Summer dining guide - where to eat and when

Summertime and the livin’ is tasty. Tuck into these unmissable dining experiences while the heat is on...

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TAKE FLIGHT

A fleet of beautiful balloons has landed in the Surrey countryside near Leatherhead for a summer of gastronomic delights. Dressed in raspberry and rose stripes, six stationary hot air balloons now frame the bucolic Italian Garden at luxury hotel Beaverbrook. Each basket seats up to four and offers a twist on alfresco Japanese dining. Expect an array of indulgent dishes such as fresh ceviche, sashimi on ice and a tabletop Yakiniku grill. Enjoy with a Moet & Chandon Champagne flight, bien sûr. 

Available Weds – Sun, lunch and dinner, £135pp (vegetarian £85pp); beaverbrook.co.uk

GRILL SEEKERS 

Snazzy outdoor oven brand Big Green Egg celebrates its 50th year with a series of ‘Sundown Sessions’ at Argentinian steak restaurant Gaucho’s idyllic Richmond riverside location. These intimate masterclass-style events offer the opportunity to witness the Egg in action. Guests will learn about different steak cuts, seasoning techniques and cooking methods before tucking into three steak varieties and a selection of sides, washed down with a refreshing glass of rosé. 

August 10 & 24 at 4pm, £65pp (inc food and a half-bottle of wine); gauchorestaurants.com

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Adam Lynk

FLOATING FUN

Imagine floating along in the summer sunshine on your own private boat with a gourmet picnic and a chilled bottle of fizz ready to pop. Luxury hotel Cliveden House, high above a beautiful Berkshire stretch of the Thames near Cookham, has a flotilla of vintage launches for charter by guests and non-guests alike. The head chef has created a range of menus to enjoy on board, including a picture-perfect picnic and afternoon tea. Marlow, Bray, Henley and Windsor are all within cruising distance. 

Boat hire from £300 (for four people for the first hour), picnics from £150 for two; clivedenhouse.co.uk/boat-trips

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STEAM DREAMS

How about a slap-up meal on board a steam train as it chugs through the glorious Kent countryside? The Garden of England Lunchtime Tour, from Surrey-based Steam Dreams, is a stunning five-hour round trip departing from London Victoria. Book a table in the 1950s Pullman carriage and enjoy champagne, canapés, and a seasonal three-course lunch made with locally sourced produce inspired by the route (£225pp). Read our review.

 The Sunset Steam Express – an equally scenic evening journey through the Surrey Hills – is another unforgettable experience (from £175pp). All aboard! 

Various classes of travel available; runs most Tuesdays until Aug 20; steamdreams.co.uk

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ROSÉ BY THE RIVER 

With its lovely river views, the outdoor terrace of The Mitre at Hampton Court has been transformed by Provencal rosé brand Whispering Angel, and is now bedecked with pretty pink flowers, chic furniture, cosy blankets and glistening bottles of the pink stuff. Kick back with a glass and nibbles from the à la carte menu before taking to the water for a sun-soaked cruise in one of the hotel’s beautiful boats. 

mitrehamptoncourt.com/food-drink/whispering-angel-terrace

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PLOT TO PLATE

RHS Wisley, near Woking, is hosting a series of after-hours alfresco dinner events with beautiful views of the gardens. Designed to stimulate all the senses, each evening offers a tour led by Wisley’s garden team, followed by a seasonal five-course set menu. This month’s theme – Palm trees and Pina Coladas – promises a taste of the tropical, with a tour of the Exotic Garden and dishes such as mussels with coconut, cassava charcoal, mango and chilli. 

Aug 30, £85pp (inc one-hour tour/talk, welcome drink, canapés, dinner and a drink with food; rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/food-drink/supper-club