Autumn/Winter Programme 2009

Gravetye Manor's Autumn/Winter Programme 2009


Here are details of some very special events we have planned throughout the Autumn and leading up to Christmas. Numbers are necessarily restricted, so we do advise you to book early with Reception, and to follow up with written confirmation.

Following Robinson's trail on the Bluebell Railway - £140 per head
Thursday 24th September - Gathering 9-9.30am at Gravetye for morning coffee before departing in vintage bus to Kingscote railway station. Departing Kingscote at 10.30am to Sheffield Park and then onto Horsted Keynes, where guests will enjoy champagne and canapes on the platform and waiting rooms.

It is well documented that the bluebells that can be seen from the carriage windows of the Bluebell railway in the spring, can, in part, be attributed to William Robinson, who used to throw seeds and bulbs from the carriage windows to encourage their growth.

We have teamed up with with Bluebell line, who celebrate 50 years of operational service this year, and have offered their splendid Pullman carriages for an unforgettable day out, with the scattering of bulbs along the line where they are currently lacking. As you may expect this hard work will be compensated with canapes and Champagne at Horsted Keynes station and lunch with wine at Gravetye afterwards. See the booking details for full information of the day.

NOTE: Sensible shoes/wellies recommended for the journey.

Riedel Wine Glasses and Wine Lunch - £100 per head (to include a set of four Reidel Glasses)
Saturday 3rd October - Gathering at 12.30 for 1pm

It is a couple of years since we were fortunate to have Julie Jackson from Jackson Nugent Vintners and Martin Turner from Riedel wine glasses at Gravetye to show some delicious wines and show that the shape of the glass really did effect the taste of the wine consumed. If you wish to add to your collection of glasses, or are sceptical that this is the case, this is a lunch you should not miss. Mark will prepare a delicious lunch which will pair with the wines shown.

Cookery Demonstration - £85 per head
Wednesday 7th October - Gathering at 10am for coffee and demonstration commences at 10.30am
12.30pm Champagne aperitifs followed by three course lunch with accompanying wines inclusive of morning coffee

The game season being upon us, Mark will be giving us some practical tips and making some wonderfully wholesome dishes, including a classic game pie - with a Raffan twist!

Flower Workshop with Sue Flight - £80 per head
Thursday 29th October - Gathering at 10am for coffee and demonstration begins at 10.30am
12.30pm aperitifs followed by three course lunch
Workshop ends approximately at 3pm when tea will be served. Inclusive of morning coffee, Champagne aperitif, three course lunch with accompanying wines.

The theme for the workshop is traditional and contemporary Autumn flowers.

Relais & Chateaux Cookbook Dinner - £85 per head
Friday 6th November - Black Tie - Gathering 8.00 for 8.30pm

In late June this year "A Taste of Relais & Chateaux" 97 recipes from chefs in the UK and Ireland was published. Mark will be showcasing some of his dishes and preparing a delightful dinner accompanied by some wonderful wines. Copies of the book will be available for sale; they make an ideal Christmas present for accomplished and aspiring cooks.

Truffle Dinner with Pio Cesare - £110 per head
Friday 27th November -Black Tie - Gathering 8.00 for 8.30pm

In February 2008 we were delighted to welcome the family of Pio Cesare wines to Gravetye. Based in Alba the heart of the Piemonte region of Italy, this historic family owned estate is returning to offer their wines with some inspired cooking with Mark, with some of the courses using truffles from this famed area of Italy.

PLEASE NOTE: ***
No acknowledgement of reservations will be made, unless specifically requested.
A reminder of the reservation will be sent to Members, a week ahead.
A cancellation fee of £40.00 per head will be levied if the cancellation is received 5 days or less prior to the function unless the places are taken up by other Members.