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Welcome & Arrival Information | Dining options at Garsington Opera | Picnic tents & tables | Reserve a special venue | Enhance your visit | FAQs | Getting to Garsington Opera
Welcome to Garsington Opera
Arrival & departure times
Wormsley is open from 3.30pm on performance days for guests to enjoy the gardens and grounds before the opera begins in the early evening and performances end between 10pm and 10.15pm. Taxis and drivers should arrive no later than 9.45pm for pick-up to avoid congestion on the drive.
Entry to the Estate
To gain access to Wormsley guests may be asked to show their tickets on arrival, or to provide the name of their host.
Picnic porters
Scout porters with trolleys and chauffeured golf buggies are available prior to the performance, to assist with carrying picnics from Home Field Car Park.
Dress code
Elegant evening dress is generally worn and warm layers are strongly advised. As the grass may be soft, stiletto and kitten heels are not recommended.
For performances of Il barbiere di Siviglia, we are encouraging audience members to dress in Mediterranean colours – terracotta, yellow ochre, azure blue etc. if they wish to.
Latecomers
Latecomers will only be admitted to the auditorium at a suitable break in the performance. This may not occur until the interval.
Supertitles
There will be supertitles for all performances.
Accessibility
Please inform us at the time of booking of any access needs for guests with restricted mobility or special requirements. For more information, please see our accessibility page.
Dining options at Garsington Opera
The 85-minute long dinner interval is a central feature of an evening at Garsington Opera and there are a variety of dining options available for you to make the most of your experience. In addition, our caterers offer a number of pre-performance dining options to enhance your visit.
Pre-performance
Perfect to share prior to the performance, canapés can be ordered to be collected from the Champagne Bar at your convenience. Afternoon tea can also be taken throughout the afternoon in the Boundary Room Restaurant overlooking the iconic Wormsley Cricket Ground.
The Boundary Room Restaurant
A delicious three-course dinner menu has been designed by Ollie Dabbous, chef patron of Michelin-starred Hide restaurant in Piccadilly, with our catering partners Feasts. Looking out over the beautiful Wormsley Cricket Ground, our restaurant boasts one of the most stunning views in Britain. Dining in the restaurant must be booked in advance. See the menu for further details.
Picnics
The Gourmet or Traditional Picnics offer a delicious selection of al fresco favourites. Served in a wicker hamper, all come complete with mineral water, coffee and chocolate and are served at a complimentary table overlooking the Cricket Ground. If guests would prefer to enjoy their Feasts picnic in the Deer Park, tents and tables can be reserved for a small additional charge via the Garsington Box Office. Feasts picnics must be booked in advance. See the Picnic menu for further details.
For guests bringing their own picnic, there are numerous places to settle – pick a table by the beautiful lake, on the Champagne Lawn, or join the celebratory atmosphere on one of our free tables in a shared tent. Reservations can also be made for the Granary, a table on the Upper Terrace, a private tent, or a shared tent in the Deer Park.
Picnic tents & tables
Reserving picnic tents & tables
If you would like to book a tent or picnic table for your party, we recommend you reserve your preferred venue in advance. We also have some tables in tents available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
Venue |
Capacity |
Reservation cost |
Booking requirement |
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Medium private tent |
10-12 people |
£205 | |
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Small private tent |
6-8 people
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£175 | |
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Large upper terrace picnic table |
8 people |
£10 per person |
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Small upper terrace picnic table |
4 people |
£10 per person |
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Picnic table in large shared tent (Deer Park) |
Separate tables per group |
£5 per person |
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Picnic table in shared tent (Cricket Ground) |
Complimentary tables overlooking the Cricket Ground are provided with all Feasts picnics. If you prefer to book a tent in the Deer Park then you can request to have your Feasts picnic delivered to it. Please indicate this when booking your Feasts picnic. |
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Reserve a special venue
Venue |
Capacity |
Reservation cost |
Booking requirement |
|
The Granary |
8–12 people seated or up to 20 standing |
£205 | |
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Chilterns Picnic Tent |
Up to 24 people seated
|
£305 | |
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Island Pavilion |
Up to 22 people seated or 30 for buffet |
Upon request |
|
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Cricket Pavilion |
8–10 people |
Upon request |
2023 SEASON MENU
DINING OPTIONS WITH FEASTS
The Feasts team is delighted to be back at Garsington Opera for the 13th year at Wormsley. For the 2023 season, we have once again teamed up with Michelin-starred Ollie Dabbous. We are thrilled to have him back, bringing his elegant and delicious flavours to the Wormsley Estate, with dishes inspired from HIDE, where Ollie is chef-patron.
Ollie honed his skill with many of the world’s top chefs, including two years with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison, a position at the legendary Mugaritz in Spain and the opening of Texture with Agnar Sverrisson, before opening his first Michelin-starred restaurant Dabbous in 2012.
Working alongside our seasoned team to develop the 2023 menu, Ollie’s aim is to create dishes that are familiar and respect the natural produce used. With his fresh and inspired twists on classic English flavours and ingredients, we are sure this menu will excite and delight you.
“One of the events I have genuinely enjoyed working on for the past two years has been cooking for the guests of Garsington Opera, and this summer, for the third year running, I shall be putting on my apron once again, and delivering a dinner that I hope guests and performers will find every bit as enthralling and memorable as the opera they are about to see”
Ollie Dabbous
"We are very fortunate to be partnering with acclaimed, Michelin Star chef, Ollie Dabbous, for a third year. Ollie’s signature dishes are traditional with a modern twist, bringing added interest and quality to the menu. The friendly welcome and efficiency of the Feasts team has become their trademark and we are delighted to be working in partnership with them again this year.
As before, we have collaborated with Ollie and Feasts to bring you a selection of fine dining experiences so whether you choose a table in the restaurant, book one of our private venues for a special occasion, or make picnicking easy with a delicious Feasts hamper, we hope you have a wonderful time enjoying all that Wormsley and Garsington have to offer."
Nicola Creed, Garsington Opera
MENUS TO SUIT EVERY TASTE
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We offer a choice of delicious dining options to enjoy on arrival and during the interval: Pre-performance:
During the interval:
To dine in the Cricket or Island Pavilions, Chilterns Picnic Tent, Granary or a Deer Park tent, please contact the Garsington Box Office at boxoffice@garsingtonopera.org to book. *Please note, service charges may apply |
STEP-BY-STEPBelow you will find the detail of the various dining options that are available to book for your visit to Garsington Opera. Please book online following these simple steps:
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PRE-PERFORMANCE DINING
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We are delighted to offer you a range of afternoon teas to enjoy before the performance, served overlooking the famous Wormsley Cricket Ground. Afternoon tea Includes all of the following: Caramelised apple and fennel sausage roll Hot smoked salmon and pickled cucumber sandwich Mature cheddar and chutney sandwich Chocolate mirror cake Peach melba frangipane Mini buttermilk scone, strawberry jam and clotted cream A pot of classic English breakfast tea or speciality tea Celebration tea Make your afternoon tea a celebration by adding a bottle of Deutz Brut Classic NV Champagne, or choose another Champagne from our wine list. Cream tea Large buttermilk scone with strawberry jam & clotted cream Classic English breakfast or speciality tea |
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Available to purchase on the day: Freshly baked cakes, from our selection Hot smoked salmon and pickled cucumber sandwich Caramelised apple and fennel sausage roll and homemade brown sauce |
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Our platters are perfect to share with your guests before the opera, and can be served at the Champagne Bar or delivered to your picnic tent. Pre-performance canapés Includes all of the following: Summer pea, spring onion jam and vegan feta tart (vg) Vintage Montgomery and truffle gougère (v) Yuzu salmon blini, English wasabi and coriander Whiskey and soy beef, green onion, crispy wonton Traditional plate of smoked salmon Smoked salmon, buttered brown bread, fresh lemon We advise that you pre-order your Deutz Champagne and Oxford Rye Organic Dry Gin & Tonic “Perfect Feasts - very generous, delicious food and great people.” |
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Please email our team prior to booking if you need any allergen information. Please note: We are unable to guarantee that all of our dishes are allergen free |
INTERVAL DINING
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A delicious three-course dinner including coffee, water and after dinner truffles all served in the beautifully dressed Boundary Room Restaurant overlooking the Wormsley Cricket Ground. £86.00 per person. Starters Burrata with basil pesto, pickled red fruit and candy beetroot (v) Tuna tartare with horseradish, barley and nasturtium Pea hummus with dressed summer vegetables and toasted focaccia (vg) Asparagus with soft boiled egg, hazelnut crumb and hollandaise dressing (v) Ripe tomato salad with tarama and black olive (v) Main Courses Roast lamb rump, crushed Jersey Royals, braised peas, lettuce, mint and roasting juices Pork fillet with celeriac, mustard and black pudding Pan-roasted monkfish with turmeric buttermilk, shaved fennel and curry leaves Torched salmon with broccoli, baked celeriac and smoked butter sauce Crispy fried corn-fed chicken with smoked paprika glaze, padrón peppers, sweetcorn and butterbean salad Grilled aubergine “escalivada” with cracked wheat and herb yoghurt (v) |
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Desserts Raspberry, peach and elderflower crumble with Devon clotted cream Baked orange blossom cheesecake, apricots and lemon thyme Indulgent chocolate pot with malt cream, caramelised pecans, rum and raisin Ripe melon and red fruits with chilled punch Local cheese board with warm cheddar scone, honey and black pepper
Also included are homemade chocolate truffles and tea & coffee |
Please select your wines from our wine list. Still and sparkling water will be provided for your table free of charge. We have some delicious dessert wines and ports available by the glass or bottle to complete your meal. “A really excellent menu, beautifully produced, and the staff are marvellous."
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GOURMET HAMPER
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Treat yourself to a Gourmet Picnic served from a wicker hamper overlooking the Cricket Ground or Deer Park. Your picnic will be awaiting you at your table during the interval. Just ask your waiting staff if you would like more of anything. Don’t forget to order wine to go with your picnic. Gourmet Picnic Rare roast dry aged sirloin, confit potato and truffle salad Flaked salmon, Jerusalem artichoke and spring onion tart Heirloom tomato, goat’s cheese and lovage pesto salad (v) Moroccan sweet potato, broad bean and roasted tenderstem salad (vg) Sweet and sour kohlrabi and fennel slaw (v) Breads and sea salt crackers Chocolate pot with malt cream, caramelised pecans, rum and raisin Local cheese board
Gourmet Picnics will be delivered to your table. Minimum of two servings per order. |
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TRADITIONAL AND VEGETARIAN HAMPER
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Our Traditional Picnics include a generous picnic, mineral water, coffee & chocolates, presented in smart disposable picnic ware. Traditional Picnics Traditional Picnics will be delivered to your table. Our Gourment and Traditional picnics are served in tents overlooking the Cricket Ground. However, if you wish your hamper to be delivered to a tent in the Deer Park please book these tents separately with Garsington Opera and make Feasts aware with your booking.
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Traditional Picnic Chicken, leek and wild mushroom salad with wild garlic and toasted walnut croutons Smoked potato, asparagus and confit garlic quiche (v) Heirloom tomato, goat’s cheese and lovage pesto salad (v) Moroccan sweet potato, broad bean and roasted tenderstem (vg) Breads and sea salt crackers Vanilla poached rhubarb and spiced custard pot with mixed nut crumble (v) Traditional Vegetarian Picnic BBQ miso butter onion tart, pickled mushroom and whipped feta (v) Smoked potato, asparagus and confit garlic quiche (v) Heirloom tomato, goat’s cheese and lovage pesto salad (v) Moroccan sweet potato, broad bean and roasted tenderstem (vg) Breads and sea salt crackers Vanilla poached rhubarb and spiced custard pot with mixed nut crumble (v)
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WINE LIST
Champagne
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1 |
Deutz Brut Classic, NV |
£76.00 |
|
2 |
Deutz Rose, NV |
£79.00 |
|
3 |
Deutz Blanc de Blancs, 2013 |
£94.00 |
|
4 |
Deutz William Deutz, 2000 |
£192.00 |
|
5 |
Deutz Brut Classic, NV (HALF) | £42.00 |
White
|
6 |
Corney & Barrow Blanc IGP Côtes de Gascogne, French Country, France, 2021 |
£26.75 |
|
7 |
Corney & Barrow Périgord, France, 2021 |
£29.75 |
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8 |
Picpoul de Pinet Domaine Morin Langaran, Languedoc Roussillon, France, 2021 |
£38.75 |
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9 |
Gavi di Gavi Fratelli Antonio e Raimondo, Piedmont, Italy, 2021 |
£39.25 |
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10 |
Ana Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2021 |
£39.75 |
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11 |
Corney & Barrow White Burgundy Maison Auvigue, Burgundy, France, 2021 |
£51.00 |
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12 |
Saint-Véran Les Chatenays Domaine Carrette, Burgundy, France, 2020 |
£55.75 |
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13 |
Mâcon-Verzé Domaines Leflaive, Burgundy, France, 2020 |
£65.00 |
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14 |
Chablis Les Lys 1er Cru Domaine Vincent Dampt, Burgundy, France, 2020 |
£68.00 |
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15 |
Sancerre Caillottes Domaine La Croix Saint Laurent, Loire, France, 2020 |
£68.50 |
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16 |
Saint-Aubin Dents de Chien 1er Cru Olivier Leflaive, Burgundy, France, 2020 |
£85.50 |
White Half Bottles
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17 |
Mâcon-Solutré-Pouilly Maison Auvigue, Burgundy, France, 2021 |
£22.50 |
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18 |
Sauvignon Blanc Tunella, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2021 |
£23.75 |
|
19 |
Chablis Domaine Vincent Dam Dampt, Burgundy, France, 2021 |
£32.00 |
Rosé
|
20 |
Source Gabriel Rosé AOC Côtes de Provence, France, 2021 |
£32.75 |
|
21 |
Sancerre Rosé Comte Jean Marechal Henri Bourgeois, Loire, France, 2021 |
£41.75 |
|
22 |
Domaines Ott Clos Mireille, Cotes de Provence, France, 2021 |
£64.00 |
Red
|
23 |
Corney & Barrow Rouge Vin de France 2021 |
£26.75 |
|
24 |
Altos de Baroja Rioja Joven, Rioja, Spain, 2019 |
£30.50 |
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25 |
Corney & Barrow Claret Maison Sichel, Bordeaux, France, 2018 |
£30.00 |
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26 |
Chamuyo Malbec Mendoza Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina, 2020 |
£35.25 |
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27 |
Soraie IGT Veneto Cecilia Beretta, Vento, Italy, 2020 |
£35.50 |
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28 |
Corney & Barrow Côtes du Rhône, Vignobles Gonnet, Rhone, France, 2019 |
£39.00 |
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29 |
DouRosa Tinto Quinta de La Rosa, Douro, Portugal 2017 |
£41.00 |
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30 |
Fleurie La Madone Domaine Lathuilière-Gravallon, Beaujolais, France, 2020 |
£43.00 |
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31 |
Chianti Classico Terre di Prenzano Vignamaggio, Tuscany, Italy, 2019 |
£48.75 |
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32 |
Crozes-Hermitage Rouge Esquisse Domaine des Hauts Chassis 2021, Rhone, France |
£55.00 |
|
33 |
Chateau Barrail du Blanc Grand Cru St-Emilion, France, 2017 |
£53.25 |
| 34 |
Pinot Noir Elephant Hill, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2019 |
£57.25 |
| 35 |
PSI', Bodegas y Vinedos Alnardo, Castilla Y Leon, Spain, 2019 |
£68.75 |
| 36 |
Beaune Les Teurons 1er Cru Domaine Rossignol-Trapet 2017 |
£86.25 |
| 37 |
Espérance de Trotanoy, Bordeaux, France, 2017 |
£99.50 |
| 38 |
Gevrey-Chambertin Champonnet 1er Cru Domaine du Couvent, Burgundy, France, 2014 |
£95.25 |
Red Half Bottles
|
39 |
Côtes-du-Rhône Saint Esprit Rouge Maison Delas Frères, Rhône, France, 2019 |
£18.50 |
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40 |
Corney & Barrow Claret Maison Sichel, Bordeaux, France, 2018 |
£18.50 |
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41 |
Gevrey-Chambertin Meix des Ouches Domaine du Couvent, France, 2017 |
£48.00 |
Fortified and Sweet
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42 |
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise Domaine de Coyeux, Rhone, France, 2009 |
£22.75 (Half Bottle) |
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43 |
Corney & Barrow Sauternes, Bordeaux, France, 2018 |
£33.25 (Half Bottle) |
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44 |
Fonseca Guimaraens Vintage Port, Douro, Portugal, 2004 |
£76.25 |
Corkage will be charged at £21.00 per bottle
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Oxford Rye Organic Dry Gin & Tonic |
£14.00 |
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Non-alcoholic beer (330ml) |
£4.00 |
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Elderflower pressé (275ml) |
£2.95 |
All wines chosen in consultation with Corney & Barrow
In the event that stock of a wine becomes exhausted, a wine of a similar quality, price or vintage will be substituted