BABES IN THE WOODS - OUTDOOR FUN WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

We're giving an honourable mention to the wonderful 'Babes in the Woods'.  They can't be with us this year but we're really going to miss them and I promised I would mention them as I love what they do!   Sarah wrote a lovely piece on them which says it all: 

It's always a dilemma - you want to do something a bit different for your hen weekend but you don't want to traipse the streets searching for somewhere to dance, and the cost and logistics of organising plane travel & hotel rooms are just too much of a headache.  What you really want is quality time with your girlfriends, a bit of pampering and a truly bonding experience that you'll always remember.  Well - Babes in the Woods can offer you just that!

Founded by Hetti and supported by The Kitchen table and The Yurt Catering Companies and a fabulous team of hosts, Babes in the Woods offers a totally different, wild opportunity "...an invitation to learn some ancient bushcraft skills, connect with people who are important to you, and mark the marriage of the bride to be".

Set in either the original 300 acres of mixed woodland in a secret pocket of beautiful Devon, a short stroll from the river Dart, or a magical  spot in the Malvern Hills with birds eye views, a roaring camp fire and ancient winding paths await to greet your party. You will be offered a bubbly reception, shown to your luxury Californian dome 'billionstar" dome accommodation, and given a wild walk tour of the area. 

Taking 'glamping' to a new level, the Babes have coined the term 'Woodlounging'!  You get exclusive use of the site and will be offered breakfast in bed or an earlybird yoga/meditation session, with the option of massages, cream teas, bushcraft sessions, or musicians and storytellers to serenade you beside the fire under the star studded night sky.

But don't let the 'outdoors' scare you - you'll learn about ancient survival skills while wearing your best dress & feather boa - you don't have to dress in camouflage gear!  The Babes' ethos is that you have fun as you learn how to create fire, build shelters and find out about wild food.  Remember those childhood sleepovers - well this is 100 times more fun - spending the evening laughing and dancing by the camp fire, under the stars, being served rustic gourmet out-door cooked lunch and dinner and then sinking into your bed in a cosy furnished Californian bedroom dome ... or even sleeping out in your own hand-crafted shelter if you're feeling brave!

But don't just take my word for it - take a look at the testimonials page and read the blog and you'll soon be dying to step into this magical outdoor world.

A totally unforgettable experience, this is the ultimate bonding weekend and a perfect way to mark your friendship before the big day.  It's also a great way to bring all your girlfriends together so that on your wedding day they'll have so much to talk about .. .the stags will be incredibly envious!

BABES IN THE WOODS - CHAMPAGNE HEN NIGHTS ... WITH A TOUCH OF THE WILD!

It's always a dilemma - you want to do something a bit different for your hen weekend but you don't want to traipse the streets searching for somewhere to dance, and the cost and logistics of organising plane travel & hotel rooms are just too much of a headache.  What you really want is quality time with your girlfriends, a bit of pampering and a truly bonding experience that you'll always remember.  Well - Babes in the Woods can offer you just that!

Founded by Hetti and supported by The Kitchen table and The Yurt Catering Companies and a fabulous team of hosts, Babes in the Woods offers a totally different, wild opportunity "...an invitation to learn some ancient bushcraft skills, connect with people who are important to you, and mark the marriage of the bride to be".

Set in either the original 300 acres of mixed woodland in a secret pocket of beautiful Devon, a short stroll from the river Dart, or a magical  spot in the Malvern Hills with birds eye views, a roaring camp fire and ancient winding paths await to greet your party. You will be offered a bubbly reception, shown to your luxury Californian dome 'billionstar" dome accommodation, and given a wild walk tour of the area. 

Taking 'glamping' to a new level, the Babes have coined the term 'Woodlounging'!  You get exclusive use of the site and will be offered breakfast in bed or an earlybird yoga/meditation session, with the option of massages, cream teas, bushcraft sessions, or musicians and storytellers to serenade you beside the fire under the star studded night sky.

But don't let the 'outdoors' scare you - you'll learn about ancient survival skills while wearing your best dress & feather boa - you don't have to dress in camouflage gear!  The Babes' ethos is that you have fun as you learn how to create fire, build shelters and find out about wild food.  Remember those childhood sleepovers - well this is 100 times more fun - spending the evening laughing and dancing by the camp fire, under the stars, being served rustic gourmet out-door cooked lunch and dinner and then sinking into your bed in a cosy furnished Californian bedroom dome ... or even sleeping out in your own hand-crafted shelter if you're feeling brave!

But don't just take my word for it - take a look at the testimonials page and read the blog and you'll soon be dying to step into this magical outdoor world.

A totally unforgettable experience, this is the ultimate bonding weekend and a perfect way to mark your friendship before the big day.  It's also a great way to bring all your girlfriends together so that on your wedding day they'll have so much to talk about .. .the stags will be incredibly envious!

Babes in the Woods

Bristol Vintage is thrilled to introduce you to Babes in the Woods.

Babes in the Woods run wild woodland hen do’s in secluded Devon and beautiful Malvern.

With their signature Californian domed tents, wild walks and woodland wedding favours, Babes in the Woods host great alternative hen weekends.

A hen party with Babes in the Woods  is all about comfortable woodland living, complete with champagne and Devonshire cream teas.

Hens can spend the weekend indulging in good times, champagne and luxury camping.

Other activities include the chance to learn bushcraft skills, such as fire and shelter building, ‘wild walks’ of the area, chill out time in front of a roaring fire and even the opportunity for some proper girlie pampering.

2014 will include the option for wild swimming in the river at Devon or a mini-trek to one the Malvern Hills called, Chase End.  Hens can use their ‘wild’ experience to make unique and seasonal ‘wedding favours’ for their guests such as hedgerow jams, garlic pestos or hedgerow lip balms.

Everything is organised so all you have to think about is enjoying yourselves.

So release your inner Ray Mears and find out more from the Babes themselves. They'll be on hand at our next Bristol Vintage Wedding Fair to answer all your questions. If you can't wait and you need to be glamping right this minute, take a look at their website, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Strumpets with Crumpets

How can we at Bristol Vintage not love a company with a name like Strumpets with Crumpets?

Outrageously racy and delectably tasty with toppings to suit every palette, Strumpets with Crumpets are brilliant evening wedding party entertainment.

With a menu that caters for all ages and tastes and a fine selection of Fairtrade coffee, tea and hot chocolate, their delicious square crumpets are divine. And when it comes to toppings... think goats cheese and blackcurrant jam, camembert with red onion marmalade, roast beef with creamed horseradish and Bristol Vintage's favourites... the banoffee pie, lemon cheesecake and cream tea crumpets.

The fun doesn't stop there... Strumpets with Crumpets will add a touch of glamour and sparkle to your evening with playful banter as they serve you from their flamboyantly gorgeous crumpet wagon, 'Scarlet'. They're not your average caterer... they're part of the entertainment so for an extra wow to the evening, ask about their high flying Strumpet trapeze act!

You can find out more about Strumpets with Crumpets on their website.  Make sure you check out their gallery for inspiration...

Fosse Farmhouse

At Bristol Vintage we're always on the lookout for inspiring places that will suit the sort of vintage-style we adore and we've found a place to stay that we think you'll love too.

Fosse Farmhouse is nestled in the beautiful Cotswolds in an area of outstanding natural beauty. In fact, the nearby village of Castle Combe is just 20 minutes from Bristol and Bath and is frequently used for film locations, such is its vintage charm. 

The Farmhouse sleeps up to 16 guests and is perfect whatever your accommodation budget, with pretty bed and breakfast rooms furnished with gorgeous vintage pieces, country antiques and French brocante (most of which is for sale) as well as three luxurious, contemporary self-catering cottages.  

Owner and chef Caron Cooper sources the finest local ingredients to prepare delicious breakfasts and evening meals, with clotted cream teas served in the orchard throughout the summer months. You could take yours in the Garden House living room, of course, once it gets a little colder... 

It's a perfectly wonderful place to host not only your vintage-style hen weekend but to have all your wedding guests stay in one place. Every room is gorgeous...

Owner Caron has experience in organising events too and will decorate to your taste with flowers, bunting and banners. She'll also ensure the bride and groom and all your relatives are looked after properly with a delicious wedding breakfast.  

So if you're getting married locally, take a look at Fosse Farmhouse. Nearby Sheldon Manor is a favourite wedding venue and they send all their weddings to stay at Caron's Farmhouse. We hope you love it too...

Cox & Baloney

For owners Amy and Joney, vintage-style tea parties with a twist are the order of the day.  From their gorgeous shop on Cheltenham Road, Bristol they run a delightful vintage-style tearoom amidst their full to the brim with treasures and gems shop. 

A hen party with Cox & Baloney would begin with the very best tea and some gooey homemade cakes.  There would be Babycham from teacups, all served in your own private room and followed by a workshop of your choice.  You could try your hand at making knickers, nipple tassels, hair fascinators, tutus or having a vintage Hollywood-style hair and make-up lesson.  They’ll organise everything you need and make sure you have a wonderful time. You can even let your hair down and try on as many vintage outfits as your heart desires. Of course, if you need a little help, they'll be around to help you achieve exactly the right look.

It’s not just hen parties Cox & Baloney can make special.  The morning of your wedding is a busy time and they can ease the pressure by delivering a sumptuous hamper of delicious goodies to you and your bridesmaids.  You’ll find mid-morning snacks, pastries and of course, some champagne!  They’ll make sure you don’t forget to eat and bring some extra sparkle with them.  

On the day of the fair, both Amy and Joney will be around, so do make sure you come and ask them about their hen party ideas.  Don’t forget to pop into their lovely shop if you’re passing too.  They have everything you could possibly need for creating a truly vintage lifestyle, from original clothing (ladies and gents) to furniture, homeware, books and a dressmaker who can make wedding and bridesmaids dresses.  There’s also a beautiful 1960s wedding dress for sale and it comes complete with a photo of the original owner wearing it.  Their tearoom is open for quintessential English favourites at elevenses or for a traditional afternoon tea served on delicate china and you simply must ask about the Cream Tea Towers!   

Everything Cox & Baloney stock has been lovingly hand-picked and is either original vintage, designer or limited edition.  You can find them on Facebook and Twitter as well as in store and if you’re planning a hen party with a twist - they really can host a perfect afternoon.  Think of lashings of clotted cream and fresh strawberries as you enjoy a good gossip over a piece of cake and a fresh cup of tea.  Think.. why am I not already there?

Babes in the Woods

Forget L-plates and embarrassing nightclub shenanigans, glamping is where it’s at for hen do’s in 2012.  Devon based company Babes in the Woods offer a fabulous and totally new concept that will appeal to the more discerning bride to be – champagne and a touch of the wild!

Set in 300 acres of beautiful woodland at a secret location on the Raleigh Estate in South Devon to the north of the historic town of Dartmouth, your hen party will be all about comfortable wooodland lounging, champagne and Devonshire cream teas. Your accommodation will be stylishly furnished bell tents with comfy camp beds inside and the many activities on offer include the chance to learn bushcraft skills such as fire and shelter building, ‘wild walks’ of the area, chill-out time in front of a roaring fire and even the opportunity for some proper girlie pampering with massages and yoga.  All your activities and meals are included as well as the all important luxury camping for the night.                                                                                                                                       

Having a hen night with Babes in the Woods is a chance for you to relax in comfort under a canopy of tree-tops with your closest friends.  You’ll leave with a host of new skills and a seasonally made craft item such as homemade jam, a handcrafted survival shelter or even some hedgerow wild herb ointment, and of course some fantastic memories. Everything’s organised for you, so all you have to think about is enjoying yourselves.

They’re operational between 1^st March and 31^st October and the parties are suitable for groups of between 8 to 20 hens with three different packages available, all with that luxury touch.  Prices start from £195 per person and stays can be extended for up to two nights at a supplement of £35 each.

For visitors to the Wedding Fair and if you book on the day, Babes in the Woods are offering a free bottle of champagne for your hen party on arrival.  Come along and meet founder Hetti Dysch who can tell you much, much more about how you can create a truly magical weekend that your bride and her friends will never forget. 

For more information visit their website or call 020 7193 8633 or 07850 401759.