About

Essex Summer Champagne Festival

9 Duck Lane, Thornwood, Epping CM16 6NE

Saturday 25th July 2026 12 noon to 10pm

Tickets: £35 in advance (booking fee applies) or £45 on the day - book here

Join this incredibile event set within the beautiful grounds of a private family home, the Summer Champagne Festival promises a unique and memorable celebration marking the longest day of the year, while shining a spotlight on truly unsung heroes.

At the heart of the festival is an extraordinary collection of artisanal champagnes sourced directly from small, independent producers in the Champagne region, all exceptional wines that rarely leave France and are seldom experienced in the UK. Carefully selected by “Shotgun Chef” William Alldis, these champagnes reflect both passion and discovery.

William Alldis, a renowned British hunting chef, food writer and sporting guide, known for his wild game cookery courses and immersive countryside experiences has recently taken to the skies, combining a new passion for aviation with his long-standing love of Champagne.

William and a group of fellow pilots will fly from North Weald Airfield to Épernay, the unofficial capital of Champagne, to personally collect the wines featured at the festival. This remarkable “airborne convoy” brings a sense of adventure and authenticity to the event, with each bottle quite literally flown in for the occasion.

The festival also honours a second group of unsung heroes: the Gurkha Regiment. William pays personal tribute to the Gurkhas, who served alongside his grandfather in Burma (now Myanmar) during World War II, and whose bravery saved many lives. In recognition, profits from the event will support The Gurkha Welfare Trust, which provides vital aid to veterans and their families.

Guests can expect an exceptional culinary experience delivered by The Cartshed Kitchen, featuring:

• Freshly shucked Essex oysters
• Champagne tempura oysters
• Homemade smoked salmon on sourdough
• Grilled lobster with chilli butter and garden salads
• Local venison burgers and fries
• Seared scallops with spring onions, lime and chilli
• Smoked salmon and sesame Scotch quail eggs
• A selection of BBQ dishes and seasonal salads

Live music throughout the afternoon will be provided by the acclaimed family band Godfin, creating the perfect summer atmosphere.

Adding further flair to the day, Nathan Little will present a specialist cigar lounge featuring Gurkha cigars, handcrafted in the Dominican Republic

Each ticket includes: Three tasting glasses of Champagne and a £10 food voucher 

A full bar will also be available for guests who prefer alternatives to Champagne, alongside soft drinks for drivers and younger guests.