Follow the historic path of the A40 where highwaymen and thieves travelled through from London to High Wycombe or Oxford and you will come along the beautiful and historic village of West Wycombe.

Only 15miles from The Bull Hotel, the village is rare in its architecture with cottages and Inns dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries and many belonging to The National Trust. The village which has many interesting antique shops, an old style sweet shop, which has been trading for at least 250 years, selling over 350 varieties of sweets plus the famous George and Dragon Pub. You will find this old drinking establishment in many ghost books from over the years and it’s even been visited by the TV program Haunted Britain!

Tradition holds that the ghost of Sukie, a servant girl who worked at the pub had 3 admirers who were young boys local to the village. Sukie had her sights set on becoming the mistress of an aristocrat and met with each of them and rejected their advances in turn. To teach her a lesson the boys wrote a letter to her pretending they were a rich noble suitor inviting her to meet at the local caves and elope with him. The boys jumped out at Sukie forcing her to flee petrified. Whilst running she tripped over a rock and her head struck the cave wall. The 3 boys carried her body back to The George and Dragon but she died that night and it is said that she has roamed the rooms there ever since.

The extension of the caves was a true feat of engineering as they were all dug by hand and the long winding passages lead deep underground for over half a mile. They are open to visitors most days from 1am until 5pm for a small fee. Afterwards take a walk up to the Dashwood Mausoleum behind which towers the stunning Golden Ball that sits atop the church of St Lawrence. The village and surrounding areas really are a fascinating piece of English history just like The Bull Hotel and Gerrards Cross. For maps, opening times, prices and more information please do not hesitate in contacting our Front Office Staff at The Bull.

At the height of the summer, one of the world's most famous royal palaces plays host to the sumptuous Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

This RHS spectacle is the largest of its kind in the world and for 6 days in July, thousands of gardening fans can see, smell and touch an abundance of floral delights. Visitors can enjoy around 50 inspiring display gardens including the tranquil water gardens (a unique category of this show), and the innovative conceptual gardens showcasing the next big names in garden design. From contemporary to traditional, there are plenty of design ideas to suit any garden lover.

For the keen horticulturist the show is not just about viewing, shopping and relaxing – it's also about winning! The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges make their awards on the first day of the show; see if you agree with their choices. Hundreds of the UK's best nurseries fill the floral marquees, Festival of Roses and Plant Heritage Marquee, and floral art, fruit and vegetables and floristry are also a major part of the show.

With hundreds of opportunities to buy gifts and gadgets and several tempting catering options, everyone will have a glorious day out at the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Overland trains to Hampton Court are available from Wimbledon Station, serviced by the district line underground rail, or from Waterloo Station.

Ticket prices
Adults: £13.30

Child (5 -15): £6.65

Child under 5: Free
Senior/Student (with valid id): £11.30 concession

If you are staying at The Bull Hotel or in the Gerrards Cross area on Saturday 28th June, why not join in the fun and festivities of Fulmer Day in the small Buckinghamshire village of Fulmer, just 2 miles from Gerrards Cross town centre.

Fulmer is often described as "the prettiest village in South Bucks" and, indeed, it has won the Buckinghamshire Best Kept Village competition many times. Fulmer Day is a fun filled day of entertainment for the whole family, the centre of the village will be full of food, music, activity as well as arts and crafts stalls between 2.00pm and 5.30pm. Windmill Road, which runs through the village, is shut from 1pm to 6pm, so park your car and take a wander down.

Activities this year will include face painting, raffles, a tombola, bouncy castle, plate smashing, dancing and martial arts displays, and ‘soaking the estate agent.’ Leave your children to enjoy the activities whilst you browse the many stalls, where you can purchase stained glass, pottery, fashion bags & jewelry as well as locally grown organic vegetables. These are just a handful of what there is on offer.

If you fancy a bit of friendly competition, bring along your dog and enter the fun Family Dog Show at 10.30am. All ages and breeds of dogs are welcome! Why not make a day of it and have a traditional cream tea or something more modern such as sushi and champagne for lunch, followed by a live band and a summer BBQ in the evening.

There are at least 2 surprise celebrity guests expected. Last year saw Vernon Kay & Tess Daly open the event and the whole afternoon will be a wonderful village occasion. The opening ceremony will be at 1.30pm followed by all the activities between 2pm and 6pm.

So come along and enjoy the day!

Written by Danielle Teahan, Meetings and Events Office Supervisor at the Bull Hotel

Are you running out of ideas on where to spend you free time this summer?

Then visit Bekonscot Model Village which is approximately 4 miles from Bull Hotel. Bekonscot is the oldest model village in the world and has been on television many times. Portraying rural England in the 1930’s, time has stood still in this wonderland of make-believe for over 70 years.

Visitors can meander through six villages, each with their miniature population going about their daily routines. There are many moving models including a fine Gauge 1 model railway which runs throughout the 1.5 acre site. Bekonscot Model Village is an ideal place to hold children’s parties and any surplus profits are given to charity.

Opening Times: 10th February to 28th October daily 10.00am to 5.00 pm

Admission Charges:
Adults £6.50
Children (2-15yrs) free
Senior Citizens/Students/Unemployed £4.50
Family Ticket (2+2) £19.00

Group rates: Adults £6.00, Children £3.50

Last month, The Abbey Hotel was delighted to welcome The Russian State Opera of Siberia featuring some of Russia’s finest singers and world-class orchestra to perform two great masterpieces at Malvern Theatres, La Boheme and Madame Butterfly.

The Russian State Opera of Siberia was formed in 1977 and flourished against the backdrop of a thriving cultural environment, attracting brilliant new talent and quickly establishing itself as a leading opera company, both at home and abroad. Its soloists are renowned for their vocal prowess and dramatic abilities, and are supported by a powerful chorus.

No opera can equal the enchanting romance and heartfelt emotion of La Boheme. From the celebrations in the Cafe Momus to the intimacy of the artisans’ garret and final tragic moments of Mimi’s death, Puccinis emotionally charged score never fails to captivate audiences whenever it is performed.

Madame Butterly is Puccinis tragic tale of the doomed love of an American naval lieutenant and his young Japanese bride. Set to a ravishing score, it features some of the most famous arias in all Italian opera as the story moves from tender moments of unbridled love to its ultimate powerful and tragic conclusion.

Written by Gennaro de Borbon, Revenue Manager at the Abbey Hotel

This weekend my Mum is doing the Goodnight Walk, a fundraising event in the shape of a sponsored walk at night to raise funds for the Iain Rennie Hospice At Home charity.

The charity provides specialist nursing care for patients who wish to stay at home during the final stages of any terminal or life threatening illnesses. The charity relies on fundraising and donations from people such as you.

The 13.1 mile walk takes place on the 7th June 2008, commencing at midnight and finishing a few hours later with a breakfast roll from Amersham Community Centre. The ladies will take a route through Amersham and Little Chalfont, walking a half marathon. It is a huge challenge for all women taking part, especially as it takes place through the night when all you want to do is sleep!

The Goodnight Walk 2008 is sponsored by Hartgraph Graphic Communications, Buckinghamshire Advertiser, Clarity, Robsons Estate Agents, Green & Blacks and Nature Valley. If you would like to help out on the night you can contact the fundraising team on 01442 890 222 or email Ruth Barber at rbarber@irhh.org. They need as many volunteers as possible. The Bull Hotel would like congratulate everyone taking part and wish them all good luck!

Written by Danielle Teahan, Meetings and Events Office Supervisor at the Bull

This year marks the 400th birthday of John Milton, the great English poet and parliamentarian who resided in the village Chalfont St Giles. This beautiful village is only a stones throw from The Bull Hotel and is home to Milton’s cottage which is now a museum open to the public.

In 1665, 23 years before the Bull Hotel was opened to the public, John Milton and his wife moved into the cottage to escape the plague in London. Whilst at the cottage Milton completed his best known work Paradise Lost and the idea of Paradise Regained was put to him. The cottage is the only one of Milton’s many dwellings to survive and it has changed little since the 17th century. The 4 ground floor museum rooms contain important editions of Milton’s poetry, together with many prose writings that were published during his lifetime and shortly after. The garden is stocked with the plants and flowers that Milton so beautifully describes in his poetry. The garden is also open to the public and like the museum is well worth a visit.

Entrance fees are £4 for adults, £2 for children under 15 and for parties of 20 or more £3. Opening times are 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. Although open on Bank Holidays, the cottage is closed on Mondays and is open from the 1st of March until the 31st October. Because it is such a special year the museum will also be opening in November and December. For more details please refer to the museums website.

Whilst visiting this grade 1 listed XV1th Century cottage described by Thomas Ellwood as “that pretty box in St Giles, Chalfont” why not take in the sights and sounds of our neighbouring village. Chalfont St Giles is an archetypal English village and is steeped in history. Start at the river Misbourne then walk down and see the Saracens Stone, part of a Roman road which was only discovered in recent years. Then visit their church of Norman origins and see the memorial to Captain Cook the discoverer of Australia.

Then why not return to The Bull Hotel and relax with our famous afternoon tea whilst discussing the history that surrounds Gerrards Cross and The Bull Hotel. You could even chose the afternoon tea option of an accompanying glass of champagne and raise a glass to the 400th birthday of one of our most famous neighbours.

Written by Michelle Mayes, Front Office Manager at The Bull Hotel

With summer season approaching very fast it is such a pleasure to see beautiful sunny weather in London, the greatest city in the world to live in as well as to visit (in my opinion). More and more tourists are coming into London to see all the attractions and to enjoy the exiting bars and restaurants that London has to offer. The Rembrandt Hotel is situated in one of the most beautiful locations in London; Knightsbridge with the Victoria & Albert Museum next door to the hotel, being one of the many attractions in this location.

I joined the team at The Rembrandt over a month ago and I must expressed that the team of staff over here is second to none, we all work together to ensure that all of our guest have the most enjoyable stay with us. It is a pleasure to work in a hotel where all the staff members have one thing in mind when it comes to customer services; a stress free and memorable stay at our hotel for all our guests. The Rembrandt, having 194 bedrooms, of which nearly all have been recently refurbished, is able to provide the personal service to our guests that are lost in so many hotels in London. We at the Rembrandt understand that all our guests have individual requests and needs and that is why we aim to provide exceptional service from the moment of them choosing to stay with us till their departure date. The rooms are beautiful and modern, with a contemporary décor and maintain many of the original Edwardian features. I personally love the 1606 Lounge Bar, which has a stunning conservatory, and it’s really a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening. Aquilla Health and Fitness Club, with a beautiful swimming pool as well as Jacuzzi and a well equipped gym, offers all you need to have a relaxing swim or a healthy work out.

I look forward to working for the Rembrandt for many years to come as this is definitely a place that gives the impression of being “A home away from Home” not only for the staff but for all our guests as well.

The Bull Hotel is now just days away from the re-opening of its fantastic Conservatory Lounge, and to celebrate this we will be holding monthly Champagne Open Evenings on the first Friday of every month. This will give local residents the opportunity to experience the fantastic atmosphere at The Bull Hotel.

The re-opening of the Conservatory Lounge has also coincided with the opening of our brand new bedrooms, including the new Grand rooms, which are spacious rooms offering walk-in showers and Jacuzzi baths.

In June we will be opening an additional conference and meeting space, the Chalfont Suite. This fantastic new space, can be divided into three smaller rooms, called the Amersham, Chesham and Latimer rooms, each looking onto the village common and offering natural daylight and air-conditioning. Once the Chalfont Suite is open, this will bring an end to our refurbishment programme, bringing with it an improved Bull Hotel.

Why not come in and see for yourself!

Written by Jenny Allan, Sales Manager at the Bull Hotel

Swing by The Abbey Hotel and step into our newly refurbished lounge where you can indulge yourself in some of the fantastic new items on our bar menu!

The Abbey Bar and Lounge is ideal for the business person or even us ordinary people. It offers comfort, beautiful surroundings and views, as well as complimentary wireless internet access. So, be it a cup of tea or a fine single malt scotch you’re after, we will have it on offer.

But I am really here to tell you about the food!!

The new look menu has a taste for everybody; if you are looking for a small quick bite to eat or a full hearty meal, you will find it in the menu! Fresh salads like the Thai Tuna Salad, comes with spicy seared tuna and a mixed salad that is finished with a carrot and ginger vinaigrette. It really gets the taste buds going! Or try some of the small bites… From mussels to crab cakes; or a fresh Margherita Pizzette made on flatbread made with rosemary picked fresh from our gardens! Hearty Meals include the Steak Frites, Locally made Pork & Leek Sausages; Gammon, Egg and Chips; or Fish and Chips and Mushy Peas, the fish is covered in a flavoursome beer batter that is made from the beer of The Wye Valley Brewery!

Did I mention that we have included a few breakfast options on the menu, which are being served all day? We don’t mind what time you get up, we are just happy to be able to provide you with some fresh and filling breakfast food, at your convenience!

There really is something to suit everyone’s taste. We hope that you come and see us and try some of the fantastic new offerings that out chef and his team have created.

See you soon!

Buckinghamshire is well known for its beautiful landscapes and of course the famous Chilterns but a question asked by many potential guests is, “what is there to do for the fitness conscious hotel guests that doesn’t involve walking, jogging or running in the area? The answer is … A lot!

You can find the Cannons Health Club only a 5 minute drive away from the hotel in the beautiful surroundings of Stoke Pogues. The health club is set in a wonderful old building which provides gym facilities; regular fitness challenges, a pool and free parking. They also welcome children and run junior activities, (including swimming), a friendly crèche, day nursery and a comfortable café to sit and unwind after a hard day exercising.

Or, why don’t you take a rest after that hard day in meetings or that tiring sightseeing trip to London, and relax with a spa treatment or sauna. Opening times, prices and directions are available at reception, so please feel free to ask a front desk attendant for details.

Breeze in Gerrards Cross is even closer to the hotel and offers tennis courts for hire, so why not take on your colleague or family member in a friendly game. Make it even more interesting by making the loser of course buy the first round of drinks in our Jack Shrimpton Bar. Again, details are all available at our front desk.

Not your kind of thing? Why not try a golf lesson at one of the many distinguished golf clubs situated in some of the most beautiful settings in England. Buckinghamshire has 41 registered golf courses many of which are very close to The Bull Hotel and welcome non members. The closest is Gerrards Cross Golf Club where visitors are welcome on weekdays subject to tee off reservations and at the weekends visitors are welcome as guests of a member.

Ladies - concerned that GOLF still stands for ‘Gentleman Only Ladies Forbidden’?
No need to worry as the sport has come a long way since it was first played in 1502. The Buckinghamshire Golf Course situated in an oasis of calm and privacy is now the headquarters to the Ladies European tour. Please check at reception for information on the dress code, fees and directions.

Fancy something different? Check with our reception staff for other information on a wide range of activities. Maybe a martial arts class or table tennis….the choice is yours!

Why not soak up the special atmosphere by enjoying a refreshing drink or snack in our spacious bars. There will always be a wedding co ordinator on board to show you all our facilities and bridal suites.

So if you are thinking of getting married what are you waiting for... pay us a visit now!

1 large carrot diced

1 large onion diced
2 sticks of celery diced

2 sprigs of fresh thyme

2 bay leaves

2 cloves of garlic

3 tbsp of olive oil

2 tbsp tomato puree

0.25 Lt Beef stock

1lt of burgundy wine

2tbsp plain flour

2oz of butter

For garnish:
500g of small shallots

500g of button mushrooms

250g of smoked bacon

Chopped flat parsley

Heart shaped fried bread

Method
1) Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large sauce pan. Add the vegetables, thyme, garlic and bay leaves and sweat for 2-3 min, add the wine and bring to the boil. Take off the heat and allow cooling down.
2) Place the beef in a large bowl and poor over the wine marinade. Cover and place in the fridge over night.
3) Pre heat the oven to 150C or 300F. Drain the beef in a colander and reserve the marinade.
4) Heat the rest of the oil in a frying pan until Smokey hot, add the beef and seal until brown. Add the flour and the tomato puree and stir for 2 min. Add the stock slowly and the wine marinade. Bring to the boil. Transfer to a suitable deep oven dish, cover and put in the oven for 1.5-2 hours.
5) Heat the butter in a frying pan. Add the smoked bacon cut into small baton, and then add the shallots and mushrooms. Toss until cooked, and then add the chopped parsley.
6) Take the beef out, and put onto a serving dish. Arrange the garnish neatly in the centre of the beef and the shaped bread on the side of the dish.

Total preparation time: over night + cooking time = 1.5 hours

Serves: 8

The idea for a rowing race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge came from two friends - Charles Merivale, a student at Cambridge, and his Harrow schoolfriend Charles Wordsworth, who was at Oxford. On 12 March 1829, Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford and thus the tradition was born which has continued to the present day, where the loser of the previous year’s race challenges the opposition to a re-match.

The 2 university rowing teams have been racing down the Thames since 1829. Last year, Cambridge beat rivals Oxford, preventing the Blues from gaining a hat-trick. As a result, Cambridge now lead the series 79 to 73 with only 1 dead heat since they first race in 1829.

As one of the few free sporting spectacles in London, the Boat Race creates a festival atmosphere on the banks of the River Thames and marks the start of the English "social season". Thousands of people flock to the river each year to join in the celebrations and watch the Oxford and Cambridge University crews as they race over the famous 4-and-a-quarter mile course from Putney to Mortlake. This year the race will be held on the 29th March.

The 154th Boat Race takes place on Saturday, 29 March 2008 at 17.15, with the toss taking place at 15.25. The Isis Goldie Race will take place at 4.45pm. Supporters and fans staying at the Rembrandt Hotel can find a place to watch on either side of the river along the full length of the course, but particular areas to note are: Putney Bridge and Embankment (at the start), Hammersmith (mid-course) and Chiswick Bridge (at the finish).

Half term coming up, don’t know what to do? Look no further than Buckinghamshire, you wont believe how much there is to see and do here!

Museums
Chiltern open air museum in Chalfont St Giles will be opening some of its buildings and be offering a range of hands on activities and demonstrations for the whole family to join in. From historic cooking, lace making, playing with replica Victorian toys and games to making toys and candles. Special admission prices apply.

Roald Dahl lived and wrote his fabulous books for children and adults in Great Missenden. There is a children’s gallery in the Bucks county museum in Aylesbury and a story centre in Great Missenden. The story centre runs workshops events, free storytelling sessions and free craft activities. The children’s gallery is the only one of its kind in the world! You can explore sound with the BFG, dress up in Victorian clothes under the watchful eye of Miss Trunchball and ride in the Great Glass Elevator up to the Imagination Gallery.

The world-famous Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, is the world's oldest model village. It is an entire miniature kingdom stuck firmly in an peaceful 1930s time warp. There are six little villages in a 1½ acre miniature landscape of farms and fields, castles and churches, woods, lakes and rolling hills.

Wildlife
Great places to meet farmyard favorites’ and to enjoy some hands on fun include: Bucks Goat Centre in Stoke Mandeville, Chiltern Open Air Museum at Chalfont St Giles, Odds Farm Park at Wooburn Common and Tiggywinkles Wildlife Hospital at Haddenham. For a cool mixture of fun, play & education, they are all ideal outings for families.

Why not make a weekend of it with the Legoland Package? £42.50 B&B per person per night or £59.50 DB&B per person per night you get a free 2 day entry to Legoland, full English breakfast in our Beeches restaurant and overnight accommodation at The Bull Hotel.

Modern-day Easter is derived from two ancient traditions: one Judeo-Christian and the other Pagan. Both Christians and Pagans have celebrated death and resurrection themes following the Spring Equinox for millennia. Most religious historians believe that many elements of the Christian observance of Easter were derived from earlier Pagan celebrations.

The equinox occurs each year on March 20, 21 or 22. Both Neopagans and Christians continue to celebrate religious rituals linked to the equinox in the present day. Wiccans and other Neopagans usually hold their celebrations on the day or eve of the equinox. Western Christians wait until the Sunday on or after the next full moon. The Eastern Orthodox churches follow a different calculation; their celebration is often many weeks after the date selected by the Western churches.

Here at the Bull we are celebrating Easter with Easter Sunday Lunch, a 3 course buffet lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt for the children. The adult price is £24.95 and £11.00 per child.

Come along and join us for a family day out.

I know it might not sound much but we hoteliers get excited about such things - especially when we're due to host big conferences. So last week found us putting the finishing touches to our new conference suite ladies' & gents' washrooms. Wow! There's plenty of granite for the housekeeping department to polish!

So now our Elgar Suite can proudly boast first-class facilities and in time to welcome the national conference of Molly Maid, almost certainly the most discerning guests in this area!!

They say you can judge a place by its toilets - so come on in...