There is a season for everything, yet somehow our human years generally do not cycle. We hit the ground running in early January, let up for a couple of weeks in August and then push on through until the Christmas break. Unlike the birds and the bees, the flowers and the trees, we are forever ‘on’. But the natural year can act as a guide to living if we let it. And January is a wonderful place to start, when everything is happening underground. This month, we’ll hit the ground running with Wassailing, a celebration that’s all about the love of people and hospitality, creating an atmosphere of unity, of all being as one.
ON THE PLATES
from our Wassailing Menu
Classic Fish Soup, Rouille and Croutons
Loin of Venison, Venison Faggot, Lightly Pickled Pear
Caramelised Apple Presse, Vanilla
IN THE BOTTLE
This January we will showcase some fabulous “I can’t believe it’s not wine” cider and perry with limited availability!
Woodfine Sparkling Rose Cider
Charlie Herring Perfect Strangers
A selection from Little Pomona ciders
IN THE GLASS
A classic with a festive feel and a warming glow, our Festive Negroni is the perfect companion for a glamorous festive season.
WASSAILING
Wassail literally means “be in good health” or “be fortunate”. What could possibly be a greater reason to celebrate the start of the new year other than spreading the love?
So, on the 6th of January, we will be Wassailing at Harrow and Hope, where Nick Holton of Big Potato records and Jakie Oates will sing a couple of tunes, Richard Woodfine will give us a reading whilst we drink our warm spiced cider, and snack around the fire before we drop down into The Oarsman and have a welcome glass of Cuvée No5 before a 3-course menu by Scott Smith accompanied with some rare cider and wines. Tickets at £55.
JANUARY PLANS
BURNS NIGHT
This January we’re celebrating Burns Night with Aberfeldy, in honour of Scotland’s most famous poet. There is no place more atmospheric than the Oarsman to mark this uniquely Scottish event.