Just The Tonic
The Plungington Festival blends live music, vintage lawn games, and an amazing array of gins into a stylish community event, writes Stephanie Sparrow
Celebrate the best of the British summer at The Plungington Hotel, where visitors step through the gate of a restored walled garden into a unique fete of music, traditional past-times and an outdoor country kitchen.
Crowning glory of the long weekend (27th-29th July), is a large marquee displaying an extended bar of 100 brands of gin, and a separate section devoted to rum, whisky, wine and beer, and non-alcoholic drinks.
This is the second Plungington Festival and illustrates the trendsetting vision which Meat&Drink has for its quirky, independent properties.
“We want to recreate the wonderful atmosphere that we had last year,” says managing director Jeremy Rowlands.
“It gained momentum over that weekend, and people were amazed by the scale of what we were doing here.”
Vintage DJs Matt and Annabel, and outdoor games from a bygone era, including croquet, skittles and a coconut shy, create a relaxed, family-friendly event – children are welcome until 8pm. And Jeremy is soon to announce an evening music line-up which adults can enjoy from a striped deckchair under twinkling fairy lights, or from the giant summerhouse filled with bunting and tealights.
Gin aficionados will be thrilled by the 100 varieties on display, including fruit and celery gins. Creative director Rebecca Scott adds that the festival will showcase local brands including Cuckoo Gin from Brindle, the award-winning Batch from Burnley, and Kirkham’s Black Powder.
Such an extensive range is to be expected from the company which opens Plau, the gin and beer house, in Preston this autumn, but no matter which gin festival-goers choose, they will enjoy a stylish presentation of their favourite tipple.
“Every single gin has a signature serve,” says Rebecca, “whether it’s a sprig of lavender or blueberries. And there are many nuances of flavour, and interesting tonic waters, such as the artisan tonics we offer.”
Spoilt for choice? Refer to the brochure of tasting notes and price list which is included with the £4 entry ticket and which also details the craft beers, wines and rums and non-alcoholic drinks served at the festival. There is a separate refundable deposit for a souvenir glass.
Food on the day – including grilled meats, fishes and halloumi burgers, will be freshly cooked outside, with a separate menu for children.
If you can’t wait until late July to enjoy stylish outdoor events in this Fulwood venue, the walled garden will host a big screen, together with Pimms and strawberries for the Wimbledon fortnight, and family-friendly World Cup parties. If rain stops play, simply relax inside this recently refurbished historic building (a former farmhouse) and enjoy lunch or dinner from locally sourced produce. Cheers!
The Plungington Festival:
27th July 2pm-midnight
28th July 12pm-midnight
29th July 12pm-10pm
Tickets are £4 from the bar or skiddle.com. Under-16s go free
The Plungington Hotel
67 Lytham Road, Preston PR2 3AR
01772 712000
www.theplungingtonhotel.com
