Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-openings-and-celebrations">New openings and celebrations</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DAMSON-1000x667.jpg" alt="damson by Henry Kremer-Ireson fine line drawing" class="wp-image-53124" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DAMSON-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DAMSON-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DAMSON-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DAMSON-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DAMSON-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/DAMSON.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Credit: Damson by Henry Kremer-Ireson</figcaption></figure>



<p>Get your diaries ready! New destination restaurant <a href="https://damson-restaurant.co.uk/">Damson</a> by Henry Kremer-Ireson, formerly of Henry &amp; Joe’s, is opening its doors in Winterbourne on Wed 13 Sep – a little later than planned. Promising something truly special, expect local produce, seasonal ingredients and flavoursome food. The venue has undergone a major refurb (it used to be the Winterbourne Arms pub) so I’ll be checking out the decor as well as the food! The restaurant, seating 26, is now taking <a href="https://damson-restaurant.co.uk/">bookings</a> and, from next year, there’ll be an immersive chef’s table, Sloe, for nine guests. Race you there!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="994" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/pastedImage-scaled-1-e1689322805955.jpg" alt="chef owner of Seasonality Maidenhead" class="wp-image-53138" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/pastedImage-scaled-1-e1689322805955.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/pastedImage-scaled-1-e1689322805955-800x530.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/pastedImage-scaled-1-e1689322805955-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/pastedImage-scaled-1-e1689322805955-400x265.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/pastedImage-scaled-1-e1689322805955-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/pastedImage-scaled-1-e1689322805955-792x525.jpg 792w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Meanwhile, over in Maidenhead, locals already know how fantastic <a href="https://www.seasonality.co.uk/">Seasonality</a> is but now the restaurant’s brilliance has been recognised by the <a href="https://www.thegoodfoodguide.co.uk/best-local-restaurant/best-local-restaurant-award-winners-2023#South-East">The Good Food Guide</a>. It’s won the accolade of best restaurant in the South East. Described by the judges as, “A beacon of local loveliness … this personally run restaurant is a godsend with its community feel, enthusiastic service and great-value cooking.” Congrats to husband and wife team Wesley and Francesca Smalley! The <a href="http://www.dewdropinnhurley.com/">Dew Drop Inn</a>, Hurley, launched by head chef Simon Bonwick in January, is also on the South East best restaurant list, adding to Michelin Guide recognition and a win at the Restaurant Awards 2023. Lucky us to have all these on our doorsteps!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/PETER-LUMBER-137-GIN-1000x667.png" alt="PETER LUMBER 137 GIN" class="wp-image-43338" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/PETER-LUMBER-137-GIN-1000x667.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/PETER-LUMBER-137-GIN-800x533.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/PETER-LUMBER-137-GIN-400x267.png 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/PETER-LUMBER-137-GIN-768x512.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/PETER-LUMBER-137-GIN-788x525.png 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/05/PETER-LUMBER-137-GIN.png 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>On the flip side, we were sad hear that 137 Eat Drink Distil in Newbury has closed its doors. Covid, and more recently the ever-increasing cost of living, have made it impossible for a owner Pete Lumber to carry on. A loss for Newbury, for sure.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="698" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/01/SCAMP-AND-DUDE-JO--1000x698.jpg" alt="Jo Teachner Scamp and Dude" class="wp-image-50116" /><figcaption>Scamp and Dude founder Jo Teachner</figcaption></figure>



<p>If planning goes to plan (see what I did there), Reading will soon have a new 18 bedroom boutique hotel and cafe at 7 Blagrave Street. The building will retain the existing facade but everything else will be brand new and the hotel will stretch to five-storeys instead of the current two. The development is currently working its way through the planning process so watch this space! Already open and much loved, bright retailer <a href="https://scampanddude.com/">Scamp and Dude</a> (see above) is celebrating its <a href="https://scampanddude.com/blogs/our-world/come-and-celebrate-the-1st-birthday-of-scamp-dude-s-marlow-store?utm_source=Marlow&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=12072023_Marlow_Birthday%20%2801H5036ZS40MQQJ86Z1C7M284Z%29&amp;_kx=M8ZkbTbb7VD5nMMGP0ZwvhPkf4SxjG4nio_Mshe79I8%3D.WE6AMs">first birthday</a> in Marlow this weekend. Pop in to the store for limited edition tote bags, ice cream and scarf personalisation throughout the weekend. And maybe a new summer dress too? Get that credit card ready!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-summer-fun-guaranteed">Summer fun guaranteed</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/30.-Childrens-Play-scaled-1-e1689324988221.jpg" alt="Windsor Great Park Children's adventure play area" class="wp-image-53142" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/30.-Childrens-Play-scaled-1-e1689324988221.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/30.-Childrens-Play-scaled-1-e1689324988221-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/30.-Childrens-Play-scaled-1-e1689324988221-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/30.-Childrens-Play-scaled-1-e1689324988221-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/30.-Childrens-Play-scaled-1-e1689324988221-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/30.-Childrens-Play-scaled-1-e1689324988221-700x525.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Need to entertain the kids during the summer holidays? With perfect timing, <a href="https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/explore/childrens-play/adventure-play/">Windsor Great Park’s</a> unique hand-crafted playground is open! Hidden within the woodland next to The Savill Garden, you’ll discover an amazing world of walkways, slides, sculptures and treehouses &#8211; it’s beautiful and creative &#8211; perfect for stimulating imaginations. Now I don’t know if this is good or bad news, but it’s not just for the kids. You can join them up amongst the trees &#8211; hold on tight and think of your step count! Book your tickets <a href="https://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk/explore/childrens-play/adventure-play/">here</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Untitled-design-115-1000x667.jpg" alt="Northcroft outdoor pool refurbishment mock up Newbury Berkshire" class="wp-image-52771" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Untitled-design-115-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Untitled-design-115-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Untitled-design-115-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Untitled-design-115-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Untitled-design-115-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/Untitled-design-115.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Northcroft Leisure Centre&#8217;s lido complex</figcaption></figure>



<p>If lounging by the pool is more your thing, there’s good news on that front too. With a renovation spend of £5.7m, it’s almost time to check out Newbury’s newly refurbished outdoor pool at <a href="https://www.westberks.gov.uk/northcroft-lido">Northcroft Leisure Centre</a>. With the sun shining, grab your cozzie and the kids and dive into the 50m pool. There’s also a fun splash park for littlies and waterslides for older kids and, ahem, fun-seeking adults. It’s due to open any day now… summer holiday heaven no doubt!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stage-and-screen-stars">Stage and screen stars</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359860971_876360237178110_711101087721501565_n-e1689325300352.jpg" alt="MATT HEALY 1975  READING FESTIVAL " class="wp-image-53144" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359860971_876360237178110_711101087721501565_n-e1689325300352.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359860971_876360237178110_711101087721501565_n-e1689325300352-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359860971_876360237178110_711101087721501565_n-e1689325300352-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359860971_876360237178110_711101087721501565_n-e1689325300352-320x400.jpg 320w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359860971_876360237178110_711101087721501565_n-e1689325300352-768x960.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/07/359860971_876360237178110_711101087721501565_n-e1689325300352-420x525.jpg 420w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The 1975 will headline <a href="https://www.readingfestival.com/">Reading Festival</a> on Sat 26 August, taking the spot after Lewis Capaldi pulled out following his tough but touching set at Glastonbury in June. The 1975 will perform their self-titled debut album in full to celebrate its 10-year anniversary, while Capaldi takes some time away from the spotlight. Other headliners include Billie Eilish, The Killers and Knucks. Dig out your tent and sleeping bag, grab your glitter and book your tickets <a href="https://www.readingfestival.com/">here</a>!&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now I’ve no idea whether Reading Festival appeals to Hollywood A listers but Sonning locals George and Amal Clooney are rumoured to be expecting Brad Pit as a house guest this summer. He’s in the UK to film Formula 1 movie <em>Apex</em> and was recently spotted just across the border in Bucks, apparently filming at a pub on the Grand Union canal. Errands to run in Sonning? Yup, me too!&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="479" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Shinfield-Cine-Studios-720x479.jpeg" alt="Shinfield Cine Studios" class="wp-image-37406" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Shinfield-Cine-Studios-720x479.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Shinfield-Cine-Studios-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Shinfield-Cine-Studios-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Shinfield-Cine-Studios-768x511.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Shinfield-Cine-Studios-789x525.jpeg 789w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2021/09/Shinfield-Cine-Studios.jpeg 810w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption>Image: University of Reading</figcaption></figure>



<p>Speaking of movies (well movie stars) work continues apace at Shinfield Studios, set to become the UK’s largest film studios &#8211; think Pinewood but a smidge bigger! &#8211; when completed in 2024. There’s currently four stages open, one completed and 13 more due between now and spring 2024. A permanent TV studio seating an audience of 550 people is also in the plans. Expect (more) Hollywood, Amazon and Netflix movie casts to head our way!</p>


Psst! We’ve got news of openings and celeb news?

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