Even before our guide Mike Roser took us through the origins and history of apple cultivation, I had it in my head that the National Fruit Collection (NFC) at Brogdale was about collecting and preserving traditional British varieties of apples, alongside other fruits such as pears, plums and cherries. I was wrong on at least ... Read more »
The Vineyard at Stockcross in Berkshire
Often described as a temple to Californian wine, The Vineyard at Stockcross certainly has an impressive wine list but it’s not limited to Californian ones. Indeed, it has one of the largest international wine cellars in the UK. The hotel belongs to the Michael family, and is very much a showcase for Sir Peter Michael’s ... Read more »
Photos from A Hop Garden
Aaaah. August! When the sun was shining and the sky was blue… it seems so long ago now… On the last day of the month, Pete and I were invited to visit a Hop Garden in Kent, and learn more about how hops are grown, harvested and processed before being used to make beer. Our ... Read more »
Seafood Cookery Class with Lee Groves
Back in June, Pete and I were invited to spend a few days in South West Cornwall on a “Seafood Safari” holiday organised by The Food Travel Company. Based in the lovely Coswyn Barn conversion at Lanyon Cottages, our small group enjoyed an early morning trip to Newlyn Harbour, a pootle around Cornwall and two ... Read more »
Sam’s On The Beach, Polkerris, Cornwall
When this second outpost of popular Fowey bistro Sam’s describes itself as “on the beach”, it’s not kidding! from Sam’s image gallery Located in the old RNLI lifeboat station on Polkerris beach, customers can enter from the back or up the ramp and steps from the sandy beach itself. Our table by the window gives ... Read more »
Agaric Restaurant, Ashburton, Devon
En route to our recent seafood holiday in Cornwall, we paused for a visit to Riverford Organic during the day, and stayed overnight in nearby Scoriton. For dinner, we visited a local recommendation, Agaric in Ashburton. Our trip was organised by (and courtesy of) The Food Travel Company. Agaric is a small restaurant with bed ... Read more »
Riverford Organic Field Kitchen & Farm Tour
The welcome at the Riverford Organic Farms Field Kitchen is warm. Guests are shown to their spot at large communal tables serried beneath a vast curving roof. Huge windows let in plenty of light during our June lunch-time visit. The menu is no-choice, served family style at a fixed time, so there’s a real ... Read more »
A Neighbourhood Gem: The Victoria, East Sheen
I’ve always been happy in my North London suburban neighbourhood. But The Victoria in East Sheen is one of those places that seriously makes me dream about moving South. This cosy neighbourhood pub and restaurant is located in an incredible peaceful suburban neighbourhood just a couple of minutes’ walk from Richmond Park. The exterior ... Read more »
Eating Out in Dublin
Pete and I were recently invited to Dublin by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board responsible for forging links between Irish producers and potential customers around the world. As well as showcasing excellent Irish produce, Bord Bia also aim to develop markets for Irish suppliers and bring the taste of Irish food to more tables ... Read more »
Dublin’s Bloom In The Park
Pete and I were recently invited to Dublin by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, to attend Bloom 2012. A bustling gardening and food show held in Dublin’s enormous Phoenix Park, Bloom is now in its 6th year and we quickly understood why it’s become so popular. My biggest criticism of RHS Chelsea, which I ... Read more »