters for up to six guests at £100 per person with access to the Shepherd’s Hideaway for three hours (minimum spend £600). To book, visit www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk NEW OUTDOOR VENUE Following a £50million redevelopment, Newbury Racecourse has opened its bi-fold doors to a new outdoor venue. The al fresco setting allows ceremonies to take place in the new Parade Ring as well as in The Winners Enclosure and other areas. There’s a brand new Royal Box, on-site catering facilities, the option for a large marquee, car parking for more than 3,000 vehicles plus a complimentary room at The Lodge hotel. Couples can book with confidence with flexible terms and conditions and there’s currently up to 15% off wedding packages for 2021 and 2022. To make an enquiry visit https://weddings.newburyracecourse.co.uk VIRTUAL PHOTOBOOTH EXPERIENCE The Best Photobooths have won The Best Photobooth Experience in the United Kingdom award from LUXlife. The company has also launched The Best Virtual Booth Experience. To find out more, visit www.thebestphotobooths.co.uk YOUR ESSENTIALS 9