Give me an S! Give me an E! You know how the rest goes, but what Newbury has on offer this month is definitely worth shouting about.
S hopping
S is for shopping, and you certainly won’t be disappointed in Newbury. As you wander through the town centre you will uncover an exciting and eclectic mix of retailers, from the big names we all like visiting, to the quirky and independent shops which help make this lovely market town so unique. Parkway Shopping is a popular choice for those top brands such as; H&M, Superdry, Fatface and Top Shop - to name just four! Or step out onto the high street and discover that eclectic mix as you stroll along Northbrook Street and onto Bartholomew Street. Don’t forget to look out for Cheap Street, the historic Market Place, the highly individual Inches Yard and the tucked-away Weaver’s Walk! Fancy making some purchases undercover? Meander on to the Kennet Centre where you can indulge in retail therapy whilst being tempted by Newbury’s Vue cinema. Whilst on the topic of shopping, could it be time to style-up your wardrobe for Autumn?
E at and Drink
E is for eating and drinking and you will never go hungry or thirsty in Newbury with its wide choice of cafes, restaurants and pubs to suit all tastes and pockets. All areas of the town centre have something special to offer – whether you wish to eat in or take-away, enjoy coffee and a slice of cake to a luxurious afternoon tea, have a simple but fantastic sandwich or burger, something a little more fancy, some really good pub grub, or something more exotic with Indian, Chinese or Thai, and who doesn’t love Italian? The options are endless! Try the Flowerpot Café in Inches Yard, Weaver’s Coffee Shop in Weaver’s Walk or Panousha Baguettes in The Arcade. On top of all this don’t miss, the fantastic gastropub The Newbury in Bartholomew Street; an authentic Thai restaurant – The Art of Siam – in Northbrook Street; the 7Bone Burger Co on Bridge Street; and Bill’s, Cote Brasserie, Strada and Café Rouge – all the above come highly recommended, but still just the tip of the iceburg on what you can find in Newbury!
P addington Bear
P is for Paddington Bear and this marmalade-sandwich loving cuddly character may have first arrived from Peru at the London railway station of the same name but it is Newbury that he will be visiting on Saturday 30 September. Meet him in the Kennet Centre at 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm. 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
T he Royal County of Berkshire Show
T is for The Royal County of Berkshire Show – one of the most popular agricultural shows in the land. This year’s show takes place over the weekend of 16–17 September, 8am–6pm on both days. This is truly a festival of farming, food and fun, with a spectacular line-up of attractions and ‘have-a-go’ activities for all the family to enjoy. As well as livestock and exciting shows in the main arena, there are over 600 food, craft and shopping stands offering all sorts of things that you won’t find on the high street.
E njoy Dubai Duty Free International Weekend
E is for enjoy, and something special to enjoy this autumn is a day at Newbury Racecourse. The Dubai Duty Free International weekend on 22/23 September begins with quality flat racing early on Friday afternoon and climaxes late afternoon on the Saturday. It’s also a great opportunity to try out this award-winning racecourse’s wonderful catering, and maybe stay at the lovely on site hotel, The Lodge.
M arket – Artisan Market!
M is for markets and Newbury has several, including the very exciting Artisan Market, held on the last Sunday of the month, March– November, which this month happens on Sunday 24 September, 10am–4pm. Taking place in the town centre, this is a wonderful place to bring the family and spend time browsing the stalls of independent designer-makers, original arts and crafts, and the wares of local food producers, as well as enjoying super sizzling street food. Grab a coffee, listen to live music and let the children enjoy the activities in Kids’ Corner. Look out this month for Vintage Corner, new for September and dedicated to vintage and antique traders.
B oat Trips on the Narrowboat Jubilee
B is for boat trips and a trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal on the narrowboat Jubilee is a wonderful experience. Trips are available on three weekends this month – 2 and 3, 9 and 10, 16 and 17 September at 12 noon and 2pm, setting off from Newbury Wharf in the centre of town. Book in advance – click here for details.
E xperience Newbury Heritage Open Days
E is for experience as you step back in time at Newbury Museum. Explore a normally closed off part of the museum, the attic of the Cloth Hall, or pick up a specially designed trail – one available for adults and another for children – based around the historic buildings that house the museum: the Cloth Hall and Corn Stores.
R eal Ale Festival
R is for real ale and in particular Newbury’s Real Ale Festival. This popular annual event takes place at Northcroft Fields on Saturday 9 September, 12 noon until 11pm, just a short walk from the town centre. As well as wonderful ales and ciders, there is always top live music with an even more exciting and diverse line-up than ever before planned for 2017. Whilst on the topic of real ale, ciders and all beers crafty, why not pop into the town centre for a pre festival beverage at the renowned micro brewery, the Cow and Cast or the gin-tastic Catherine Wheel, where you can find almost one hundred gins to choose from? From all at Visit Newbury, have an ‘ale of a time!
S hopping
S is for shopping, and you certainly won’t be disappointed in Newbury. As you wander through the town centre you will uncover an exciting and eclectic mix of retailers, from the big names we all like visiting, to the quirky and independent shops which help make this lovely market town so unique. Parkway Shopping is a popular choice for those top brands such as; H&M, Superdry, Fatface and Top Shop - to name just four! Or step out onto the high street and discover that eclectic mix as you stroll along Northbrook Street and onto Bartholomew Street. Don’t forget to look out for Cheap Street, the historic Market Place, the highly individual Inches Yard and the tucked-away Weaver’s Walk! Fancy making some purchases undercover? Meander on to the Kennet Centre where you can indulge in retail therapy whilst being tempted by Newbury’s Vue cinema. Whilst on the topic of shopping, could it be time to style-up your wardrobe for Autumn?
E at and Drink
E is for eating and drinking and you will never go hungry or thirsty in Newbury with its wide choice of cafes, restaurants and pubs to suit all tastes and pockets. All areas of the town centre have something special to offer – whether you wish to eat in or take-away, enjoy coffee and a slice of cake to a luxurious afternoon tea, have a simple but fantastic sandwich or burger, something a little more fancy, some really good pub grub, or something more exotic with Indian, Chinese or Thai, and who doesn’t love Italian? The options are endless! Try the Flowerpot Café in Inches Yard, Weaver’s Coffee Shop in Weaver’s Walk or Panousha Baguettes in The Arcade. On top of all this don’t miss, the fantastic gastropub The Newbury in Bartholomew Street; an authentic Thai restaurant – The Art of Siam – in Northbrook Street; the 7Bone Burger Co on Bridge Street; and Bill’s, Cote Brasserie, Strada and Café Rouge – all the above come highly recommended, but still just the tip of the iceburg on what you can find in Newbury!
P addington Bear
P is for Paddington Bear and this marmalade-sandwich loving cuddly character may have first arrived from Peru at the London railway station of the same name but it is Newbury that he will be visiting on Saturday 30 September. Meet him in the Kennet Centre at 11am, 12noon, 1.30pm. 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
T he Royal County of Berkshire Show
T is for The Royal County of Berkshire Show – one of the most popular agricultural shows in the land. This year’s show takes place over the weekend of 16–17 September, 8am–6pm on both days. This is truly a festival of farming, food and fun, with a spectacular line-up of attractions and ‘have-a-go’ activities for all the family to enjoy. As well as livestock and exciting shows in the main arena, there are over 600 food, craft and shopping stands offering all sorts of things that you won’t find on the high street.
E njoy Dubai Duty Free International Weekend
E is for enjoy, and something special to enjoy this autumn is a day at Newbury Racecourse. The Dubai Duty Free International weekend on 22/23 September begins with quality flat racing early on Friday afternoon and climaxes late afternoon on the Saturday. It’s also a great opportunity to try out this award-winning racecourse’s wonderful catering, and maybe stay at the lovely on site hotel, The Lodge.
M arket – Artisan Market!
M is for markets and Newbury has several, including the very exciting Artisan Market, held on the last Sunday of the month, March– November, which this month happens on Sunday 24 September, 10am–4pm. Taking place in the town centre, this is a wonderful place to bring the family and spend time browsing the stalls of independent designer-makers, original arts and crafts, and the wares of local food producers, as well as enjoying super sizzling street food. Grab a coffee, listen to live music and let the children enjoy the activities in Kids’ Corner. Look out this month for Vintage Corner, new for September and dedicated to vintage and antique traders.
B oat Trips on the Narrowboat Jubilee
B is for boat trips and a trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal on the narrowboat Jubilee is a wonderful experience. Trips are available on three weekends this month – 2 and 3, 9 and 10, 16 and 17 September at 12 noon and 2pm, setting off from Newbury Wharf in the centre of town. Book in advance – click here for details.
E xperience Newbury Heritage Open Days
E is for experience as you step back in time at Newbury Museum. Explore a normally closed off part of the museum, the attic of the Cloth Hall, or pick up a specially designed trail – one available for adults and another for children – based around the historic buildings that house the museum: the Cloth Hall and Corn Stores.
R eal Ale Festival
R is for real ale and in particular Newbury’s Real Ale Festival. This popular annual event takes place at Northcroft Fields on Saturday 9 September, 12 noon until 11pm, just a short walk from the town centre. As well as wonderful ales and ciders, there is always top live music with an even more exciting and diverse line-up than ever before planned for 2017. Whilst on the topic of real ale, ciders and all beers crafty, why not pop into the town centre for a pre festival beverage at the renowned micro brewery, the Cow and Cast or the gin-tastic Catherine Wheel, where you can find almost one hundred gins to choose from? From all at Visit Newbury, have an ‘ale of a time!
