Man has been using herbs, in the kitchen and for health-related reasons, for as long as history has been recorded. The Victorians in particular, loved to use herbs and flowers in their everyday lives – and no Victorian home was complete, without its own herb garden. Herbs such as Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme were the staple herbs of any Victorian kitchen, as is the case … Read More
Host your own dinner party – the W.S. Gilbert way!
Mrs Beeton’s Dinner table Setting During the Victorian era, Sir William Schwenck Gilbert and his wife, Lucy, hosted some amazing dinner parties at Grim’s Dyke. They were the talking point of local society, not least because the family lemurs often made an appearance! Victorian dinner parties were all about status, refinement and attention to detail – and Lady Gilbert excelled in these areas. If … Read More
What does your choice of wedding flower say?
It’s long been known that flowers can convey a hidden message, with each colour and variety holding a secret key. When it comes to picking your wedding bouquet flowers, for many, it can be a simple case of selecting the most suitable colours for your overall wedding colour scheme – but have you considered what your choice of wedding flower … Read More
How to look after your Roses
Lady Gilbert had her own rose garden in the grounds of Grim’s Dyke and women the world over love to receive them, but how many of us know how to really look after them – regardless of whether they are growing plants or cut flowers? Cut Roses You can tell roses are fresh, by gently squeezing where the petals join the stem … Read More
Filming locations: Grim’s Dyke and your home…?
Grim’s Dyke has been a much sought-after filming location for the last 40 plus years. Known for its Gothic-influenced Victorian architecture, typical English interior décor and 40 acres of beautiful garden and woodland, it’s little wonder film and TV production companies want to take advantage – but could your home be used as a film location too? Renting your property … Read More
Top 10 tips for organising your company conference
Planning a company conference can seem like a daunting task, when you first attempt it, especially if you have no previous experience. Here are our top 10 tips, to help make organising your conference easier and less stressful! Plan early! When it comes to planning your event, the earlier the better! Good venues are often booked up months (if not … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Gondoliers’
The twelfth savoy opera written by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan was entitled ‘Gondoliers’ (also known as ‘The King of Barataria’). The satire within this opera was firmly focused on two of Gilbert’s fascinations –class distinction and the absurd convergence of natural persons with the legal system. Gilbert avoided major criticism from the British nobility and monarchy, by setting this … Read More
Grim’s Dyke’s History: Frederick Goodall
In 1856, the (then) 170-acre Grime’s Dyke site was bought by renowned artist, Frederick Goodall. The original Grime’s Dyke earthwork ran across the site, so the fosse was dammed at one end, to make an ornamental stretch of water in the grounds. He’d purchased the Harrow Weald land from the Marquis of Abercorn, but was unable to start building a … Read More
Harrow Whisky Festival
Harrow Whisky Festival: 15th January – 16th January 2016 Set in the stunning location of Grim’s Dyke hotel, Harrow Whisky Festival features product from over 40 distilleries – making it a must-do event for every whisky lover! Grim’s Dyke hotel contributes so much more than a stunning setting for this festival though, it also has a well-stocked whisky bar, one … Read More
How to ‘taste’ whisky
Whisky, it can be a complex drink to master, especially as there are so many amazing choices on offer! However, navigating your way through the complex and subtle tastes is something that CAN be done – if you just know where to start! There are no right and wrong answers, when it comes to describing whisky. Whether you’re explaining the … Read More