The wonderful partnership of Gilbert & Sullivan produced memorable comic operas. Although the partnership wasn’t always smooth sailing, it was a lasting friendship. This continued throughout the mens lives right until the end. Theirs was a partnership that had a massive impact on boosting the career of both men. And helped shape the future of musical theatre. Discover our ten … Read More
Winter Gardening – 7 Essential Tasks
Whether you’re a casual gardener or green fingered expert, there’s always a job to do even in the winter months. And winter gardening, in actual fact, can make a huge difference to your success come spring and summer. Here are our seven essential gardening tasks to get ahead in the winter months: #1: Clean Pots The quieter winter months give … Read More
Afternoon Tea Delights
There is nothing more quintessentially British than a much loved afternoon cream tea. Henry James said it best, “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” This delightful English tradition started, when a lady felt a little peckish one late afternoon before dinner in 1840! Waiting from lunch until … Read More
It’s Back…The 6th Harrow Whisky Festival!
It’s just over two weeks until the popular Harrow Whisky Festival returns to the Grim’s Dyke Hotel on Friday 6th & Saturday 7th January. With the festival delayed in previous years due to the global pandemic, excitement and anticipation is high. The featured distillers and bottlers are ready to make this a wonderful event you’ll truly remember. The Festival This … Read More
The Art of Champagne Sabrage
A Champagne bottle, cavalry sword and a celebration in full swing – what could be more ceremonial or flamboyant! Champagne sabrage has long been seen as a sign of celebration and victory, but when did this type of celebration first start? And, as many people are inevitably thinking – is it easy to do? The origins of Champagne sabrage It’s … Read More
Warming whisky drinks to warm the heart
The nights are longer and the central heating keeps getting tweaked. It can only mean one thing – winter is almost here! It’s the time of year where we love nothing more than spending the evening snuggling under blankets in front of an open fire, whilst we sip from a hot mug and enjoy pleasant conversation. But what’s your tipple? … Read More
The 7 different types of Whisky you need to know about
Whisky, loved and enjoyed by many, is essentially a hop-less beer made from either corn, rye, wheat, barley or oats. But did you know, there are essentially 7 different types of whisky? Each of those different grains used to produce it has a different sugar content and, the higher the sugar content, the sweeter the whisky will taste. No matter … Read More
The wildlife of Grim’s Dyke
Grim’s Dyke is an attraction to many of our visitors. Not only does it have a rich history, but the building architecture and garden design also play a big part in that attraction. However, another reason Grim’s Dyke is popular is down to the wildlife the grounds attract. Whether you’re a bird watcher, nature lover, entomologist or keen wildlife spotter, … Read More
Christmas at Grim’s Dyke
Now the summer holidays are out of the way, it’s time to think about the next big event in your calendar – Christmas. Here at Grim’s Dyke, we’re here to help you celebrate the Christmas period in style. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, traditional merriment or good ole knees up, we have something to help you celebrate in style! … Read More
Whisky or Whiskey: Does it really matter?
It’s the topic many a whisky-lover gets worked up about. Is it correct to spell whisky with or without an ‘e’? And more to the point, does it really matter? Unfortunately, it isn’t a simple yes or no answer – both spellings are correct! The introduction of a new spelling – for the Irish distillers Until the late 19th Century, … Read More