The Yuletide season is a time of celebration and joy in the Wiccan tradition. It is a time to honor the winter solstice and the return of the sun, as well as to connect with the cycles of nature and the divine. One of the main customs during Yule is the lighting of the Yule log. The log is typically a piece of wood, often oak or ash, that is chosen and decorated with ribbons, herbs, and other symbolic items. It is then burned in a ceremonial fire to symbolize the returning light and warmth of the sun. In addition to the Yule log, Wiccans also celebrate the tradition of bringing evergreen boughs and wreaths into the home.
The Magic Mushroom Restaurant in Billericay, Essex celebrates its 25th Anniversary
The Magic Mushroom Restaurant at Barleylands in Billericay, Essex was first opened on 27 May 1996 by Restaurateur Darren Bennett (pictured) and yesterday marked the 25 year anniversary of that day – now that’s an achievement!
Darren was working in another restaurant in Essex and in 1996 one of the Chef’s where he was working told him that the restaurant at Barleylands was for sale on a Saturday evening. He went to the restaurant on the Sunday and bumped into the owner of Barleylands – they had a chat and Darren signed the contract on the Sunday and resigned from his current position on the Monday. The rest, as they say, is history……
The restaurant was originally called Barleylands Restaurant but Darren changed the name in 2000 as he wanted it to be different – a talking point and a name that people would remember.
Darren is still extremely hands on working both front of house and in the kitchen – he is always around. People might be surprised that the restaurant has been privately owned by Darren for all this time and that The Magic Mushroom also has a function room perfect for weddings, events, parties and celebrations, conferences, private dining and funerals, complete with its own entrance and bar.
Like all restaurant owners, Darren has found the last 18 months challenging due to COVID-19. The restaurant was only closed for 2 weeks at the start of the first lockdown, before Darren launched his highly successful Collection Menu, which gave diners the opportunity to experience the same fine dining as they would in the restaurant but in the comfort of their own homes. The menu had to change weekly due to produce availability but the response from the local community spurred the team to carry on.
Darren said, “It would have been easy to give up, but I like to come up with new ideas to move the business forward, so we had to diversify in 2020 and this is what has kept us going.”
Darren and the team are extremely grateful to the local community for all the support that has been shown and are enjoying welcoming both new and old diners back into the restaurant, as well as still offering the Collection Menu and a new Afternoon Tea Menu.
When asked, what his secret is to running a successful restaurant, Darren said,
“I put the success of the restaurant down to the fact that it is always evolving with the times and trends, whilst offering exquisite food, lovely ambience, varied menus, fantastic customer service and lots of hard work from the whole team!”
Magic mushroom barleylands
Barleylands Farm Shop
Southend Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UQ
DISTANCE: 4 minute drive / 21 minute walk
Martin's
12 Grange Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2RB
DISTANCE: 5 minute drive / 35 minute walk
Tesco Express
Grange Parade, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2RF
DISTANCE: 5 minute drive / 36 minute walk
In addition to the Yule log, Wiccans also celebrate the tradition of bringing evergreen boughs and wreaths into the home. These evergreen plants symbolize the enduring life force during the winter months when most other plants are dormant. They are adorned with candles, ribbons, and other festive decorations to bring joy and beauty to the home.
Local Eateries & Takeaways
Order Your Delivery to Our Address
Sportsie Camp, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, SS15 4BG, UK
The Magic Mushroom (dine in / takeaway)
Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
DISTANCE: 2 minute drive / 13 minute walk
WEB: https://magicmushroomrestaurant.co.uk/gallery/restaurant/
Tiptree Tea Room (dine in / takeaway / Deliveroo)
Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD
DISTANCE: 2 minute drive / 13 minute walk*
WEB: https://www.tiptree.com/tiptree-tea-room-caf-at-barleylands-billericay
Feast of Bengal (dine in / takeaway/ Deliveroo)
9 Meadow Rise, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2DN
DISTANCE: 6 minute drive
WEB: https://southgrillcharcoalandm.
George's Fish Bar (takeaway / Just Eat)
8 Morris Avenue, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2JR
DISTANCE: 7 minute drive
WEB: https://georgesfishbillericay.com/order-now
South Grill Charcoal & Meze (dine in / takeaway / Just Eat)
2RB, 6 Grange Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2RB
DISTANCE: 7 minute drive / 35 minute walk
WEB: https://southgrillcharcoalandmeze.co.uk/#menu
Mangal Express (dine in / takeaway / Deliveroo)
1 Radford Way, Billericay, Essex, CM12 0AA
DISTANCE: 9 minute drive
Dragon Inn (takeaway/delivery)
8 Western Road, Billericay, Essex, CM12 9DZ (10 minute drive)
* delivery / takeaway
Top 6 must-visit restaurants in Billericay, Essex
Whether you’re looking for something comforting and relaxing or somewhere a little extra special, we have the perfect options for you. Take a look at our list of the best restaurants in Billericay and start your local culinary adventure!
If you’re on the hunt for a new dining spot in Billericay, Essex, then you’re truly spoilt for choice.
There are many mouth-watering local restaurants to satisfy every craving, from delicious Thai and tasty Indian, to classic pub grub and sumptuous seafood.
So, whether you’re looking for something comforting and relaxing to enjoy with friends, or somewhere a little extra special to take a loved one, we have the perfect options for you. Take a look at our list of the best restaurants in Billericay and start your local culinary adventure!
During Yule, Wiccans also engage in divination and reflection. This is a time to look back on the past year, evaluate personal growth and goals, and set intentions for the coming year. Divination tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors are often used to gain insight and guidance. Feasting and sharing food is another important aspect of Yule. Wiccans gather with family and friends to enjoy a festive meal, often featuring traditional seasonal foods such as roast meats, root vegetables, and spiced desserts. Sharing food symbolizes the importance of community and the abundance of the earth. Overall, Yule is a time of celebrating the winter solstice, connecting with nature, and reflecting on personal growth. The customs of lighting the Yule log, decorating with evergreen boughs, engaging in divination, and sharing a festive meal all contribute to the joyful and spiritual experience of this sacred Wiccan holiday..
Reviews for "Yule Feasting in Wiccan Practice: Recipes and Rituals"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really hoping to learn more about the various Yuletide customs followed in Wicca, but this book fell flat for me. The author barely scratches the surface of the topic and fails to provide enough information to truly understand the significance or practice of these customs. It felt more like an overview than an in-depth exploration, leaving me disappointed and wanting more. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to Yuletide customs in Wicca.
2. Mike - 2/5 - As someone new to Wicca, I was excited to read this book and gain a deeper understanding of Yuletide customs. However, I found the author's writing style to be dry and lacking in substance. The information provided was very basic and could easily be found on the internet with a quick search. Additionally, the book felt disjointed, with abrupt transitions between topics. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and dissatisfied with this book. I would advise others to seek out more comprehensive and engaging resources on the subject.
3. Emily - 1/5 - I regret purchasing this book. It was poorly organized and lacked any real depth. The author repeated the same information multiple times, making it seem like filler content. The few Yuletide customs that were discussed felt rushed and lacked the necessary context for understanding their significance. This book did not provide the in-depth exploration of Yuletide customs in Wicca that I was hoping for, and I would not recommend it to others seeking a comprehensive guide on the subject.
4. David - 2/5 - As someone who has been practicing Wicca for several years, I was disappointed by the lack of new information in this book. The author simply rehashed commonly known Yuletide customs without providing any fresh insights or perspectives. Additionally, the writing felt repetitive and dull, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout. I was hoping for a deeper exploration of the customs and their symbolism, but this book failed to deliver on that front. I would not recommend it to experienced practitioners or those seeking in-depth knowledge of Yuletide customs.