With Spring comes new ideas and new menus!!
During March, April and possibly May, we are testing out a NEW SHARING MENU idea with a relaxed, tapas-style approach allowing guests to savour a variety of dishes in a leisurely manner. Each dish will be beautifully presented on sharing platters allowing guests to help themselves, at their own pace – a great way to engage and try a diverse selection of flavours!
There are no time restraints (only one booking taken per day) and the option to wander in the beautiful garden adds a touch of serenity to your dining experience.
Prices start from £25 per person, making this dining experience accessible, and it allows guests to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
We think this is a wonderful concept for those looking to enjoy good food in a relaxed and aesthetically pleasing setting.
A Night of Traditions and Revelry: A Burns Night Celebration to Remember
The venue, adorned with tartan decorations and flickering candles, the evening promised a rich tapestry of Scottish traditions, fine spirits, and culinary delights.
Guests, suitably attired with tartan, braces, beards & braces and the odd Tam O’Shanter, were piped in, setting the tone for an evening steeped in the spirit of Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland.
As attendees mingled, they were treated to a Whisky Winter Sour cocktail and a Scottish tart, a harmonious combination of creamy goat’s cheese, delicate filo pastry, and the subtle sweetness of heather honey.
The centrepiece of the evening, the haggis, was presented with the ceremonial address, a moment that harkened back to Burns’ famous “Address to a Haggis.” The room stood still as the traditional ode was recited, paying homage to the humble yet revered dish. The cutting of the haggis marked the commencement of a feast that celebrated the rich flavours of Scotland.
Toasts to the lassies followed, with heartfelt words and humorous anecdotes. The replies to these toasts added a touch of wit and charm, creating an atmosphere of shared laughter and appreciation for the fairer sex (sort of!!)
As the night progressed, the festivities took a lively turn with a Scottish quiz, challenging guests’ knowledge of the country’s history, culture, and folklore. The evening concluded with a round of Scottish charades, where participants embodied iconic figures from Scottish history and literature. The guessing game encouraged creative interpretations and spirited performances, serving as a fitting finale to a night filled with merriment.
….. and we had a “Special Guest” lurking in the background!
60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration
Love, commitment, and the passage of time were celebrated in style as Mike and Pam Jackson hosted a [belated] heart-warming tea party to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. The event was a beautiful testament to six decades of shared joys and unwavering love 😊
The festivities took place on Thursday 22nd February at Charters’ Village, East Grinstead. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, joy, and nostalgia as fellow residents gathered to honour the remarkable milestone achieved by Mike & Pam.
Guests were treated to an impressive array of goodies, specifically chosen by the couple when planning the party last year!! Unfortunately the celebration, which was due to be held in July last year, had to be postponed due to the death of a very dear friend.
Guests were treated to bubbles on arrival and were seated at tables adorned with white tablecloths and decorated with colourful flowers arranged by Pam & friends. The tea menu started off with some warm, lightly spiced sausage rolls and cheese scones with a mustard butter followed by an assortment of delectable finger sandwiches. Light carrot cupcakes with cinnamon butter icing and raspberry & amaretti biscuits followed and there were some delicious Lily O’Brian petit fours to end.
One of the highlights of the event was a heartfelt speech by Mike who shared memories of the couple’s journey together and ended with him presenting a beautiful bouquet of Pam’s favourite flowers!!
I would like to offer my special thanks to Nigel Walter, the Manager at Charters Village & Abi Wood, Hospitality Manager, who were key to making this event such a beautiful celebration of a lifetime of love. It was an afternoon that will be etched in the hearts of all who attended as a reminder that true love is a timeless treasure worth celebrating.
Here’s to Pam & Mike, may your love continue to blossom and inspire for many more years to come!
Google Reviews
Word of mouth and heartfelt personal reviews are by far the best recommendation one can give so, if you would like to share your experience at Second-Helpings, please search for “Secondhelpingsdining” and leave a review/recommendation
Mike & I would like to say a big Thankyou for the lovely anniversary tea you provided for us and residents at our Retirement Village last week – the tea was perfect – as one resident said ‘one delicious thing coming one after the other ‘ – this was not the first time we have used Second-Helpings but as usual the food provided was delicious & beautifully presented – Thankyou so much – until the next time ! From Pam & Mike .
DATES FOR YOUR CALENDARS – 2024
FABULOUS FASHION EVENING
7.30pm on Friday 22nd March, 2024
Cabi stylist will talk us through the new Spring Season’s Collection,
Talk about trends and share some styling tips too. Wine and snacks will be served
YOGA AND LUNCH IN THE GARDEN
Sunday 9th June, 2024
(This event was originally booked for 2nd June but due to unforeseen circumstances had to be changed)
As last year’s class & lunch proved to be so popular, Second-Helpings has invited back Alex Mannering of YourYoga to hold a 90 session of yoga in the garden followed by a delicious home cooked lunch which includes a glass of bubbles, buffet lunch & desserts, soft drinks, teas & coffees
Start time 11:00am
Lunch served around 13:00
Price £40.00 per person
Ends around 15:00 hrs but absolutely no rush!!
OPEN GARDEN CHARITY DAY
Saturday 29th June, 2024
Enjoy our annual Open Garden Charity Day with live jazz band and a delicious lunch/tea.
Proceeds will go to MacMillan Cancer Relief & the Alzheimer’s Society
More details to follow ……