A Taste of Summer
There is something quietly magical about gathering people around a table after a day spent moving, walking, swimming and resting.
Food has always been an important part of our retreats. Not because we're trying to impress anyone, but because sharing good food slows us down. It creates conversation, encourages us to linger a little longer and reminds us that nourishment comes in many forms.
This summer's retreat felt especially memorable.
Al fresco dining in Wales!
For the first time, it truly felt like a celebration of summer itself. The days were warm enough to seek out shade, doors stayed open, drinks were served over ice and meals naturally found their way outdoors whenever they could.
The menu reflected everything we love about this time of year: colour, freshness and simplicity.
Cooling plates of salted watermelon with toasted almonds, lime and fresh mint. Heritage tomatoes paired with creamy burrata, pesto and toasted sourdough. Rose harissa tofu and tempeh kebabs with sweet pineapple, accompanied by chickpea and pearl couscous salad, roasted vegetables, padron peppers and Spanish white gazpacho. Relaxed lunches built around falafel wraps and plenty of colourful accompaniments.
Padron peppers with a panko crumb.
There were gentle moments too. Greek yoghurt with homemade berry compote and granola to begin the day. Homemade ginger beer and virgin mojitos enjoyed in the afternoon sunshine. Coffee from Ceirios in Llanberis, teas from The Teapot in Marple and perhaps our favourite little discovery of the weekend: almond milk coffee ice cubes topped with salted caramel.
Of course, summer deserves something sweet.
Lemon granita on a warm afternoon. Summer pudding bursting with berries. Ice cream with dark chocolate. And a beautiful raspberry vegan traybake from our friends at Two Sons coffee shop in Marple.
Looking back through the photographs, we're reminded that retreats aren't made memorable by one thing alone. It's the combination of mountain air, movement, laughter, meaningful conversation, moments of stillness and food prepared with care that leaves people feeling restored.
As the seasons begin to turn, we're already dreaming about what will appear on the table at our autumn retreats. If summer taught us anything, it's that simple, seasonal food shared with good company is one of life's greatest pleasures.
Tofu and tempeh kebabs with pineapple in a rose harissa marinade.
Salted watermelon with toasted almonds and a lime and mint dressing.
Greek yoghurt with berry compote and granola.
Almond milk coffee ice cubes with salted caramel.
Tofu and tempeh kebabs with pineapple in a rose harissa marinade.
Padron peppers with a panko crumb.
Spanish white gazpacho dip.
Antipasta (roasted aubergine and peppers).
Chickpea and pearl couscous salad.
Falafel wraps with all the extras.
Pesto burrata with heritage tomatoes and toasted sour dough.
Raspberry vegan traybake cake from the Two Suns Cafe in Marple.
Ice Cream with dark chocolate.
Summer pudding.
Lemon granita.
Home made ginger beer and virgin mojitos.
Tea’s by The Teapot, Marple.
Coffee from Ceirios, Llanberis.
