Your Evening
The gardens open two hours before the performance, so there is ample time to visit the gardens or relax before the performance begins.
What to Wear
Our preferred dress code is Black Tie but many people just dress smartly which makes for a very elegant evening.
The dress code for daytime events is Smart Casual.
All performances are under cover.
Arriving & Parking
West Green House Gardens is located in the village of Hartley Wintney, which is well positioned between the M3 and M4 and close to the train station of Winchfield.
Full Directions and maps can be found on our contact page.
We have a large car park adjacent to the garden with level paths into the garden. Our “Opera Angels” and West Green House Buggies will be on hand to assist anyone with mobility difficulties and to bring you and your picnics to the Lakeside for a beautiful evening of music and dining.
The West Green House Opera Picnic
Offers three delicious courses, designed by Jon Kohout, formerly Head Chef on the Orient Express. The picnics are freshly prepared daily and can be collected either at 5 pm or during the interval from the Lakeside Bar. Picnics are kept in a refrigerated area to ensure they reach you in perfect condition. A wine menu will be available to enable you to pre-order your wines, rather than carry heavy items to the opera. Your pre-ordered wine will be delivered to your table with glasses prior to your arrival and all white, rose and sparkling wines are chilled ready for you and your guests.
Picnics are prepared daily to order and to collect we will require your confirmation reference. View our Dining page for more information and to book.
Undercover Picnic Tables
Pre-booked undercover picnic space is lakeside.
Lakeside Pavilion –
There is a shared undercover space on the lawn overlooking the lake where you can bring your own picnic or order a West Green House Opera Picnic to enjoy at your table. £60 for a table seating up to six (Food not included) Under-cover dining space for picnics should be pre-ordered.
Raj Tents –
Why not book a chandelier-lit Raj Tent by the lake where you can bring your own picnic or order a West Green House opera Picnic to enjoy at your table. £110 for a table seating up to ten.(Food not included)
Wherever you choose to dine every table is always set with garden flowers, candles, all placed on a smart cloth. Each area has its own hostess, a friend of West Green Opera to ensure your supper proceeds seamlessly.
Bringing Your Own Picnic
You are welcome to bring your own picnic, table and chairs and find a pretty spot anywhere in our Gardens to enjoy your food or eat at your table in our shared Pavilion or Raj Tent behind the house. The West Green House Bar is always on hand to save you carrying heavy bottles.
Tables can be booked by calling 01252 848676 or through this website.
The Opera Club
The Opera Club dining will be held in the flower-filled Greenhouse which will be open one hour before the performance. We invite you and your guests to enjoy a pre-theatre glass of English Sparkling wine and canapes.
Cloakroom facilities are available.
We are keeping the new Sharing Menu.
Upon returning for the long supper interval, your table will be set with your pre-ordered menus and wines (wine list can be downloaded on our website here). Wine must be purchased from West Green.
Please make one choice from the menu, on the Booking Form, for each member of your party, which can be downloaded below.
The choices will then be plated with enough for all your party and placed in the centre of your table as a “Table Sharing Buffet”, along with tomato and basil, and mixed leaf salads accompanied by a selection of artisan bread.
The cost includes a glass of sparkling wine, canapes, main menu selection, dessert, chocolates and coffee.
Visit our Dining page here to find out more and book.
Our Bar and Drinks
Before the show and during the interval, why not visit The West Green House Gin Bar?
To be found Lakeside for:
Still and Sparkling water
Elderflower Presse
West Green House Gin cocktails
A selection of fine wines available for sale by the glass and bottle.
Coffee, before and after the performances
After The Performance
West Green House Opera is unique in offering further delights once the opera is over.
The after-show spectacular – following the performance, the gardens are magnificently lit to become a show in their own right. Please do allow time to enjoy our “extra performance” before heading home.
The lighting is designed each year by Neil Daykin and his team, turning the lake, fountains and gardens into a glittering illuminated wonderland. Why not linger to enjoy the spectacular display with a final hot coffee or fizz before our gardens shut at 11pm.
Further theatrical magic was saved for after the show. Coming out of the theatre, the audience discovered that the walled potager, the hidden walks, the lake and fountains of West Green House garden had all been lit with fairy-lights, lanterns, and arc lights. It was almost painfully beautiful.
Warwick Thomson The Classical Source