Willow Weaving - The Perfect Recipe for a Soulful Spring Day.
When a day spent learning the art of willow weaving weaves more than just rods of willow—when it gently stitches together joy, laughter, calm, and a deep sense of being nurtured—you know you’ve experienced something truly special. Set in the magical surroundings of Hollyhock House in the Cotswolds, this wasn’t just about acquiring a new skill; it was a reminder of how restorative a thoughtfully curated day can be.
The 1st of May—May Day—was forecast to be one of the hottest on record, and the clear blue skies certainly didn’t disappoint. Interestingly, on this day in 1561, King Charles IX of France received a lily of the valley as a good luck charm, a tradition that evolved into gifting a sprig of the delicate flower as a symbol of springtime.
But this particular 1st of May had a different focus: not on a lily, but on willow—willow weaving, to be precise.
On this glorious May morning, I found myself weaving (pun fully intended) through the honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds, heading to the pretty market town of Winchcombe. With many of its buildings dating back to medieval times and as home to Sudeley Castle, where Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, is laid to rest—Winchcombe is rich in history and charm.
Just a short distance from the castle, and enjoying similarly spectacular views, sits Holly Lodge, home to Kelly and The Buttery Dish. Kelly and her husband previously owned and ran a 5-star hotel and award winning Restaurant in Ross-on-Wye, and as soon as you step into their beautifully converted home, it is clear that this same level of hospitality now lives here.
Kelly’s warmth and natural ease make you feel instantly welcome. As you are gently introduced to your fellow workshop companions, you can feel your body begin to exhale.
Yes, the sunshine and panoramic views streaming in through wide-open windows certainly contribute to the sense of calm, but it’s more than that. Kelly has thought through every detail, creating a harmony that instantly soothes. From the calming colour palette of her elegant kitchen to the tactile stoneware coffee cups and coloured glassware, even the hand towels and toiletries in the bathroom are curated with care. You’re not just in someone’s home—you’re being looked after.
We were introduced to Jo, our willow weaving tutor, over coffee, before heading out to the garden—our stunning “workroom” for the day. The lawn stretched down to a brook, framed by those breathtaking views, and at its centre, almost as guest of honour, stood a majestic weeping willow tree, offering welcome shade and a poetic nod to the craft at hand.
My workshop companions were instantly friendly and full of good humour, and we quickly connected as we tried to organise our 24 lengths of willow, also known as rods, withies or whips, each with a will of its own! Placing them into the willow stand to form the basic structure for a garden obelisk took concentration and patience. Jo demonstrated each technique with a calm expertise, reminding us that the willow, especially in the heat, needed to stay damp to be pliable. The thicker rods proved more stubborn to train, but with time, and some laughter, we got there.
As the morning progressed and our weaving became more intricate, the chatter gave way to quiet focus. The only sounds were the gentle brook and spring birdsong, providing a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere.
Kelly kept us hydrated with iced water and tropical fruit platters, but by midday, we were ready for a well-earned break—and what a treat it was. Under the shade of the outdoor kitchen, the table had been styled with Kelly’s signature eye for detail: botanical prints, lavender pots, and a beautifully curated spring aesthetic.
A glass of chilled white wine marked the start of lunch, and conversations flowed easily. The small group, made up of friends, couples, sisters, and solo guests like myself, shared stories of how they came to be there. Some had been gifted the day, others simply keen to learn something new and connect with others.
After selling their successful hotel, Kelly was keen to channel her skills and passion into something more flexible around family life. It all began when she brought a tray of canapés to a New Year’s Eve party and was soon asked to cater for more events. This led to her catering business, Pink Pineapple Events and eventually to teaching canapé-making workshops. These proved so popular that she expanded her offerings—and so The Buttery Dish was born.
Lunch, unsurprisingly, was an experience in itself. Kelly’s menus are seasonal, often leaning toward vegetarian options to suit a wide range of tastes. Our spring lunch began with a warm pea and mint soup, paired with a dainty heart-shaped shortbread and parmesan biscuit, light, fresh and delicious. This was followed by a locally-sourced asparagus tart, a green bean and lemon-dressed salad, and a wild garlic pesto dip. To finish, a pistachio and orange frost cake that was so light and flavourful, it felt like a celebration in itself.
Afterwards, we returned to our willow creations, grateful to be under the willow tree’s shade to add the finishing decorative touches. Jo remained close by, always ready to guide those of us (myself included!) who occasionally forgot what came next. I blamed the menopause, of course, but truly, I think I had simply melted into the calm so completely that my mind had wandered into contentment.
As the day came to a close, and we tried to load our five-foot garden obelisks into our cars, with tired laughter. I reflected on how remarkable it is to arrive somewhere alone and leave feeling like you’ve known people for years. But I don’t think that’s coincidence. It’s the atmosphere Kelly creates, her warm welcome, the beautiful setting, thoughtful details, and exceptional food—all combining to create a truly memorable experience.
Over lunch, some of the group had shared stories of other workshops they had attended at The Buttery Dish, including a winter session on menopause and gut health held indoors by the fire, completely different in feel, but just as nurturing. I am already looking forward to returning in November for the Ultimate Chocolate Masterclass, though I may be tempted by another experience or two before then!
Workshops like this always leave me with something, sometimes a new skill, sometimes a shift in perspective. This time, I came home with both a beautiful garden obelisk and a feeling I hadn’t expected: real joy. I left feeling calm, accomplished, and gently uplifted.
Kelly has a natural ability to create something very special—and like any great recipe, it’s about more than just the ingredients. It’s how they’re brought together, in just the right way, that makes the day truly unforgettable.
If you are curious to see what else is on offer at The Buttery Dish, I really do encourage you to explore the workshops. It’s not just about the activity—it’s truly about the magical experience as a whole. I hope to see you at one soon.
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