What To Book Around The UK This November

From festive fairs to ice rinks, winter is well and truly on its way. Thankfully, there are plenty of spots across the UK to keep warm, from cosy new boltholes and fresh beauty parlours to Barry’s Bootcamp’s first non-London UK outpost. Here’s where to hang out this month…

SLEEP SOUNDLY HERE: The Wild Rabbit Inn, Oxfordshire

Michelin-starred chef Alyn Williams, known for his acclaimed London restaurant Alyn Williams at The Westbury, has joined The Wild Rabbit Inn in Kingham as chef patron. As if that wasn’t reason enough to book a table, those looking to pay a visit should check into one of the inn’s three new cottages. In keeping with the local Daylesford style, the rooms combine luxury with pared-back simplicity: each cottage sleeps four and is beautifully furnished with a fully equipped kitchen, AGA, living area and private garden.

Church Street, Kingham, Chipping Norton, OX7 6YA

Visit TheWildRabbit.co.uk

CHECK OUT BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL-APPROVED WARES HERE: Bicester Village, Oxfordshire

The British Fashion Council – the organiser of London Fashion Week and leading organisation for promoting British designers in the global fashion economy – is launching a new designer pop-up boutique at Bicester Village. Until 11th November, shoppers can discover a unique edit of Britain’s most exciting emerging and established fashion brands, including Christopher Kane, Emilia Wickstead, Eudon Choi, Holly Fulton, Marques’Almeida, Mother of Pearl, palmer//harding, Peter Pilotto, Sharon Wauchob, Teatum Jones, Teija, Roksanda, Nicholas Kirkwood and Perfect Moment. The perfect place to source a showstopper for the festive party season.

50 Pingle Drive, Bicester, OX26 6WD; until 11th November

Visit BicesterVillage.com

RELAX IN STYLE HERE: Thyme, Cotswolds

Thyme, a restored historic Cotswold manor and farm, will launch its destination dining offering later this month. Rooted in a passion for the local land, the Ox Barn will serve modern British countryside fare under the direction of head chef Charlie Hibbert. The 56-seat restaurant is the final ingredient at Thyme, completing a 15-year restoration project which saw the arrival of the Meadow Spa this summer, plus a set of striking new bedrooms in the Georgian rectory. Signature dishes will include leeks with fried Wiltshire truffled egg; roast Southrop lamb with braised beans and salsa verde; and hazelnut cake with poached pears and cream – all sourced within metres of the kitchens.

Southrop Manor Estate, Gloucestershire, GL7 3NX; from 16th November

Visit Thyme.co.uk

FEEL FESTIVE HERE: Mary Howard’s Christmas Fair, Cotswolds

Cotswold residents on the hunt for early pressies will find plenty of inspiration at the Mary Howard Christmas Fair; the longest-running Christmas fair in the Cotswolds. Showcasing over 150 specialist retailers, the 39th anniversary of this annual show will see over 8,000 visitors pass through the doors, eyeing up everything from artisan foodie treats and beauty products, to children’s gifts, luxury clothing and homeware, and plenty of ideas for the home.

Cotswold Airport, Cirencester, GL7 6BA; 13th-16th November

Visit MaryHowardFairs.com

GET PAMPERED HERE: John Lewis & Partners, Leeds

John Lewis & Partners has launched a new beauty concept at its Leeds store. The Beauty Studio provides personal, independent and inspirational advice to help customers find the right products for them from across John Lewis’ full range of brands and products. We like the sound of the ‘Beauty Confidential’ treatment (£35, redeemable against products): an hour-long consultation that offers one-to-one advice, whether you’re looking for a solution to a specific issue, a total beauty makeover, a makeup bag refresh or wedding day tips.

Victoria Gate, Harewood Street, Leeds, LS2 7AR; open now

Visit JohnLewis.com

VISIT A LONG-AWAITED RESTAURANT HERE: Southside Scran, Edinburgh

This November, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin opens his latest restaurant, Southside Scran, in the heart of Bruntsfield in Edinburgh. Featuring an open rotisserie in the middle of the brass-accented dining room, the neighbourhood bistro’s menu will incorporate the best of Scotland’s produce, with hints of Tom's passion for French cuisine. It will be the first time that Kitchin Group has brought the ‘From nature to plate’ philosophy to the south side of town, following the success of The Kitchin in Leith, Castle Terrace near Edinburgh Castle and The Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge. We predict yet another success.

14-17 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4HN; opens 12th November

Visit SouthsideScran.com

GET YOUR SKATES ON HERE: Celtic Manor, Newport

Celtic Manor Resort is preparing to launch The Great Skate. A new festive experience for 2018, guests will be able to glide across the ice rink under a crystal-clear roof in the resort’s Rooftop Garden. Open from 23rd November, visitors will be able to warm up with hot chocolates or a festive tipple from the licensed bar, or bite into a selection of wares from the Bratwurst Grill. Late-night skates will be available for adults, alongside family-friendly sessions across the weekends.

The Usk Valley, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1HQ; 23rd November-5th January

Visit Celtic-Manor.com

GET CULTURED HERE: University Arms, Cambridge

In celebration of the Fitzwilliam Museum’s current exhibition Virginia Woolf: An exhibition inspired by her writings, the newly reopened University Arms is offering visitors the chance to pair a trip to the gallery with an overnight stay in the Woolf Suite. The namesake suite celebrates the writer’s work and comes complete with a personal library curated by Heywood Hill, one of London’s leading bookshops. The room is finished with a portrait of Woolf, while hints of Cambridge Blue, bespoke furniture and a statement chandelier help retain a classically Cambridge feel. Alongside a 110-cover restaurant, the hotel is also home to a 61-seat bar and a library which serves its ‘Historical Cambridge Afternoon Tea’ daily. A great spot for a winter weekend away.

Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AD; until 9th December

Visit UniversityArms.com

BLOW THE BANK HERE: & Other Stories, Bristol

Bristol, wave goodbye to shipping fees: & Other Stories has opened a store at Cabot Circus Shopping Centre. Spanning 675sq m and filled with endless must-buys including accessories, bags, jewellery, beauty products, shoes, and ready-to-wear collections, the Scandi store is set to be a sure-fire hit with Bristol’s fashion pack. Keep your eyes peeled: & Other Stories is also due to launch a new store in Liverpool later in the year.

Cabot Circus, Penn Street, Bristol, BS1 3BX; open now

Visit Stories.com

GET A SWEAT ON HERE: Barry’s Bootcamp, Manchester

Barry’s Bootcamp is set to open its first UK studio outside of London in Manchester this month. Barry’s Manchester will be located at the ABC Buildings, part of the 17-acre St John’s development. The opening coincides with Barry’s celebrating 20 years since launching its first studio in West Hollywood, LA in 1998. It now has over 50 studios around the world, with over 40,000 members visiting a Barry’s studio each week. While an opening date is yet to be announced, Mancunians can expect classes seven days a week, a fuel bar and first-class changing and pampering facilities.

3 Lower Byrom Street, Manchester, M3 4AW; opens later this month

Visit BarrysBootcamp.com

WATCH AN ACCLAIMED VERSION OF MACBETH HERE: Crucible Theatre, Sheffield

The National Theatre, creators of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, bring this epic and visually daring production of Shakespeare’s most intense tragedy on a tour of the UK and Ireland, following a sold-out run in London. Directed by National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris (Cabaret, London Road) and designed by Rae Smith (War Horse, This House) this new production propels Shakespeare’s classic title into a post-apocalyptic world of anarchy and uncertainty.

55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA; 21st-24th November

Visit SheffieldTheatres.co.uk

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