Your Guide to the Winter Season

Illustrated by Oliver Preston
When the leaves begin to go that lovely shade of russet
and linen turns to tweed, you know those long afternoons
of strawberries and buzzing bees are coming to a close.
Thoughts turn to log fires, lamb’s wool jumpers and finding
out that your wellington boots now have more holes in
them than your colander. Let Uncle Bernard and Aunt
Agatha steer you through the social minefield that is the
winter ‘season’. Failing this, have a read and a good laugh.
The Shoot
The spectacle of a line of guns eagerly awaiting their first
drive of the season is one that lifts the spirit and starts
the heart racing just that little bit faster. The shoot day
brings great sport, superb food and drink, but is beset with
potential conundrums.
Should I take the dog? (Aunt Agatha) If your hound is
well disposed to the canine rabble, and able to maintain
silence in the din, then positively yes, you should. Pinching
the last rasher off the shoot breakfast table or licking the
butter however is somewhat ill-thought of.
Who don’t I tip? (Uncle Bernard) When getting ready
for the day this is often forgotten and yet it is so very
important; nothing says thank you quite as much as ‘silent
money’, so slip your notes in an envelope and take the time
to remember it. It is generally considered poor form to tip
the hostess, the gardener is, again, not necessarily someone
to include unless you are feeling very modern, and tipping
your host may leave everyone confused. However, almost
everyone else deserves to be tipped – Loaders, Keepers, Gun
Cleaners (?!), Cook and the House Keeper. How much?
This is discretionary, but it is recommended to follow the
form from the other guns, it’s generally ill-thought of to ask
the host ‘how much old fruit?’!
The Grouse Moor Form?
(UB) Shooting Grouse is quite something and bravo to you
for getting on the moor. Remember, barrels in the air at all
times and above you when turning; guests losing body parts
to over-enthusiastic marksmanship is generally thought
poor form. Focus, focus, focus – it can be a long time from
start of the drive to when the birds come out and early in
the season, they are likely to be gunning straight for you,
later-on the squadrons tend to be more wily and evasive, so
keep your wits about you. Celebratory ‘whoops’ at hitting a
bird are also slightly frowned upon, unless you are wearing
a ten gallon hat. Cigars are best lit at the end of the day.
Does my butt look good in this?
What to wear. Grouse days can be balmy affairs; lighter
clothing is often required, and field coats can be thrown
off in gay abandon. An important question to
ask when choosing your colour scheme for the
day is “will the birds notice me?”, under other
circumstances one may hope for a resounding
“why yes!”, but not on a Grouse Moor. Cream
background tattersalls and bright jumpers are a
sure fire way of bringing attention to yourself.
Look to the moors for inspiration; a Cordings
Grouse Shirt is perfect, its subtle hues
and easy movement give you the best chance of
success, team with a Shooting Waistcoat and Breeks
in Firley Check, for a smart, practical ensemble.
The pheasant and partridge field?
(AA) Considered by some to be a dinner party
with shotguns, the partridge and pheasant season heralds a
switch from dipping, driving and diving fowl to screaming
long-tailed squawkers. Coupled with the old chirruping
hedge hopper, the lowland game season begins proper with
the first splash of ‘bullshot’ on the kitchen tiles. Form
is not quite as rigid as on the predominately northern
or Hebridean estates but it is nonetheless, important to
observe the unspoken rules. ‘Duvet-ing’ your host with
a bird in front of him at mediocre distance is regarded
mildly irritating, pinching a plum sporting bird above your
host’s peg is akin to flirting outrageously with the hostess.
Best to avoid that. Counting the birds you hit loudly and
declaring you are ‘winning’ generally gains few admirers,
eye-wiping your neighbour has mixed blessings. Weather
conditions will dictate how you dress for the day, but you
cannot go wrong with a pair of Cordings house check plus
twos and smart shooting stockings.
When to drink, what to drink?
(AA) Now we are talking dear; generally best to do this
after the shoot. Lunch time tipples are of course acceptable
but avoid too much vin rouge, how about a glass of the
indomitable Pol Roger Brut Reserve? To go left-field,
maybe a splendid glass of Josmeyer Alsace Pinot Blanc
‘Mise du Printemps’?
When the whistle on the last drive blows, the bag has been
declared glorious in its limited and beautiful way, you can
begin to make your declarations of thanks and dash to
draw the bath. Should a pre-prandial be on offer, possibly
a glass of Pol Roger Brut Vintage (terrifically fresh with
beautiful acidity and delightful fruit) this will help keep
your conversations sparkling. Throughout dinner you will
be offered (we are sure) a cornucopia of liquid refreshment,
pick wisely and be consistent.
Port is an excellent way to finish as is Hine Cognac
Antique XO (cherry brandy again, often well swerved), to
keep the senses perky. When your host yawns and declares
your nickname ‘Bingo’ (last one out) it’s time to drink up
and head for bed.
Off the peg, on the peg: what to wear?
Standing on a peg, buffeted by rain, in temperatures that
would make penguins think twice about going outside
for a stroll, is an exhilarating experience; but only if you
are correctly attired. Stout boots, shooting stockings and
breeks (or trews, now making a first-rate come back in the
field) take care of your lower portions, whilst layering with
lambswool, fleece and a Field Coat will take care of the rest.
Always wear a tie, as a mark of respect for your quarry, but
also because there are so many splendid examples to be had
at Cordings, emblazoned with Pheasants, Grouse and even
the odd Snipe.
“When going out in the field never forget the practical
issues of comfort, warmth and ease of movement”
Eric Clapton
(musician & fieldsports enthusiast)
Guide to the Country Pub
Should I engage with the local at the bar?
(UB) Often the best path here is to gauge your quarry; be
polite and don’t insult the décor or food unless you are the
owner or never intend to go back.
Are cocktails permissible in a coaching inn?
(AA) Whilst this may be akin to asking for Lager at an
Ale brewery, cocktails are a fine thing, and we recommend
the Horse’s Neck (‘H’ by Hine and Ginger Ale) or Whisky
& ice (Single- Malt and Ice remarkably enough – a fine
Kilchoman Machir Bay, could be just the ticket)…but a
cautionary tale, anything involving blue liquor or crème de
menthe is often best avoided for safety’s sake. Generally
stick to the ‘taps’, or if you are feeling adventurous, why not
try a glass of ‘roulette’ house wine?
To wellie or not to wellie?
(UB) A much pondered musing, if it’s sodden and you
are worried about your loafers, go wellie in the pub but be
prepared in some gentrified establishments to take them off
if asked. A hole-y sock in the country is acceptable,
no-socks (or ‘going sock-less’ in the south) courts suspicion
and your personal hygiene may be called into question.
Your choice of wellie is significant, but we shan’t go into
that here.
Amuse bouche? What about a little something from
the chef? (UB) Chance your arm, the chef may take the
challenge. However pork scratchings or assorted nuts may
be the most enticing offering. Perhaps time for an aperitif?
21 YO Glenfarclas Single Malt Whisky, full bodied
rich and with rounded flavours , goes perfectly with pork
scratchings.
How to cut a sartorial swath in the snug: what to wear?
Remember: in the country, colour in the trouser department
is to be applauded and considered sensible; one can never
be too loud. Jeans that make ones underwear visible, leather
trousers (unless you are in possession of a motor cycle) and
jogging bottoms with logos emblazoned on your posterior,
will certainly get the attention of the local population, but
not in a good way.
“One has to always question where to park the glass
on the bar top, near to the wearer of the fur and suede
dangling sleeves or the rat-catcher trousers, it’s always
a delicate balance of the shove and shuffle to get to
the bar let alone the order. Make your order firm and
precise with the barkeep, never let your guarddown and
judge the offer of a pickled egg wisely”
Victoria Knowles-Lacks
(Owner and founder, The Shotgun and Chelsea Bun
Club and West Country resident)
The Meet
What to do if you don’t like horses?
(AA) Generally thought of as not the place to be if you are
either in fear of, or underwhelmed by, the horse. However
grin and bear it, focus on the port, sherry and general
back slapping. Look for the person milling around with
a champagne bottle and ask if they happen to know ‘what
their wine tastes like?’
Hunt buttons?
(UB) If new to ‘the Meet’, it’s generally considered bad
form to wear hunt buttons even if through patrimony, often
best to go plain and get the advice of each hunt’s MFH
(Master of the Fox Hounds). Turning up in a hunting pink
and blowing your own horn (so to speak) may end in an
ignominious dressing down from the seniors members.
Good conversation?
(AA) ‘What a fine looking beast, jumped much?’ (only
about a horse) – ‘looking fairly hard out there, do you
think you’ll go on past 1st horses?’ / ‘Hounds sound in
good voice’ ad nauseum.
Stirrup cup of choice?
(AA) Stay clear of home brew, focus on your drive home
or walk to lunch and go for an elegant tipple, maybe a sip
of vintage Cognac? Domaines Hine Bonneuil 2005 for
instance….smooth and discerning. You’ll feel warm and
possibly ‘smug’ at the decision.
‘Standing to’ at The Meet
(AA) Tweed coats, sensible wellies and a jolly smile will
often be the uniform of choice for those waiting to cheer
the gallop and hear the cry of the hounds. Have a large
pocket in the coat for a hip flask and don’t forget the woolly
hat (bobble optional).
“The meet is a wonderfully diverse gathering of
folk from all walks of life. There is a real buzz of
anticipation and excitement of the day ahead. Dress
appropriately and put a sandwich in your pocket for
later in the day. Meets are very family friendly so do
take children, and even better if you can get out on
horse!”
Harry Meade
(International Three Day Event Rider, part of Team GBR,
ChampagnePol Roger and Cordings of Piccadilly Brand
Ambassador)
The Point to Point
Carriages?
(UB) You’ll need a capable vehicle should things turn
inclement. The Point to Point circuit is not a place to
impress the King’s Road set; turning up in your two-seater
complete with stilettos might be over-gunning it. So we
suggest the long wheel base Land Rover because nothing
says failure like the obligatory ‘tractor tow’. Extra house
points can be given for negotiating a RWD German car
through the bog, in suede loafers.
Weather check?
(UB) Interweb information abounds – do not be caught
short, brace yourself and by jove, if it looks hopeless hit the
local hostelry, order the best steak and kidney pudding and
a large glass of red (a hearty cabernet like a Staglin Family
Vineyard 2008 from the Napa valley, California would
suit the occasion). Consider yourself well out of it as the
stalwarts try to look cheery in the biblical deluge.
Correct picnic form?
(AA) No one obviously opens their boot without a proper
bottle of fizz – Pol Roger Brut Reserve slung in a (probably
useless or over-full) cool bag, is a real boon to keep the
spirits high! The food at these events has in the past
dampened the spirits: a greying Scotch egg, the forlorn
chicken sandwich, the obligatory ‘explode in the container
before you get there’ soup and home-made sausage roll
used to be the order of the day, …..but thankfully Waitrose
has changed all of these slightly trying stalwarts; roasted
vegetable antipasti options? Sundried tomatoes? Samosas?
It’s a veritable cornucopia of finger food. We suggest soup
(optional sherry to be added to the consommé) and cheese
straws….it could be a long day after all!
Pint to pint? What to drink?
(AA) Beer is a particular favourite amongst hardened
pointers, as is wine, Maison Joseph Drouhin Savigny les
Beaune for a refreshing pinot noir and maybe a delightful
bottle of Crown Estates Tokaji 5 puttonyas 2000. The
Tokaji pairs exquisitely with a rich paté or even foie
gras, should one want to push the boat out. And for the
obligatory nip from bottle or hip flask, Glenfarclas Single
Malt Whisky 15YO wins every time. Don’t forget the
corkscrew and proper glasses.
A short course on what to wear?
This being Britain, the answer to this could be as divergent
as a linen shirt, chinos and loafers, or Schoffel interactive
coat, waterproof trousers and wellington boots.
“What I love most about point-to-pointing is that however
professional the jockeys and trainers have become, it’s
still a proper old-fashioned country sport run by hunting
people with a great friendly atmosphere
where the weather – rain, howling gales, spring sunshine
– is all part of it. For this reason, I especially love the
west-country meetings, which are timeless. I belong to
the Plantation Farm Picnic Syndicate and, as you might
have guessed it’s (nearly) all about the picnic – and the
fizz when we win!”
Kate Green
(News Editor, Country Life)
Cheltenham
Is this a covert operation?
(AA) Yes it is! There is nowhere a covert coat feels more
at home than jostling amongst the crowds, the dun
colour was after all originally designed to cope with horse
hair and the occasional splattering of mud and still stay
immaculate. Team with a tweed suit and trilby and you
have the ultimate Cheltenham kit. Shiny office suits are
ill-advisedly becoming prevalent and are more to be pitied
than censured. For the ladies, a smart tweed ensemble,
topped with a splendid fur hat will cut a dash. Lurid pink
prom style dresses, worn with ‘dead parrot’ style fascinators
are best avoided as they have a habit of frightening the
jockeys who are, through years of careful breeding, a highly
strung sort.
Should I bring the hound?
(UB) Yes just make sure it is correctly attired, little dogs in
handbags are a little, Chelsea, not Cheltenham.
Correct footwear?
(AA) You want dry feet? Wellingtons and sturdy
boots are the way forward, plus you can drink out
of them later if you lose your glass.
Who am I likely to see?
(AA) The ladies and gentlemen of the jump racing
community, a smattering of West Country
royalty, corporate guests, persons from
across the water and lots and lots of
splendid red trousers.
Carriage of choice?
(UB) Train, taxi or chauffeur – to drive
would make this a very dull day indeed.
Champagne or cider?
Either really but try not to drink out
of your trilby. We do think a nice glass
of Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2006 tastes
terrific at 9am, on auspicious occasions
such as this.
“Cheltenham is the highlight of the National Hunt
season and brings absolutely everything to the table.
The horses are the elite from England, Ireland and
France and the world’s best jockeys, along with the most
sporting crowd that any event can put together. To
many this is an annual pilgrimage and, to all of us, the
pinnacle four days of every year”
Nicky Henderson
(3 times Champion NH trainer and trainer of 47 winners at the
Cheltenham Festival)
Twickenham
Which car park should I head to?
(UB) Well, if you’re not in the west car park let’s just say it
is a bad old day.
Where should I be aiming to sit?
(AA) Mid-tier east or west stand, somewhere close to
facilities, and gone are the days of bringing your own
tipple, it’s a pint of the black stuff or maybe a tepid GnT
for you my dears! You are there for stirring rugby anyway…
best not to blur the lines during the match.
Form on chat with fans?
(UB) You’ll want to discuss England’s latest midfield
worries, the demise of the scrum and a return to offfield discipline. Avoid someone wearing a football shirt
for fear of being proffered advice on your choice of
sport. You’ll know who to look for; beginning a salvo
with ‘my dear old thing…’ should see you through.
Black velvet?
(AA)If you insist dear, although best to stick to Pol Roger
Brut Reserve.
Tweed, Wax or padded jacket?
All three are eminently suitable, accessorise with a generous
glass of red wine and gingham table cloth. Wellies are
wholly acceptable whereas loafers will do you no credit
here, stout walking boots or sturdy brogues with thick
socks are just the ticket.
“Don’t be afraid to go very casual - you’ll be surrounded
by men in badly fitting jeans and jumpers decorated
with dog hairs. It’s all about comfort. Do a bit of
reading beforehand so you have half a clue who the key
players are and what’s going on. Buy the headphones
so you can hear what the ref is saying - that way you’ll
be the only person who knows why a penalty is being
given. Arrive early and leave late. The car parks are
where the party is at.”
Clare Balding
(Broadcaster and avid Rugby fan)
The Christmas house party
Which host should you pass the booze to?
(AA) If you want to see it drunk on the day/evening, the
hostess, if you want to hear about it drunk that night,
privately, your host…
How to eat the cocktail sausage elegantly?
(UB) Attack the entrée with real verve, grab it and positively
shove it in….avoid conversation while macerating and take
a moment to savour.
When to leave?
(AA) When the hostess is bellowing ‘whose taxi is outside….’
or ‘right then, who’s for washing up…?’. Watching for
signs is quite easy, the minute the decent wines are down to
the sediment, or the port has been spilled, it’s time to head
for the highway.
Lunchtime drinks – the plan?
(UB) Avoid the Gin and Tonic in favour of a DrouhinVaudon Chablis, and Robert Sinskey Vineyard’s Pinot
Noir from Los Carneros for a red is a real winner! Cote
du Nuit is more of a supper sip. Manzanilla is a positively
inspired choice to accompany salted almonds and olives.
How to avoid the slightly-odd Uncle Bernard?
(AA) Make pains to suggest you know very little about
cricket or the latest on Syria, declare an interest in popular
music and the latest streaming service
from Apple.
Declare yourself devoid of a decanter
at home and that you have never
heard of Wilbur Smith. Above all
stay away from the drinks trolley
– wait for it to come to you. This
should save you hours of your
life.
The Christmas jumper
However ironic your intentions
are, do not succumb to knitted garments with the following
motifs: Snowmen, Father Christmas, Elves or Baubles, and
if anyone approaches you wearing a garment emblazoned
with any of the above (we can include ties in this), move
very quickly towards the drinks trolley (see note above ref
Uncle Bernard). Lambswool V necks found downstairs
in Cordings of Piccadilly (and now Harrogate) in festive
colours, and smart Fair Isles, are the order of the day,
giving the message ‘I am a fun chap or lady, who has not
lost their sense of style/ marbles’.
“Christmas jumpers are in my experience exclusively
worn by ordinarily sane adults who stupidly believe
that Christmas is an excuse to look like, behave like and
sound like a 6 year old with OCD. Knitwear is a tricky
enough issue without burdening it with aesthetic IEDs
like appliquéd snowmen. Revolt against the revolting
and plump for some lambswool”
Laurence Llewelwyn-Bowen
(Designer and broadcaster)
Since 1839 Cordings have clothed explorers, rock stars and
royalty in understated British clothing, all from our iconic
store in Piccadilly. With timeless cuts, traditional cloths and
painstaking attention to detail creating an enduring elegance
that is never out of style.
19 Piccadilly, London W1J 0LA
Westminster Arcade, Harrogate HG1 2RN
www.cordings.co.uk
Champagne Pol Roger has been producing exceptional
champagne for over 165 years. To this day the house remains
small, family-owned, fiercely independent and unrivalled in
its reputation for quality. Pol Roger Portfolio was founded in
1990 by the Pol Roger family, to establish its own subsidiary
in Great Britain, the premier export market for Pol Roger
Champagne. Since 1990 Pol Roger Portfolio has grown to
include a select number of first class wines and spirits from
family owned houses; Crown Estates, Glenfarclas, Hine,
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Robert Sinskey, Staglin Family, Abreu and Dalla Valle.
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COPYRIGHT POL ROGER © 2015,
Illustrated by Oliver Preston and
Designed by Emma McCall