… from Solstice Yoga to The Ritz – Madrid, Italians & Inspirations
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Before we know it, this amazing summer will sadly be coming to an end, and soon we’ll be wrapped up in our winter woollies by the fire, faced with the long, dark evenings — and perhaps even thinking about Christmas!
First, an apology — especially to our new foodie subscribers: I can’t believe my last newsletter went out FIVE months ago – in April! For Second-Helpings, May, June and July have been the busiest months since we first started in December 2019, so there simply hasn’t been much time to write blogs or post on social media. Thank you for your patience!
What a summer it’s been. We’ve had some absolutely amazing people pass through, and thanks to the continuous sunshine, we’ve been able to host some extra-special events: a Summer Solstice Hatha Yoga and lunch in the garden, a “full on” and very competitive Croquet Tournament, and an Italian Evening. We celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, reunions – lunches, brunches, afternoon teas and suppers, inside and out. So much joy and laughter.
Solstice-inspired Yoga & Lunch
Back in June, before the first of the heatwaves, when the grass was vibrant green and there were a few clouds in the sky, we spent a truly wonderful morning with like-minded souls, disconnecting from our hectic lives and celebrating the summer solstice. Alex from YourYoga — who teaches every Wednesday at Starborough Manor — led us through a gentle, flowing 1.5-hour session. A delicious and healthy lunch followed (apart from the cheesecake!).
“A truly wonderful morning teaching like-minded souls, celebrating the summer solstice. Gratitude, abundance, light, sun, energy, warmth.”
Thank you, Barbara @secondhelpingsdining, for the most sumptuous lunch. And a big shout-out for the cheesecake, which was sublime.
Croquet Tournament: Seven teams, One trophy
“The Lawn Rangers”, “Weapons of Grass Destruction”, “Maple Mallets”, “Hoops La La”, “Dane Hooligans”, “The Easy Swingers” and “The Grass Stains” battled it out (after lunch of course) to win the coveted trophy! The final was a test of strength, willpower and marital bickering between The Grass Stains and The Dane Hooligans — and it was VERY, VERY close! The Dane Hooligans scraped through and took home the cup. There is a re-match in September.
Italian Evening: Food, dressing up and football
Our themed evenings are always extremely popular, and the limited places are often snapped up by the same friends and neighbours before I even get a chance to advertise! The last one, back in December, was French — so this time we turned our attention to Italy and splashed out on a life-size cardboard cut-out of Michelangelo’s David!
Everyone entered into the spirit of the evening – we had two pizza heads, a roman centurion, a couple from a Venetian masked ball, a gangster (that was me, with my blow up machine gun) and ladies adorned with red, white and green attire! The food, wine and music were all Italian inspired and we even had some famous Italians past and present to identify!
The menu:
Calabrian sausage rolls
Tomato essence
Focaccia with tomato, basil & strawberry
Shaved asparagus & burrata
Sea bream
Lamb
A variety of desserts & cheese — with affogato to end!
The trouble is, England were playing Norway in the World Cup, and we all forgot the affogato! Great result though …..
Guests helped to clear the table in complete blackness using mobile phone torches and crept home in the early hours.
Next time: Spain! I’m imagining toreadors, flamenco dancers, Padron peppers and paella. If you want to beat the usual crowd for a place — or book one for a group of 6 or more — let me know and I’ll start a list!
Food Inspiration – The Fig Tree
A couple of years ago, our neighbours Andy & Hilary recommended a restaurant in the lovely village of Hurstpierpoint called The Fig Tree — but it was only last month that we actually got it together and booked a table! It was so well worth the wait!
A six-course, locally sourced menu with paired wines. Every course was a dream, and so beautifully presented on adorable crockery — so many photo opportunities. I emailed the next day to congratulate them and had an immediate response. They even commented on my website. My favourite courses were the canapés and the turbot with puy lentils — I’ve asked for the recipes, so (hopefully) watch this space. I’ll have some sort of adaptation on my menu before the end of the year! Definitely one to try out – The Fig Tree, Hurstpierpoint.
Summer Highlights – Madrid
Madrid is one of those must-visit cities. It has everything: history and culture, beautiful architecture, secret gems, fabulous shopping and amazing food. And the best way to experience it? A two-hour tour on a vintage Royal Enfield motorbike and sidecar — Wallace & Gromit for two hours! What an unforgettable and unique experience.
Then came lunch, in the garden at the Ritz, Madrid. Sunshine, clear skies, a fashion shoot, attentive staff and amazing food. First came the bread and olive oil — a pale green oil with grassy flavours, absolutely delicious, and I pointed this out to the waiter. A few minutes later, he appeared with a bottle for me to take home. Several courses later – hand dived scallops, croquetas, salads – when it was time to sign the bill, I also commented about the very nice pen… and he gave me that too! Great result!! So much so, we went back on our last night and had the tasting menu in the restaurant. A wonderful birthday treat, I have no idea how the pianist knew! — and so much cheaper than the Ritz in Piccadilly!
…… and the food!!
…… and that tour of the City!!
Book your Autumn / Winter Celebrations now
Bookings are open for our very popular Christmas Luxury Tea by the Tree from November onwards. And if you want to celebrate a get-together without the noise, the hustle and bustle, the waiting, the noisy crowds, the service charge and other add-ons — please do consider Second-Helpings. If you are coming from further afield, we are only 7 minutes walk from the main line railway station.
You’ll experience delicious, well-presented food (menus discussed and planned beforehand) at fair prices. You bring your own wines which we will keep chilled (we charge corkage at £5 per opened bottle), and you’ll receive excellent personal service. There are spaces for lunches, teas and evening meals in November and December — so do get in touch soon!
Dates for your Diaries
Saturday 14th November – St Peter and St Paul’s Church Lingfield Christmas Event
Friday 27th November – Charters’ Village Christmas Event
Peter David Calnan | 16th May 1937 – 10th June 2026
To end, I would like to pay tribute to Peter Calnan, who sadly passed away on 10th June at the age of 89. Peter was a great and loyal supporter of Second-Helpings from the very beginning. In fact, he and Jose were my very first “takeaway” customers. Peter visited with friends and family on many occasions. One particular and very fond memory was when he and his family celebrated Marianne’s 100th birthday, his latest great grandchild, Arthur also attended at just 6 weeks old. I still look at the video we took of Marianne and her friend on the swings at the end of the garden 😊and remember how they giggled! Peter was a wonderful man who made the most delicious wholemeal bread and marmalade – I will miss him.
