Rutland and Stamford Pride June 2026

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WELCOME TO PRIDE

Summer has arrived, and I think we’re all grateful for the warmer temperatures and blue skies that make us feel that little bit more cheerful.

Coming up we have the Rutland Show, with its compelling mix of farming and family fun, lifestyle and livestock. It’s always a great event, and we’ll be there to photograph all of the main ring action for a spread in our next edition.

Also this month, Stamford Shakespeare Company is preparing to bring The Bard to the yard with this year’s productions at Tolethorpe, and we’re previewing this year’s Burghley House Battle Proms too, with its blend of live music, historic re-enactments and that spectacular fireworks finale.

Speaking of Burghley House, the estate is opening its South Gardens to visitors this month, and it’s hosting a number of special events, from a Wildflower Walk to its Rose Tour. We’ll meet Head Gardener Joe Whitehead later in this edition. As well as inviting you to enjoy the estate’s formal gardens, sculpture and playful Gardens of Surprise, Joe is also keen for you to cast your vote in the Historic Houses Garden of the Year competition.

Burghley House is just one of six gardens shortlisted for the finals, which require the public to vote online for their favourite before August. Please do cast your vote and help celebrate the team’s hard work and their dedication to the estate.

And finally this month, we have a great Dining Out recommendation in the form of The George Inn in the centre of Oakham, and we’re celebrating the spirit of the countryside with Tipplemill’s London Dry Gin.

Our best wishes for a wonderful month!

Julian Wilkinson CEO & Founder, Pride Magazines

JUNE 2026

LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS

12LOCAL NEWS Our round-up of ‘good news’ stories in Rutland & Stamford.

16 ROYAL RUTLAND A gathering in Oakham to mark the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday.

39THE GUIDE A roundup of what’s happening this month from the return of The Rutland Show to the Battle Proms at Burghley House, plus live music and theatre.

55EDUCATION The finest schools in Rutland and Stamford.

104WEDDINGS Paige & Shawn’s recent wedding in Rutland.

FOOD & DRINK

22DINING OUT Enjoying refined dining at The George Inn, recently refurbished and looking great in Oakham’s Market Place.

29LOCAL RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Rutland & Stamford’s comprehensive guide to the best restaurants, cafés, bistros, food and drink producers.

34TIPPLEMILL Made in Lincolnshire, Tipplemill London Dry Gin offers perfect summer refreshment.

37WINE Recommendations for June.

HOMES & GARDENS

62WELCOME HOME Ketton House on Aldgate, a 19th-century property with 8,700 sq ft, on the market for £3.5m.

72HOMES All things bright and beautiful, with Mediterranean influences for indoors and outdoors.

82GARDENS Burghley House’s South Gardens, open this month.

88GARDENING Advice for June with Mark Lane.

94LUXURY HOMES Executive and rural homes in Rutland & Stamford.

PORTFOLIO

116FASHION Natalie Harper Howell on her fashion brand Hunt & Hall.

130STYLE FOR MEN Classic menswear brand Mr Marvis’s summer offerings.

132 LUXURY BRANDS The famous wearers of Rolex watches.

140TRAVEL Scotland’s North Coast 500 itinerary for keen travellers.

148MOTORS The all-electric Polestar 4.

156NATURE Local wildlife in July.

160ALMANAC Trivia and fiction.

READ FREE ONLINE: visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk/rutland TO SUBSCRIBE: visit www.pridemagazines.co.uk/rutland/subscribe

Stocks F

Financial

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Pride Magazines engage with over 60,000 readers across print and digital. Each edition is delivered free of charge, via Royal Mail, directly into the wealthiest households –exclusively those in council tax bands F, G and H, typically valued at £500,000+.

This month’s cover shows the Stamford Meadows in June. We’re always looking for outstanding images that show off the area in which we live. To submit your photograph for possible use on our cover, email editor@pridemagazines.co.uk.

CEO & Founder of Pride Magazines: Julian Wilkinson.

Managing Director: Matthew Deere.

Sales Director: Zoie Wilkinson.

Executive Editor: Rob Davis.

Customer Care Manager: Mandy Bray.

Sales Executives: Aisha Joyce, Miranda Harness, Chelsea Zealand, Eboni Canham, Grace Trotter, Hermione John.

Finance: Margarita Pavlesevica.

Accounts: Mia Garner.

IT Manager: Ian Bagley.

Web Developer: Joe Proctor.

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Local News

MP Alicia Kearns response

to reorganisation

Rutland and Stamford MP Alicia Kearns has submitted a response to the Government’s consultation on local government reorganisation, in which she questions whether reorganisation will benefit locals. In the letter, Alicia criticises the Government’s lack of provision for a public referendum, with the final decision on reorganisation remaining with the Secretary of State. Alicia notes that 75% of respondents in South Kesteven favour joining an authority comprising North Kesteven, South Kesteven and South Holland, and a preference for ensuring Stamford and Rutland remain together. A final decision is expected this summer.

Four chicks for Osprey Maya

Rutland’s beloved ospreys, Maya and 33, celebrated the hatching of their fourth chick at Manton Bay last month, as the county marks a milestone 300 osprey chicks successfully fledged since 2001.

Campaign to save Post Office in Uppingham

A community group in Uppingham is close to securing the future of its Post Office, having managed to raise £60,000 of a £65,000 target.

The group’s initiative aims to purchase the business from the town’s faithful postmaster Robin Bromiley who has postponed his retirement to ensure the Post Office remains open and continues to support Uppingham residents.

Lorna’s new book explores history of local churches

Local historian Lorna Talbott has released a new book, Churches of Leicestershire and Rutland, which explores the history of churches across the county. It includes the story of Normanton Church, saved from demolition before Rutland Water was created 50 years ago. The book is available to pre-order from bookshops and online. It is published by Amberley Publishing and is on sale now: www.amberley-books.com.

Burghley shortlisted for national Garden of the Year Award

Vote for the gardens of Burghley House in the 2026 Historic Houses Garden of the Year competition, sponsored by Christie’s

The gardens of Burghley House have been shortlisted for the prestigious Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2026, placing them among the nation’s finest historic landscapes.

The annual award, established in 1984 and sponsored by Christie’s, recognises excellence in horticulture at publicly accessible gardens within the Historic Houses association.

From hundreds of entries across the UK, just six gardens have been selected by an expert panel to go forward to a public vote.

In recent years, Head Gardener Joe Whitehead and his team have all contributed to a thoughtful

transformation of the gardens. Their approach blends layered planting, seasonal interest and ecological sensitivity, creating a landscape that is both visually striking and supportive of biodiversity.

Visitors today can explore two contrasting spaces: the Sculpture Garden, where contemporary artworks sit among sweeping borders and wildflower planting, and the Garden of Surprises, inspired by Elizabethan concepts and brought to life with water features and dramatic planting.

Joe Whitehead described the nomination as “a real honour” and he has praised the dedication

of the team behind the continued evolution of the gardens.

Set within the grounds of Burghley House, one of England’s grandest surviving 16th-century estates, the gardens reflect more than 500 years of design and evolution. From their origins under William Cecil, 1st Lord Burghley, to later influence by famed landscape designer Lancelot ‘Capability’

Brown, the grounds have long been celebrated for their scale and vision.

The public are invited to cast their vote for their favourite garden via the Historic Houses website, www.historichouses.org, the closing date for votes is 21st August 2026. The gardens of Burghley House are open from 10am-5pm.

Plans for former zoo

Rutland Zoo, formerly Bugtopia, abandoned since 2002, when the meercats moved out...

Plans have been submitted to transform the former Bugtopia zoo at Rutland Water into a children’s play barn and events venue. Anglian Water has applied to Rutland County Council to redevelop the long-closed Sykes Lane site, which shut in 2022 amid rising costs, with all animals including its popular meercats

successfully rehomed. Proposals include a year-round indoor play area, café, and events barn for markets, fairs and educational activities. The scheme would also upgrade visitor facilities, including toilets and showers. The application is now open for public comment before a decision is made.

Stamford gains new Repair Café to avoid waste

The initiative aimed to reduce waste and revive practical skills, highlighting that an estimated 335 million repairable items are discarded annually across the UK.

Organisers said the café demonstrated how simple repairs could save money, cut carbon emissions and extend the life of household possessions.

Rutland and Stamford’s first Repair Café event took place at St. Augustine’s Church on Broad Street last month, offering residents the chance to fix rather than throw away everyday items. Organised by Root-and-Branch Out CIC in collaboration with local volunteers, the event welcomed visitors from 11am to 2pm and featured skilled repairers tackling everything from toasters and lamps to bicycles, clothing and toys.

The concept originated in Amsterdam in 2009, and has since grown into a global movement, supported locally by the Repair Café International Foundation. Further events were planned for Stamford and Uppingham, with additional locations expected across Rutland in the coming months.

More information and future dates will be announced in due course by the organisers.

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II

Last month Rutland remembered Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 100th birthday, with a moving community tribute in Oakham, honouring a lifetime of service with ceremony, reflection and local pride

Rutland came together last month to commemorate what would have been the 100th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, at a community event hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland. The day began at Oakham Library with a traditional ‘elevenses’ for mothers and toddlers.

At midday, a commemorative ceremony was held at the Queen Elizabeth II statue. The Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Sarah Furness, delivered a speech reflecting on Her Majesty’s life of service and enduring legacy, followed by the laying of a bouquet — a small tribute to a great life. After a prayer, those in attendance joined together in singing the National Anthem.

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt reading of a Queen Elizabeth II centenary poem, written and read by local resident Henry Dawe, adding a personal and reflective element to the proceedings.

A new sign was also unveiled during the ceremony, detailing the history of the statue and the county’s royal connections. Funded by Discover Rutland, it further enhances the site and ensures that the story of the memorial is preserved.

The Lord-Lieutenant said: “We gather today with gratitude and affection to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of our late sovereign, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Here in Oakham, at the first memorial statue of Her Late Majesty in the world, we stand not only before a work of art, but before a symbol of enduring service, duty and love of our country.” >>

Words:Jason Allen. Images: Rob Davis.

A Tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her Centenary Day

by Henry Dawe

Words can wound – they can be cutting, carping, curt and callous

But today they praise our much­missed lady of the palace

Here in our county town I offer Rutland’s grateful thanks

Amidst this sea of faces one more figure swells the ranks

I’m here to pause, I’m here to pay a tribute in these verses

And tributes, often sad, remind us of black ties and hearses

You find, in life, that there are people you’ll always remember

When their bright fire begins to fade you cling to every ember

You will them to keep fighting and you pray that they’ll hold on

We wished that for our kingdom’s rock but quickly she had gone

Yet all the while we’ve kept the vision of her face serene

Still the smile, still the warmth of our late lamented Queen

Back then we saw her passing – since then the passing of four years

Prompts us to recall the day our country cried a flood of tears

The sudden, sorrowful, sincere outpouring of emotion

Was fitting for a sovereign who had shown such rare devotion

My lines cannot do justice to that bleak and empty night

A nation so bereft without its precious guiding light

A land plunged into darkness and a pallor in her court

Just so unlike the many shades of colour she had brought

Steadfastly, though, we have soldiered on, as she would want us to

Naturally, she’d hate to think that we were permanently blue

But my task now is to express that we do not forget her

As monarch it is certain we could not have asked for better

Her days spent in our loyal service, hearing duty’s call

Seven decades on the throne, such a beacon for us all

Such a spirit, with such style, such a presence with such grace

To our minds forever close, in our hearts she’s pride of place

We see her on our screens, in books and in this noble statue

The lustre in her eyes means that you feel she’s looking at you

It’s true that she will stay with us, and our thoughts never leave

We accept that time moves on, yet Britain’s soul will always grieve

This day she would have turned 100, filling history’s page

Quite magical it would have been if she had reached that age

Nonetheless, at 96, she’d look proudly on her feats

Deeply moved she’d have been, seeing the mourning in the streets

The people of this country cherished her from Wick to Devon

We send her love and gratitude at her new home in Heaven.

Dining Out in Oakham at

The George Inn

After three years of sympathetic renovation, Oakham’s George Inn has been transformed into a refined destination for dining, drinking and overnight stays, blending 17th-century character with contemporary comfort... and there’s more to come this summer!

Words: Rob Davis.

Exciting times in Oakham and the culmination of three years of hard work and a £5m investment. When Ryck Turner visited Oakham back in 2022, he recognised that the place was a thriving and successful market town, contrary to what is happening in other market towns across Britain.

Independent businesses, decent footfall and a pleasant atmosphere, all won the businessman and property developer over, and within a month or two, he had invested in a few of the buildings in Oakham’s Market Place, not least among which was The George Inn, formerly known as the Whipper Inn, a Grade II listed coaching inn dating back to 1677.

In addition to the purchase of the hotel and its neighbouring buildings, Ryck also recognised the need to invest in the building and secure its place in Oakham for the future. After three years, the result has been transformative, both in the bits that you can see, and the

bits that you can’t see. New wiring, plumbing, heating, bar and cellar gubbins, plus an upgrade to the hotel’s kitchens are all essential if the place is going to function as a comfortable and modern bar, restaurant and hotel in the 21st century.

Meanwhile, sympathetic renovation was essential in ensuring the building retains its charm and character. After such a comprehensive programme of work, you’d think the team were done and dusted... but there’s more to come this summer with the completion of not just one, but two new features that residents of Oakham and the surrounding area will really enjoy.

The first is a brand new boutique cinema in one of the buildings in the courtyard. It’s a dedicated space with sofas, modern projection and state-of-the-art sound system. The plan is to offer movie nights, in conjunction with dining packages, as well as offering the cinema for private hire.

Fishcake with panko breadcrumb and house tartare £11.50 and ham hock terrine with tomato and chilli chutney £10.50.

It’s due to open as Pride goes to press. Then, a little later on, the hotel will also open its spa, with jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, plunge pool, and gym. Both the cinema and spa will be available to residents and non-residents alike.

Whether you’re visiting the hotel to enjoy its newest facilities though, to enjoy a night or two in one of the 20 comfortable and newly refurbished bedrooms, or just to spend time with friends and family, dining or enjoying a drink, the hotel’s provision of food remains central to its appeal.

Walk through the door and you’re greeted with flagstone flooring, bold colours and wing chairs. The Parlour is a relaxed space ideal for morning coffee and lunch, and beyond that is the bar with Ryck’s vintage motor racing ephemera.

During our visit on an overcast Friday morning, the large wood-burning stoves roaring away were a welcome sight, but in the hope that by the time you read this we’re enjoying better weather, the courtyard is a super sunny place to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat, nicely sheltered from the breeze.

A single menu is served during both daytime and evening service, comprising breakfast options for residents and non-residents alike, plus snack and lunchtime options.

The mainstay of the menu is its à la carte options including four starters, three additional dishes that serve as lighter dishes, four à la carte main courses, three grill options and four desserts plus a cheese option.

Exclusively for daytime service is a Lunch for Less menu offering three or four choices per course for £25/two courses, £30/three courses. Midweek dining is a treat, too, with concessionary dining promotions on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with two main courses, pies, steaks and seafood dishes on those respective days, plus a bottle of house wine and prices from £40-£60.

Sunday lunch at The George is also offered via a dedicated menu with all of the trimmings and two sittings, 1212.30pm and 2-2.30pm respectively. A choice of beef sirloin, loin of pork with crackling, chicken and a vegetarian option are all accompanied by roasties, stuffing, roasted root veg and huge, homemade Yorkshire puddings.

ON THE MENU

THE GEORGE INN

STARTERS

Soup of the day, served with a homemade roll and Netherend Farm butter, £8.50.

Chicken liver parfait, with red onion and pepper chutney and sourdough bread, £8.50.

Panko crumbed fishcake, with house tartare sauce and charred lemon, £11.50.

Ham hock terrine, with tomato and chilli chutney served with sourdough bread, £10.50.

MAIN COURSES

Gressingham duck breast, with rösti potato, roasted beetroot, tenderstem broccoli and a rich jus, £24.50.

Pan­fried chicken breast, with hasselback potato, parsnip purée, cider­glazed carrots and jus, £22.50.

Pork fillet, with chorizo, sun­blushed tomato, chickpea and spinach cassoulet, £22.50.

DESSERTS

Fruit crumble, served with Madagascan vanilla ice cream or warm crème anglaise, £8.

Chocolate torte, with chocolate soil, white chocolate shard and Madagascan vanilla ice cream, £10.

Seasonal tart, changes weekly.

Noel’s ice creams and sorbets, £2.50/scoop.

Cheese board, crackers, grapes, chutney, £12.50.

NB: Sample menu and featured dishes, subject to availability and change.

The team of four chefs is led by Lewis Dickens, who makes virtually every element of your meal in-house from sauces and desserts to homemade bread and even the homemade biscuits served with morning coffee.

The only concession to in-house production is ice creams which are produced by Warwickshire-based Noels, regarded as one of Britain’s best artisan ice cream makers.

For those seeking private dining, the hotel offers a first floor dining room for up to 25 people, The Rutland Room, or an additional room ideal for smaller dining parties or meetings, The Oakham Room.

Otherwise the main restaurant shares with an adjacent snug, a large and very welcoming wood-burning stove. You can dine in The Parlour, too, which is also dog friendly.

To accompany, there’s a good selection of local ales at the bar, and a wine list comprising 40 bins available by the glass or from less than £20 to £45 for a 2016 Côtes du Rhône.

Given its location between Oakham’s Market Place and Burley Road, you’d think there was little room for The George to expand. But between a warren of corridors leading to the bedrooms, plus the Parlour and bar, a decent-sized restaurant and a large courtyard awaiting the

first guests into the cinema and spa, it’s a deceptively large place. There’s even a decent-sized car park, which is handy given its in-town location.

Happily it’s also looking great for a 350-year-old building, retaining its character whilst modernising the guest experience and offering Oakham new reasons to visit.

Central to the future success of the place is its provision of really good food and drink, and in that respect things are looking good. Quality dishes, good ingredients, clean presentation and fundamental chefcraft all combine to offer some seriously delicious dishes... it’s a definite recommendation for dining this summer!

THE GEORGE INN

Opening Hours: Breakfast seven days, open to non­residents. Lunch from Monday­Saturday, 12­2.30pm. Dinner Wednesday­Saturday 6pm­9pm. Sunday 12­6.00pm.

Contact: The George Inn Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT. Call 01572 756 971 or see www.thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk.

THE GOOD FOOD GUIDE

RESTAURANTS

THE BARNSDALE BRASSERIE – 1760

Set in a beautifully restored 17th­century building, The Barnsdale provides a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. The Barnsdale, The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AH. Call 01572 724678 or see barnsdalerutland.com.

BLOSSOMS RESTAURANT AT RUTLAND HALL

HAMBLETON HALL

OUR

GOOD FOOD

AWARDS WINNERS

Each year we ask our readers to vote for their favourite restaurants, coffee shops and food producers, revealing our winners in our January editions. We’ve highlighted our winners in gold to make sure they’re easy to see!

Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month! Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk to find out more.

Help us keep Rutland & Stamford Pride up to date: If you notice a change to any restaurant, pub or café featured, we’d love your help to ensure our listings are comprehensive and up to date... email any updates to editor@pridemagazines.co.uk

A contemporary restaurant serving a seasonal menu using locally sourced ingredients, with a beautiful lakeside setting overlooking Rutland Water. The hotel also has a new spa and wellness facility, the Four Roots Experience. Rutland Hall Hotel, Barnsdale, LE15 8AB. Call 01572 757901 or see www.rutlandhall.co.uk.

BEST INTERNATIONAL DINING RESTAURANT 2025 CLOISTERS

Cosy Italian bistro serving fresh pasta, authentic pizzas, and a variety of traditional Italian dishes. St Mary's St, Stamford PE9 2DE. Call 01780 755162 or see www.cloistersbistro.com.

THE CROWN HOTEL

A lively pub, restaurant, and hotel in the heart of Stamford, serving a seasonal menu with local ingredients. All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 763136 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

THE FINCH’S ARMS

An 18th­century pub situated on the very pretty Hambleton Peninsula, providing stunning views over Rutland Water. Hambleton, LE15 8TL. Call 01572 756575 or see www.finchsarms.co.uk.

THE GEORGE INN OAKHAM

A charming 17th­century coaching inn situated in the centre of Oakham, previously known as the Whipper­Inn. Market Place, Oakham LE15 6DT. Call 01572 756971 or see thegeorgeinnoakham.co.uk.

Hambleton Hall hotel and restaurant is situated on the peninsula above Rutland Water. Renowned for impeccable service thanks to over four decades of ownership under Tim & Stefa Hart. Michelin­starred restaurant with seasonal menus in a luxurious country house setting. Created in 1979 and opening soon after, the kitchen is headed up by Aaron Patterson who has ensured the restaurant has retained its Michelin Star longer than any other dining room in Britain. Hambleton, Oakham, LE15 8TH. Call 01572 756991 or see www.hambletonhall.com.

HITCHENS BARN

Featured in The Good Food Guide book of Britain’s 100 Best Local Restaurants in 2023, 2024 & 2025. Holders of two AArosettes for culinary excellence. Burley Road, Oakham LE15 6DH. Call 01572 722255 or see www.hitchensbarn.co.uk.

JASHIR INDIAN RESTAURANT & WINE BAR

A culinary destination that offers unforgettable Indian dishes made with the finest ingredients and spices. 51-53 High Street, Oakham LE15 6AJ. Call 01572 368282 or see www.jashir.co.uk.

THE LAKE ISLE

O

ffering a contemporary, intimate setting and friendly, attentive service, alongside exquisite flavour combinations via à la carte and set menus. High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PZ. Call 01572 822951 or see www.lakeisle.co.uk.

THE GURKHAS

Vibrant and authentic Nepalese and Indian culinary experience. One of the town’s standout dining destinations, known for rich, aromatic & classic dishes inspired by Himalayan and Gurkha traditions, served with genuine warmth and hospitality. Open for lunch, dinner and takeaway. 11 Broad St, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Call 01780 917598 or 07414 185679, www.thegurkhasstamford.com.

MILLY’S BISTRO AT THE WILLIAM CECIL

Located at The William Cecil, Milly’s Bistro is a relaxed yet refined addition to the Stamford dining scene, serving dishes using local ingredients. St Martins, Stamford, PE9 2LJ Call 01780 750085 or see www.millysbistro.co.uk.

NO.23 UPPINGHAM

A Mediterranean­inspired restaurant featuring a range of wines and cocktails. High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PY. Call 01572 303023, www.23uppingham.co.uk.

RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS 2025 THE

GEORGE OF STAMFORD

Refined fine dining featuring modern British cuisine. Highlights of the menu include Dover sole and sirloin of beef. George Hotel, High Street, Stamford, PE9 2LB. Call 01780 750750 or see georgehotelofstamford.com.

BRANCH

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR 2025 THE OLIVE

An award­winning gastropub offering seasonal British cuisine in a gorgeous setting. Having celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024, the restaurant’s kitchen garden provides fresh herbs, fruit and veg, and local producers are really well represented. Clipsham, Rutland, LE15 7SH. Call 01780 410355 or see theolivebranchpub.com.

PATEN & CO

Located in a historic 18thcentury pub, Paten & Co serves a variety of small plates and larger dishes, with a special focus on its charcoal oven. All Saints’ Place, Stamford, PE9 2AG. Call 01780 408647 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

SARPECH INDIAN RESTAURANT

Offering a contemporary dining experience with a focus on top­quality Indian cuisine and excellent service. Burley Corner, Oakham, LE15 6DU. Call 01572 842888 or see www.sarpech.co.uk.

THE SLANTED DOOR

Lovely 16th­century building with a modern bar, selling cocktails, an extensive fine wine list, draught beers and delicious small plates. Dine upstairs in the intimate restaurant with outstanding food. Large vegan menu. St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DS. Call 01780 757773 or see theslanteddoor.co.uk.

THE SIX BELLS

Village pub with bedrooms serving locally sourced, seasonal dishes ­ seven days a week. Founded by Jim & Sharon Trevor, formerly of Jim’s Yard and now co­owned by son and daughter Lauren & James. Awarded the coveted Bib Gourmand from Michelin Guide, look out for stunning value auberge menu on selected Monday evenings. Witham on the Hill, Bourne PE10 0JH. Call 01778 590360 or see www.sixbellswitham.co.uk.

ZADA

A beautiful Turkish restaurant in one of Stamford’s old stone buildings, offering a menu packed with authentic Turkish dishes like kofte and baklava. St Mary’s Hill, Stamford, PE9 2DP. Call 01780 766848 or see zadarestaurant.co.uk.

DINING PUBS

THE BERTIE

ARMS

Gorgeous C17th thatched pub in Uffington run by Katie and James Genever. Simple pub classics and à la carte dishes. Uffington, PE9 4SZ. Call 01780 766400 or see www.thebertiearms.co.uk.

THE BLUE BALL AT BRAUNSTON

Cosy country pub with a focus on local produce, offering traditional British dishes. Cedar Street, Braunston, LE15 8QS. Call 01572 722135 theblueballbraunston.co.uk.

THE BULL AND SWAN

A quirky pub offering classic British dishes in a stylish, historic setting. Lovely kitchen garden and great setting. Sister venue to William Cecil. High Street St Martin's, Stamford, PE9 2LJ. Call 01780 766412 or see www.thebullandswan.co.uk.

THE CROWN

16th­century coaching inn serving light lunch, comforting pub classics, hand­stretched stonebaked pizza.

High St E, Uppingham, LE15 9PY, 01572 822302 or see www.crownuppingham.co.uk.

THE FALCON HOTEL

Historic hotel and pub offering a variety of hearty British dishes and Sunday roasts.

High Street East, Uppingham, LE15 9PY. Call 01572 823535 or see www.falcon-hotel.co.uk.

THE FOX

Cosy pub serving a mix of traditional British and international dishes. Founded by Jason Allen with longstanding chef Richard Page providing great value freshlyprepared dishes.

Pinfold Lane, North Luffenham, LE15 8LE. Call 01780 720991 or see thefoxrutland.co.uk.

GEORGE & DRAGON

Quintessentially English village pub at Seaton has undergone a complete transformation.

Menus are focused on using the best of local and fresh produce. Two AA rosettes for culinary excellence and open seven days.

Main Street, Seaton, Oakham, LE15 9HU. Call 01572 747418 or see thegeorgeanddragonseaton.com.

THE HORSE & JOCKEY

Traditional pub located near Rutland Water, offering pub classics and local ales.

St Mary’s Road, Manton, LE15 8SU. Call 01572 737335 or see horseandjockeyrutland.co.uk.

THE KING’S HEAD

A quaint pub in the heart of Stamford, offering hearty pub meals.

Maiden Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AZ. Call 01780 753510 or see www.kingsheadstamford.co.uk.

THE LONDON INN

Old­world pub offering traditional dishes, including brunch and grill options.

St John's Street, Stamford, PE9 2DB. Call 01780 754919.

THE LORD BURGHLEY

A traditional British pub with a suntrap garden, serving a variety of pub classics. Broad Street, Stamford, PE9 1PG. Call 01780 763426.

THE NOEL AT WHITWELL

Country pub with a recently refurbished interior, offering a wide range of beers, wines, and home­cooked food. Whitwell Road, Whitwell, Oakham LE15 8BW. Call 01572 510137 or see www.noelatwhitwell.com.

THE SUN INN, COTTESMORE

A beautiful thatched­roof country pub offering a varied menu made with locally sourced seasonal produce. Main Street, Cottesmore, Oakham, LE15 7DH. Call 01572 812321 or see www.suninncottesmore.co.uk.

THE TOBIE NORRIS

A historic 13th­century pub with a cosy atmosphere, offering traditional British dishes, wood­fired pizzas, and a variety of local ales. Part of the Knead Pubs group alongside Paten & Co and The Crown Hotel.

St Paul’s St, Stamford, PE9 2BE. Call 01780 753800 or see www.kneadpubs.co.uk.

DAYTIME DINING

THE BLONDE BEET

A plant­based restaurant with a creative menu that highlights seasonal ingredients, The Blonde Beet is run by Jo Kemp, who has brought her passion for vegan cuisine to the heart of Stamford. Expect inventive dishes that are both healthy and packed with flavour.

St Paul's Street, Stamford PE9 2BE. Call 01780 766464 or see www.blondebeet.co.uk.

DON PADDY’S

Family­run business since 2001 and somewhere to meet for brunch, lunch and dinner daily, or cocktails. Serving delicious, high quality food with local produce in a friendly, local space. Recently refurbished with brand new menu, sister venue of Uppingham’s Falcon Hotel. Market Place, Uppingham LE15 9QH. Call 01572 822255 or see www.donpaddys.co.uk.

FIKA STAMFORD

Opened by brother and sister duo Tia and Ivo, Fika Stamford offers a ‘vibey brunch café’ experience. With a warm atmosphere, good music, and friendly staff, it’s perfect for those seeking a stylish spot for brunch, lunch, or a relaxed coffee break. High Street, Stamford PE9 2BB. Call 01780 723514 or see www.fikacafe.co.uk.

GARDEN RESTAURANT GATES GARDEN CENTRE

The perfect place to eat and drink. Large 350­seater restaurant within Gates Garden Centre, which also benefits from having an exceptional farm shop on site. Outdoor verandah for summer months and log burners for the cooler months. Cold Overton, LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

LAMBERT’S BISTRO

Welcoming and comfortable environment in which to enjoy good coffee, brunch or lunch. Cheyne Lane, Stamford, PE9 2AX. Call 01780 767063 or see www.lamberts-stamford.co.uk.

‘THE VIEW’ AT RUTLAND NURSERY

A popular spot with stunning views of Rutland Water, offering a range of light lunches and homemade desserts in a serene setting. Manton, LE15 8RN. Call 01572 498720 or see rutlandnursery.co.uk.

CAFÉS AND TEA ROOMS

BARNSDALE GARDENS

A delightful spot within Barnsdale Gardens, known for serving freshly made dishes. The Avenue, Exton, Oakham, LE15 8AH. Call 01572 813200 or see www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk.

THE DAIRY BARN CAFE

Delightful tearoom with homemade cakes, sandwiches, and teas. Located on a dairy farm at Leesthorpe between Oakham and Melton, with 200 cows and its own ice cream parlour producing luxury ice cream from cow to cone. Whissendine Rd, Leesthorpe, Melton Mowbray LE14 2XJ. Call 01664 474461 or see www.ferneleysicecream.co.uk.

FROTHYS COFFEE SHOP, STAMFORD

A family run independent business offering breakfast, brunch, light lunches, plus savouries, cakes & beverages. Welcoming and friendly. Menu is creative and imaginative with locally sourced produce where possible.

Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL. Call 01780 751110 or see www.frothyscoffeeshop.com.

HAMBLETON BAKERY

Artisan bakery offering a range of breads, pastries, and sweet treats created by Julian Carter and his team.

Cottesmore Road, LE15 8AN. Call 01572 812995 or see www.hambletonbakery.co.uk.

COFFEE SHOP OF THE YEAR 2025 THE HAYLOFT AT HUNTERS

A stylish and inviting coffee shop with an adjacent interior design studio for inspiration. Excellent coffee, delicious home­made cakes, Hambleton Bakery bread and light lunches. Copthill Farm, Stamford PE9 4TD. Call 01780 753351 or see www.huntersinteriors ofstamford.co.uk.

MULBERRY CAFÉ AT BOSWORTHS

GARDEN CENTRE

Mulberry café, with its airy orangery and views across the plant area, serves up a fresh, seasonally inspired menu featuring produce straight from the on­site kitchen garden. Elton Walled Garden, Peterborough PE8 6SH Call 01832 343104 or see www.bosworthsgc.co.uk.

FOOD & DRINK PRODUCERS

DERWENT & DUNNE

Exceptional coffees & teas, with bespoke blends. Call 01780 723826 or visit www.derwentanddunne.co.uk.

GATES FARM SHOP

Farm shop with 12,000 sq ft retail space incorporating Hambleton Farms butchery. Cold Overton, LE15 7QB. Call 01664 454309 or see www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk.

FOOD PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2025

HAMBLETON BAKERY

Handmade artisan bread and cakes free of additives available from seven shops including those in Exton, Stamford, and Oakham. Oakham LE15 8AN. Call 01572 812995 or see hambletonbakery.co.uk.

RENNET & RIND

Stamford’s go­to destination for artisan British cheese. High St, Stamford PE9 2AL. Call 01480 831112 or see www.rennetandrind.co.uk.

DRINKS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR 2025 RUTLAND VINEYARD

Beautiful vineyard in Rutland producing stunning wines on Jurassic limestone soil. Tasting Barn, Barrowden Rd, Ketton, PE9 3RJ. See therutlandvineyard.com.

TIPPLEMILL GIN

Producers of Tipplemill London Dry Gin, with a flavoursome cameo of bittersweet citrus and elderflower, £44/70cl. See www.tipplemill.com.

TWO CHIMPS COFFEE

Fun, friendly coffee roastery providing single origin coffee, loose leaf tea, hot chocolate and coffee roasting experiences. Oakham, call 01572 774389 or see twochimpscoffee.com.

Promote your business in our Good Food Guide for just £15 + VAT per month! Get in touch with our friendly team on 01529 469977 or email us at sales@pridemagazines.co.uk.

For the ultimate summer refreshment, pour yourself a

Tipplemill & Tonic

It’s the spirit of the countryside, both figuratively and literally. Tipplemill Gin celebrates its third anniversary, raising a glass to Lincolnshire’s ability to yield a premium, sustainable and refreshing gin made with local wheat to enjoy all summer long...

As summer gets into full swing and our local fields ripen into a patchwork of golden wheat, enjoy a spirit that has been produced in harmony with nature.

Tipplemill London Dry Gin launched in 2023 and utilises wheat grown in Lincolnshire, traditionally milled by wind and stone at Moulton Mill, then twice-filtered to produce the most authentic base spirit for a gin with genuine provenance.

Siblings Lily and James Craven launched the spirit to celebrate the countryside and the work of five generations of their family who have been farming in the Fens since the early 1900s.

As well as producing the base spirit from Astronomer wheat grown on their farm, Tipplemill also utilises 10 botanicals including elderflower foraged from local hedgerows and juniper, coriander seeds, orange, grapefruit and bay leaves.

Authenticity and traceability are considered crucial values, and even the bottle and label have been designed and sustainably made in Britain, too.

Such is the quality of Tipplemill London Dry Gin that it won a Double Gold award at the World Spirits Awards in New York in 2024 and again the following year in San Francisco, really putting the family’s local gin on the map.

The family farms in harmony with nature, providing winter bird feeders and managing hedgerows responsibly to ensure a habitat for wildlife, as well as employing conservationminded soil management.

The idea is to produce a product that connects the crops in the field with the end customer, and does so without compromising quality or costing the Earth.

“We’ve produced a spirit which we think is the very best it can be, and which retains a faithful connection to the countryside.

It’s ideal for those who enjoy a G&T in the garden, and to make the ultimate Tipplemill and tonic, pair with Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic and garnish with a slice of grapefruit. Don’t forget plenty of ice and enjoy authenticity, quality and traceability with every sip!”

GOLDEN AGAVE REPOSADO

Cenote Reposado Tequila, £44, 70cl, 40% ABV, www.masterofmalt.com

Smooth and elegantly balanced, Cenote Reposado combines vanilla, caramel and light oak notes with the bright herbal character of blue Weber agave. Perfect neat, over ice, or in a fresh summer cocktail, it brings refined Mexican flavour to any drinks cabinet or garden gathering.

Wine & Spirits

June is the perfect time to refresh your drinks cabinet, and it’s a great time to catch up with Rutland Vineyard, whose vines are stretching skyward and getting ready to yield a wonderful vintage

Three Elegant Rosés: Perfect for Summer Sipping...

Heard it through the

Our monthly digest from Ketton’s Rutland Vineyard with Zoe & Tim Beaver

June is one of our favourite times of the year here at the vineyard. The landscape bursts into life, with everything in full bloom and the wildflower borders absolutely teeming with colour, movement, and the gentle hum of nature. The vines are thriving, stretching skyward in lush shades of green, while tiny grapes begin to form and slowly swell, promising the vintages to come.

Le Grand Courtâge Rosé, summer berry and citrus notes, crisp and dry, £12.95, 75cl, 11.5% ABV, www.thewinecentre.co.uk.

Whispering Angel Rosé, peach and strawberry notes, elegant, dry and stylish, £28.95, 75cl, 13% ABV, www.thewinecellar.co.uk.

Château de Berne Rosé, red berry and floral notes, complex and silky, £36.50, 150cl, 13% ABV, www.masterofmalt.com.

There’s a special kind of magic in the air but for us, June is not just about what’s growing in the vineyard, but also about bringing people together to enjoy it all. Our much-loved Food Van Saturdays are back, returning every weekend throughout the month. Each Saturday will feature a different culinary delight, offering something new and delicious to tempt you. Pair these fantastic flavours with a glass of your favourite wine as you vineyard-watch! Alongside our muchloved homegrown red and white wines, we’re especially excited to introduce our very first roséperfect for those sundrenched afternoons. Long summer days have never felt so good, and there’s no better place to enjoy them than here among the vines.

Visit The Rutland Vineyard’s tasting barn, Ketton, from Wed-Sat, www.therutlandvineyard.com.

The Guide

Rutland Show

Family­friendly fun and the best in local agriculture, returning to the Rutland Showground for 2026.

open­air theatre reveals its three plays for this summer.

IT’S SHOW TIME

A highlight of Rutland’s social calendar, the Rutland County Show returns on 31st May with a vibrant celebration of agriculture, countryside traditions and family­friendly entertainment at Oakham’s showground

Words: Rob Davis.

One of the county’s most popular events, the Rutland County Show returns this June, once again bringing together the very best of rural life at the Showground in Oakham. Established in 1831, this much-loved celebration of agriculture, countryside traditions and community spirit remains a firm fixture in Rutland’s social calendar.

Originally founded by the Rutland Agricultural Society, the show was created to promote excellence in farming, livestock breeding and rural skills at a time when agriculture was at the very heart of the county’s economy. Early shows were modest affairs, focused primarily on livestock judging and the exchange of agricultural knowledge, but they quickly grew in both scale and significance.

Over the decades, the Rutland Show has evolved alongside the county itself, adapting to modern tastes while preserving its traditional roots. Today, it stands as one of the oldest county shows in the country, offering a unique blend of heritage and contemporary entertainment.

Visitors can look forward to a full day of entertainment for all ages, with the main ring hosting a lively programme of displays and attractions. From high-energy stunt performances to traditional favourites such as scurry driving and the ever-popular Sheep Show, there is plenty to captivate audiences throughout the day. Livestock and equestrian competitions remain at the heart of the event, with cattle and sheep classes, British Showjumping, and magnificent heavy horses all taking centre stage — a direct continuation of the show’s original agricultural purpose.

Beyond the arena, the showground offers a rich showcase of local food, drink and independent producers. Visitors can sample Rutland’s finest flavours, including local ales and artisan produce, alongside an array of street food vendors, reflecting the county’s growing reputation for quality food and drink.

A diverse range of trade stands will include everything from handcrafted jewellery and woodwork to homewares, country clothing and garden accessories. The popular ‘For Rutland’ Grand Bottle Tombola will also return, raising vital funds for Citizens Advice Rutland, highlighting the show’s ongoing commitment to supporting the local community.

Families are especially well catered for, with younger visitors able to enjoy hands-on activities, animal encounters and traditional fairground rides, ensuring a memorable day out for all generations. It is this blend of education, entertainment and community spirit that has allowed the show to endure for nearly two centuries.

With all this, plus a chance to enjoy a glass of Pimm’s and catch up with friends, there’s much to enjoy at this year’s Rutland Show.

Advance tickets offer the best value, with adult entry typically priced from £12 when booked early, rising closer to the event, and £18 on the gate. Children aged 5–15 are just a few pounds, with under 5s admitted free. For tickets and further information, visit rutlandshowground.com, call 01572 757110, or email showteam@rutlandshowground.com.

LIVE THEATRE AT TOLETHORPE IN 2026

All the world’s a stage at Tolethorpe, the area’s wonderful outdoor theatre founded in Stamford in 1968. Initially based within the grounds of The George of Stamford, the company purchased the Grade II* listed 19thcentury Tolethorpe Hall, performing there for the first time in 1977.

Each summer the company hosts three plays, with Shakespearean inclinations but often featuring other writers’ productions influenced by the playwright’s work, or with original works playfully set in different eras.

1993 saw the company creating its present covered auditorium, providing a 400­seater open­air theatre experience that the weather can’t spoil.

This year will see new Sunday matinées of productions, and the Fig Tree Restaurant will be revealing brand­new menus for pre­show dining, and offering picnics for audiences to enjoy in the grounds.

Each production is overseen by a director who pitches their proposed production to the theatre a year in advance and invest around 500 hours in rehearsals, performances and production. Each of the three productions tends to feature a cast and crew of up to 50 people, with Tolethorpe’s own lighting and sound directors, and as well as the artistic direction, all of the sets and costumes are made in­house. Even fight scenes are professionally coordinated when thrusting and parrying is necessary, such as in this year’s production of Treasure Island.

No matter which of the productions you enjoy, though, Tolethorpe offers visitors an absolutely unique experience that’s highly enjoyable, from prologue to postscript.

Twelfth Night

Shakespeare’s fast­paced comedy with love triangles, mistaken identities and practical jokes arrives in a romantic Tudor garden where the interwoven action turns to absurdity, silliness and downright fun.

Treasure Island

Tolethorpe’s stage comes alive with the sights and sounds of the high seas, of pirates and a hunt for treasure.

One Man, Two Guvnors

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall accepts not just one job... but two. And there’s more to both his new bosses than meets the eye.

Based on Carlo Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters.

Animal Farm

Orwell’s cautionary tale is tackled by Tolethorpe Youth Drama (TYD).

Each of the company’s plays are staged concurrently on selected dates throughout June, July and August. Tickets £24 (Wednesday/Thursday), £26 (Friday-Sunday). Call 01780 917240 or see www.tolethorpe.co.uk.

BATTLE PREPARE FOR

Back for its 21st year, the Battle Proms at Burghley House has been a long­standing fixture in Stamford’s summer calendar offering a great blend of classical music, live entertainment and the chance to enjoy a picnic!

On this sceptred isle, and at a time when a sense of occasion is always welcome, the Battle Proms returns to the parkland of Burghley House for its 21st year, once again bringing with it an evening of music, spectacle and celebration organised by JSL Productions. This much-loved event has become a firm fixture in the Stamford summer calendar, drawing thousands each year to enjoy a stirring programme of classical favourites, with displays both on the ground and in the skies above.

At the heart of the evening is the New English Concert Orchestra, conducted by Douglas Coombes MBE and compered by BBC presenter Pam Rhodes. The programme features Holst’s Jupiter, accompanied by a thrilling aerial display from the Grace Spitfire, alongside the thunderous 1812 Overture and Beethoven’s Battle Symphony, complete with live cannon fire.

The Battle Proms are famous for uplifting music and breathtaking displays, including fireworks, Spitfire flypasts, cannons, cavalry and parachutes, alongside a glorious performance by the orchestra featuring iconic pieces from film, TV and the musicals, as well as much-loved classical favourites.

We even hear that there will be a James Bond theme to the evening this year, plus a ‘best dressed’ competition, so we’ll be digging out our glad rags and vintage finery.

The fun starts as the gates open, when you’ll be welcomed by the fabulous Q-Four Jazz Band and the Victory Swing Dancers, who’ll get you jiving and strutting your stuff. The everpopular Battle Proms Belles will also be back with their gorgeous, sing-along vintage vocals. There’s plenty of time to relax and explore the fascinating living history displays depicting life and culture in Jane Austen’s Regency era and the 1940s. You can revel in daring displays by the Worcestershire Cavalry and the world-famous Red Devils parachute team, and marvel at the meticulously choreographed Spitfire air display before an unforgettable concert experience, culminating in magnificent fireworks.

An evening gun salute and a rousing sequence of patriotic favourites, including Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory, invite the audience to join in, culminating in a spectacular firework display.

For those who prefer to travel light, a range of pre-ordered hampers and picnic options are available, from simple grazing boxes to more indulgent spreads with chilled Prosecco. Furniture hire and hospitality packages can also be arranged, making it easy to tailor the experience.

Every single person we’ve taken there has had an incredible evening; it really is a special event, greater even than the sum of its parts. We highly recommend it.

See www.battleproms.com for details or call 01432 355 416, Tickets £55/adult, £23/child.

What’s On June

3rd June

An Evening with Toyah

A singer and actor, a TV host and author, a BRIT Award winner and a film star... Toyah has worn many hats during a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years. The High Priestess of Punk burst onto the scene in 1976 as she forged dual careers as a musician and actress. Her role in Quadrophenia made her a household name and soon after she gatecrashed the charts with It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free, and Thunder In The Mountains. With a new book in the offing, Toyah is hitting the road for an extensive UK tour arriving in Stamford this month!

Wednesday 3rd June, from 7.30pm, tickets from £30.50, Stamford Corn Exchange, call 01780 766455 or see stamfordcornexchange.co.uk.

5th June Bada Antiques Fair

The British Antique Dealers’ Association (BADA) is delighted to announce the launch of the first ever major BADA art and antiques fair outside London, since its foundation in 1918. The BADA Art & Antiques Fair Rutland, will take place at the Pavilion, Rutland Hall Hotel from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2026. The fair will feature 40 BADA members exhibiting a wide selection of fine art, antiques and design. Jewellery, fine furniture, drawings, paintings and watercolours, sculpture, clocks and watches, glass, rare books and silver will all be represented. Each object will be individually vetted for quality and authenticity by BADA’s leading experts, meaning visitors can buy with complete assurance. See www.bada.org.

6th June Evening Osprey Cruise

Set sail aboard the Rutland Belle, with a member of the Osprey Project team as your guide, helping you to spot Rutland’s beloved ospreys and talking about the birds as well as the Osprey Project itself. Cruises begin from 6pm, at Whitwell Harbour, lasting an hour and a half with live commentary about the osprey project. There will be tea, coffee and snacks available on board.

Wed/Sat throughout June, see www.lrwt.org.uk or call 01572 787630.

10th June

The Music of James Bond

Peterborough Cathedral hosts an orchestral tribute to one of cinema’s most iconic legacies. Across six decades, the music of Bond has been defined by extraordinary voices from Dame Shirley Bassey, to Adele. This incredible Chamber Orchestra brings the legendary music of James Bond to life in a way that’ll leave you shaken... and stirred! Wednesday 10th June, from 7.30pm, Peterborough Cathedral, tickets from £48. Call 01733 355315 or see peterborough-cathedral.org.uk.

10th June

Twelfth Night at Tolethorpe

‘If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction,’ Tolethorpe Hall returns with Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s fast­paced comedy with love triangles, mistaken identities and practical jokes arrives in a romantic Tudor garden where the interwoven action turns to absurdity, silliness and downright fun. Also at the open­air theatre this month, Treasure Island and One Man, Two Guvnors, plus Tolethorpe Youth Drama’s Animal Farm. Wednesday 10th to Saturday 13th June, 7.30pm (plus 2.30pm Saturday matinée). Call 01780 917240 or see www.tolethorpe.co.uk.

12th June

Murder Mystery: A Very Fawlty Murder

A quiet hotel with services at your lap and all of your needs taken care of...? Um, no. Join Basil, Sybil, Polly and Manuel as they try to cope with surprise guests, the odd rat, police crawling all over the place, and whatever you do...don't mention the unexpected death! Price includes arrival drink, three course dinner and murder mystery entertainment. Kilworth House, Leicestershire, £69, call 01858 880058 or see www.kilworthhouse.co.uk.

15th June

Matthew Bourne's The Car Man

Ooh! Crikey! Matthew Bourne’s award­winning The Car Man reaches Leicester’s Curve Theatre, and it appears some of the cast have forgotten their costumes. Loosely based on Bizet’s opera, The Car Man is set in 1950’s Mid­West America the passions of a small­town are ignited by the arrival of a handsome and enigmatic stranger.

Greed, lust, betrayal and revenge ensue, as vivid storytelling combines with one of the most passionately dramatic scores ever written, with music by Terry Davies featuring Rodion Shchedrin’s Carmen Suites (after Bizet’s Carmen), to create a dance thriller like no other. Contains brief nudity... slightly longer nudity if you’re lucky.

Monday 15th June to Saturday 20th June, Curve Theatre Leicester, call 0116 242 3595 or see www.curveonline.co.uk.

18th June

Lord

of the Dance: 30 Years of

Standing Ova

tions

Lord of the Dance, the global phenomenon that redefined Irish dance, is set to return to DeMontford Hall in Leicester to celebrate its 30th Anniversary with an extraordinary new tour. The 30th Anniversary Tour will feature brand­new choreography, stunning costumes, state­of­the­art special effects, and cuttingedge lighting, ensuring that the production continues to push boundaries and deliver an unforgettable experience.

Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st June, tickets from £39.50, call 0116 233 3111 or see www.demontforthall.co.uk.

20th June

The World of Gilbert & Sullivan

A treat for G&S fans as The Wandering Minstrels present The World Of Gilbert And Sullivan. They will sing, act and dance their way through the Savoy Operas including The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, The Yeomen of the Guard and Ruddigore. The concert will be a tribute to the late Angela Storey, Headmistress of Peterborough High School from 1977­1999, who died in July 2025 and was a great Gilbert and Sullivan fan. The evening consists of two hours of Savoy favourites, performed in traditional style.

Stamford Art Centre.

Saturday 20th June from 7.30pm, tickets £16, call 01780 763 203 or see www.stamfordartscentre.com.

NEW BOOK RELEASES

Wilderlands: The Human History of Wild Britain

Eloise Kane

Wilderlands charts the unexpectedly human history of wild Britain and reveals the surprising origins of our flora and fauna. When was Britain last truly wild? And what, if anything, remains? This is the unexpectedly human history of wild Britain. Archaeologist Eloise Kane unearths 12,000 years of our changing relationship with and influence on the landscape.

£20, 304 pages, Faber & Faber.

The Eights

Joanna Miller

Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its 1,000­year history, the world’s most famous university has admitted female students. Giddy with dreams of equality, education and emancipation, four young women move into neighbouring rooms on Corridor Eight. However, Oxford's dreaming spires cast a dark shadow: in 1920, misogyny is still rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War are still very real indeed. The students’ friendship will prove more important than they imagined.

£9.49, 384 pages, Fig Tree.

CINEMA RELEASES IN JUNE

June sees the release of Savage House, described as a British black comedy period drama, set against the early years of the Georgian period. Starring Richard EGrant as Sir Chauncey Savage and Claire Foy as Lady Savage, the couple blindly pursue a better life against the backdrop of a pox outbreak, a Jacobite uprising and all manner of bloodshed. Also this month, Steven Spielberg’s new sci­fifilm Disclosure Day will see humanity finally learning the truth about extraterrestrial life, complete with Roswell, crop circles and government secrets. For youngsters, Toy Story 5 reaches cinemas too.

Stamford Arts Centre, 01780 763 203, www.stamfordartscentre.com. Cinema for Rutland, 01572 758440, rutlandcountymuseum.org.uk. Odeon Peterborough, 0333 014 4501, www.odeon.co.uk.

Building Britannia

Steven Parissien

An ambitious history of Britain told through the stories of twenty­five notable structures, from the Iron Age fortification of Maiden Castle in Dorset to the Gherkin... via Lincoln Cathedral. Building Britannia is a chronicle of social, political and economic change seen through the prism of the country's built environment, some of those beautiful or imposing; some of them more coldly functional... all of them with fascinating stories to tell.

£14.99, 512 pages, Bloomsbury.

MUSIC

What A Time

Barry Manilow

Sun Shine is expected this month, both in terms of the climate and as the name of Barry Manilow’s new single, the first from his forthcoming album What A Time.

With a career spanning more than five decades, 85 million albums sold worldwide, and 52 Top 40 singles (including 13 No. 1 hits), Barry Manilow remains one of the most celebrated and influential entertainers in modern music. His new work promises classic, string­swept torch songs to groove­driven R&B flourishes, heartland rock touches, and gospel­inspired crescendos. £11.99/CD or download, released 5th June.

INSPIRING YOUNG MINDS

QUALITY INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS IN RUTLAND & STAMFORD

At Laxton Junior School, childhood is taken seriously, celebrated and enriched through experiences that nurture curiosity and character. From vibrant outdoor learning to hands on exploration, children are encouraged to question, discover and grow at a natural, joyful pace.

Rooted in a culture of excellence without ego, the school offers specialist teaching in science, humanities, music, art, drama, languages and digital literacy, ensuring every child benefits from expert guidance.

A thoughtful future skills programme is woven through the curriculum, helping pupils understand their strengths, develop real life skills, and begin imagining who they might become.

As part of the Oundle School family, pupils enjoy access to Oundle’s exceptional facilities: world leading STEM laboratories, quality sports pitches, inspiring arts spaces, providing an extraordinary backdrop to their learning. This connection also ensures a confident, seamless transition to Oundle School, signifying our natural chapter in a longer story.

Beyond the classroom, Laxton Junior offers rich extracurricular opportunities, from international trips to drama productions and

Laxton Junior School

a wide range of sports, widening horizons and building a confidence that endures.

Above all, this is a place where children are truly known, supported to thrive as themselves, and prepared for a future that feels exciting, possible and real.

Come and take a look for yourself. Rachel, our lovely Head of Admissions (01832 277159) would be only too happy to guide you through the next steps.

Laxton Junior School, 01832 277159, www.laxtonjunior.org.uk, admissions@laxtonjunior.org.uk.

Combining the convenience of road and rail links with the safety and tranquillity of a 11acre green oasis campus, The Peterborough School presents a Through School, from the recently expanded Nursery to the renovated Reception classroom, through the Prep School, Senior School, and Sixth Form, children can progress seamlessly.

Experience the calm, welcoming, and warm atmosphere of The Peterborough School. We take pride in being a close-knit school,

Peterborough School

where we understand each child’s personality, needs, strengths, and aspirations.

Our core mission is to provide tailored education that offers the best opportunities for success, emphasising a nurturing environment resulting in outstanding achievement; we unlock the potential of every child.

We provide the elements each individual child needs to be happy and achieve. Our dedicated staff are committed, driven, adaptable, and experts in their fields. They recognise student’s potential and work towards transforming that potential into confident, content, and successful individuals.

Whether you are a parent seeking a supportive educational environment or a student ready to explore new horizons, discover a place where a love for learning flourishes, friendships are forged, and lasting memories are made.

How many 11 or 12 year olds do you know who can fit and bleed a hydraulic brake system?

At Oakham School this year, pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 have been learning to do just that.

Since September, nearly 40 pupils have worked together to build three go karts from scratch and will race them in the National Final at Whilton Mill on 20th June.

One of the three teams is an all girls team, racing kart number 71 – a proud nod to 1971, the year girls joined Oakham, and a reflection of the School’s enduring commitment to co education.

STEM on Track is a fitting addition to Oakham’s future focused, skills driven curriculum. It’s also one of 125 activities

Oakham School

offered beyond the classroom, helping pupils discover their passions and grow in confidence.

Alongside this, pupils at Oakham benefit from specialist facilities, a dedicated House

Stamford Welland Academy

team who truly know and care for them, and academic pathways tailored to each individual.

Small class sizes, academic tutors, and tailored timetables ensure every pupil receives the individual support they need to thrive –whether they’re stretching themselves through scholarship opportunities or building confidence through targeted academic support.

With an extended day for day pupils, flexible boarding options, and Early Assessments now available in Year 5, families can begin a journey that supports their child’s confidence from the very start.

To arrange your visit, call 01572 758758 or email admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk.

Stamford Welland Academy is a vibrant, forward thinking secondary school at the heart of Stamford, committed to providing a high quality learning environment where every student is known, valued, and supported to achieve their full potential.

As a proud member of Meridian Trust, the academy benefits from strong educational networks, specialist expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence across its family of schools.

The academy offers a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to nurture curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Staff believe that every young person has something unique to offer, and they work

tirelessly to discover and develop each student’s strengths. This commitment creates a culture where students feel happy, safe, and empowered to aim high and achieve beyond expectations.

With modern facilities, a supportive pastoral system, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, Stamford Welland Academy places equal emphasis on academic progress and personal growth.

Strong relationships between staff and students foster a warm, inclusive atmosphere built on mutual respect and high aspirations.

To book a tour please contact our main reception on 01780 761000 or visit our website www.stamfordwellandacademy.org

Peterborough School, 01733 343357, www.thepeterboroughschool.co.uk. Oakham School, 01572 758758, www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk, admissions@oakham.rutland.sch.uk. Stamford Welland Academy, 01780 761000, www.stamfordwellandacademy.org.

HOMES & GARDENS

Ketton House

This month’s featured property is a substantial former hunting lodge in the heart of Ketton, thoughtfully remodelled to combine early 19th-century character with modern comfort, and 8,700 square feet of space

Architecturally graceful and originally constructed in the early 1800s as a hunting lodge, this substantial country house in the sought-after village of Ketton offers a compelling balance of period character and modern capability. Today, behind its composed and elegant exterior lies a home that has been comprehensively remodelled to suit contemporary living, with features such as underfloor heating, powered gates, electric garage doors and integrated data cabling sitting comfortably alongside its historic fabric.

Set within approximately 4.25 acres, the property is approached through open parkland, arriving at a gravelled driveway and formal turning circle that immediately establishes a sense of scale and privacy. The grounds are thoughtfully arranged, combining structured lawns and terraces with more naturalistic planting, and they also include a full-sized tennis court as well as a variety of mature trees and orchard planting. >>

Words: Rob Davis.

Internally, the house extends to around 8,700 square feet of accommodation, with a layout that is both generous and wellconsidered. Entry is via a limestone porch into a central hall where a galleried rooflight draws natural light deep into the house.

At the centre of the property is a large, modern kitchen designed for both everyday use and entertaining. Arranged around a substantial central island, it benefits from views across two aspects, connecting the interior with the surrounding gardens and terraces.

The kitchen is supported by a separate utility room and a dedicated pantry, ensuring that the principal space remains uncluttered. There is also a cellar beneath, currently used as a wine store, adding further storage.

The ground floor offers four reception rooms, currently arranged as a drawing room, a dining room, a snug and the living-kitchen, allowing the house to adapt easily to different patterns of family life.

The drawing room has a multi-fuel stove and benefits from large windows and French doors opening onto the gardens. The dining room is equally well proportioned and also leads directly to the outside, making it well suited to both formal and informal occasions. A snug provides a quieter retreat, while an additional room beyond the dining room offers flexibility as a study or music room.

Upstairs, the sense of space continues with a galleried landing that could accommodate a reading area or informal seating.

The principal bedroom suite is positioned to take advantage of views across the grounds and includes both an en suite bathroom and a separate dressing room. The bathroom is finished to a high standard, with a walkthrough shower, bath and bespoke fittings.

In addition, there are four further double bedrooms served by two well-appointed family bathrooms, ensuring the house is well equipped for larger families or guests.

Beyond the main house, the estate includes a separate three-bedroom coach house, providing fully independent accommodation that could become an Airbnb or prove useful for visiting guests or intergenerational living. Designed to complement the main residence while maintaining its own identity, it offers a spacious open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, with doors opening onto a private terrace. The principal bedroom benefits from an en suite, while two further bedrooms and an additional shower room complete the layout. The coach house is substantial in its own right, and remains sufficiently selfcontained to ensure privacy.

There is also a further outbuilding incorporating a home office and first floor attic space, offering additional flexibility for those working from home or requiring studio or storage space. A large double garage with electric doors provides ample parking and practical storage, with potential for further use subject to the necessary consents.

The grounds too have been carefully developed to provide both formal and informal areas. Terraced lawns lead from the house to a substantial stone terrace, ideal for outdoor dining, while a green oak pavilion with an outdoor kitchen creates a dedicated entertaining space. Further into the grounds, a more natural woodland area offers additional privacy and potential for alternative uses, including the possibility of stabling.

Ketton itself is widely regarded as one of Rutland’s most desirable villages, known for its attractive stone architecture and strong sense of community. While the setting offers a high degree of privacy, it remains well connected, making it a practical as well as an appealing location.

Ketton House is a property of considerable substance, combining its origins as a hunting lodge with sympathetic modernisation. The result is a property that retains its charm and comfort, but also provides the flexibility expected of a more modern country home.

Ketton House

Aldgate, Ketton

Location: Ketton. Stamford 4.1 miles. Oakham 10 miles. A1 3 miles.

Rooms: Four reception rooms currently arranged as drawing room, dining room, breakfast kitchen and snug. Five bedrooms plus three­bedroom Coach House.

Guide Price £3,500,000

Find Out More: Nest Estates, Red Lion Street, Stamford. Call 01780 238110 or see www.nestestates.co.uk.

HOMES & INTERIORS

Mediterranean Summer Living

Vibrant outdoor dining and cooking products inspired by Mediterranean style to enliven summer entertaining in your garden or terrace.

TERRACOTTA TAPAS DISHES

Hand painted terracotta dishes for colourful shared plates under summer skies, £8 each, www.oliverbonas.com.

CLASSIC CAST IRON

Le Creuset casserole in vibrant Bleu Riviera for versatile stovetop to oven cooking, £309, www.lecreuset.co.uk.

HANDCRAFTED TILE PANEL

Italian majolica 25 piece panel for creating striking wall or floor installations, £1,215, www.artemest.com.

GRAPES CERAMIC PITCHER

Vibrant hand painted ceramic pitcher perfect for serving drinks outdoors beautifully, £79, www.lemonsalt.co.uk.

MEDITERRANEAN CITRUS JUICER

Vibrant Dolce & Gabbana design meets Smeg engineering for effortless juicing, £600, www.dolcegabbana.com.

ELEGANT TABLE ACCESSORY

Beautiful Italian stoneware oil cruet in classic white clay for timeless tabletop appeal, £45, www.oka.com.

MEDITERRANEAN WALLPAPER

Hand painted Mediterranean hillside design in soothing slate blue for feature walls, £265, www.janeclayton.com.

POMEGRANATE

TABLE RUNNER

Reversible cotton runner with vibrant pomegranate print, brightening outdoor tables, £42, www.joebrowns.co.uk.

OUTDOOR PATIO CUSHIONS

Vibrant patterned cushions bring colour and comfort to garden seating, £25, www.the­old­piggery.co.uk.

CALYPSO OUTDOOR LAMP

Stylish outdoor lamp illuminating terraces, gardens, and evening dining, £1,670, www.gomodern.co.uk.

MOSAIC GARDEN DINING

Mosaic tabletop creates elegant Mediterranean style outdoor dining, £849, blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk.

HAND PAINTED BOWLS

Set of two ceramic bowls with bold hand painted design for stylish sharing, £140, www.abask.com.

LEMON CERAMIC TABLEWARE

Experience the essence of summer embodied in a culinary masterpiece, £39, www.courthouseinteriors.com.

DOLCE VITA COCKTAIL PICKS

Chic cocktail picks ideal for stylish drinks and summer soirée details, £29, www.maisonflaneur.com.

POLISHED COCKTAIL SHAKER

Sleek cocktail shaker perfect for stylish mixed drinks at alfresco gatherings, £48, www.ibbidirect.co.uk.

HAND PAINTED WINE GLASSES

Murano glasses with detailed hand painted design, for alfresco sipping, £180, www.courthouseinteriors.com.

RESIN-BOUND DRIVEWAYS & SURFACES FROM

PRECISION LANDSCAPES

The solution for safe, slip-free surfaces, with no loose dust or stones. This summer Precision Landscapes invites you to commission a low-maintenance driveway or surface that’s built to last

Words: Rob Davis.

A resin bound driveway is one of the most transformative upgrades a homeowner can make, and Precision Landscapes is bringing this premium, modern surface to properties across Rutland and the surrounding areas with craftsmanship that truly stands out. Combining durability, style and low maintenance living, their resin bound driveways offer a long lasting solution designed for today’s homes.

What sets a resin bound driveway apart is its seamless blend of practicality and beauty. Fully permeable and SUDS compliant, the surface allows rainwater to drain naturally, reducing puddles and helping prevent localised flooding. The material itself is a carefully balanced mix of high quality resin and premium aggregates, creating a hard wearing, crack resistant finish that performs brilliantly in all weather conditions.

Homeowners can choose from a wide palette of colours and aggregate blends, from contemporary greys to warm natural tones, ensuring the driveway complements the character of the property. The smooth, anti slip surface is wheelchair friendly and safe for families, while its low maintenance nature means no weeds, no loose stones and no constant sweeping — just a clean, elegant finish that stays looking fresh year after year.

Precision Landscapes handles every stage of the installation with meticulous attention to detail. Their process includes full site preparation, professional base installation, on site resin and aggregate blending, and precise laying and finishing. Each project is completed by trained specialists using industry leading materials, ensuring a flawless result built to last.

Clients consistently praise this family run company’s professionalism, reliability and high standards, from clear communication and punctuality to thoughtful design advice and exceptional workmanship. Whether transforming an ageing driveway or creating a brand new entrance, Precision Landscapes delivers results that elevate a home’s kerb appeal and add long term value.

For homeowners seeking a driveway that combines strength, style and effortless upkeep, a resin bound surface is the ideal choice. Precision Landscapes offers free site visits, expert guidance and transparent, competitive pricing — making it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.

Transform your home with a resin bound driveway, beginning with contacting Precision Landscapes today to begin your project.

Precision Landscapes specialises in designing and creating hard landscaping, planting schemes and garden buildings, as well as creating resin-bound driveways and surfaces. For a free, no obligation quote and advice, call 01780 721 174 or 07921 572 100, or see www.precision-landscapes.co.uk.

BURGHLEY’S

SPECTACULAR GARDENS

The gardens of Burghley House are undoubtedly spectacular, and if you agree, now’s the time to cast your vote, as Stamford’s best­loved landmark seeks to secure secure the title of Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2026

Words: Rob Davis.

“32 years of being a professional gardener,” says Joe Whitehead. He returned to Burghley House in 2017, having previously tended the grounds from 1997 to 2002 before leaving to pursue an RHS Wisley Diploma in Practical Horticulture.

Joe and his team are now reaping the rewards of their enthusiasm and the careful ongoing development of the gardens, with the work of previous years still providing obvious benefits. Still, there is plenty to do, both in terms of the gardens’ future development and the day-today upkeep required to maintain them.

The dedication of the team is one of the reasons Burghley House is one of just six finalists in the Historic Houses Garden of the Year competition. Having made the shortlist, the public is now being invited to vote for their favourite via the association’s website (www.historichouses.org), recognising the work and creativity of the team who care for the gardens.

“If a gardener’s not busy in May, then there’s something wrong,” he says. “This year has been one of the best springs I can remember for a long time,” he adds. After a wet winter, the gardens have responded with vigour. “Everything just woke up not stressed, not dry, full of moisture in the ground, and with quite a lot of warmth.”

Visitors can explore two distinct yet complementary spaces. The Sculpture Garden integrates contemporary art within sweeping borders, wildflower planting and long views across Capability Brown’s great lake. The Garden of Surprises, inspired by Elizabethan ideas and historic records, offers a theatrical sequence of enclosed spaces

animated by water, playful features and bold, architectural planting.

Visitors can engage with the gardens in many ways, whether through horticulture, art, planting, history, seasonal change or simple enjoyment of being outdoors, making Burghley genuinely a garden for all.

New for 2026, interpretation boards add insight into the planting and sculpture and improved pathways and wayfinding enhance accessability. Joe leads a small team of seven gardeners, supported by around 25 volunteers. He insists the gardens are a collective achievement.

“Everything you see comes from the collective mind of the gardens team,” he says. “From new planting schemes to new paths and ongoing work to support biodiversity, it’s a shared effort across staff and volunteers.”

The result is a garden that feels richer, fuller and more confident than ever. Over the past seven or eight years, Joe and his team have planted more than 100,000 plants, many of which are now maturing into the layered displays he always imagined.

“Planting’s all about layers,” he says. “You can put five, six, seven or eight different layers into a border, so one thing always comes through; a flower grows through foliage, the flower offsets the foliage, the foliage offsets the flower...”

“We’re typically working three to five years ahead,” he says. “When we plan a space, we’re always considering how it will develop over that time.”

Joe’s love of gardening runs deep. He is the third generation of gardeners in his family, following both his great-grandfather and grandfather into the profession. As a child, he spent time on the Somerset estate where his grandfather was Head Gardener, wandering through walled gardens, carnation houses and greenhouses.

Dates for your Diary

Saturday 6th June

Wildflower Walk at Dawn

Experience Burghley’s gardens at their most tranquil with an early morning guided walk, led by Head Gardener Joe Whitehead. Beginning at sunrise, explore ancient wildflower meadows beside the lake before continuing into the Sculpture Garden to discover carefully curated planting schemes.

Thursday 18th June

Rose Tour, Talk & Tea in the Gardens

Celebrate the peak of summer in the South Gardens with Head Gardener Joe Whitehead. Discover over 120 varieties of roses during an expert­led talk and guided tour, followed by afternoon tea served at the Summer House overlooking the lake. Only open to visitors on a handful of occasions through the year, the Rose Tour is a rare opportunity to explore the beautiful South Gardens.

Saturday 27th June – Sunday 5th July

South Gardens Summer Opening

Explore the South Gardens at their best, with vibrant herbaceous borders, roses and wildflowers set within ‘Capability’ Brown’s iconic landscape.

“His influence was huge,” he says. “I think, one way or another, I was destined to be a gardener.”

Burghley, though, is on another scale. The gardens cover more than 46 acres, sitting within Capability Brown’s celebrated landscape and beside the 26-acre lake he designed.

In the Sculpture Garden alone, Joe estimates there are now more than 1,000 varieties of plants, from woodland perennials to tropical beds featuring bananas, gingers, salvias and the Congo parrot plant.

“We want people to experience something different and unexpected as they move through the garden,” he says. “There’s a real sense of discovery from one area to the next.”

In June, Burghley becomes a riot of colour. The wildflower meadows begin to glow, the herbaceous borders erupt, and around 1,000 David Austin roses produce their first flush in the South Gardens, which are open for one week this month.

“When they all peak, it’s a lovely space, very scented and beautiful,” Joe says. Among his favourites are Gertrude Jekyll and Queen of Sweden, the latter prized for floristry in the house.

Joe believes what makes Burghley distinctive is its long history of thoughtful gardenmaking.

“From its beginnings under William Cecil to the extraordinary vision of Capability Brown, whose influence still defines the landform and views today, Burghley has never stood still,” he says.

“We’re caring for a garden where stewardship is both a privilege and a responsibility. There's a strong sense of heritage, but also willingness to adapt and refine the gardens over time. They're not a finished picture, but a living environment shaped by plants, people and nature.”

Burghley Gardens are open to visitors from February to November. Admission booked online in advance costs £11 per adult and £8.50 per child. For further information, visit burghley.co.uk. Vote for Burghley House to be named Garden of the Year at www.historichouses.org.

NGS Open Gardens

The National Garden Scheme offers a rare opportunity to explore some of Rutland’s most beautiful private gardens, opening gates for charity throughout the summer. With proceeds supporting organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie, these visits combine horticultural inspiration with a worthy cause.

7th June: Redhill Lodge

Redhill Lodge is a bold, contemporary garden set across varying levels with sweeping views. A striking mix of formal rose gardens, herbaceous borders and prairie­style planting is complemented by a natural swimming pond, stone rill and modern slate and steel sculpture, creating year­round interest, LE15 8EN.

14th June: Prebendal House

Newly landscaped and now settling into maturity, it features generous flower and vegetable beds, a glasshouse, herbaceous planting and a fragrant lavender bank alongside a charming pavilion, LE15 8PW.

12th July: Quaintree Hall

Opening in July, Quaintree Hall rewards visitors with a series of garden rooms, from a formal parterre to richly planted borders and a productive walled garden, all thoughtfully restored, LE15 8QS.

For more information, visit www.ngs.org.uk.

GARDENING with MARK LANE

June is the garden at its most generous, borders in full bloom, roses at their peak and long evenings made for lingering outdoors. Gardening writer and author Mark Lane shares how to enjoy, refine and extend the season’s abundance

Words & Images: Mark Lane.

June is not just about tending plants, it is also about enjoying gardens. Across Rutland and Stamford, several horticultural events provide opportunities to explore inspiring spaces and meet fellow enthusiasts.

At Burghley House, the month begins with the Wildflower Walk at Dawn on 7th June, a wonderful opportunity to experience the estate’s meadows at their most atmospheric. Later in the month, on 18th June, the Rose Tour, Talk and Tea in the Garden offers a chance to enjoy one of the finest moments in the rose calendar. From 27th June to 5th July, visitors can also explore the opening of the South Gardens, revealing beautifully designed planting at its seasonal peak. Looking ahead, the Rutland Flower and Garden Show, from 14th to 16th August, promises further inspiration for gardeners later in the summer.

O

ff with its head

One of the most important jobs in June is deadheading, which quickly becomes a regular ritual. Removing faded blooms keeps borders looking fresh and encourages a second wave of flowers, a simple but highly effective task. This is especially important for roses, which are often at their peak.

For inspiration, as part of the National Open Garden Scheme, arrange a visit to Home Farm near Stamford, a large farmhouse with over 120 old English rose varieties.

Snipping off spent flowers just above the first healthy leaf encourages plants to redirect energy into new buds rather than seed production. The same approach works with bedding plants and annuals, ensuring continuous colour throughout the season.

A little support goes a long way June is also when many herbaceous perennials benefit from support. Plants that seemed compact in April can suddenly shoot upwards and, without support, may flop under the weight of their blooms or after heavy rain. Gardeners often insert discreet supports around clumps of delphinium and peony early in the season, allowing stems to

grow naturally through the framework. This keeps borders looking natural while preventing collapse. Using natural materials such as flexible stems of silver birch, willow or hazel helps supports to blend seamlessly.

Be productive

Regular harvesting is key in June. Crops sown earlier in spring are now coming into their stride. Fresh peas and tender lettuce should be picked frequently, not only for flavour but to encourage continued production. Leaving vegetables too long can signal that growth is complete, reducing yields. Herbs such as basil and parsley respond in the same way, regular cutting keeps plants bushy and productive.

It is also a good time to sow succession crops. Although the season feels well underway, there is still time to sow vegetables for later harvests. Quick growers such as radish, rocket and beetroot can be sown every couple of weeks for a steady supply. Carrots also benefit from this staggered approach, ensuring roots mature at different times.

Watering, mulching and feeding

Watering becomes increasingly important, particularly for plants in containers. Pots dry out quickly as temperatures rise and roots have limited soil from which to draw moisture.

Water thoroughly until it drains from the base of the pot, ensuring the entire root ball is soaked. Adding a mulch layer, such as gravel or composted bark, helps reduce evaporation.

Feeding plants now can improve flowering performance. Liquid fertilisers applied every couple of weeks encourage strong growth and vibrant blooms. Follow instructions carefully, as overfeeding can be harmful. Roses, in particular, benefit from regular feeding, with a balanced fertiliser supporting both foliage and flower production.

Nectar­rich annuals, perennials and shrubs

June is a wonderful time to fill gaps in borders with summer annuals. These fast-growing plants provide instant colour and can transform a border within weeks. Garden favourites such as Cosmos and Zinnia are especially valuable because they flower continuously once established. Their daisylike blooms bring lightness to mixed plantings and provide excellent cut flowers.

Flowers rich in nectar and pollen attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Plants such as lavender and foxglove are particularly valuable, with lavender’s fragrant spikes drawing clouds of pollinators.

Allowing a small patch of garden to grow slightly wild with native wildflowers can create a haven for biodiversity. Lawns demand attention in June as growth accelerates, but for a lower-maintenance option, consider a tapestry lawn where low-growing grasses and flowering plants grow side by side.

Sweet peas offer scent and a wide range of colours while attracting pollinators, adding both beauty and fragrance to summer borders.

Shrubs form the structural backbone of the ornamental garden, many now entering their prime. Philadelphus ‘Virginal’, or mock orange, fills gardens with a sweet citrus fragrance. Once flowering finishes, this is the ideal time to prune, removing older stems to encourage fresh growth and blooms next year.

Take stock of planting combinations

With so many plants flowering at once, it becomes easier to see which colours harmonise and which clash. Some gardeners take photographs of their borders now, using

them later to guide planting decisions. A gardening journal with notes can also prove invaluable over time.

June evenings, the greatest luxury

After watering, tying in plants or deadheading, there is time to sit quietly and absorb the atmosphere. The scent of roses lingers in the warm air, bees drift between flowers and the garden becomes a tapestry of colour and movement.

In many ways, gardening in June is about subtle guidance rather than intervention. Plants are already doing most of the work, you simply nudge them in the right direction, supporting a stem here, removing a faded bloom there or adding a few annuals to extend the display.

The reward is a garden that feels abundant, vibrant and full of life. June is the moment when gardens feel generous, overflowing with colour, fragrance and the satisfaction that comes from nurturing plants through the seasons.

June in the Garden

n Deadhead roses, perennials and bedding plants regularly to prolong flowering and keep borders looking fresh throughout the month.

n Water consistently, especially containers, hanging baskets and newly planted specimens, ideally in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

n Feed flowering plants weekly with a balanced liquid fertiliser to promote strong blooms and healthy foliage during the growing season.

n Mow lawns regularly, but consider leaving some areas longer or creating a wild patch to support pollinators and improve biodiversity.

n Sow fast­growing crops such as lettuce, radish and beetroot little and often for a continuous harvest through summer.

n Harvest herbs frequently, including basil, mint and parsley, to keep plants productive and prevent them from becoming woody or going to seed.

n Check for pests such as aphids and slugs, dealing with them promptly using environmentally friendly methods where possible.

n Prune early­flowering shrubs like philadelphus after blooming to encourage fresh growth for next year.

WE DON’T WAIT FOR BUYERS— WE GO AND FIND THEM. We present your home directly to London and out-of-area buyers already planning their move. Through our exclusive roadshows, running throughout the summer into early autumn, we do more than showcase your property — we connect it with serious, motivated purchasers actively seeking homes like yours. Considering a move? You don’t need to fully instruct us to begin. With just a few photographs and a floor plan, we can start introducing your home to qualified buyers immediately. Your buyer may already be waiting!

Escape to the Country

An insight into the property market with Vernon & Jenny Moore, founders of Moores Estate Agents and Country & Equestrian

According to the old adage, one should never mix business with pleasure. Yet for Will and Vernon Moore, and the team behind Moores Estate Agency and its specialist Country & Equestrian brand, the two are intrinsically linked.

Introducing buyers to Rutland, Stamford and the surrounding countryside is not simply a transaction; it is an experience—one that, at this time of year especially, feels as much like a lifestyle showcase as it does a property viewing.

As we move into early summer, with long days and blue skies illuminating the very best of our region, Moores is leaning into that experience with a proactive and highly personalised approach to property marketing. Their message this month is simple: ‘Escape to the Country,’ not as a television fantasy, but as a tangible, carefully curated reality.

The timing is apt. As Vernon explains, the property market began the year with encouraging momentum, particularly among buyers from London and the South East. However, a subtle but significant shift is now underway. A softening in London prices (driven in part by changing working patterns and a reduced need for proximity to the capital) has recalibrated expectations. Where once demand outstripped supply, there is now a more balanced marketplace, prompting buyers to reassess both value and lifestyle.

For those considering a move, that reassessment is proving advantageous to areas like Rutland, Stamford, Lincolnshire and the Vale of Belvoir. Buyers who might previously have limited their search to the Home Counties are now looking further afield, recognising that they can achieve considerably more for their money, often exchanging a London semi-detached property for a substantial country home,

sometimes even a farmhouse, without increasing their budget.

Crucially, it is not just about space or value. The appeal lies equally in quality of life. With improved connectivity, flexible working and better transport links, the necessity of daily commutes has diminished. In its place, buyers are prioritising environment, community and the pace of life, qualities our region offers in abundance.

Throughout June, the team is hosting a series of coordinated open house events, designed to mirror the much-loved television format of Escape to the Country. Rather than simply opening the doors of individual properties, they are orchestrating bespoke viewing days for prospective buyers.

The process is refreshingly personal. Buyers are met at carefully chosen ‘Meet & Greet’ locations (perhaps a café, a garden centre near the A1, or even the train station) and then guided through a selection of three or four properties, each hand-picked to suit their budget, preferences and desired location. Alongside the homes they have already shortlisted, Moores often introduces a ‘wild card,’ property that the buyer may not have considered, offering unexpected appeal. It is a thoughtful, intelligent approach. Buyers benefit from expert guidance throughout the day, gaining invaluable insight into local villages, schools, amenities and travel links, while vendors enjoy the advantage of highly qualified, genuinely interested viewers.

For vendors, the message is clear. With London buyers actively seeking opportunities in our area this summer, and with Moores facilitating tailored viewing experiences every Saturday throughout June, there has rarely been a better moment to bring a property to market. Business, perhaps, but it’s difficult not to see the pleasure in it too!

Moores Estate Agents and the company’s Country & Equestrian brand provide professional, proactive property services for buyers and sellers of homes across the region. Family­owned and established in 2005, the company offers free initial advice tailored to your personal circumstances, call 01572 757979 or see www.mooresestateagents.com.

Ketton

Originally constructed in 2010, the Stamford stone house has been lovingly refurbished and reconfigured by the current owners in the past four years, which has included the incorporation of a garage wing to form an integrated guest, or leisure wing. With an exacting eye for detail and a quest for energy efficiency, the aim was to create a thoroughly modern house with a classic look in this beautiful edge of village setting.

Guide price: £2,850,000

Tucked away along a sleepy country lane, the stately form of Coppice House rises like a watercolour illustration from a storybook. Golden stone, steep gables and sash windows lend a sense of timelessness to this Grade II listed treasure, its fairytale feel enhanced by the formal topiary, a neat trio of yew pyramids standing sentinel at the front.

Guide price: £1,200,000

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

ASHWELL

£875,000

Substantial, detached family home offering high quality, flexible accommodation with garage, ample secure parking and private, south-facing garden, tucked away in a quiet residential area within this well-regarded village. Snug, Study, Dining Hall, WC, Garden Room, Sitting Room, superb Kitchen/Diner, Utility; Master Bedroom with Dressing Room and en-suite Bathroom, three further Dbl Bedrooms, one of them with en-suite Shower Room, Family Bathroom; Mezzanine (potential Dbl Bedroom) with en-suite Shower Room and Storage Room. Energy Rating: C.

A delightful and substantial period residence, offering beautifully presented accommodation comprising 3 Reception Rooms, 6 generous Bedrooms and 2 Bath/Shower Rooms, occupying a plot of approximately 1.1 acres (in total) within a picturesque village with open rural views to the rear. Carport, secure Parking, Outbuilding with Workshop, Private Garden, Paddock. Energy Rating: F.

MORCOTT Guide Price £595,000

A much-loved family home for over 40 years, this Grade II listed former farmhouse dates back to 1686 and offers a wealth of period charm. 4 Reception Rooms, 5 Large Double Bedrooms & Loft Room, Bathroom, original Garage detached Barn, & Off-road Parking, Charming, Private Gardens. Energy Rating: D.

OAKHAM

Guide Price £865,000

Impressive, executive detached residence, set within magnificent south-facing gardens and grounds in one of Oakham’s most sought-after residential locations, just a short stroll from the town centre and its amenities. The property offers beautifully appointed, flexible contemporary family accommodation finished to an exacting standard throughout. 3 Reception Rooms, bespoke SieMatic Kitchen, 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bath/Shower Rooms. Energy Rating: C.

BRAUNSTON

£575,000

Substantial, detached stone house with ample off-road parking and mature, landscaped gardens situated in one of Rutland's sought-after villages and providing spacious character accommodation with three Reception Rooms, Living Kitchen, three Bedrooms and two Bath/Shower Rooms. The property offers potential for further extension, subject to obtaining the necessary planning consent. Energy Rating: C.

A charming Grade II listed mid-terrace cottage compromising of two original cottages and providing attractively presented accommodation with a wealth of character features in a highly regarded village close to the county town of Oakham. 2 Reception Rooms, shaker-style Breakfast Kitchen, Utility Room, 3 Double Bedrooms, 2 feature Bathrooms. Mature 100ft garden, Double Garage. Energy Rating: E.

High Street

Uppingham

51-53 High Street is a beautifully presented period home being offered to the market for the time in over 50 years, situated in the centre of Uppingham, having been thoughtfully renovated and upgraded.

Guide Price: £1,375,000

King West 13 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DE Call 01780 484520 www.kingwest.co.uk

Main Street

Great Casterton

Nestled in the sought-after village, this beautifully presented 5-bedroom family home is a sanctuary unto itself. As you step inside, you are greeted by character features that add charm and elegance to each room.

Offers in Excess of: £1,250,000

Savills UK Ltd 9 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com

Barn Owl House Manton

Barn Owl House, originally built in the 1800s, is a beautifully converted four-bedroom barn offering spacious and versatile accommodation set within a substantial six-acre plot.

Offers in Excess of: £1,250,000

James Sellicks 6-8 Market Place Oakham Rutland LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com

The Stone House Caldecott

The Stone House sits opposite the village green within the popular Rutland village of Caldecott. The house offers extensive accommodation and includes an indoor swimming pool and spa complex.

Guide Price: £1,400,000

Strutt & Parker 5 South View, Tinwell Road, Stamford PE9 2JL. Call 01780 510039 or see www.struttandparker.com

Bridge House Farm, Allexton

A beautifully situated, south-facing five-bedroom farmhouse with a one-bedroom self-contained annexe and a range of characterful outbuildings. It sits within approximately three acres of grounds including paddock land, located in the village of Allexton.

Water Lane, Ashwell

A newly built three-bedroom ironstone home on a generous plot with off-road parking, a garage, and a west-facing garden, located on a quiet lane in the popular village of Ashwell.

A beautifully-presented four-bedroom cottage that perfectly blends character with modern comforts, featuring light and airy living spaces, a south-facing garden, and off-road parking, ideally located in the heart of Wymondham.

Mulberry House, Oakham

A charming three-bedroom home dating back to 1650, beautifully modernised while retaining its original period features. The property features a private courtyard garden and off-road parking, all ideally located in the heart of Oakham town centre.

Cottesmore Grange

Cottesmore

Defined equally by respect for its heritage and commitment to future living, Cottesmore Grange is a home of quiet grandeur.

Guide Price: £2,000,000

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497 070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

Chapel Street

Belton In Rutland

This substantial and characterful stone built Grade II listed period home dating back to the early 17th century offers a rare opportunity to own a slice of history in the sought-after village of Belton.

£995,000

Hurfords 38 St. Marys Street, Stamford, PE9 2DS. Call 01780 752136 or see www.hurfords.co.uk

Main Road

Barleythorpe

A distinguished five-bedroom residence, constructed from beautiful locally quarried stone and crafted to a high specification and featuring generous open-plan living spaces.

Guide Price: £1,250,000

James Sellicks 6-8 Market Place Oakham Rutland LE15 6DT. Call 01572 724437 or see www.jamessellicks.com

Ketton House Aldgate

Ketton House is one of the principal houses of the picturesque village of Ketton. The village has its own post office, primary school, library and local shop.

Guide Price: £3,500,000

King West 13 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DE Call 01780 484520 www.kingwest.co.uk

The Engine House

Burley

Steeped in heritage and shaped by centuries of architectural evolution, The Engine House offers a graceful meeting of history, craftsmanship and quiet contemporary living.

Guide Price: £1,400,000

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497 070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

The Old House Caldecott

The house dates from 1789 and is Grade II listed. It is constructed of mellow stone elevations under a thatch and slate roof, is arranged over two storeys and offers extensive well-proportioned accommodation.

Guide Price: £1,275,000

King West 13 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DE Call 01780 484520 www.kingwest.co.uk

The Old Vicarage Langham

The Old Vicarage is an elegant country home with beautifully proportioned rooms, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light.

Offers Over: £1,000,000

Moores Estate Agents Barleythorpe, Oakham, LE15 7FS Call 01780 484555 or see www.countryequestrianhomes.com

Church Lane Ridlington

This imposing Ironstone home is situated on an elevated position in the picturesque village of Ridlington.

£2,500,000

Osprey Property 4 Burley Road, Oakham LE15 6DH. Call 01572 756675 or see www.osprey-property.co.uk

Drywell House

Barrowden

Blending timeless craftsmanship with natural materials and creative design, Drywell House offers a home that is as stylish as it is enduring

Guide Price: £2,250,000

Pelham James 3 Saddler’s Court, Oakham LE15 7GH. Call 01572 497 070 or see www.pelhamjames.co.uk

Oxford Road

Stamford

A five bedroom detached family home on a large plot, set at the end of a cul-de-sac and offering over 3,400 Sq Ft of living accommodation over the ground and first floors.

£915,000

Nest Estates 8-9 Red Lion Street, Stamford PE9 1PA. Call 01780 238110 or see www.nestestates.co.uk

Second Drift

Wothorpe

A modern and spacious home, combining well-appointed, high end interiors, generous proportions, an enclosed and private garden and generous parking, integral garaging and westerly views

Guide Price: £1,450,000

Savills UK Ltd 9 High Street, St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF. Call 01780 484696 or see www.savills.com

High House Braunston

High House stands in the heart of the village, its striking ironstone façade and Collyweston roof making a distinctive impression.

Guide Price: £1,195,000

Strutt & Parker 5 South View, Tinwell Road, Stamford PE9 2JL. Call 01780 510039 or see www.struttandparker.com

Paige & Shawn’s Barnsdale Wedding

A summer wedding full of laughter, love and personal touches in Rutland, with stunning florals, bespoke details and a dreamy ceremony that perfectly reflected Paige and Shawn’s story

Images: Pink Photographics, 0786 600 760, www.pinkphotographics.co.uk.

From the moment Paige and Shawn met in 2017 at a local pub following a Christmas market, sparks flew.

After exchanging messages that evening, their first date was a homemade lasagne at Shawn’s house. Fast forward to May 2023, and the couple were in Cyprus, on holiday when Shawn planned a magical proposal.

Having already asked Paige’s father for his blessing, he chose a quiet moment in the marina after dinner, subtly asking the waiter to take a picture.

Then, with a platinum diamond cluster ring in hand, he got down on one knee. The

moment was perfect — surrounded by onlookers who cheered, but feeling as though it was entirely theirs.

After a consultation at The Barnsdale, Rutland, Paige and Shawn were certain they had found the ideal venue. The Barnsdale offered a relaxed atmosphere, and with their wedding planner Beth guiding them from start to finish, every detail was carefully managed, from the first consultation to the first dance.

Paige found her dream dress at Belle & Bouquet in Wellingore Hall, Lincoln. Designed by Maggie Sottero, the sequin lace

gown over crepe featured floral detailing, a strapless sweetheart neckline in ivory over blush, and a flowing train.

She personalised it with tulle sleeve drapes and a delicate lace-edged veil, complemented by a Sonata tiara and imperial pearl pendant and earrings. The bridesmaids wore pastel yellow chiffon one-shoulder caped dresses, while hair and makeup were expertly done by Becky and Nicky from Vanity Fayre, with Liv from Makeup By Livgs completing the look.

Shawn and his groomsmen wore Bromley suits by Marc Darcy from Gere Menswear, Lincoln, with Shawn opting for navy trousers to stand out.

The wedding cake, a three-tier square design adorned with yellow sugar roses and a beagle figure topper, was created by Michele at Love Life Eat Cake. Flowers were a mix of white and yellow roses with daisies from Kerry at

Stems by Kerry, and venue styling by Lola Rose brought their vision to life.

Entertainment included silver service singing waiters and a mini golf set from Little Birdie Mini Golf, keeping guests delighted throughout the day. Paige designed the stationery and table signage herself, adding a personal touch. Photography and videography were entrusted to Frankie Salkeld from Pink Photographics and James Douglas, who captured every joyful moment.

Highlights of the day included a surprise birthday cake for a family member, the hilarious antics of the singing waiters, and the moment Paige walked down the aisle.

Paige and Shawn’s advice to other couples? Follow your heart and go for what you truly want: it’s a once-in-a-lifetime day, and choosing with no regrets is what makes it unforgettable.

Local Suppliers

Wedding Venue: The Barnsdale, Rutland, 01572 724678, www.barnsdalerutland.com.

Photography: Pink Photographics, 0786 600760, pinkphotographics.co.uk.

Videographer: James Douglas, jamesdouglasfilms.co.uk.

Wedding Dress: Belle & Bouquet, belleandbouquet.co.uk.

Floristry: Stems by Kerry, www.stemsbykerry.co.uk.

Wedding Cake: Love Life, Eat Cake, lovelifeeatcake.com.

Styling: lolarose­venuedressing.co.uk.

Hair: Becky & Nicky at Vanity Fayre, 01775 820090.

Make­up: Liv, www.makeupbylivgs.com.

Entertainment: Singing waiters from www.silverservicesingers.com, mini golf from www.littlebirdieminigolf.co.uk

PERSONALISED SKINCARE & WELLBEING TREATMENTS

EMSCULPT NEO: Non-invasive body sculpting

HYDRAFACIAL: Cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating

RF MICRONEEDLING: For younger, firmer skin

LASER AESTHETICS: Hair removal, pigmentation and vascular concerns

Also: Massage, LED phototherapy, manicures and pedicures

RADIANT PREP

PREPARING SKIN FOR SUMMER GLOW

Before we reach for sun protection or lighter foundations, there is a quieter step that makes all the difference, and that is preparation. Well-prepared skin not only looks better, it behaves better too. Makeup sits more smoothly, tone appears more even and that elusive glow feels far more natural than anything applied on top.

As we move into early summer, skin often needs a gentle reset. Changes in temperature, central heating lingering from cooler months and heavier winter products can leave the complexion looking a little tired or uneven.

This is where a considered approach to exfoliation becomes essential. The key is to think refinement rather than removal. Enzyme exfoliators and mild acids help to lift away dull surface cells without compromising the skin barrier, revealing fresher, brighter skin beneath and allowing skincare to absorb more effectively.

Hydration is the next step, and it is here that many routines quietly fall short. Mature skin in particular benefits from layers of lightweight hydration rather than one heavy cream.

Serums rich in hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin, helping to soften the appearance of fine lines and restore a plumper, more comfortable feel. When skin is properly hydrated, it reflects light more evenly, giving that soft, healthy radiance we are all looking for.

Supporting the skin barrier is equally important. A well-balanced barrier helps protect against environmental stress while keeping moisture where it should be. Look for ingredients such as ceramides and nourishing oils that reinforce the skin without feeling heavy.

This step is especially valuable before the increased sun exposure of the coming months, helping skin feel resilient, calm and better prepared, particularly when moving between indoor and outdoor environments.

Finally, a touch of radiance can be introduced through subtle illuminating products that enhance rather than mask. Think of this as the finishing polish, not a cover-up. The aim is skin that looks quietly luminous, not overly made up, with a soft focus finish that feels effortless and flattering in natural light.

Preparation is, ultimately, the foundation of every good beauty routine. By taking the time to refine, hydrate and support the skin now, everything that follows, from makeup to sun protection, will perform better and look more refined, ensuring skin feels comfortable, balanced and beautifully cared for throughout the season.

Our Recommended Products (above):

1. Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel. A gentle exfoliating cream that smooths and brightens the skin using natural enzymes, helping to refine texture without irritation, £40, www.elemis.com.

2. Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. A deeply hydrating serum that helps support skin renewal while improving radiance and smoothing the appearance of fine lines, £89, www.esteelauder.co.uk.

3. Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum. A lightweight hydrating serum that helps plump and refresh the skin, leaving it smoother and more supple, £265, www.drsturm.com.

4. Augustinus Bader The Cream. A nourishing moisturiser that supports the skin barrier while improving tone and texture for a more balanced, healthy complexion, £250, www.augustinusbader.com.

5. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter. A radiance­boosting complexion enhancer that adds a soft glow, perfect as a finishing touch or worn alone on well prepared skin, £40, charlottetilbury.com.

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