Want to know all the deets on this year's hottest new festival, plus the latest openings in Berkshire and award-winning local drinkies? It's all here, baby!

PARTY FOR CAROLINE

Can you believe it has been just over two years since Caroline Flack’s tragic death? Well a festival has been organised in memory of the TV star’s life – and we’re all invited to her happy place. Cover yourself in sequins for Flackstock at Englefield House in Theale on 25 July for a night of music, comedy and dance festival. Money raised will be split between four mental health charities – Choose Love, Mind, Samaritans and Charlie Waller Trust.

Names confirmed so far: Pixie Lott, Natalie Imbruglia, Fleur East, Professor Green, Louise Redknapp, Ashley Roberts, The Overtones, Sigma, James Haskell (DJ set), Dermot O’Leary, June Sarpong, Strictly stars Janette and Aljaž, Keith Lemon, Joel Dommett, Matt Richardson and Paddy McGuinness. Flackstock tickets are on sale now: adults £50.65; kids (ages 6-14) £28.15. Car park passes are £11.25. Book here.

NEW OPENINGS

New businesses are popping up in the county like daisies (just what we like to see). Over in Newbury, Goat On The Roof opened this week, serving British tapas that showcases the very best of our nation’s great food producers. Owned and run by restaurateur Patrick Vaughan-Fowler and Head Chef Sam May, the new restaurant will occupy the ground floor and with a first floor wine bar offering 50 specially-selected natural and sustainable wines.

While we hanging in this West Berkshire market town, we have news of a Gin Palace, distillery and restaurant opening in the Parkway – EAT. DRINK. DISTIL. Pete Lumber founder of 137 Distillery will be opening soon (watch this space for more deets) combining all his passions for food and drink in one place. Sadly, it means The Newbury pub will pass on to a new landlord, but we’re excited for this new hangout to launch.

Scandi bakery Ole & Steen is coming to Windsor (and Henley)! No confirmed opening date yet (watch this space), but the new premises will be bang in the middle of Windsor Yards shopping centre and will serve up all many open-face sandwiches and filled pastries as you can scoff.

At the other end of the county, street food faves Heat & Soul are spicing things up at The Queen Victoria pub on Peascod Street. The menu will feature their amazing Caribbean inspired street food, with a strong cocktail selection and instaworthy chill out zone. It’s basically a laidback foodie fun zone. Check them out this weekend. Not gonna lie, I’m all about the jerk chicken burger.

SAD NEWS

We were gutted to hear that Henry & Joe’s will be closing at the end of August. The lads have impressed Michelin inspectors, hardened food critics and wowed Newbury with their fine dining food. But they have decided not to renew their lease and will explore pastures new.

BOTTOMS UP

Pass the paracetamol, Berkshire’s been celebrating after not one but three distilleries scooped awards at this year’s prestigious The Gin Club Awards. New kids on the block Cookham Cocktail Club Gin No.5 (CCC Gin No.5) scooped two awards – world’s best new contemporary gin, and the best English contemporary gin.

Yattendon-based Berkshire Botanical will need to find more space in its trophy cabinet. Its Sloe Gin won best in show and its London Dry was highly commended in the Traditional Gin category (up to 42% ABV). Highclere Gin was also highly commended in the Traditional Gin (over 42% ABV) category.