Beaujolais Nouveau Day!

The arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau is a long-standing tradition in France, celebrated every year on the third Thursday of November. This young, vibrant wine, made from freshly harvested Gamay grapes, is bottled just weeks after harvest, offering a light, fruity taste that captures the spirit of the season. Originally a local custom in the Beaujolais region, the celebration has grown into a global event, with wine enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the first taste of the new vintage each year.

The highlight of the day will, of course, be the chance to sip and savour the freshest Beaujolais Nouveau, straight from the heart of France’s vineyards. From midday, we’ll be offering free wine tastings so you can enjoy the vibrant, fruity flavours of this year’s release. Whether you’re sampling Beaujolais Nouveau for the first time or you’re a devoted fan, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate a joyful tradition and savour this year's new vintage.

For those wishing to take a taste of Beaujolais home, we will be offering exclusive promotions on all bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau throughout the day, whilst stocks last. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up for the festive season or to share with friends and family at home.

It wouldn’t be a true French celebration without fabulous food! For one day only, enjoy a very special Menu du Jour in our Café, for a truly authentic occasion.

Breakfast: Croque Monsieur

Lunch: Choose from...

• Braised Beef Cheek, Shallots, Tender Stem broccoli and Mash
• French Onion Soup with a Cheese Pastry topping
• Ratatouille Tart on Vegan Puff Pastry
• Quiche Lorraine Deli

Pudding: Prune Crème Brulé or Cherry Clafouti

We will also have our Mobile Cheese Trolley, with an offering of some of the most delicious cheeses...

For those looking for a lighter bite, we will have a host of fine French food tastings in our Food Hall, along with our usual array of homemade, hearty and flavoursome dishes in our Café.

To complete the atmosphere, there will be live music throughout the afternoon, with French classics from visiting French musical group Belle Musette the Accordion Trio, and Jenny Howe, French Accordion Piano player.

John Milnes on the Accordion
John has played the accordion for fifty years in a range of bands - French café style, Neapolitan song, Argentinean tango, Ceilidh.

Heather Birt gracing the Double bass
Heather is a versatile musician with a varied career spanning jazz and classical music. As a jazz bassist she has performed at a wide range of festivals. As a freelance viola player she performs and records regularly with many period ensembles including the Academy of Ancient Music and The Mozartists.

Andrew Smith on Guitar
Andrew toured with a folk band in his twenties and has maintained an interest in a range of folk music since. He is also the composer of two children's operas.