Fine Dine and Stay Brochure 2020

2020

Experience the splendour of Leeds Castle in Kent Join us for sumptuous dinner parties and overnight stays in the Castle

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Leeds Castle in Kent has a long history of hospitality and in 2020 it will be celebrating the 500th anniversary of King Henry VIII’s visit to the Castle with 5,000 of his courtiers.

He and Queen Catherine of Aragon were on their way to the Field of Cloth of Gold – a spectacular summit that took place near Calais. Henry and King François I of France met for a two week celebration of lavish feasting, masquerades, talks and tournaments amid specially designed tented palaces, completed with glimmering cloth shot through with gold.

Today guests staying at the Castle receive equally impressive hospitality, just as the Royal party did all those centuries ago.

This year’s dining events include a special Tudor Banquet in May, the very month Henry VIII is believed to have stayed at the Castle he owned. You are assured of ultimate comfort, wonderful service, fine food and a rare opportunity to go beyond the ropes and use all the principle state rooms as your own, long after the public have left for the day.

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VALENTINE’S NIGHT IN THE CASTLE Friday 14th February There is no more beautiful place to spend a romantic night than Leeds Castle in Kent, known as “the loveliest castle in the world”.

On arrival, you will be treated to an after hours private tour of the Castle and given a glimpse into the lavish world of the last private owner, Olive, Lady Baillie. Chilled sparkling wine awaits you in the Library and you will then be shown to the Henry Vlll Banqueting Hall for an intimate candlelit dinner. Whilst you enjoy a carefully selected three course menu, soak up the dreamy atmosphere. A harpist will play during your meal as you enjoy a bottle of wine at your table for two.

To add to the memorable evening, consider staying in one of the luxurious Castle bedrooms, with private views of the stunning grounds. Enjoy full English breakfast the following morning served in the Castle Dining Room.

Event price per couple (excluding accommodation) £295 Castle State or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £325 Castle Standard Bedroom £275

To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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PEAK OR BLINDED MURDER MYSTERY Saturday 28th March Do you have what it takes to be a peaky blinder?

You are welcomed into the 20th Century for a thrilling night of drinks and music before The Derby. Things get heated when the news hits that a gang has sent someone to ruin the night. Who fired the gun shot? Who was the target? Who isn’t going to be leaving Leeds Castle alive? As actors help to set the scene, immerse yourself in this truly interactive evening of dinner theatre where you decide just how involved you want to be. The emphasis is on having fun, solving the crime, eating delicious food and drinking cocktails, all whilst wearing a traditional flat cap if the hat fits!

Residential guests are invited to arrive at the Castle in the afternoon to enjoy all the estate has to offer. Cocktails will be served in the Library and the butler will call for dinner in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall where a fine three course menu awaits and the evening’s entertainment can commence. With the mystery solved, reassemble in the Thorpe Hall for after dinner coffee and chocolates before retiring to one of the Castle’s luxurious bedrooms if you choose to stay overnight.

A full English breakfast is served the following morning in the Castle Dining Room for overnight guests.

Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £109 Castle State Bedroom £325 Castle Standard Bedroom £275

To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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PARTY LIKE IT’S 1945 Saturday 9th to Sunday 10th May

Step back in time to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day at Leeds Castle.

Vintage cars, WWII trucks, a Spitfire experience and stories of the Castle at war will all form part of a special VIP weekend.

Enter into the 1940s spirit and arrive on Saturday morning in costume or uniform if you wish; drop off your luggage in the Castle and with your VIP badge in hand, head out to enjoy the Leeds Castle ‘Motors by the Moat’ event in full swing. Your VIP passes will take you behind the ropes of the military vehicle display to meet the enthusiasts and welcome you to the Naffy tea wagon for traditional bread pudding.

Your luxurious Castle room will be available from 3pm. Change into evening finery and descend for reception drinks in the Library to hear historical experts talk about Leeds Castle during WWII and stories of the plucky Spitfire. A splendid three course dinner will then be served in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, followed by coffee and chocolates in the Castle drawing rooms.

After a full English breakfast, make the onward journey in your own car to the home of the Spitfire, Biggin Hill. A special tour of the hangar will take you behind the scenes to see the incredible restoration work on the planes. Nothing quite prepares you for that distinctive roar as the engines rev up for flight.

Event price for two people sharing including Spitfire experience

Event price for single occupancy including Spitfire experience

Castle State Bedroom £723 Castle Standard Bedroom £673

Castle State Bedroom £524 Castle Standard Bedroom £474

To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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HENRY VIII ROYAL BANQUET Saturday 23rd May In 1520, Henry VIII travelled across Kent with an entourage of noblemen, soldiers and servants on his way to Calais to meet King Francis I of France for a royal summit which became known as The Field of Cloth of Gold.

In celebration of the 500th anniversary of this extraordinary event, join us for the Royal Joust and later a splendid feast held on the very day we believe Henry VIII visited his Castle; in the very Banqueting Hall he designed in honour of his wife Catherine of Aragon. Choose to attend the evening in Tudor costume if you wish, as young King Henry joins the gathering to talk about his journey to France and expectations of his tournament with the French King.

Residential guests are welcome to arrive in the morning to enjoy the spectacular joust as the knights of England take on the mighty French warriors. Dinner guests join the party as the sun lowers in the sky, gathering outside “the loveliest castle in the world”. The King will be joining for reception drinks in the Library, mingling with the guests and telling of his exploits, accompanied by musicians playing their historic instruments.

Take your seats in the grand Banqueting Hall for a splendid three course feast served in Tudor style with live music from the period. As the night unfolds, join in song and head for the Heraldry Room to learn courtly Tudor dancing; or simply relax with coffee and chocolates in the splendid Castle drawing rooms.

For those staying overnight, head back to your luxurious room and wake the next morning to a full English breakfast served in the Castle Dining Room.

Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £115 State Bedrooms £325 Standard Castle Bedroom £275 To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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LEEDS CASTLE CONCERT VIP PACKAGE Saturday 11th July Experience the Leeds Castle Concert from a rarefied position with our VIP package. The concert is a firm favourite in the Kent summer calendar, featuring The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra led by internationally acclaimed conductor John Rigby. This year, alongside the RPO and to mark 2020, the programme will include exciting new content celebrating a 100 year’s since the start of the roaring 1920’s.

As a VIP guests you are invited to arrive from midday, and if you chose to stay overnight, check into your luxurious bedroom before all gathering in the Maiden’s Tower private garden for reception drinks and canapés. Dressed in 1920s black tie if you wish, make your way over to the Castle and take your seat in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall for a delicious two course lunch, followed by a Champagne toast on the Castle Island as cannons are fired to officially open the concert.

Watch the full evening of stirring music and entertainment in the skies above from the comfort of your VIP seating and during the course of the evening, indulge in a gourmet buffet and fine wines in the private marquee. As the evening draws to a close, make your way back to the Castle for drinks and late night snacks, before departing at midnight.

For those staying overnight, enjoy a full English breakfast the following morning in the Castle Dining Room, or Castle View Restaurant for those staying in Stable Courtyard.

Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £325 State and Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £365 Standard Castle Bedroom £300 Sable Courtyard Bedroom £235

To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call on 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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FESTIVAL OF FLOWERS VIP EVENING Saturday 12th September Stay at Leeds Castle for a private view event during the incredible Festival of Flowers and enjoy all the festival has to offer, including an exceptional dinner and overnight stay at the Castle. International and local award winning floral designers will adorn the Castle state rooms, this year to the theme of ‘A Floral Memory’ and alongside the beautifully decorated Castle rooms, discover a programme of floral demonstrations, specialist talks with VIP seating and daily garden tours. There will also be the opportunity to buy beautiful flowers and garden accessories from a variety of stalls on the Pavilion Lawn.

Only a limited number of overnight spaces are available to experience this exclusive preview evening, so it’s advisable to book early. Arrive during the early afternoon and check into your room before collecting your VIP pass and choosing to explore the grounds, visit the market or listen to specialist talks in the marquee with VIP seating.

Change for the evening and join other guests in the Library for reception drinks, followed by a stunning demonstration led by Leeds Castle’s Head Florist, before sitting down to a delicious three course dinner in the Castle Dining Room.

The following morning, wake to a full English breakfast served in the Castle Dining Room, before enjoying the days listing of talks and demonstrations.

Event price based on two people sharing (twin or double) in Castle State or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £545 Standard Bedrooms £495 To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR HOUSE PARTY Saturday 7th November

Experience the iconic Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular in style and treat yourself to an evening of fine dining, first class service and entertainment.

Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking fireworks display, with thrilling music to the theme of ‘Love’, set against the stunning backdrop of the 12th Century Castle.

After checking into your luxurious bedroom in the afternoon, take an exclusive VIP tour of the fireworks set up and see how one of the South East’s biggest displays is created. Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea served in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall, before wrapping up warmly and heading out into the grounds to enjoy live music before the evening’s spectacular show begins.

After the evening’s entertainment; return to the Castle to change into your finery, before descending to the Library to enjoy warming winter cocktails. The celebrations continue with a splendid three course dinner in the Banqueting Hall created by our dedicated fine dining chefs, before enjoying coffee and chocolates in the opulent drawing rooms.

Return to your lavish bedroom, before waking the following morning to a full English breakfast served in the Castle Dining Room, or Castle View Restaurant if you are staying in the Stable Courtyard.

Event price based on two people sharing (twin or double) Castle State Bedrooms or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £619 Castle Standard Bedroom £569 Stable Courtyard Bedroom £519

To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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CHRISTMAS MURDER MYSTERIES Saturday 5th December - The Great Pantomime Saturday 19th December - Murder Under the Mistletoe There’s been a murder… but who could have done it… and why? As actors help to set the scene, immerse yourself in one of two truly spectacular evenings set in the style of either a pantocrime or at the auction of the highly valuable Thornley-Cruttock jewel collection, where you decide just how involved you want to be. The emphasis is on having fun and solving the crime, all whilst enjoying delicious food and wine.

Residential guests are invited to arrive at the Castle in the afternoon to enjoy all the estate has to offer. Cocktails will be served in the Library and the butler will call for dinner in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall where a fine three course menu awaits and the evening’s entertainment can commence.

With the mystery solved, reassemble in the lavish Castle drawing rooms for after dinner drinks, before retiring to one of the Castle’s luxurious bedrooms if you choose to stay overnight. Recount the night’s events over a full English breakfast in the Castle the following morning.

Event price per person (excluding accommodation) £115 Castle State or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £325 Castle Standard Bedroom £275 To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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CHRISTMAS PARTIES IN THE FAIRFAX HALL Saturday 5th, Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Saturday 19th December

Celebrate the Christmas season with your friends, colleagues or clients in the beautiful 17th Century oak beamed Fairfax Hall, a wonderful setting decorated in true festive tradition with spectacular views across the moat to the Castle.

The party atmosphere begins with a glass of Christmas fizz, crackers and party poppers, followed by a sumptuous three course Christmas dinner, teas, coffee and mince pies. Dance the night away as the disco starts up, and stay refreshed throughout the evening with a cash bar.

Evening guests depart at midnight while residential guests retire to the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms. Choose from a full English or Continental breakfast served in the Fairfax Hall the following morning.

Event price: £69 per person on Fridays and Saturdays £59 per person on Thursdays Stable Courtyard Accommodation per room Standard double/twin £150 Deluxe double/twin £175

To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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NEW YEAR’S EVE AT LEEDS CASTLE Thursday 31st December in the Castle or the Fairfax Hall

Start the New Year in style at “the loveliest castle in the world” with an evening of fine dining and entertainment. Whether you choose to celebrate in the Castle or the 17th Century Fairfax Hall, you are sure to have an unforgettable night.

Residential guests will have plenty of time to check into the luxury of their bedroom before the evening begins with celebratory drinks, followed by an exquisite dining experience freshly prepared by our dedicated chefs.

Dance the night away and as the clock strikes twelve, refill your glasses and toast the New Year with a stunning fireworks display. As the evening comes to a close, residential guests retire to their rooms, to wake the following morning to be served a full English or Continental breakfast. Guests are invited to spend New Year’s Day strolling around the grounds.

Castle evening price per person (excluding accommodation) £229

Fairfax Hall evening price per person (excluding accommodation) £149

Castle State or Maiden’s Tower Bedroom £365

Stable Courtyard Accommodation per room

Castle Standard Bedroom £315

Standard double/twin £225 Deluxe double/twin £245

To book this event, visit www.leeds-castle.com/dining Email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or call 01622 767855 A full menu can be viewed online at the above web address

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PRIVATE BANQUETS & CELEBRATIONS Whether it’s a landmark birthday, a special anniversary or just a good excuse to bring family and friends together, the Castle is the perfect setting for your event any time of the year. Once you are through the front door, Leeds Castle becomes yours for the night.

The Castle is available for private parties from 20 to 100 people on an exclusive use basis. Dinner can be served in the Castle Dining Room, with its delicate Chinese porcelain and Aubusson tapestries, while larger groups can dine in the Henry VIII Banqueting Hall. The 16th Century Maiden’s Tower on the Castle Island is a selfcontained venue offering two large flexible function rooms and five en-suite luxury bedrooms. French doors open into the garden, providing private outdoor space.

The Fairfax Hall suits larger events such as themed dinners, school proms and wedding receptions and has an outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy drinks overlooking the moat to the Castle.

Evening Dining Open to residential and non residential diners, guests are invited to enjoy seasonally themed bistro style evening meals in the award winning Castle View Restaurant. The 17th Century oak beamed setting offers a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular views across the terrace to the Castle lit beautifully at night.

To book an event, please contact a member of our Hospitality team on 01622 767855, email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com

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AFTERNOON TEA IN THE CASTLE On selected weekends throughout the year The Leeds Castle Dining Room provides the most elegant setting for you to take afternoon tea at the weekend. Whatever the special occasion, the delicious mix of scones, clotted cream and jam, savoury finger sandwiches and delicate patisseries is insurmountable. Lashings of tea and coffee will be served and for an added treat you could order Prosecco or Champagne.

First transformed into a formal dining room in 1938 by StĂŠphane Boudin, the room was regularly used by Lady Baillie for entertaining her illustrious weekend guests.

Now you too can experience the Dining Room in the same way, surrounded by beautiful tapestries and delicate porcelain; and time allowing before or afterwards you will be at liberty to wander around the Castle and grounds.

Afternoon teas in the Castle are available on selected weekends so please check the website for dates.

To book an Afternoon Tea, please call 01622 767823 Or email accommodation@leeds-castle.co.uk A full menu can be viewed online at www.leeds-castle.com/tea

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CELEBRATE AT BATTEL HALL On the Leeds Castle Estate Why not consider a private fine dining experience in the newly and exquisitely refurbished Battel Hall?

Battel Hall provides a wonderfully luxurious escape to the countryside, with the added benefit of access to all that the Leeds Castle estate has to offer. Whether gathering together with friends for a reunion, holidaying with family or meeting up to celebrate a special summer anniversary with up to 100 guests in the private garden, Battel Hall provides the perfect setting.

You will find comfortable drawing rooms, an oak panelled dining room seating up to 16 people, five exquisite bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, an annex with additional accommodation; plus a large private garden with entertaining space.

There is the added option of bringing in professional chefs to work in the separate catering kitchen and make your stay even more relaxing.

To enquire about a celebratory stay at Battel Hall, please call 01622 767877 Email battelhall@leeds-castle.co.uk Or view online at www.leeds-castle.com/battelhall

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ACCOMMODATION Bed and Breakfast Whether you are looking for a weekend away or travelling for business, the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms provide indulgent four star guest accommodation. Make the most of your stay by taking an evening stroll through the gardens when the grounds are closed to visitors. All rooms are en-suite and double, twin, single and family rooms are available to book up to six months in advance.

a stone’s throw from the Castle. Whilst retaining their historic charm, the cottages provide thoroughly modern facilities.

Guests receive complimentary entry to Leeds Castle, grounds and attractions, plus use of a neighbouring hotel’s leisure facilities.

Knight’s Glamping From April to September, Knight’s Glamping offers families and couples the chance to escape to the countryside for a camping holiday with a luxury twist. Our award winning medieval style striped tents are situated close to the Maze, a convenient ten minutes’ walk from the Castle Island.

Enjoy the luxury of a four poster bed, warming log burning stove, crisp cotton bedding and snug sheepskin rugs during your stay.

For breathtaking views and five star luxury, upgrade your stay to the 16th Century Maiden’s Tower located on the Castle Island.

Holiday Cottages Leeds Castle boasts a number of luxurious self catering holiday cottages each with its own period style and unique setting just

For more information on accommodation, please contact a member of our team on 01622 767823, email accommodation@leeds-castle.co.uk or visit www.leeds-castle.com/accommodation

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Heathrow Airport

London

Ebbsfleet International Station

Canterbury Maidstone Ashford International Station Gatwick Airport

Royal Tunbridge Wells

Dover Folkestone Calais

A16

Leeds Castle is located near Maidstone at Junction 8 of the M20 between London and the Channel ports. www.leeds-castle.com Leeds Castle Maidstone Kent ME17 1PL 01622 765400

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www.leeds-castle.com Leeds Castle Maidstone Kent ME17 1PL 01622 765400

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