Here, at The Duke, we love the change in season as we move into crisp, cold mornings and long, dark nights. Autumn showcases a beautiful array of vibrant colours and seasonal hearty dishes to warm the cockles and, let’s face it, when the skies are clear and blue, you really can’t beat it!
If, unlike us, you’re not a fan of the changes that autumn and winter bring, then read on for a few reasons that may change your mind…
1. The Food
This time of year is ideal for a little indulgence; from the truffle oil mash potato that is served with your melt-in-the-mouth British beef shin to the perfect pastry pies filled to the brim with chicken, ham and leek. And if you are going for pure indulgence, you really had better save space for our homemade puddings, which include apple & blackberry crumble and sticky toffee pudding.
As lovers of seasonal British fare, be sure to check our daily specials board for the best the season has to offer, from seasonal veggies and delicious game such as partridge and grouse, to fresh fish landed at Brixham Market the day before.
2. The Walks
Wrapping up and heading out for a blustery walk can be one of the best ways to clear your head, pump the body with healthy endorphins and feel great.
We are lucky enough to be close to so many beautiful walks and trails, some of which are National Trust sites, from Hankley Common and Frensham Common to Frensham Ponds. To discover the best routes and trails of the Great and Little Ponds, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/frensham-little-pond and don’t forget to book a table with us if you’re in need of filling up and thawing out.
3. The Drink
If summer is the time for Pimm’s, crisp cider and delicately light rosé, then this time of year is all about a deep red, a real ale and wonderfully aromatic mulled wine! This year, we are stepping things up a notch and will be offering a mulled wine with a touch of sloe gin. We will be serving this Hayman’s Gin speciality with dehydrated apple and cinnamon for the ultimate serve; perfect for a post-walk pick-me-up or simply because it tastes great.
4. The Things-To-Do
There’s always so much to do in and around Farnham and Guildford and, with Halloween and Bonfire Night now passed, the festive season is fast approaching! Christmas brings a plethora of festive markets and special events and so there’s always something to keep you busy. The Farnham Christmas Lights switch-on is always a fun event to take the family to, taking place from 1 pm on Saturday 17th November with lots going on to entertain. There are an array of terrific Christmas Fairs and Markets taking place throughout Surrey, including the Christmas Craft Fair at RHS Wisley and Coxbridge Christmas Market (Farnham), but one of our favourites to look forward to is the two-day Christmas Fair taking place at The Maltings; a great opportunity for a bit of late-night shopping with friends! To really get you into the festive spirit as the weather starts to get colder, we are offering a selection of festive workshops ideal for an alternative lunch or dinner experience based around crafts, food and drink. There’s nothing better than venturing out for a festive cinema date with a friend or loved one and the local cinemas (Vue Farnborough and Camberley) are showing a great selection of festive movie and theatre screenings including A Christmas Carol starring Simon Callow, Branagh Theatre Live: The Winter’s Tale, Mary Poppins Returns and CBeebies Christmas Show: Thumbelina… don’t forget the popcorn!
Finally, there’s nothing better than celebrating the survival of another year and catching up with your nearest and dearest, feasting on delicious fare and seeing in the New Year together. Don’t worry about having to feed everyone at yours (think of all the prep and cleaning after!), book a table at ours and enjoy a New Year’s Eve to remember with great food and entertainment guaranteed.