"It's the time of year when - rain or shine - our minds turn to al fresco eating. These days, a simple grill set-up no longer cuts it: firepits, foraging and even outdoor swimming are all staples at 2026's summer feasts. From Michelin-starred chefs taking over a film director's lake house to long-table banquets deep in the woods, here are some of our favourite wild dining experiences in the UK..."
"Guy Ritchie bought Ashcombe House in Wiltshire 25 years ago. Since then, as well as continuing to make films and TV (The Gentlemen was filmed here), Ritchie has created and now sells his high-end Cashmere Caveman WildKitchen and WildTable live-fire dining set-ups. The concept is on great display at Ashcombe, where the dining and cooking space hovers over a lovely lake on the estate. In 2026, for the second year running, the estate has teamed up with London restaurateurs Carousel to create a rotating programme of chef residencies over the summer..."
"At each two-night experience, guests will stay over in one of the farmhouse's beautiful bedrooms, with other meals cooked by the Carousel team in the estate's Old Brewery. There's also a sauna, wild swimming and yoga classes on offer."
"In the pretty Cotswolds village of Burford, the Bull is Matthew Freud's art-filled country pub getaway. With 18 bedrooms, it's a characterful inn with all the gleam of some of the area's glossier hotels - Soho Farmhouse, Thyme - and an extra smattering of big-name artists. Works by Grayson Perry, Salvador Dalí, Jean-Michel"
Outdoor dining across the UK is increasingly built around immersive experiences rather than simple grilling. Live-fire cooking setups and firepits are paired with activities such as wild swimming, sauna sessions, and yoga. Scenic estates host rotating chef residencies, with guests staying on-site and enjoying multiple meals prepared by resident and visiting teams. Dining spaces can be positioned dramatically over lakes, creating a distinctive setting for summer feasts. Country pubs and village retreats add character through art-filled interiors, curated menus, and seasonal outdoor table experiences. The overall trend emphasizes foraging, outdoor cooking, and destination-style stays that extend beyond the meal itself.
Read at CN Traveller
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