Your Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Wedding- December 2020/Janaury 2021 (Issue 24)

The latest news from around the counties NEWS VICTORIA’S RESTAURANT OPENS IN CHELTENHAM Cheltenham’s hottest new restaurant Victoria’s has recently opened, promising the best of British seasonal cuisine in a magnificent Georgian setting with views of the Imperial Gardens. The mouth-watering menu takes inspiration from Cheltenham's quintessential English heritage, working closely with local producers and farmers to serve classic dishes with a contemporary twist. Using freshly baked bread, local cheeses, locally farmed meat from artisan butchers and fruit and vegetables sourced from local markets, Victoria's brings the very best of Gloucestershire's producers together on one menu. The restaurant will be serving classic dishes such as a pear Waldorf salad, gin and citrus cured salmon, chalk stream trout filet, shepherd’s pie made using Cleeve Hill braised lamb and Waghorne steaks with triple cooked chips. Indulgent desserts include a warm vanilla bread and butter pudding, pecan treacle tart and a raspberry ripple knickerbocker glory. Adding a touch of playful nostalgia, Victoria’s is also creating culinary theatre with the addition of a dining room trolley that guests can pick and choose from as it’s presented at each table. The stylish decor offers warm raspberry accents while diners enjoy the town’s finest architecture and stunning views. Guests enter via the secluded garden at Queens Hotel Cheltenham – MGallery Hotel Collection. To book, call 01242 514 754 or visit https:// queenshotelcheltenham.co.uk/victorias www.instagram.com/mgallerycheltenham Nearlywed TUDOR FARMHOUSE LAUNCHES STARGAZING SAFARIS Tudor Farmhouse located in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, has launched a winter stargazing safari led by Jim Bell, a presenter for Explorer Dome, an organisation that runs astronomy-based experiences. Jim will lead guests on a fascinating two-hour star journey exploring the dark skies above the village of Clearwell, home to the hotel. From the hilltop vantage point, guests will enjoy observing stars, constellations and planets as the fascinating science and stories behind them are explained. The experience can be booked on one of a series of small group dates which are running throughout the winter months and starting at 8 pm. Jim can also be booked on a private basis for hotel guests. Should cloud cover spoil viewings, Jim will bring a portable planetarium to ensure that guests can enjoy the stars whatever the weather. Hot drinks, snacks and binoculars will be provided and guests are advised to wrap up in warm layers and wear robust shoes. Tickets are available from £30 per person (£20 for under 12s), with a minimum age for participants of eight-years-old. Those looking to combine exploring the night sky as part of a short break can book a Stargazing Staycation from £325 per person based on two sharing a double room on a bed and breakfast basis for three nights including dinner on one night, a private stargazing experience with Jim and a pocket guide to the stars to keep. This can be combined with hiking, as well as mountain biking on the marked trails of the Forest of Dean with optional mountain bike hire available. Alternatively, guests can combine any other themed break at the hotel, or just a simple overnight stay, with this experience to join the group or as a private experience for an additional charge of £150 (price for up to six people). Rooms at the Tudor Farmhouse Hotel are priced from £139 per night on a bed and breakfast basis and there’s also a Winter 3 for 2 Offer available, visit www.tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk to find out more. www.instagram.com/tudorfarmhousehotel Turn to page 15 to read more about what the Tudor Farmhouse offers as a wedding venue. QHotels launch Little Big Wedding concept QHotels have launched their Little Big Wedding concept to help give celebrations the wow-factor experience. Sarah Harvey, head of events at QHotels Group tells us, “Every wedding is big to us, who says size matters. Our Little Big Wedding concept is extra special and gives everyone who books with us the chance to go a bit bigger on their plans – at no extra cost.” The hotel group, which includes Delta by Marriott Cheltenham Chase (www.thecheltenhamchase.co.uk), wi ll gift plenty of add-ons to couples who choose to marry at a property to make their wedding exciting and memorable. Couples choosing a traditional four-course reception dinner will enjoy a complimentary half bottle of wine per table and those opting for an afternoon tea will have unlimited scones and tea. All packages will include free arrival drinks for guests, drinks for the toast and canapés. Sarah tells us, “This is us being little on costs and big on ideas for everyone wanting to tie the knot. The message is to give us your small intimate wedding and we will give you back a big event with some extra-special features and so much love and care.” To find out more about the Little Big Wedding offers, visit www.qhotels.co.uk www.instagram.com/QHotelsgroup  Photography of Victoria’s courtesy of www.bethcrockatt.com YOUR ESSENTIALS 9