Bucks &amp; Oxon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Untitled-design-46-1000x667.jpg" alt=" August Bernstein" class="wp-image-157060" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Untitled-design-46-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Untitled-design-46-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Untitled-design-46-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/02/Untitled-design-46.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">August at home in her garden, Buckinghamshire. Photo: Emma Sones</figcaption></figure>



<p>Her office are the dreamy gardens of Raymond Blanc&#8217;s Le Manoir aux Quat&#8217;Saisons where alongside the Michelin star dining and cookery school, you can sign up for gardening school. When Head gardening tutor August Bernstein is not helping keen gardeners brush on their botanical skills, she&#8217;s eating, drinking and exploring across Bucks, Oxon and beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norsk-haddenham"><a href="https://www.norsklifestyle.com/cafe">Norsk</a>, Haddenham</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><a href="https://www.norsklifestyle.com/cafe"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/5fbe745503e1e12efd3e22d8_outside-catering-1000x500.jpeg" alt="Salad prepared at Norsk, Haddenham" class="wp-image-157387" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/5fbe745503e1e12efd3e22d8_outside-catering-1000x500.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/5fbe745503e1e12efd3e22d8_outside-catering-800x400.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/5fbe745503e1e12efd3e22d8_outside-catering-400x200.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/5fbe745503e1e12efd3e22d8_outside-catering.jpeg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>


<p>After dropping the kids off at school I&#8217;ll grab a coffee with a couple of the mums at Scandi-inspired <a href="https://www.norsklifestyle.com/cafe">Norsk</a>. They make it strong and most importantly serve it HOT. They also make fab sandwiches and salads. Haddenham itself is such a chocolate box village and I&#8217;ll enjoy drinking my coffee while walking around the pond having a chat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-astridge-estate-just-north-of-berkhamsted"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate">Astridge Estate</a>, just north of Berkhamsted</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-58-1000x667.jpg" alt="British bluebells in a wood" class="wp-image-157389" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-58-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-58-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-58-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-58.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s worth heading just over the border into Herts for <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/ashridge-estate">Astridge Estate</a>, as you can walk for miles and the views are stunning. You&#8217;re wandering through the woods one minute and across the ridge the next. It&#8217;s where I go to clear my head and also a great spot for spotting bluebells in April. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons-oxon"><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quatsaisons-3/">Le Manoir aux Quat&#8217;Saisons</a>, Oxon</h2>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quatsaisons-3/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/mqs-ext05.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-157388" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/mqs-ext05.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/mqs-ext05-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/mqs-ext05-400x266.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>


<p>I&#8217;m biased, of course, as I work here. But the gardens are a constant source of inspiration for me. Raymond Blanc himself has such a passion and it shows right into the gardens where the veg is grown. <a href="https://www.oakleycourt.co.uk/">Oakley Court Hotel</a> in nearby Berkshire is also home to a beautiful veg garden and worth a visit too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soho-farm-house-north-cotswolds"><a href="https://www.sohohouse.com/en-us/houses/soho-farmhouse">Soho Farm House</a>, North Cotswolds</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-59-1000x667.jpg" alt="Soho Farm House" class="wp-image-157391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-59-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-59-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-59-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-59.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>This is where I go for some &#8216;me time&#8217; and there is plenty to entertain the kids too. I once saw it described as something like ‘<a href="https://moneyweek.com/437080/soho-farmhouse-the-butlins-for-toffs-and-trendies">Butlins in the Cotswolds</a>’ but that isn’t really fair. It’s an escape for people and space for the family. I enjoy the cycle paths, meandering in the veg garden, plus the nightclub was a great spot for my birthday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-burford-garden-centre-cotswolds"><a href="https://www.burford.co.uk/">Burford Garden Centre</a>, Cotswolds</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.burford.co.uk/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Burford-Garden-Centre-1000x1000-1.jpeg" alt="Burford Garden Centre" class="wp-image-157392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Burford-Garden-Centre-1000x1000-1.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Burford-Garden-Centre-1000x1000-1-800x800.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Burford-Garden-Centre-1000x1000-1-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Burford-Garden-Centre-1000x1000-1-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a></figure></div>


<p><a href="http://burford.co.uk">Burford</a> isn&#8217;t just a garden centre – it’s a visual display of wonder and perfect for a spot of retail therapy. For the kids there&#8217;s the old-fashioned toys and puppets, and for adults, a beautiful range of clothing, bookshop, homeware, loads of lovely treats for gifts – and of course plants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-waddesdon-manor-aylesbury"><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-near-me/waddesdon-spring-mothers-day-easter-2023/">Waddesdon Manor</a>, Aylesbury</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-near-me/waddesdon-spring-mothers-day-easter-2023/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Easter-©-National-Trust-Images.-Chris-Lacey-1-1000x667-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-157393" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Easter-©-National-Trust-Images.-Chris-Lacey-1-1000x667-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Easter-©-National-Trust-Images.-Chris-Lacey-1-1000x667-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Easter-©-National-Trust-Images.-Chris-Lacey-1-1000x667-1-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Chris Lacey</figcaption></figure>



<p>As I live in the next village along from here, <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-near-me/waddesdon-spring-mothers-day-easter-2023/">Waddesdon Manor</a> is a frequent destination to take the kids out. We park, walk up with a picnic and enjoy the vista. It shouldn&#8217;t be about spending loads of money, but just being together and enjoying the outdoors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barnsley-house-nr-cirencester"><a href="https://www.barnsleyhouse.com/">Barnsley House</a>, nr Cirencester</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-61-1000x667.jpg" alt="Barnsley House" class="wp-image-157396" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-61-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-61-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-61-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-61.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo:&nbsp;Kristin Sautter</figcaption></figure>



<p>This is a really beautiful old house, previously the residence of Rosemary Verey (garden designer) and a great place to stay (currently being refurbished, due to reopen this summer). The veg garden and spa alone make it worth a trip. The rooms are casually luxurious and there&#8217;s a cinema that you can book to use. I snuck down in my dressing gown to watch the Freddie Mercury film with popcorn and an espresso martini on my last stay. Heaven.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sandy-lane-farm-thame"><a href="https://www.sandylanefarm.co.uk/">Sandy Lane Farm</a>, Thame</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.sandylanefarm.co.uk/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="640" height="640" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/aebf6b202fa67cd92f0a82dc45221c1f.jpeg" alt="Sandy Lane Farm" class="wp-image-157399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/aebf6b202fa67cd92f0a82dc45221c1f.jpeg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/aebf6b202fa67cd92f0a82dc45221c1f-400x400.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/aebf6b202fa67cd92f0a82dc45221c1f-500x500.jpeg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></figure></div>


<p>I love getting veg from this <a href="https://www.sandylanefarm.co.uk/">local farm shop</a>, and it handily does a veg box delivery service. All the produce is grown within a 10-15 mile radius and they sell really lovely bags of fresh salad. A former gardener from Le Manoir now works there and the food really does taste like it&#8217;s been lovingly grown. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-archer-street-soho"><a href="https://archerstreet.co.uk/">Archer Street</a>, Soho</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-62-1000x667.jpg" alt="Archer Street, Soho" class="wp-image-157397" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-62-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-62-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-62-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Untitled-design-62.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>Living in Bucks means I get to enjoy being in the countryside, but am still able to head into London for a big night out. Obviously the capital isn&#8217;t short of bars, but Archer Street is somewhere I can enjoy a night out without feeling like a dinosaur. There&#8217;s plenty of singing along and the last time I went, I ended up dancing on the table. I felt like Beyonce, but unfortunately, that&#8217;s where the similarity ended.</p>



<p><em>You can find <a href="https://www.instagram.com/augusts_garden?igsh=MW5kZGc4bWdzankxcQ==">August</a> teaching gardening courses for visitors at <a href="https://www.belmond.com/hotels/europe/uk/oxfordshire/belmond-le-manoir-aux-quat-saisons">Le Manoir aux Quat</a>. For younger gardeners, she also produces educational packs called the <a href="https://augustsgarden.co.uk/collections/spring">Seed Explorers Club</a>.</em></p>


My favourite places: Le Manoir gardening tutor August Bernstein

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