Smoke & Fire Ember Lounge Experience

An Afternoon-to-Evening Experience of Fire, Food, Craft, and Nature...

13–14 February 2026 - Shimpling Park Farm, Suffolk

Award-winning Smoke and Fire Festivals (S&FF) — the UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking festivals — are set to ignite 2026 with a brand-new concept that offers far more than dining. The Ember Lounge: Winter Chapter is a five-hour sensory journey that blends fire-led gastronomy, hands-on workshops, and deep connection to the land, all set in the extraordinary surroundings of Shimpling Park Farm in Suffolk.

Timed from late afternoon into the early evening, The Ember Lounge is designed as a slow, rich, and restorative escape: the perfect Valentine’s Weekend experience for those seeking something meaningful, atmospheric, and delicious.

A Multi-Layered Experience — Not Just a Meal

Unlike typical immersive dining events, The Ember Lounge invites guests to step behind the scenes of craft, flavour, and farming. Across the five hours, guests will take part in:

Live Fire Theatre & Feast

Led by Master Live Fire Chef Julian Brown — part of team that help set up Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat restaurant in the Cotswolds  — guests will witness and taste extraordinary cooking over flame, exploring the depth and drama of fire-based cuisine.

Artisanal Sourdough Workshop

In Shimpling’s own on-site bakery, guests will learn the secrets of creating exceptional sourdough from expert baker Dominic Biddle, working with heritage grains grown on the farm itself.

Gourmet Mushroom & Fungi Discovery Session

A unique workshop diving into the weird and wonderful world of mushrooms and fungi — how they grow, how they shape the world beneath our feet, and how they can transform a dish. You’ll find out why Lion’s Mane is the new superstar of the mushroom world, and even meet the surprisingly delicious mushroom that’s a little bit… carnivorous

Farm Tour & Woodland Tour

Fourth-generation regenerative farmers John and Alice Pawsey will guide guests across their rolling farmland and ancient woodland, revealing the natural farming methods that shape the ingredients prepared for the feast.

As the sun dips, guests return to an atmospheric barn lit with candlelight, glowing embers, and the aromas of fire-kissed dishes, where the experience transitions into a shared feast with paired wines and drinks. Each guest will leave with a curated gift bag as a memento of an unforgettable afternoon and evening.

An Intimate Event with Limited Tickets

With only 60 spaces available, early booking is essential.
Early Bird Price: £135 per person

Friday 13 February 2026: Arrival 14:00, Carriages 20:30

Saturday 14 February 2026: Arrival 14:30, Carriages 20:30

For more information and tickets, go to:
https://www.smokeandfirefestival.com/ember-lounge/the-winter-chapter/

About Smoke and Fire Events:  www.smokeandfirefestival.com
Smoke and Fire Events is the organiser of the British Open Freestyle BBQ Championships ™ and the award-winning Smoke and Fire Festivals the UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking festival that celebrates the art of cooking with fire. Known for bringing together top talent from across the culinary world, Smoke and Fire Events offers a platform for chefs, butchers, and artisans to showcase their skills to a wide audience of food enthusiasts.

For more information about Shimpling Park Farm, go to: https://shimplingparkfarm.co.uk/