Book Book

Book Club

Following our sold out 2025 Book Clubs, we’re delighted to announce our first batch of 2026 dates!

Join us each month at Lime Wood for a relaxed evening of good food and even better conversation, as we welcome some of the most inspiring food authors to the New Forest for our Book Club series.

Hosted by award-winning food writer Mark Diacono, and the whole Hartnett Holder & Co team, these evenings are a chance to go beyond the page, digging into the stories and kitchen secrets behind each author’s work. Expect honest chat about their writing and creative process, insight into the experiences that shaped their careers, and what really fuels their love of food, all wrapped up in an evening that feels more like a dinner party than a panel talk.

Naturally, there’ll be a generous helping of Hartnett Holder & Co hospitality: nibbles and a cocktail on arrival, followed by a two-course seasonal supper inspired by the guest, with wine to match.

Come hungry - for food, stories, and proper kitchen chat.

What's included

6pm - Welcome cocktail and nibbles

6:30pm - A 45 minute chat with the evening's featured writer, hosted by Mark Diacono 

7:15pm – Two-course seasonal supper inspired by the respective guest, with our sommelier choice of complementing wine or non-alcoholic alternative

9pm - Q&A opportunity

9:30pm – End

Ticket price £98 per guest

Books will be available to purchase additionally on the night, with signing opportunities throughout. Or, please do bring your own copy along.

MARK DIACONO

Our Co-Host, Mark, has written a number of award-winning books and his refreshing approach to growing and eating has done much to inspire a new generation to grow some of what they eat. He's appeared in the River Cottage TV series, also writing four of their books and running courses and events at River Cottage HQ.

Mark is a columnist for The Sunday Times, Delicious and Country Life, and his features have appeared in The Observer, Guardian, National Geographic, and others. He hosts the monthly Cafe Murano Book Club with Angela, and writes to a global audience on his best-selling Substack: ‘Mark Diacono’s Abundance’.

A Celebration of Food, Writing & Conversation at Lime Wood

With Mark Diacono & Special Guests

Book Club with Sabrina Ghayour

Thursday 15th January

Join us in January as we welcome Sunday Times bestselling author Sabrina Ghayour to Lime Wood. Sabrina is a self-taught cook turned chef, cookery teacher, and food writer, who made her name with the London supper club ‘Sabrina’s Kitchen’ and was named the Observer’s Rising Star in Food. Her book, Persiana Easy, brings her bold, accessible Middle Eastern flavours straight to your kitchen, with midweek meals, traybakes, pastries, and sweet treats that are simple, flavour-packed, and perfect for sharing.

Mark Diacono will lead an in-depth yet informal conversation with Sabrina exploring her journey from home cook to supper-club star, the inspiration behind her recipes, and the creative process that brings her dishes to life.

BOOK NOW

Book Club with Bee Wilson

Thursday 19th February

We are excited to welcome cook, food writer, and journalist Bee Wilson to Lime Wood. Bee is the author of Consider the Fork, The Secret of Cooking, First Bite, The Way We Eat Now, and her latest, The Heart-Shaped Tin, a personal and evocative exploration of the emotional life of kitchen objects. Her work spans history, psychology, and technology, showing how food connects to every aspect of human life.

Bee writes for publications including The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal, and has received numerous accolades, including the Guild of Food Writers Award for Best General Cookbook, the Fortnum & Mason Food Book of the Year, and BBC Food and Farming Awards Food Writer of the Year.

Join us for an evening with Bee in conversation with our Book Club Host, Mark Diacono, as they uncover the stories, secrets, and inspirations behind her books.

BOOK NOW

Book Club with Tim Hayward

Thursday 19th March

We are delighted to welcome award-winning food journalist and broadcaster Tim Hayward to Lime Wood in March. Tim is the author of Food DIY (2013), Knife (2016), The Modern Kitchen (2017), Loaf Story (2020), and Steak – The Whole Story (2024), and is a regular panelist on BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet. He has also written and presented several acclaimed Radio 4 documentary series, exploring everything from modern craftspeople to bacteria, with his three-part documentary on fungi winning gold at the 2023 New York Festivals Radio Awards for Environment & Ecology.

Tim is the food writer for the Financial Times and has received numerous accolades, including the Fortnum & Mason “Best Restaurant Writer” (2024) and Guild of Food Writers “Food Writer of the Year” (2024). He is also co-owner of Fitzbillies Bakery in Cambridge.

Mark Diacono will once again lead an in-depth conversation with Tim as he shares his insights, stories, and the fascinating world behind his writing.

BOOK NOW

Dine, unwind and drift off

If you’re not quite ready for the evening to end, why not stay a little longer and turn your visit into an overnight escape. 

Slow things down, sink into a super king bed, and wake up to birdsong and breakfast in the New Forest.

To book a room, click below or give us a call on 023 8028 7177.

Book a Room

We have the answers...

Got a question?

Where will the Book Club be held?

Book Club will take place in the Scullery at Lime Wood. Good food, great chat, and a cosy atmosphere.

What are the timings for the event?

Arrive at 6pm to mingle with a welcome cocktail and nibbles. At 6:30pm, you will move through to the Scullery for a 45 minute chat with the evening's featured writer, hosted by Mark Diacono. From 7.15pm your two-course seasonal supper will be served. At 9pm there will be a Q&A opportunity, ending around 9.30pm.

 What will the menu be?

Each supper will showcase a two-course seasonal menu, inspired by the respective guest author and prepared by the HH&Co Team. 

What is the seating layout?

Due to the style and nature of the event, guests will be seated on one of our sharing tables. This means guests may be seated alongside others who may not be in their party.

Will you cater for dietary requirements?

While we strive to accommodate all dietary preferences and restrictions, please note that due to the nature of our Book Club events, we may not be able to fully cater to every individual requirement.  An alternative will be available that is both vegan and gluten free however we would ask that you let us know in advance if you or your guests require this option.

Can I bring my dog?

While we love our furry friends, please note that the Book Club event is not pet-friendly. We hope you understand and look forward to welcoming you.

Where should I park?

Parking is available in the main Lime Wood car park. We will have overflow parking available on the day should this be required.

Is the event suitable for children?

Please note that the Book Club is designed for adults only (18+). We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you.

Is there a dress code?

At Lime Wood and HH&Co we want you to feel at home, so please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

What is the cancellation policy for tickets?

Tickets are fully refundable up until 7 days before the event. After this period, tickets are non-refundable. Please make sure to request a refund before the 7-day cut off if your plans do change.

Is the event accessible for guests with limited mobility?

Yes absolutely, we are committed to making the event inclusive and welcoming for everyone.

Will there be photography at the event?

Yes, a photographer will be present to capture general content and moments throughout the evening. While we aim to document the atmosphere, efforts will be made to avoid focusing on any individual guests specifically. Photos taken may be used across our marketing materials and social media channels to share highlights and promote future events.

Who do I contact if I have any further questions?

For any further questions, the Lime Wood team will be delighted to help on reservations@limewood.co.uk