Your Evening
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.
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
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 Lakefield Food and Drink Court. Picnics are kept in a refrigerated area to ensure they reach you in perfect condition and you can also order china, glasses and cutlery to dress your table. A wine menu is 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 wine are chilled ready for you and your guests.
Download Our Picnic Booking Form Here.
Download Our Wine & Bar Order Form Here
Please either post the completed form for the attention of Sandra Short at the address on the form or email to events@westgreenhouse.co.uk. We will send an email confirmation for all picnic orders but if you don’t receive a confirmation please call 01252 844611 as it may mean that we have not received your booking form.
Price per Picnic £55
In line with the new government legislation wooden cutlery will be provided with our picnics.
If you would like to have china, glass and cutlery this can be provided and set up at your table for £7.50 per person.
If you require waiter service for your picnic and wine, at your table from 5pm to the end of the long interval, please contact either, Sandra on 01252 844611 or Jane on 01252 848676 to discuss your requirements.
Picnics are prepared daily to order and to collect we will require your confirmation reference.
The West Green House Opera Picnic Menu
Starters
Chargrilled Vegetable Terrine with Romesco Sauce & Truffle Crouton
Smoked Duck Breast with a Beetroot Salad
Melon and Prawns with a Cucumber Salad
Main
Roasted Chicken Tonnato with Pesto Potatoes, Green Beans & Sun Dried Tomatoes
Kiln Smoked Salmon Tart with Orzo Salad & Dill Oil
Roasted Cauliflower with Harissa & Tahini Salad
Desserts
Tiramisu with an Expresso Martini Shot
Baked Lemon & Vanilla Cheesecake with Red Berry Compote
West Green House Box of British Cheese & Chutney
Price per Picnic £55
Under Cover Seating for Picnics
Pavilion on the Theatre Lawn –
There is a shared undercover space on the tiered lawn overlooking West Green House 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.
Raj Tents –
Why not book a chandelier-lit Raj Tent on the lawn in front of the west side of West Green House 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.
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.
Orangery – Newly restored and available for parties of up to 20.
Our Bar and Drinks
Before the show and during the interval, why not try West Green’s very own Gin or a cocktail at The West Green House Gin Bar? The Gin’s flavour was created from herbs and flowers picked in the garden one summers afternoon.
Or download our full drinks menu and pre-order your drinks to be available on your evening of choice. (coming soon)
Bringing Your Own Picnic
You are welcome to bring your own picnic 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.
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