The popular Harrow Whisky Festival returns to the Grim’s Dyke Hotel on Friday 12th & Saturday 13th January. Last year’s festival was a roaring success and this year promises to be even better. The featured distillers and bottlers are ready to make this a wonderful event you’ll truly remember. The Festival This year, the festival will have one of the largest … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Ruddigore
As soon as The Mikado had its opening night, Gilbert started work on the next production – Ruddygore. Due to other work commitments, Sullivan delayed setting the opera to music until the latter part of 1886. Rehearsals finally commenced in December that year. The tenth Savoy Opera, Ruddygore was first performed by the D’Oyly Opera Company, at the Savoy Theatre, … Read More
How to make your garden winter wildlife-friendly
Wildlife-friendly gardening is something we all aspire to do, especially here at Grim’s Dyke. We like to think we’re doing what we can, to help preserve our wildlife friends – and many of you feel the same. The key to a wildlife-friendly garden is to provide plenty to eat and safe hiding places for all kinds of wildlife visitors to … Read More
3 Reasons To Hire A Wedding Planner
Your wedding is one of the biggest events in your life, and it’s understandable that you’ll want it to be perfect. For many brides, you’ve been dreaming for years about how your ideal wedding will look but making it a reality can seem both daunting and expensive. Hiring a wedding planner may seem like an added expense but, it may … Read More
How to host your own murder mystery dinner
Hosting your own murder mystery dinner can be such great fun. If you fancy playing your hand at being a detective, there are many different murder mystery dinner party games you can buy. Each one will include everything you need to have a fun-packed evening of entertainment, food and good fun. However, if you’ve never hosted your own murder mystery … 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 wonderful wildlife the grounds attract. Whether you’re a bird watcher, nature lover, entomologist or keen wildlife … Read More
The Victorian Kitchen Garden
The kitchen garden at Grim’s Dyke supplies us with fresh fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs for our restaurant guests. It also provides a rich environment for wild bees, insects and animals. During Gilbert’s time, this wouldn’t have been any different. The Victorian kitchen garden was a true work of art, run by its king – the head gardener. He … Read More
How To Taste Wine Like An Expert
So many of us enjoy a glass of wine. No matter what your experience of wine, you can learn to appreciate some of the amazing choices on offer for you. But learning how to taste wine is something you have to learn to master if you want to really benefit and savour your wine. But how do you learn to … Read More
The Benefits of Honouring The Natural Growing Seasons
The traditional way of honouring the natural growing seasons is something many of us have forgotten. With so much choice available to us throughout the year, it’s understandable that many no longer remember what is in season. The only time you get an indication that your fruit and veg is out of season is by its latest price tag! However, … 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 is a wonderful sign of celebration and victory, but when did this type of celebration first start? And, as many people would like to know – is it easy to do? The Origins of Champagne Sabrage The tradition began … Read More