My Perfect Autumn Weekend: Jessica Last
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FRIDAY
My husband Charlie and I moved to Oxfordshire last year. It’s such a wonderful area, especially for our little boy – there are so many walking routes to explore, and we’re spoilt for choice with country pubs. Being on the edge of the Cotswolds means we get to enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of the world right on our doorstep. There's so much to explore here, and we love the slower pace of life.
My typical Friday night at this time of year usually involves staying in and hosting friends. Since moving out of London, we’ve become the go-to spot for friends who want a break from the city. There’s something special about having people over for a cosy evening. We’re sociable, so the house is often filled with the sound of chatter and laughter. It’s all about good food, drinks and catching up.
I like to keep my cooking simple but hearty. I’ll often make something like orzo with chicken – it’s quick, satisfying and perfect for sharing. I mainly find recipes online, but I also like to flick through Madhur Jaffrey’s cookbook Curry Easy. Since visiting India I’ve become obsessed with home-cooked Indian food, which is much better than most takeaways in my opinion. I also love The Green Roasting Tin for tasty vegetarian dishes. It’s great for simple, one-pot recipes that minimise time on prep and washing up.
We’re lucky to have so many great pubs nearby. If I don’t feel like cooking, we’ll grab food at a local spot. The Crown Inn between Chipping Norton and Woodstock does excellent, hearty food. For a treat we’ll get sharing starters followed by a roasted meat or fish dish with chunky chips and seasonal salads. Another favourite is The Falkland Arms in Chipping Norton – a typical Cotswolds village pub. We’ll come here for a drink with friends as it’s so cosy and atmospheric.
I love a Campari spritz. It’s my go-to cocktail, especially on a Friday night. And if we’re feeling fancy, I’ll make margaritas with Patrón tequila. Charlie is more of a beer guy and always has a few Guinnesses stashed away for himself and our guests.
Toast
SATURDAY
Saturday mornings start with our little one waking us up early. Once we’ve had breakfast – usually eggs on toast with fresh eggs from a nearby farm that has an honesty box – we go for a long walk. The area is so beautiful at this time of year, with the leaves changing colour and the crisp autumn air. We’ll often explore new routes – there’s no shortage of scenic spots.
When it comes to weekend outfits, I’m all about comfort and longevity. I love cosy, practical pieces from brands like Toast and Finisterre. Layering is key – especially for those long walks in unpredictable autumn weather. I also rely on my Nobis coat (probably the most expensive item I own) which has lasted for years. It’s like wearing a duvet, so it’s perfect for outdoor exploring during the colder months.
I’m more of a matcha person than a coffee drinker. I stock up on Naturale Bio’s matcha from Amazon which does the trick, though I do enjoy the occasional coffee. We tend to shop for food at Aldi – its organic range is great – then pick up a few special ingredients from the local farm shop or Daylesford if we’re feeling indulgent. It’s not too far from us, and they have the most delicious sausages and bacon.
I’m not much of a baker, but I love cooking at the weekend. There’s something therapeutic about preparing a hearty meal for the family. During the colder months, it’s all about comfort food – pies, stews and anything that warms us from the inside out.
Saturday evenings are usually spent relaxing at home. If we have friends staying over, we’ll sit by the fire, share a few drinks, and chat for hours. If it’s just us, we might watch a film or start a new TV series. Recently (like most of the UK) we’ve been enjoying Slow Horses which is great telly after a busy day. I also just saw The Teacher at the cinema. It’s about a Palestinian school teacher and the daily struggles of life in occupied West Bank, told through her lens. As you can imagine it’s very emotional, but a good insight into what life is like there.
For dinner, I tend to cook something like roast chicken or a hearty stew. We love staying in, and there’s something so comforting about a home-cooked meal on a chilly autumn evening.
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SUNDAY
Sunday mornings are for slowing down. We usually head out for a walk again, but this time we’ll pack a simple picnic – something like mushrooms cooked with rosemary in a creamy sauce, some fresh bread, and a flask of tea. There’s a hill near our house that we like to hike up, and once we reach the top, we sit and enjoy the views while tucking into our picnic.
We also love a good pub roast. The Back Lane Tavern in Woodstock has more of a restaurant/wine bar vibe and its Sunday roast is delicious. Each one comes with crispy potatoes, truffled celeriac puree, roasted veg, cabbage, huge Yorkshires and gravy. If we’re not in the mood to go out, I’ll make a roast at home, usually chicken or pork belly with all the trimmings. There’s something so satisfying about spending Sunday afternoon in the kitchen, with the smell of a roast wafting through the house.
Sunday nights are all about winding down. I’ll have a bath – I keep my skincare routine pretty minimal, but I love using bath salts for a bit of extra relaxation. Sometimes I’ll listen to a podcast, like The Rest Is Politics US – it’s fascinating, especially with the upcoming election – or read a few pages of my book. I’ve just started Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, which is a beautifully written novel about family dynamics.
Afterwards, we’ll settle in for the evening, maybe watch a film or catch up on a series. I’m excited to watch Secret Amazon: Into the Wild, created by our friend Lucy Shepherd and documenting her journey through the unchartered Amazon.
We like to explore various corners of the country at the weekend. Most recently, we visited the Isle of Sheppey and stayed at Elmley Nature Reserve. It’s such a beautiful place, and we couldn’t believe we were only two hours from London. It felt like a world away from the city, with so much space for the kids to run around, and plenty of things to do for both adults and little ones.
For me, autumn weekends are about embracing the slower pace. Soaking in the beauty of the changing season and making the most of family time – whether it’s a walk in the country, cooking a comforting meal or simply relaxing at home. There’s a certain magic to this time of year, and I love how it encourages us to hunker down, get cosy, and spend time with the people we love.
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The Crown Inn
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