The Mikado (or The Town of Titipu) was Gilbert & Sullivan’s ninth collaboration. Set in Japan, the story is based around the chief executioner, who has a tender heart that is in direct opposition to that needed for his official duties. The Mikado has an impressive operatic history – but this Savoy Opera nearly didn’t happen at all. Earning its … Read More
The Avengers TV series: lights, camera and… Grim’s Dyke?
Photo Source: MovieMail.com The Avengers was a hugely successful ‘spy-fi’ British TV series that ran for 6 series (161 episodes) from 1962 to 1969. Featuring Patrick Macnee as the impeccably dressed British secret agent ‘John Steed’, he was seldom seen without his bowler hat, umbrella or feisty, assertive female assistant. All change at The Avengers Series 6 of The Avengers … Read More
Sabrage: the true mark of ceremonial splendour!
Sabrage, the act of slicing off the cork from a bottle of champagne, is the mark of ceremonial splendour – and what better place to celebrate both the art and ceremony, than in the beautiful 17th century Grim’s Dyke hotel? History of Sabrage Sabrage is said to have started with Napoleon’s infamous cavalry, the Hussards, celebrating their spectacular victories across … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore
The Grim’s Dyke Hotel is proud to present H.M.S. Pinafore. Gilbert & Sullivan’s fourth operatic collaboration and their first international sensation, it is being performed by The Grim’s Dyke Opera group. One of Gilbert & Sullivan’s flagship operas So much more than ‘just’ one of Gilbert & Sullivan’s plays, this production was the first one that was self-financed by the … Read More
What our brides say about their Grim’s Dyke Wedding
Welcome to your fairy tale wedding location! It can be overwhelming looking for the perfect wedding venue: So many choices and lots to consider. Rather than us telling you why we think we’d be the perfect fairy tale venue, why don’t you see what our brides have to say? “The best day of our lives!!!” “We recently got married here and … Read More
Great Crested Newts found in Grim’s Dyke
The Great Crested Newt has been in decline during the last century, so we are incredibly lucky to find them, both in our waterways and in the lake, here at Grim’s Dyke. Great Crested Newts are the largest of the UK’s three native species, growing up to 17cm in length. Their decline is, in part, due to the deterioration and … Read More
What’s happening in the Grim’s Dyke gardens during June?
I’ve joined our lovely Head Gardener Helenka, for my monthly stroll around the grounds of Grim’s Dyke. It’s a chance, not only to catch up with Helenka but also to find out what’s happening in the kitchen garden, orchard and grounds generally, during the month of June. Green springing up everywhere! When it comes to green growth, you can’t fail … Read More
Unique Jazz nights at The Grim’s Dyke Hotel
The Grim’s Dyke Hotel are proud to host a new series of Jazz nights featuring the JusVibes Trio. The new Jazz night soirees were officially launched on the 18th of May, however you still have time to enjoy the unique sounds of JusVibes, as there will be a Jazz Night each month during June, July and August (for exact dates, … Read More
W. S. Gilbert and his menagerie of animals
W. S. Gilbert had spent thirty-five years being a professional writer, so the decision to retire was a hard one for him. However, retiring allowed him to enjoy the prestige and wealth he’d worked hard to achieve, and this left him free to spend his time at Grim’s Dyke, surrounded by his family and friends. It also gave himself, Lucy … Read More
W. S. Gilbert and the lemurs in his life
Sir William Schwenck Gilbert, most known for his ‘Savoy Operas’ in Victorian England, also had a deep love of animals, particularly his various pet lemurs. The English writer, composer, comedian, actor and singer George Grossmith, is stated as once overhearing Gilbert saying “Deer-stalking would be a very fine sport – if only the deer had guns.” The first lemurs of … Read More