This summer, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate invites guests to step outside for something far removed from the traditional Sunday lunch, as its Garden Gatherings return to The Woodland Table — an immersive open-air dining experience shaped by seasonality, smoke and open flame. 

Taking place across four Sundays on 28th June, 19th July, 16th August and 6th September, these one-of-a-kind open-air feasts unfold within the estate’s alfresco dining concept, The Woodland Table.

Beneath open skies and surrounded by the living larder of the two-acre kitchen garden, long organic tables carved from Down Hall’s own felled trees.

Neighbouring the tables are gently smouldering fire pits, with live music drifting through the afternoon air.

Led by Executive Chef Robert Pearce, the experience showcases flame cooking with menus shaped by the fresh produce growing in the hotel’s two-acre kitchen garden and sourced from trusted local suppliers.

Prepared in full view and designed for sharing, the dishes draw depth from smoke and char to bring a sense of place to every course. 

Every Garden Gathering begins with estate-inspired cocktails and canapés, before chefs introduce the inspiration behind the four-course surprise menu.

Guests can expect the likes of grilled hispi cabbage with houmous, and creamed taramasalata to start, with mains of fire-kissed lamb rump, miso-glazed cauliflower and wood-charred Chalk Farm trout, followed by desserts such as toasted pavlova with rhubarb compote.  

Throughout, seasonal cocktails crafted with Down Hall’s own gin and vodka are infused with freshly picked herbs from the kitchen garden echoing the landscape that surrounds the table. 

More than a meal, Garden Gatherings at The Woodland Table offer a chance to dine within the rhythm of the estate itself, where ingredients travel metres, not miles and Sunday afternoons unfold to the scent of woodsmoke, live music and the warmth of open flame. 

Tickets are priced at £90 per person, which includes four courses and a cocktail each. To book, visit here.

Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate, Matching Rd, Hatfield Heath, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7AS