Month: October 2023

We are delighted to welcome Dean Hampshire to Painshill as our new Head Chef and Catering Manager.

Dean comes to Painshill with a wealth of experience and enthusiasm and he is bursting with new ideas to delight Painshill visitors.

Dean started his career working in a gastro pub as a Commis Chef, working his way up to Sous Chef before being offered his first Head Chef role.

Dean quotes his mum as his catering idol. “My mum is the reason I am doing this job. As a single parent, she had to work a lot of hours. She worked as a Chef in our local pub and so I would get to help out in the kitchen during school holidays and at weekends and this is how I found my passion for catering. Watching my mum work and being able to help her is a memory I will never forget.”

Dean first arrived at Painshill through an agency placement and just fell in love with the place. When a new permanent position became available at Painshill, Dean jumped at the chance to join the team. Dean has a passion for Painshill and is already working on many new plans to improve the catering experience for all Painshill visitors.

Dean’s favourite part of working at Painshill is having the opportunity to meet a wide range of people, from all over the world, and that he gets to be a part of their overall Painshill experience. His favourite view of Painshill is when he arrives early morning and can see the fog just laying over the meadow whilst the deer are making their way through. It is magical and simply the best way to start a day.

There are a number of plans to enhance the tea room, including an upcoming refurbishment and the replacement of furniture. However, in the meantime Dean is working on the implementation of a new autumn menu, incorporating many local and independent suppliers.

In addition, Dean will be overseeing a special winter project in the current ice-cream hut – watch this space for further details to come!

Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, we have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!
– Humbert Wolfe

Garden visiting at this time of year is especially relaxing. The sun is still out however the air is fresher and cooler.

Autumn has arrived! There is no season as vibrant as fall. The sky, the leaves, and the landscape together create a symphony of stunning colours throughout Painshill.

Least not forget, in the 18th century Charles Hamilton, the designer of Painshill, would buy trees and shrubs from John Bartram in America. They would arrive in seed boxes that travelled across the Atlantic by ship. Painshill has been left with a legacy of deciduous plants that were awarded plant heritage status in 2006. They give a wonderful display of autumn colour.

So, enjoy a beautiful walk through the Park and the Historical features there is to see.

Here’s 5 things to enjoy at Painshill in September.

1. Autumn colour, a rich and warm season

On a tranquil autumn day, The Temple of Bacchus is an enriching place to visit.

From its grand position at the top of the hill you will spot the Temple a few times before you reach it. When you do, you will be presented with a view across the Surrey Hills and lovely spot to sit and enjoy the autumn air.

2. Fairy Doors

This autumn the Painshill team have created a fun family Fairy Door trail adding a touch of magic to spark every child’s imagination. Pick up a fairy trail map and take a wander around the grounds to see if you can spot some of the fairies homes.

The fairy door trail will be running from Saturday 21^st October until Sunday 12^th November and is included in general admission tickets. It is recommended to book in advance at painshill.co.uk.

3. The Snack Shack!

OPENING this autumn (following the success of scrummy summer ice creams, sourced by a local supplier) the ‘Snack Shack’ is being launched as an unmissable tasty new food and drinks offering!

Situated outside The Tea Room, you cannot miss this food gem!

Serving deliciously warm waffles with ice cream and choices of marshmallows and sauces, tasty doughnuts, a choice of 9 glorious ice creams/sorbets and very scrummy vegan options, this is a mouth-watering option you will not be able to resist.

Opening from 10am until 3:30pm on weekends and all school holidays including this warm autumn season!

4. Perfect gifts from The Gift Shop

Enjoy a quality sparkling white or a unique and bespoke gin with flavours from juniper berries and other wonderful botanical ingredients.

Available to purchase from our gift shop, these fine beverages are an exquisite present for birthdays, special occasions and for the festive season coming up!

Traditional Sparkling White Wine

Painshill Kitchen Garden Gin

CHEERS!

5. Wild Halloween Camp

Have a wild time this October Half Term on our Wild Halloween Camp with den building, campfires, and lots more spooky adventures in Painshill’s wild woods!