Want to know where you can buy brand new books for a snip, rummage for the best vintage finds and taste test the hottest new dining experience in the shire? It's all here, baby!

PARTY ON, QUEEN!

Where better to celebrate Her Maj’s Platinum party than the spectacular Holdenby House? Nowhere, we say and we’ve heard you’re all invited! Built as a palace to entertain Elizabeth I, Holdenby has since belonged to James I, Charles I and Charles II. There’s Royal art, Royal books and other Royal stuff to look at, as well as falconry displays, activities and special Jubilee refreshments. So straighten that crown and head to Holdenby on 2 & 3 June for a glittering celebration.

FOODIE NEWS

There’s no holding back the scorching hot team at Burnt Lemon Chefs, who are in the throes of growing their celebrated Chefs Table restaurant project with a brand new premises at Nene Court in Wellingborough, adding their energy and creative flair to a fabulous collection of businesses with their brand new restaurant Ember opening soon. These guys are on fire!

Another exciting new eatery incoming! Whisk’d, known for their gorgeously pretty cakes and cookies, will soon be opening the doors of a new cake shop at the Royal Ordnance Depot in Weedon, with sit in and takeaway options, sweet treats, coffee, shakes. We are loving all the fab business making their home at the Depot and can’t wait to sample the goods.

After a loong couple of years on the back burner, Towcester Food Festival is back at the Racecourse on 11 & 12 June to celebrate the gamut of artisan food and drink with loads of exhibitors, chef demos, masterclasses, tasting sessions, kids cookery classes, street food and live music. We can’t wait for what promises to be a fab weekend of good vibes and good food.

NEW OPENINGS

Great news for bookworms, winners of the 2021 Muddy Award for Best Book Store, The Reading Tree in Weedon, have just opened a second shop in a cosy, purpose-built chalet at Billing Garden Village and all books cost just £2.50. What’s not to love?

New businesses are popping up across the county like daisies (just what we like to see). Margot and Evie, who currently have the gorgeous vintage store at Heart of the Shires in Weedon, will be opening their second location at Bell Plantation on 1 June, taking over from My Little Vintage, who closed their Towcester doors back in Jan. Hooray! There’s nothing we love more than a good vintage find.

AND FINALLY

Grab your sparkly wellies and a blanket and head to Songs By The Lake in the stunning grounds of Culworth House on 4 June for a boutique evening of blissed out vibes, live music, merry making and, of course, food and drink. from 3pm-11pm.