This month, we’re offering you the chance to win a stay at boutique seaside guesthouse & wine emporium The Terrace Rooms & Wine in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight.
Is it always sunny on the Isle of Wight? Answers on a postcard… In Ventnor, it feels that way. The light has a way of turning everything luminous; cliffs washed in gold, the Channel shimmering like silk, pastel houses glowing against the green folds of the downs.
Even in late winter, when the breeze has a bracing edge, there’s a softness to the air, as though golden hour lingers that little bit longer. It’s a dreamy quality that invites you to breathe deeper and savour each moment. And at The Terrace Rooms & Wine, that mindful pace is woven into every experience.
Perched above Ventnor’s softly curving bay, The Terrace feels like a secret you can’t wait to share with others, back on the mainland. The Isle of Wight has long attracted loyalists – sailors tracing coastal paths, festival-goers and walkers drawn to iconic vistas – but something else is happening now.
A quiet foodie self-assurance has taken root here. Producers are refining their craft. Restaurants are finding their voices. And at the heart of this gentle renaissance, The Terrace plays a leading role.
Owned and run by Ashley and Tom Fahey, the six-bedroom hotel is the result of equal parts passion, curiosity and hospitality instinct. Having taken on and lovingly restored the iconic St Augustine Villa – a Victorian property with panoramic views over Ventnor Bay – the couple have created a place that feels both considered and deeply personal.
What makes it special isn’t just the design or the wine list; it’s the way their personalities infuse every corner. Ashley, a former superyacht chef and wholehearted host, brings warmth and an intuitive understanding of flavour and service. Tom, a Top 20 UK sommelier with a lifelong enthusiasm for wine, guides guests through his cellar with infectious enthusiasm and a genuine desire to share what he loves.
Their story, of transforming an old guesthouse into a beautiful boutique destination with an emphasis on wine, design and hospitality, is part of the magic here.
And then there’s Ronnie the rescue dog – the hotel’s unofficial welcome committee. Ronnie is often found making guests feel at ease in the bar or pergola, tail wagging with a blend of curiosity, cautious confidence and charm.
For guests, days begin with an epic breakfast that’s less a meal and more a gentle unfolding. Four courses arrive, each one considered, seasonal and quietly exquisite. What makes it extraordinary is the pacing. Coffee is poured as though it matters.
Plates arrive with calm precision. Between courses, you look out at the shimmering Channel, watch the light shift on the water, and realise you’ve slipped into a different rhythm. It’s indulgent, but never excessive. Refined and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of breakfast that recalibrates your expectations and ruins all others.
Wine, naturally, is woven into the experience. Each evening, guests are invited to free tastings in the sea-view wine cave – a lovingly curated space housing more than 1,000 bottles – that has earned national accolades, including the UK’s Best Rosé Wine List and Best New Zealand Wine List (Star Wine List 2025). This spring’s rosé style guide dispenses with the old “pale equals posh” myth, inviting guests to explore character – crisp and juicy; savoury and structured; herbaceous; gently oxidative; even smoky – with Tom guiding, translating and making each glass feel like a discovery.
The Terrace’s Wine Room Dinners, returning this season, take the ethos further. Designed for small groups, these evenings showcase menus built entirely from Isle of Wight ingredients – farmed, caught or crafted on the island itself. Hyper-local in the truest sense, dishes shift weekly, impossible to replicate elsewhere. Pairings are precise, playful, thoughtful.
And this gastronomic story doesn’t exist in isolation. A wander up to Cantina cafe and kitchen confirms it: fairylit tables, generous plates and bold flavours, paired with a confident, unfussy atmosphere and a mean negroni or two. It’s cosy and romantic, with an open kitchen and an effortless sense of place, showing how this town is discovering its voice.
Beyond the table, the coastline provides its own drama. Ventnor’s southern cliffs – a dramatic stretch of chalk and shingle that has long inspired both locals and artists – are perfect for long walks to sharpen the appetite. Salt-sharp air, sea-sculpted vistas and a sense of history underfoot elevate every ramble.
Smugglers and pirate lore are whispered along the paths (and joked about at more than one tasting table). It’s easy to imagine hidden treasure chests in the hidden coves – my favourite booty was discovered in the Longshoreman’s Museum & Gift Shop.
Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev was drawn here, captivated by the climate and the extraordinary light that changes perspective.
There is space here – literal and metaphorical. Luxury without stiffness. Expertise without exclusion. Sea views that shape the rhythm of the day. Wine that’s not just an accessory, but a language spoken fluently and generously translated.
Visit theterraceventnor.co.uk to browse and book a trip!
How to enter
To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 27th March 2026.
This month, we’re offering you the chance to win the Samsung Easology smartphone bundle, designed to make everyday tech simple and straightforward.
Smartphones and tablets keep us connected in an increasingly digital world. They allow us to shop, find and share information, manage finances, access medical services, consume entertainment and much more. However, it’s important that technology is available and accessible for everyone.
As technology has become increasingly more complex, many people are finding it difficult to use. Some people find smartphones and tablets confusing or overwhelming, whilst others, who are often tech savvy, find smartphones and tablets difficult due to visual or dexterity impairments.
The Easology team realised that it was time to solve this problem, specifically: How can we make the latest and best technology easier to use, so that everyone can enjoy being online and connected?
The Samsung Easology smartphone bundle is designed to make everyday technology simple and stress-free – ideal for anyone new to smartphones or who values clarity over complexity.
This easy-to-use Samsung smartphone has large icons, clear text and intuitive navigation, with an uncluttered home screen and clear sound.
The bundle includes the ready-to-use Samsung Galaxy A16 Easology, a printed step-by-step guide, video tutorials and friendly UK-based call-centre support, so help is always at hand.
With a case, stylus and charger included, it’s Smart Made Easy.
Learn more at easology.net or call 0800 888 6044.
How to enter
To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on Friday 27th March 2026.
We’ve teamed up to offer one lucky winner and their guest a decadent stay at The Crazy Bear in Stadhampton, Oxfordshire
Indulge in a little countryside decadence with a chance to win a stay at the iconic Crazy Bear in Stadhampton.
Known for its bold interiors, award-winning dining and sumptuous bedrooms, this Oxfordshire retreat is perfect for a romantic break or special celebration.
Expect exceptional food, stand-out style and a memorable escape from the everyday. We’ve teamed up with the Crazy Bear team to offer a stay for two in a decadent room (Ts & Cs apply).
Visit crazybear.co.uk/hotels/stadhampton to book your luxury treat.
How to enter
To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 27th February.
We’ve teamed up with GreenPan to offer a set of three stainless steel cooking pans worth £199
GreenPan, one of the first brands to introduce PFAS-free ceramic non-stick cookware, has launched the new Padova Reserve three-ply stainless steel range designed to give home cooks even more choice in the kitchen, whether it’s the effortless ease of non-stick or the precision and durability of three-ply stainless steel.
Different meals demand different cookware. Stainless steel is ideal for golden searing, deep caramelisation, or restaurant-quality results on meats and sauces.
Made from 55% recycled three-ply professional grade stainless steel, the base heats up quickly with even heat distribution to ensure excellent results on all stovetops, including induction. The pans and tight-fitting tempered glass lids are oven-safe up to 220°C.
Complemented by elegant, hard-wearing PVD gold-coated flat, riveted stainless steel handles with a matte finish and sturdy, comfortable grip. The set includes 18cm saucepan, 20cm casserole and 24cm casserole, all with lids.
Visit greenpan.co.uk to shop!
How to enter
To enter our prize draw, fill in the form below before 12pm on 27th February.
Summer is on its way which means festivals season! Here’s our guide to the best festivals near & far and the chance to win tickets.
Are You Listening? Black Honey, Thomas Headon & dozens more will rock Reading in aid of Mencap on 6th May; areyoulistening.org.uk
The 44th international Newbury Spring Festival will also offer classical highlights aplenty, 6th-20th May; newburyspringfestival.org.uk
The Investec International Music Festival features world-class concerts including Tenebrae, Julian Bliss Quartet, Sitkovetsky Trio, Gary Hoffman & Wu Qian, walks and talks across the Surrey Hills, 2nd-13th May. Visit iimf.co.uk
“I’m so excited to be hosting Pub in the Park in Marlow,” Tom Kerridge tells us, “of course, we’ve got some incredible chef hosts topping the bill and I can’t wait for a weekend of good food and good vibes. Top-notch food is at the heart of what we’re all about and I know we’ll have the very best festival food around from our incredible restaurants… we can’t wait for you to try it!” The shindig, 18th to 21st May, also has a sizzling music line-up, too, including Sugababes, The Jacksons, Tinie Tempah, a Dick & Dom DJ set, Ministry Of Sound Disco and Bananarama. pubintheparkuk.com/marlow
“Probably the finest free music and beer festival in the world…” Rokefest will rock its new home The Chequers, at Berrick Salome, near Wallingford, 26th-28th May, with great bands & more, all for great causes; rokefest.com
Let’s Rock the Moor in Cookham, Bucks, on 21st May offers OMD, Roland Gift, Kim Wilde, Space, Soul II Soul & more; letsrockthemoor.com
Andy C, Annie Mac, Camelphat, Swedish House Mafia & dozens of other dance titans will star at Creamfields South in Chelmsford, 26th-28th May. Visit creamfieldssouth.com.
Want to win tickets to Creamfields South? Find out how at the bottom of the article.
Classical music fans will love the 16th English Music Festival at Dorchester Abbey, 26th -29th May; englishmusicfestival.org.uk
ShyneFest at Merrist Wood College in Worplesdon, on 3rd June, will star Republica, Rhythm of the 90s, The Replicants, Sarah Dearlove, Doubting Thomas, Ashes & you’ll find bucketloads of family-friendly fun such as escape room games & animal encounters, food, plus camping & glamping options. shynefest.uk
Cornwall is worth a visit anytime, especially 2nd to 4th June when Great Estate Festival near Redruth will dazzle with a stonking music line-up starring Primal Scream, The Selecter, Ibiza Symphonic with DJ Andy Joyce, A DJ set from Bez of Happy Mondays (watch this space for our interview next month), Cuban Brothers & more; greatestatefestival.co.uk
Wychwood Festival will rock Cheltenham Racecourse, 2nd-4th June, with Happy Mondays, Travis, Sam Ryder, comedy, a kids’ lit fest, headphone disco & idyllic camping beneath the Prestbury Hills; wychwoodfestival.com
Arrive thirsty for Twyford Beer Festival, raising money for male cancer charity Orchid, 9th & 10th June; twyfordbeerfest.co.uk
Hampton Court Palace Festival offers legends including Grace Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Björn Again, Rick Astley, Soft Cell, Kool & The Gang and Tom Jones, 6th-17th June. With British Fine Foods picnics & bouji hospitality packages, this is a classy affair… hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com
KITE swoops back into Kirtlington, near Oxford, 9th-11th June, with Hop Chip, Dame Joan Collins, Suede, Candi Staton, David Holmes, Sir John Major & David Baddiel. kitefestival.co.uk
The Isle of Wight Festival, the iconic shindig just over the Solent will offer great vibes, starring Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers, Robbie Williams, Blondie, Groove Armada & more, 15th-18th June. Visit isleofwightfestival.com
Blenheim Palace is the superb backdrop for the Nocturne Live performances from the likes of Lionel Richie, Gabrielle & Pete Tong (with his Ibiza Classics), 16th-19th June. Tunde Baiyewu who will perform on 16th tells us: “Blenheim is an amazing venue so I feel blessed. I’m a fan of Gregory Porter as well as Emeli Sandé who are performing on the same date as me so I’m going to be enjoying it as much as any other member of the audience.”nocturnelive.com
Scouting For Girls, The Feeling and Barrioke, (with EastEnders star Shaun Williamson) will make for a great Fi.Fest in Maidenhead on 8th July; visit fifest.co.uk
A$AP Rocky & Tyler, the Creator will star at Wireless Crystal Palace, 1st to 3rd July and Cardi B & Nicki Minaj at Finsbury Park (8th-10th July); wirelessfestival.co.uk. Hold on to your hats: Guns n’ Roses will star at BST Hyde Park on Friday, 30th June. And that’s not all: there’s Blackpink on 2nd July, P!nk on 25th June and Take That on 1st July. Visit bst-hydepark.com
Rag’n’Bone Man, Westlife, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Ministry of Sound Classical, the Kanneh-Mason Trio and Jack Dee, as well as an Aretha Franklin celebration will make for another great riverside reverie at Henley Festival, 6th-10th July; henley-festival.co.uk
Sugababes, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Peter Hook & The Light, Incognito, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Soft Cell and more will star at Rochester Castle in Kent, 6th-9th July. Marc Almost tells us: “Doing festivals is always so great. There is such a feeling of ‘out for a great time’ and people really are so up for it and generous. This summer, I’m excited about seeing OMD who are always special, and I love Glen Gregory and Heaven 17. For tickets & more info please visit rochestercastleconcerts.com
The fourth Camberley Comedy Festival will take place on Saturday, 8th July, starring Phil Wang & more, in a mini big top tent; camberleytheatre.co.uk. And Haslemere Fringe Festival promises another community culturefest; haslemerefringe.co.uk
Jack Savoretti, The Human League, Haçienda Classical, and Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra will star at Kew The Music at Kew Gardens, 13th-16th July; kewthemusic.org
Jungle Brothers, Professor Green, Sleeper, Roni Size & many more will dazzle at Readipop in Caversham, 14th-16th July. Established in 1998, the highlight helps vulnerable young people and older folk, plus aspiring artists; readipop.co.uk
Hot Chip, Gaz Coombes, Erol Alkan (disco set) Fabio & Grooverider Kaleidoscope at Alexandra Palace on Saturday, 15th July, kaleidoscope-festival.com
Royal Blood, The Vaccines, alt-J, Shy FX & David Rodigan are among the delights Truck is packing, 21st-23rd July in Steventon; truckfestival.com
Our fave bash (and that of our cover star Noel) PennFest is back in Bucks with another bobby dazzler on 21st & 22nd July. As well as Mr G’s High Flying Birds, Johnny Marr will star, along with Gaz Coombes, Bad Manners, Kenny Kenn, Corinne Bailey Rae, DJ Fresh & Jumping Jack Frost. Organisers Nick Billinghurst & Matt Smith said: “We’re so excited about this year’s PennFest. With two such incredible, world-renowned headliners we feel it’s our strongest ever. It’s going to be epic!” pennfest.co.uk
Want to win tickets to PennFest? Find out how at the bottom of the article.
Richard Ashcroft, plus Ocean Colour Scene & The Sherlocks, will star at Englefield House in Berkshire on Saturday, 22nd July. Promoter Giles Cooper tells us: “We’re so excited to be promoting this show with Richard for Heritage Live. I remember seeing The Verve’s first London gig at the King’s Head in 1991, when I worked at NME, with just ten people in the audience. It culminated with Miles Leonard agreeing to sign them by the end of the night!” Hozier will star with Far From Saints on 23rd. Pre-register for tickets at arep.co/p/richard-ashcroft
Fairport Convention will star at the Fleur De Lys in East Hagbourne on 23rd July ahead of FleurFest, the community institution, 28th-30th July, along with Scott Doonican, Gregg Cave & more; thefleurdelyspub.co.uk
Building bridges, not walls’ is the motto of the inclusive WOMAD, the World of Music, Arts and Dance Music festival, returns to delight Charlton Park near Marlborough, 27th-30th July. womad.co.uk
Wilderness, at Oxfordshire’s Cornbury Park, 3rd-6th August, offers The Chemical Brothers, Christine & The Queens, Fatboy Slim, feasting with Adam Handling & Olia Hercules, mindblowing boutique camping options, theatre & more; visit wildernessfestival.com
Fancy a trip to the past, maybe with a hair do to match? Enjoy vintage steam at Retrofestival in Newbury, 11th-13th August; retrofestival.co.uk
Stowaway near Buckingham will stimulate all the senses, starring David Rodigan, Irvine Welsh, Little Dragon, with feasting, revelry & more, 18th-20th August; stowawayfestival.co.uk
Retro fave Rewind South in Henley 18th-20st August will star Soft cell, The Boomtown Rats, and many more; south.rewindfestival.com
It’s time to go deeper! Chapter Two: The Twin Trail is the theme of the fabulous Boomtown. The team are building the Main City for a revitalised living theatre festival on the theme of The Gathering, 9th-13th August in Hampshire’s Matterley Estate, boomtownfair.co.uk
Jools Holland will also headline at Weyfest, the boutique festival at Tilford’s Rural Life Museum, 18th-20th August. weyfest.co.uk
Wondrous Towersey Festival will bring you comedy, music & fun, 25th-28th August at Claydon Estate near Buckingham. The line-up includes The Proclaimers, Frank Turner & The Divine Comedy; towerseyfestival.com
Reading (& Leeds) is back to rock the August bank holiday weekend, 25th-27th August. Sam Fender, FOALS, Loyle Carner, Billie Eilish & The Killers are on the line-up; readingfestival.com
Big Feastival on Alex James’ Cotswolds farm will serve family fun, food and frolics, 25th-27th August. Perennial favourite Justin Fletcher will delight along with Sigrid, Rick Astley, Blossoms, Melanie C & a DJ set from Hot Chip. Food stars will sizzle, including Big Zuu, Ching He Huang MBE, Asma Khan & Nathan Outlaw. Alex says: “With even more fantastic acts to be announced in the coming weeks, this is shaping up to be our best line-up yet.” Check out the full menu at thebigfeastival.com
Want to win tickets to The Big Feastival? Find out how at the bottom of the article.
Love cars, love music? Then you’ll love CarFest, the family music & motoring festival founded by Chris Evans in 2011, at Laverstoke Park, 27th-29th August; carfest.org. Car-lovers will also enjoy The Billing Off Road Show, home to the most exciting off-road courses in the country; thebillingoffroadshow.co.uk
Wallingford’s BunkFest is in its 21st year. The free-access community festival returns with its winning brew of beer, music and dance, 1st-3rd September; bunkfest.co.uk
Curated by Dub Pistols frontman Barry Ashworth, in association with Tonic Music for Mental Health, Mucky Weekender at Vicarage Farm near Winchester, 8th & 9th September, stars The Selecter, Stereo MCs, Goldie, Bez’s Acid House Party, Woody Cook, Eva Lazarus, Stanton Warriors & more with an outer space dress code. Visit mucky-weekender.co.uk
It’s time to take a fresh look at a familiar face with the grand re-opening of Bill’s in Newbury today (23rd September).
The popular restaurant and bar in Market Place is staying true to its roots but adding a touch of glamour with modern décor, luxurious velvet seating and sparkling chandeliers.
It’s the ideal spot for lunch, after work cocktails or dinner and to celebrate the relaunch they are offering you the chance to win dinner for six people. Anyone booking a table online during the opening week (23rd to 29th September) will automatically be entered into the prize draw.
And for the first two weeks after the relaunch, diners will be asked to vote for their chosen charity – West Berkshire Mencap, Helen & Douglas House and The Samaritans – to support for the next three months. The successful charity will be revealed on 7th October.
The management team in Newbury have been working to build relationships with the local community and the restaurant will be making a 50p contribution for each ‘burger of the week’ sold with the money going to the chosen charity.
Founder of the restaurant chain, which started in Lewes, Sussex in 2000, Bill Collison said: “Good quality food in a welcoming environment has always been at the core of Bill’s. We have loved being in our current spot in Newbury for the past five years and we felt the time was right for a fresh new look for the restaurant.
“We are proud to create restaurants that are full of vibrant colour and vintage trinkets. I believe that the new look transcends all dining times which will only enhance our diners’ experience and showcase our vibrant food and drinks.”
Book online
Book your table online to enter the prize-draw or to find out more head to Bill’s website
