WHAT makes chalk streams special? Running through Wiltshire and Hampshire are some of the most beautiful rivers in the country – perhaps in the world. They don’t cut through dramatic scenery or spectacular gorges, they run quietly through wildlife-rich tree and grass-lined banks. The water rises deep under the chalk downs that are the mountain ranges…
TWO leading West Country organic food businesses are getting together. Devon-based Eversfield Organic Ltd, one of the UK’s top organic grocery services, has announced the incorporation of Coombe Farm Organic, based near Crewkerne in Somerset. This strategic move will double the size of Eversfield Organic’s online butchery business and the company says this will enhance…
AFTER months of lockdowns, and with the gradual reopening of pubs, cafes and restaurants, we can now look forward to enjoying eating out. But it is also a chance to look back at how we all spent our time and for many it seems that Cheese On Toast was an important part of our lockdown…
WE were driving through Somerton, on our way back from some photography for our new book, Deepest Somerset, when we spotted a sign for a new chocolate shop. Who can resist? Well, not us. New Street leads off Broad Street, to the east of this pretty ancient town, once the capital of Wessex. It’s a…
MANY visitors to the southern Spanish region of Andalusia head straight for the coast, in search of the predictable trilogy of sun, sex and sangria. They may find what they are looking for, but they experience little of the history, architecture, landscape and food that make this one of the most exciting and fascinating parts…
A SUNNY week in North Wales, staying on the seafront at Llandudno. Doesn’t sound much like hard work, does it? But when the Guild of Fine Food went to North Wales for three days of Great Taste judging it was a serious business for 20 food writers, chefs and food producers.. The Guild of Fine…
FRIENDS who have come to visit have twice recently brought pots of their own newly-made marmalade – quite the nicest present. What prat suggested marmalade was no longer a popular taste? Shaftesbury-based chef and cookery writer Philippa Davis bought her Seville oranges when they came into the shops in January and then got busy catching…
I WILL admit I go through obsessional phases with certain foods. Looking through my October menus, despite there being a broad range of occasions – think Jewish New Year to partridge shoot suppers – there has definitely been a leaning towards one particular ingredient. Pomegranates, anchovies, star anise, honey, caraway, venison are some of the…
MACCLESFIELD in Cheshire holds its Treacle Market on the last Saturday of every month; it’s a relatively new invention, aimed at bringing back life to one of the most attractive small towns that orbit Manchester. It reminded me of our own Frome Independent, the market stalls trickling down the hills and congregating wherever there’s a…
CHEESE expert Charlie Turnbull has given his Shaftesbury business a makeover, redecorating and converting the cafe area to a bistro while keeping the deli/cheesemongers side of the enterprises. Charlie, who was born on a farm in Surrey and trained as an accountant before realising he had a nose (and an appetite) for cheese, opened Turnbulls,…