A NEW food festival will be held in the grounds of the historic Burley Manor this summer. The Grade II listed house which was converted into a restaurant with boutique rooms in the New Forest, will host its first Summer Garden Party on Sunday, August 25.

Guests, residents and locals are invited to “celebrate Burley Manor’s love of the Mediterranean, from the passion for ingredients and the relaxed way of the Med lifestyle, to the simple yet stunning food, on an early summer’s evening at their first festival”.

Ben Johnson, executive head chef at Burley Manor, and his kitchen team will be cooking up a taste of the Mediterranean on the terrace.

A hotel spokesman said: “Graze around the party and try Ben’s wood-fired flatbreads, traditional paella and an Italian style hog-roast – celebrating in true Mediterranean style, sharing with family and friends.

“Loyal members of the Slow Food Movement, Burley’s chefs offer bold dishes using the very best, seasonal ingredients sourced from across the British Isles – be that local pannage pigs to Burley venison.

“Drinks will be flowing all evening, with something for everyone. Friends of Burley Manor, Hambledon Vineyard, will be offering glasses of their famous English sparkling wine on arrival, in true British style straight from Hambledon’s colourful double decker bus.

“For wine lovers, Hambledon will be running exclusive tasting sessions on the top deck with panoramic views across the forest and neighbouring deer park.”

Guests can choose from a selection of refreshing drinks including a selection of Burley cocktails, Perrier-Jouet champagne and artisan gins including local Lymington Gin and Warner’s Honeybee, Rhubarb & Elderflower Gin at the pop-up bar. Pick up a blanket and find a spot on the lawn at the front of the manor to enjoy music from a local modern folk band throughout the afternoon and evening.

Limited early bird tickets start at £10 per person when booked by July 1, inclusive of a glass of Hambledon English sparkling wine. (Usual price is £20 per person). See burleymanor.com