Frequently Asked Questions
Team
Please use the below to answer the most likely common questions.
If you have questions that aren't answered here, please speak to Connie
What is Alfresco?
Alfresco is the name of our annual retreat. There have been renowned Picnic retreats before! Italy in 2022 & Glamping in Sussex in 2023.
Like always, Alfresco is about coming together to connect, collaborate, celebrate, think about the future & have some fun!
If you want to see what we got up to last year, you can watch the video here
Where is it?
We're renting ARC Painswick exclusively.
The full address is: Tibbiwell Ln, Painswick, Stroud, GL6 6XX
There will be occasional external suppliers visiting the property for certain parts.
How long is it?
We will leave London around 11:30am on Wednesday 21st August, returning to London by 2pm on Friday 23rd August.
The time will be spent across a mixture of working sessions & down time.
What will I eat?
Food will be served throughout & dietary requirements recognised.
On day 1, lunch & dinner
On day 2, breakfast, lunch & dinner
On day 3, breakfast
There will be access to water, hot drinks & snacks throughout.
We have a mixture of food provided mainly by external suppliers & some cooked by us!
What will I drink?
There will be facilities to make tea and coffee at all times along with access to water 24/7.
In the evenings, both alcohol and soft drinks will be provided.
It will be your choice to consume alcohol.
What should I pack?
It's totally up to you. It's a casual event for the most part and just like in the office, what you wear, is your choice.
Things to consider:
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There will be an element of the outdoors, including a cross country walk, optional running club & games. We suggest you bring trainers and comfortable clothing
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There is a swimming pool - again optional - but if you do want to swim, please bring swimwear
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Towels & linen will be provided
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Unlike last year, we have electricity & WiFi :) so bring all the plugs and chargers you want!
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This year, water bottles aren't provided so please bring your Picnic bottle/one of your choice
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If the weather is looking good, please bring your own sun protection (you should be wearing spf every day though!)
What is the Pink Party?!
On night 2, we have the Pink Party; this is the Alfrescocktail Party! We will have cocktails & mocktails, private dining and karaoke Picnic style. Obvs a silent disco too - fast becoming a Picnic tradition :)
On this night, we would love everyone to wear PINK. This is optional of course but it would be great if everyone can get involved.
You can dress up for a cocktail party or keep it casual.
Do I have to do everything in the Agenda?
For the majority of the working day, certainly the working sessions and all meals, you will be expected to attend.
There will be some optional ways to spend your downtime. For example, you don't have to go to running club, during the 'relax' times you can choose to spend time with your colleagues or time alone - this is your choice.
If you are sharing a room and at anytime, need some private space, please speak to Connie as this can be arranged.
What is the walk that we're doing?
On Thursday mid morning through to the afternoon, we will be going on a cross country walk. The walk is approximately 6km and is a mixture of fields, woods, streams & lots of stiles! There is some gradient (approx 200m in total). It is expected to take between 2-2.5 hours.
Strongly advise you bring suitable footwear for a long walk across different terrains, drinking water, a bag if you wish with a hat, sun protection & anything else you think you might need for a long walk.
Have we answered everything?
If there is anything you want to know that isn't here, drop Connie a Slack
Want to chat?
It's really important to us that everyone has the absolute best possible experience. If there is anything you're concerned about or want to change, please speak to Connie privately before or during Alfresco.