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NMITE APPOINTS NEW CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Terence Jagger, CBE    NMITE has today 24th March announced the appointment of Terence Jagger, CBE as its new Chair of the Board of Trustees.  Until recently, Terence Jagger was Chair of the Board of Governors, Bath Spa University, a position he has held since November 2016.  He will take over from Dame Fiona Kendrick in April who has been Chair of NMITE since July 2017.     Terence Jagger’s higher education experience will be of particularly relevance to NMITE, coming from a small, specialist university which has recently built a new campus, key to the regeneration of an area of its city home, and focused on continuously updating and modernising its curriculum.  He also brings extensive and varied senior experience across public and private sectors, in the UK and overseas, including many years in the Ministry of Defence and four years as Chief Executive of Crown Agents, a leading international development company.  He now runs a portfolio of board and consultancy roles in the public, private and third sectors.    Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, NMITE’s President and Chief Executive “I am extremely excited to be welcoming Terence to NMITE at a key point in time for us as an organisation.  Amongst his many skills and experience, his current role in terms of university governance will be hugely useful to us as we welcome our first students in September.  I would also like to extend my thanks to Fiona for her support and guidance as […]

It has been so wonderful to hear that some of the glorious gardens of Herefordshire will be re-opening soon. Once again we will be able to go and enjoy some of the most diverse and treasured gardens and grounds in the UK. Here’s a few to get you started. Hergest Croft Gardens Kington, HR5 3EG The beautiful gardens of Hergest Croft Gardens have been created over 120 years by four generations of the Banks family and is an absolute delight. Revel in the vastness of the 70 acres of gardens filled with over 5000 rare trees and shrubs. Considered to be one of the finest collections in the British Isles, explore the six distinct themed areas including a huge range of exotic champion trees. With fantastic new sculptures by Rachel Ricketts and Rolf Hook take your time and enjoy every moment. Click here for more information. Brobury House and Gardens, Hereford HR3 6BS Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of award winning Brobury House and Gardens which resides on the banks of The River Wye with panoramic views of the surrounding Herefordshire countryside. Open all year round its an absolutely idyllic setting perfect for nature lovers, gardeners, artists, photographers and those […]

LIONS AGREE CHASE DISTILLERY PARTNERSHIP The British & Irish Lions has today announced Herefordshire based, Chase Distillery has joined its portfolio of Official Suppliers. The award-winning British distillery, which champions field to bottle spirits, has also become the Official vodka and gin of the Lions Tour. As part of the partnership, Chase Distillery will receive a host of commercial rights including in-stadia branding and tickets for both the Castle Lager Lions Series and the Vodafone 1888 Cup match against Japan scheduled to take place at BT Murrayfield on Saturday 26th June. The deal also sees Chase Distillery benefit from a suite of digital and social media rights, access to the Lions’ events programme, and the option to create bespoke content using Lions archive and on-tour footage. The Herefordshire-based distillery will also have access to Lions players and coaches for commercial appearances and promotions, as well as the opportunity to watch the team train. “It is fantastic to welcome Chase Distillery to our family of commercial suppliers,” said Ben Calveley, Managing Director at The British & Irish Lions. “In Chase Distillery, we have found a partner who share our passion for excellence, and we are very pleased to have them on […]

It’s not going to be the Valentine’s Day that we were all hoping for but that shouldn’t stop us from showing our love and appreciation to the special people in our lockdown lives. Here are some great gift ideas to ensure that your day is full of l’amour! Here’s to the big lockdown love in! Great Gifts Full of Love Inspirational Gifts for the One You Love, Taste Herefordshire Shop Online There’s nothing more wonderful than indulging in and sharing some food and drink favourites with that special someone in your life. Taste Herefordshire has some inspirational gift ideas for you to give this Valentine’s Day. All based on the very best of Herefordshire food and drink from artisan producers. How divine is that? Press here for more information. Beautiful Bouquets from Barton Court and Sabine Darrall These romantic hand tied floral arrangements of colourful tulips and foliage from Barton Court will brighten up your Valentine’s day. Creatively and thoughtfully designed by superstar florist Sabine Darrall they are the perfect choice for non traditionalists who want to make a classy statement. Available either in biodegradable wrappings or in a lovely glass vase. Nothing says ‘I Love You’ better than flowers. Press here to order or view more Valentine gift options Adding Some Sparkle & […]

Team ESL is excited to be representing Herefordshire as THE destination for Group Travel at this year’s British Tourism & Travel Show at Birmingham’s NEC. With a substantial stand to showcase ESL Members that are group travel locations in Herefordshire, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire will be accompanied by some of the county’s premier group experiences. Meet Chase Distillery for behind-the-scenes tours of how this unique British single estate potato vodka and gin is made, unveil the newly refurbished Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford and marvel at Hereford Cathedral with its world renowned treasures like the Mappa Mundi, Chained Library and 6 acres of RHS ward-winning gardens, plus new features such as the Ascension window and bespoke themed ‘behind the doors’ tours. Treasures & Charters Hereford Business Improvement District and Hereford City Council will be partnering us to showcase the City’s highlights and attractions. Cars and Cocktails Chase Distillery will be treating visitors at the Herefordshire stand to some fabulous cocktail sampling and will have offers and incentives for Group Travel organisers wanting to book tours. There’ll also be some fun in the company’s model car – come and see us for a trip and a tipple. Group Accommodation gets an […]

The Courtyard’s capital expansion project Transform The Yard has been officially handed over from construction company C J Bayliss. The project includes a redesign of The Courtyard’s front of house area, making the Box Office more accessible and part of a new retail space. The shop will eventually sell locally-made arts and crafts. The Café Bar area and first floor dining space have been significantly extended and an outside terrace created. The most notable change is a large two-storey multi-purpose room. This versatile space will be used as an additional performance space, as well as for conferences, meetings, workshops and more. The Courtyard received initial funding for the expansion works from Arts Council England in 2018. Since, they have also secured funding from Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, Bernard Sunley Foundation, Brailsford Trust, Sylvia Waddilove Foundation and The Eveson Charitable  Trust, as well as vital public support, to ensure the project was a success. Transform The Yard was delivered by Hereford construction company C J Bayliss and project managed by Bruce Freeman, a member of The Courtyard’s board and Chair of the Development Committee. Ian Archer, Chief Executive & Artistic Director at The Courtyard, said: “In a year with very […]

Across Herefordshire and South Shropshire, churches are finding creative ways to connect with their villages and towns to celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas. “We want people to know that even with restrictions and social distancing measures; we offer a message of comfort and joy in this season,” said the Revd Guy Wilkinson from St Mary’s Almeley when he shared plans to celebrate Advent and Christmas this year. We have planned and prepared a series of fun activities to encourage people to join in from home and to do as part of their daily exercise around the village.” This year for Advent, the church team have built an extra-large Advent wreath, with a purple candle being “switched on” each Sunday throughout Advent, and the final traditional white candle being switched on, on Christmas Day. He added: “We’ve had to think differently about how we mark each of the Christian celebrations this year, but Advent and Christmas are the most popular.  People appreciate Advent traditions as part of their build-up to Christmas and we want them to know we are always here for them.” Tessa Wilkinson, a member of St Mary’s church in Almeley and the creator behind the advent […]

We are delighted to learn that The Courtyard Hereford has received a lifeline grant from the Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund. The Courtyard Hereford has been awarded £535,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has announced today. The Courtyard is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks This additional funding will help protect The Courtyard’s future until at least spring 2021, when it is hoped social distancing will be eased. Following its closure in March 2020, 94% of its self-generated income was lost through ticket sales, events and Café Bar income, as well as facing thousands of refunds. The community venue recently announced that it had to postpone its Christmas pantomime, which sees on average 25,000 people attend annually. The pantomime is […]

#ShopHERE With uncertainty about how we might spend Christmas still hovering, we do know that we’ll still want to find gorgeous gifts for friends and family, wherever they are. To support our local independent Herefordshire businesses and encourage you to #ShopHERE we’ve put together some Christmas shopping guides full of glittering ideas and inspiration for the festive season. Over 20 Great County Gift Ideas   Top Herefordshire Festive Feasting    Gourmet Gifts from Herefordshire We will be continually adding to our guides as we near the big day. So do pop back and see if there is anything that you’ve missed. __________________________________________________________________________________ Perfect Pressies for Festive Bliss From letterbox gifts to extravagant investments that remain special forever   The gift to distil their own Gin! Silver Circle Distillery, Pleasant View Barn, Catbrook NP16 6UL Imagine giving the gift to the spirit connoisseur to enable them to ‘Make their own gin’! Sessions are held in the tasting room at Silver Circle’s distillery in Catbrook, Monmouthshire. During each 2.5 hour session there will be the opportunity to drink gin & tonics whilst crafting their own unique taste as they learn the art of Gin Making! The resulting bottle of gin will be theirs […]

#EatHERE We’re all unsure about our Christmas plans this year, but if we’re given the opportunity to celebrate in the Top Herefordshire Festive Feasting Spots with family, friends and work colleagues take a look at the delicious destinations below. To support our local independent Herefordshire businesses, when you’re social media-ing use the tags #EatHERE and #DrinkHERE together with #Herefordshire and we’ll help you share the love (so tag us in too with #eatsleepliveherefordshire) All of the businesses featured are hoping to be open for the festive season and are taking bookings now. Look out too for their special takeaway services throughout the lockdown period. ********************************************************** Check out our other local festive blogs …     Gourmet Gifts from Herefordshire    Over 20 Great County Gift Ideas  We will be continually adding to our guides as we near the big day. So do pop back and see if there is anything that you’ve missed. **Each business listed will have their own Covid measures and opening hours in place, so please check with them directly. __________________________________________________________________________________ Festive Feasting The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny NP7 5EN The Angel Hotel is a luxurious, 4 Silver Star hotel, located in the centre of Abergavenny. Situated between 7 hills […]

The Dean of Hereford has announced that he will be retiring in 2021. After holding the position for almost two decades, the Very Revd Michael Tavinor will step down in January. Michael was installed as Dean of Hereford in May 2002. Before this he was Vicar of Tewkesbury Abbey 1990-2002, and previous to that, Precentor at Ely Cathedral 1985-90.  Michael served his title at St Peter, Ealing, in the diocese of London 1982-85. During his time in Hereford, Michael has overseen many changes within the cathedral including several large conservation projects. He has also shared his passion for walking and pilgrimage with the cathedral community and celebrated St Ethelbert and St Thomas Cantilupe with the publication of several books. The Very Revd Michael Tavinor said: “It will be hard to leave Hereford after all these years but the time now seems right. I’m well into my nineteenth year as Dean and am now sixty-seven, so am sure it is high time I handed on to another priest, who will lead the cathedral into a new chapter of its life and ministry. I had expected to finish at the end of the Thomas Cantilupe celebrations, in October this year, but because […]

With the Autumn now approaching you may be wondering where to take the family for a great day out. So to help, here’s our pick of ‘Five Fun Family Activities’ in Herefordshire that will leave you wanting more. Here’s to the memories and fun, we hope you enjoy them. The Viking Games, Middle Cefn, The Stables, Hereford HR2 0JH If you’re a lover of all things Nordic. Enjoyed watching The Last Kingdom. Were glued to the Vikings series or the ever funny Norsemen on Netflix. You’re going to love The Viking Games. It’s a brilliant opportunity to get the family together for a fantastic day out. In the gorgeous surroundings of Herefordshire’s Golden Valley try your hand at traditional Nordic games that have been adapted for some twenty-first century fun. Who will be the victor at Axe Throwing, Archery, Bullrings, Kubb, Molkky or Stige? Who will be crowned the true Viking warrior? It’s a fantastic day out that everyone will enjoy. www.thevikinggames.co.uk Wye Valley Falconry If you and your family enjoy being outdoors then you’ll love spending time with Wye Valley Falconry deep in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. Rated by TripAdvisor as the No.1 outdoor attraction in Herefordshire, Wye Valley […]

On 1st August 2020 Ross-on-Wye Walkers are Welcome (WaW) are launching their Summer of Self-Guided Walking. It is a great sadness that this year’s very popular annual Walking Festival had to be cancelled.  However, visitors and locals can still explore this beautiful and peaceful area – but in safety and with their own family, friends or …. “bubble”.  From 1st August the Walking in Ross website, www.walkinginross.co.uk , will be offering a collection of walks for all abilities and differing lengths in and around locality.  These can be easily downloaded to a pc, tablet or phone; and will link with mapping apps to make them easy to follow. Ross-on-Wye was the birthplace of British Tourism 250 years ago, with acclaimed visitors such as William Wordsworth and JMW Turner; and it is still very dependent economically on visitor spend.  The WaW group are keen to encourage day and staying visitors to return. The Summer of Self-Guided Walking collection has a really interesting set of routes – some which local people may be well familiar with; some that may be new and offer a different perspective.  They range from under 4 miles fully accessible (which can be easily shortened and varied); to […]

Herefordshire tourism project awarded £444,000 of Marches LEP funding A major campaign to help Herefordshire’s tourism and visitor economy recover from the devastating impact of the coronavirus lockdown and February’s flooding has been awarded £440,000 by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. The money will help launch a co-ordinated drive to promote the county as a fantastic, safe destination for day trips and also staycations if the lockdown restrictions ease sufficiently. It is part of a £1.6million package of funding agreed by the Marches LEP across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to support businesses hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis and earlier flooding. Herefordshire Business Board and Herefordshire Council are behind the plan to promote the county’s huge range of tourism attractions, retail and leisure opportunities to both local and national markets. Their plan includes developing a new destination website supported by a smartphone app and local and national marketing and PR campaigns to attract day trippers and families and couples seeking staycations as soon as it is safe to do so. Mandy Thorn MBE DL, chair of the Marches LEP, said the partnership was delighted to support the initiative. “The tourism and visitor economy has been particularly hard hit […]

With such a wonderful sunny spring now behind us we’re looking forward to the summer months. With the opportunity to explore some of our favourite places. Here’s our round up of seven scenic summer spots to enjoy with glorious views, wonderful woodlands and fabulous walks. Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, Dinmore Hill Leominster HR6 0PY The amazing 123 acre ancient woodland at Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is just wonderful to walk round. The views are just breath taking. With its fantastic arboretum, a 47 acre tree collection with over 1,200 rare and exotic trees, this really is the place to be. If you adore wildlife and nature you’ll love the dramatic show of colours, fragrances and wildlife all throughout the year. Once part of the Hampton Court Estate during the 17th century. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR). With the park now open to visitors and the on-site café serving take-away options too. It’s the perfect place for a family picnic or stroll. Click here for more information. NT Berrington Hall Leominster HR6 0DW Standing proud and strong, this fine Georgian mansion sits within Lancelot […]

Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, took tentative steps towards re-opening at the weekend as it reinstated access to limited parts of the grounds for visitors for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdown began. Like all tourism and leisure businesses, Eastnor Castle was forced to indefinitely close its gates on 23rd March, just weeks before it was due to open for a busy Easter. The castle and grounds have been closed ever since until a change in Government guidance last weekend advised attractions could open their gardens through a ticketed control system. Eagerly anticipating this announcement, Eastnor Castle had been working hard throughout their closed period to implement Covid-19 safety measures to ensure that they could open up as soon as possible after the broadcast was made. These safety measures included limiting ticket capacity and selling tickets online only, closing the maze and playgrounds and implementing one-way systems. Extra hand-sanitiser stations were also bought in along with signage advising visitors to keep 2 metres apart from each other when queuing for ice creams. Following a successful re-opening weekend, David Littlewood, General Manager of Eastnor Castle said: “We’re delighted we were able to re-open parts of our grounds at the weekend for […]

It’s that wonderful time of year where spring is almost upon us, the snowdrops are out in force and we take a moment to celebrate the fabulous women in our life on Mother’s Day. So if you’re looking for a special gift, a gorgeous afternoon tea treat or the perfect day out. Here’s our Mother’s Day guide to give you some magnificent Mother’s day ideas and inspiration. SPECIAL GIFTS TO TREASURE Mike Gell Jewellery shop is situated in Hereford’s historic town centre on East Street, showcasing over seventy designer-makers. Focusing on supporting British makers who excel in high quality design and craftsmanship. With a vast array of styles to choose from and four jewellers onsite, it’s the perfect place to acquire a beautiful piece that will be treasured forever. John McKellar has the most beautiful collection of designer, handmade platinum, silver and gold jewellery. Individual pieces that will make a statement and show how much you love your Mum. Located on Church Street in Hereford their lovely staff are knowledgeable and take pleasure in finding you that perfect piece. Andrew Lamputt Silversmith & Jeweller specialises in beautiful antique and modern jewellery, with a wonderful collection of gorgeous and unique pieces for you […]

RENOWNED ARTISTS AND SCULPTORS SHOWCASE WORK AT GARDEN ART EXHIBITION Renowned artists and sculptors from across the country are preparing to showcase their work at a Garden Art Exhibition in Worcestershire. Holloways, in Suckley, is hosting the week-long exhibition in aid of the Worcestershire Community Foundation (WCF). Artists including Antony Bridge – the National Trust’s Artist in Residence at Croome – wildlife printmaker Shelly Perkins and still life painter Nicola Currie will be joining RHS gold medal-winning sculptor Christine Charlesworth and Herefordshire artist blacksmith Jon Clift at the show next month. They are among 25 well-known names heading to contemporary country living retailer Holloways for the exhibition, which runs from February 7-13. Also showcasing their work are Worcestershire exhibitors Paul Burton, who creates Earthlight sculptures inspired by his career in the mining industry; landscaper Peter Fletcher, who makes exquisite fire spheres; university art lecture Heather Farmer, who creates striking canvases of wildflower meadows and painter Melanie Williams. Shropshire printmaker Julia Timmins will also be exhibiting, along with landscape artist Chris Williams, Mary Brittain, who paints bold and colourful canvases of gardens, and Welsh landscape painter David Thompson. Artwork in oils, watercolours and dazzling gold leaf will sit alongside intricate giclee […]

If 2020 is the year that you intend to propose to that special person in your life then it’s time for you to discover romantic Herefordshire. A county of mountain walks, valley views, wonderful woodlands, nature trails and fabulous food. There are some beautiful and memorable places that will capture the moment and make Valentine’s Day extra special this year. Let’s not forget that it’s also a leap year, so ladies if your partner is a little shy, this is your year to take the lead and propose. AMAZING PLACES TO PROPOSE The Weir Garden Surround yourself with nature, wildlife and ancient trees, feel the wind in your hair and look out onto the beautiful river meandering by. Take a romantic walk following the garden paths as they wend their way downhill to the riverside or stop on one of the pretty bridges for a special moment together. To find out more click here. Queenswood Country Park & Arboretum Imagine the breeze on your faces and the breath-taking vistas of the viewpoint at Queenswood Country Park for your magic moment. Historically a vast ancient oak wood that once stretched to the Welsh borders and beyond, this is a stunning location […]

18TH BORDERLINES FILM FESTIVAL Herefordshire, Shropshire, Malvern, and the Welsh Marches Borderlines Film Festival Comes of Age Borderlines Film Festival is back for its eighteenth consecutive year in 2020. Now one of the largest, best-attended film festivals nationally, it will take place over 17 days from Friday 28 February to Sunday 15 March in 30 locations across three counties of the Welsh Marches: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Powys, as well as Malvern in Worcestershire. Borderlines ranges over 2,000 square miles of rural Britain, bringing films and related events to venues of different size and character, from multi-disciplinary arts centres, theatres and assembly rooms, to village halls, community cinemas, a church, a pub and a cluster of pop-ups. In this sparsely-populated area of the country, the Festival attracted a record 21,678 attendances for its 2019 edition. A total of 280 screenings, more than ever before, are planned for 2020. 80 features and around 30 shorts will make up the programme. These films will be supplemented by guest speakers, exhibitions and additional moving image events. The Independent Cinema Office programmes Borderlines and secures a generous proportion of film titles screening at the Festival prior to their UK release. These previews comprise approximately 30% of […]

As the festive season gets into full swing, Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury, will be opening its doors for a very special evening of Christmas magic, just a week before the big day! On the evening of Wednesday 18th December, James Hervey-Bathurst, the owner of Eastnor Castle, will be welcoming visitors from 6pm until 8.30pm to sample the delights of Christmas at Eastnor. The castle doors will swing open for three scheduled tours, each led by James himself and will take in the beautifully decorated Great Hall including a 20-foot tree featuring decorations handed down through generations. The historic bedrooms and the atmospheric, candle-lit dining room will give people a glimpse into Christmas from a bygone era. The tour will include a glass of wine and a mince pie as well as Christmas carols by members of the Ledbury Choral Society. The event is to raise funds for the Eastnor Church Tower Appeal in which James is heavily involved. Up to £120,000 needs to be raised for a project to repair the ancient and beautiful church and to improve its facilities to allow wider use. The Church is a grade 1-listed Place of Worship and on the Historic England Buildings at […]

PENSONS WINS BEST RESTAURANT AND FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AT THE HEREFORD TIMES FOOD & DRINK AWARDS 2019 Pensons has been awarded Best Restaurant or Dining Pub and named overall winner of Food & Drink Business of the Year at the Hereford Times Food & Drink Awards 2019.  The Hereford Times Food & Drinks Awards, now in their second year, celebrate innovation, service and creativity in food and drink industries across Herefordshire. The awards ceremony took place on Tuesday 19th November at Hereford Racecourse and was presented by journalist, Rob Stokes. The awards cover 11 different categories including Best Cider Producer, won by Bromyard’s Little Pomona and Best Drinks Producer awarded to Penrhos Spirits. Pensons vision is to cook imaginative, ingredient-led menus that showcase the very best produce that, whenever possible, is grown on the Estate or sourced locally during the seasons. This approach was applauded by the judges who also commented that Pensons had elevated the region to national recognition with their recent Michelin Star accolade. Peta Darnley, Pensons Managing Partner, commented; ‘Our ethos is to put local at the heart of what we do. So not only do we grow what ingredients we can, but […]

Hereford Lions Santa Sleigh Route for 2019 (Updated 9th November 2019) Hereford Lions Santa Sleigh route around the city streets of Hereford, and in the neighbouring villages, is one of the great Christmas traditions which was introduced by the Hereford Lions Club four decades ago. Thousands of children come out to see Santa and tell him what presents they would like for Christmas with some children giving him a letter (don’t forget to put your name and address on it to get a reply from Santa!). Please note: the times given are approximate. Saturday 30th November – Villages From 5pm – Moreton on Lugg (outside village stores), 5.45pm – Marden School, 6.15pm – Sutton St Nicholas School Sunday 1st December – East Belmont & Newton Farm area From 4.30pm – Eastholme (Community Centre), Westholme Rd (by Notice Board), Mulberry Close, Silver Firs, Wheatridge Rd (corner of Green Nash Close), Rowan Tree Close, Waterfield Rd (by bus shelter), Yarlington Mill (junc Coppin Rise), Carwardine Green, Ethelstan Cres (junc Waterfield Rd), Ethelstan Cres (halfway along), Ethelstan Cres (junc Masefield Ave), Charlton Ave, New Kilvert Rd, Woodward Ave, The Oval Monday 2nd December – Villages From 5pm – Holme Lacy, 5.45pm – Fownhope, […]

HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES HAS VISITED THE BIRTHPLACE OF UK TOURISM, ROSS ON WYE Ross-on-Wye put on a right regal show to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales when he visited the town where UK tourism began in 1770. His Royal Highness toured a local producers’ market and met groups representing the strong philanthropic heritage of the town, including local community organisations and their local business supporters. He visited the historic Market House to meet members of the arts and crafts collective, Made in Ross and met local schoolchildren. He came to Ross-on-Wye to launch the Gilpin 2020 celebrations. In 1770 the Reverand William Gilpin published the first tourist guide in Britain when the ‘Wye Tour’ began, and coined the term ‘picturesque’. The ‘bestseller’ guided visitors to the beauties of the Wye Valley, now an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The launch of Gilpin 2020 heralds a year of activities, including an augmented reality project – Museum Without Walls, lectures, talks, films, the Ross-on-Wye May festival, vintage rowing trips, art and photography exhibitions amongst them.

The festive season is almost upon us and some of our favourite Herefordshire restaurants have unleashed their fantastic Christmas foodie menus. Here’s our 10 Terrific Places for a Festive Feast around the county that will have you celebrating Christmas in style with your family and friends. Prepare yourself for some amazing food, entertainment and fun and relish eating out in Herefordshire. Who doesn’t enjoy a festive feast? The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey If you fancy being really decadent this Christmas how about dining at the glorious Riverside Inn located deep in Mortimer Country in north Herefordshire. Recently awarded UK’s Best Restaurant at the UK Slow Food Awards this fantastic foodie paradise best known for its creative menus and use of local produce will blow you away. The Riverside Inn, Aymestrey, Herefordshire HR6 9ST T: 01568 708440 E: enquiries@riversideaymestrey.co.uk W: www.riversideaymestrey.co.uk Pensons Recently the recipient of a Michelin Star, the wonderful Pensons Restaurant with acclaimed Chef Lee Westcott and his talented team at the helm are offering you the best in fine dining this festive season. Located on the Herefordshire /Worcestershire borders on the Netherwood Estate, the showcase of fantastic seasonal produce from the farm itself and local area creates dishes that […]

This autumn, Ludlow Farm (former Ludlow Food Centre) plays host to a unique pop-up art gallery. ‘The Artists’ Gallery’ will be housed in the ex ‘Isla Bikes’ showroom and will open on Saturday the 5th of October until the end of December. As the name suggests the gallery will be managed and run by the artists themselves, giving buyers the exciting opportunity to meet and buy directly from the makers.  The concept of the gallery was the brainchild of local wildlife artist Shelly Perkins, who sought to find a group of fellow creatives to join her in this exclusive opportunity to exhibit at this artisan retail site.  The group now comprises a range of artists and crafts people working to the highest level in their chosen field, representing mediums including wood turning, print making, painting, sculpture and ceramics. Priscilla Hann has been working as a bronze sculptor for nearly 50 years, her intricate pieces capture the essence of her subjects which range from race horses to dung beetles. Danielle Flowers handcrafts contemporary turned home décor and accessories, utilizing native timber sustainably felled from the Shropshire landscape. Megan Evans creates ‘rubbish’ art (literally!) by collecting litter from the natural landscape and […]

The Courtyard will be hosting its first SpeedQuizzing event on Tuesday 15 October to raise funds for the organisation and encourage the trivia buffs to take on a pub quiz challenge with a twist. SpeedQuizzing is a new, entirely digital alternative to the traditional pub quiz and has changed the way people approach trivia events. Paper and pens are replaced by tablets/smartphones. Gone are the days of swapping papers to mark answers, as scores are updated real-time by the software and this adds a new level of energy and social interaction between players. “I’m really excited to bring SpeedQuizzing to The Courtyard!” Says Corporate Fundraising Manager and SpeedQuiz host Olle Grove, “It’s a great chance to have some good fun at the same time as raising important funds for The Courtyard’s ongoing community work. We’re inviting local businesses to join in and pit themselves against each other, as well as the best of Herefordshire’s quizzing scene. SpeedQuizzing is fun, fresh and fast paced. Plus this is the only quiz of its kind in the county!” The Courtyard’s SpeedQuizzing event kicks off on Tuesday 15 October at 8pm (registration from 7.30pm) and costs just £2 per player. Teams must have at […]

The Big Apple is a community event celebrating apples, orchards and cider and the ways in which they have shaped the picturesque countryside in one small corner of Herefordshire.  Harvestime 2019 marks 30 years for the Big Apple and a special opportunity to join the celebrations! Nine venues in and around Much Marcle will be offering visitors the chance to learn, taste and enjoy.  Cider and perry and making will be taking place at all scales from small to commercial, and the producers will be sharing their knowledge and providing opportunities to sample and buy. An amazing range of dessert and cooking apples will be on display for tasting at the Feast of Apples at Hellens and less well known varieties can be purchased in the Apple Market.  Marcher Apple Network will be on hand to help anyone hoping to identify their own apples. As part of the 30th celebrations, there will be two talks at Hellens on Sunday 13th October.  At 12 noon, local fruitgrower, Norman Stanier, will be looking back into the early records of the Woolhope Naturalists‘ Field Club to discover the stories behind the famous Herefordshire Pomona.  At 2pm, Professor Paul Hadley of the University of Reading will […]

Team ESL always welcomes journalists to experience Herefordshire and then write about our amazing county on their various press and media platforms. A family holiday in Herefordshire We recently hosted EU writer Martin Banks, in collaboration with Kynaston Public Relations, who was able to experience a wonderful family week at a whole variety of Herefordshire locations this summer. Martin is a highly experienced, British-born journalist with over 16 years’ experience of covering the EU and other international bodies based in Brussels/Belgium for several titles. Living with his family in Belgium, he is also a contributor to Brussels Express writing on a wide variety of issues, including travel and eating out. After 24 hours in Hereford City, at Castle House Hotel, we relocated him and his family to the Riverside Inn at Aymestrey for a night in their new north Herefordshire garden lodges. Knowing that he would have a picturesque drive there, we then directed him across county to Treeopia, for a unique stay in their amazing luxury tree house retreats on the East Herefordshire border. Sunday saw a delicious lunch at nearby newly opened Pensons restaurant and a tour of the Netherwood Estate. 48 hours later we nestled them into […]

The Green Dragon Hotel has Appointed Executive Chef Simon Bolsover To Launch its New Restaurant, The Hereford.  The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford City Centre is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Bolsover as Executive Chef of The Green Dragon Hotel in Hereford. With over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Simon will manage the culinary program of the new dining experience at the hotel as well as the catering for private functions and events. Simon was born in Yorkshire and most recently worked as Executive Head Chef at the 5-star Seaham Hall Hotel & Spa near Durham having previously worked alongside Raymond Blanc and Keith Floyd. With Simon’s guidance and his drive for gastronomic excellence visitors to the Green Dragon Hotel can expect to see a radical change in the menu as they launch the new restaurant with a focus on modern British dining. Local and seasonal will be at the heart of the menu and Simon is excited to work with local growers and producers to celebrate Herefordshire’s rich larder. Simon joins the new management team at the Green Dragon Hotel with the recent appointment of Food and Beverage Manager Zoe McDonald, who will be […]

Last night saw the launch of The Offa Bar at the Green Dragon Hotel; the latest location in the venue’s exciting refurbishment to be completed.Open to residents and public alike, the cocktail bar is a stylish boutique addition to the City’s social scene. The beautiful original carved bar has been re-installed to this architecturally alluring room, which has a stunning glass dome in the ceiling and a wall of leaded windows behind the bottle displays, providing the perfect showcase for your cocktail ingredients. Exciting concoctions from traditional classics to the more exotic form a wide cocktail menu that celebrates locally distilled spirits from brands like Chase Vodka, Williams Gin and British Cassis, as well as other nectareous Whiskeys, Rums, Tequilas and Liqueurs. Decorated in warm russet tones for the seating and the hotel’s signature teal walls, banquet seating lines the walls, with comfy low chairs and cocktail tables one end and bar tables and stools the other.  The vibe is smooth, clubby yet cosy and vibrant enough for a cheeky lunchtime tipple. Directors of the Green Dragon welcomed a host of Herefordshire’s business and social faces from around the county, and, of course, Team ESL, who were treated to canapes […]

ESL’s Managing Director, Heidi Chamberlain-Jones was delighted to be invited to speak about their plans for the county’s tourism economy at July’s meeting of the Bromyard Chamber of Trade and Industry. Around 35 businesses from in and around the area attended the event at The Falcon Hotel in the centre of this active market town, known for its year-round hosting of amazing festivals. From accommodation providers to food and drink destinations, event organisers and those generally interested in developing Bromyard’s visitor economy and foot flow, the room heard how Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire is leading the promotion of the county to put it on the visitor map, and how organisers and businesses can engage with and support these marketing activities. Bromyard is certainly looking for ways to actively develop its share of the growing UK ‘staycation’ visitor market, and a new enthusiasm and direction is being harnessed by an energetic group of inspiring business owners. “There are some incredible things happening in Bromyard and East Herefordshire” enthused Heidi. “From luxury treehouse retreats like Treeopia to fine dining destinations such as Pensons, and amazing experiences at Chase Distillery, as well as the wider plethora of casually accessible yet beautifully presented places […]

HEREFORDSHIRE’S SHOWCASE YEAR Celebrating the Royal Three Counties Show’s 60th year, Herefordshire was this year’s host county for this mammoth agricultural and family event and TeamESL flew the county’s flag loud and proud on the weekend of 14-16 June 2019. Leading this year’s Hop into Herefordshire hub, Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire showcased our Members and the the amazing, yet often hidden locations for the finest food, accommodation and places to enjoy across the region on our big information stand by the main ring. Plus there was lots more going on on our stand … Friday was – Potters wheel tasters Have a go at the Potter’s Wheel with Eastnor Pottery’s flying potter Jon Williams. Saturday – foodie tasting Jane Raven, creator of Myrtle’s Kitchen, with a taste of her award-winning chutneys and preserves, so prized she has a unique range in Selfridges and Liberty! Sunday – Skull-duggery in the Shire A fascinating discovery of skulls by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust highlighted the county’s wildlife heritage and kept you guessing ‘can to tell what it is yet?’ And our Managing Director, Heidi Chamberlain-Jones met lots of interesting people who all came to see the stand … And we must give a Hi-5 […]