SUPERMARKETS are losing their power over us all; dodgy accounting on their part and changes in our habits as shoppers are conspiring to make the behemoths nervous. As a result there’s a vicious price war going on – no-one can fail to notice that, and of course we are all going to take advantage of…
SUMMER Lodge at Evershot is the epitome of the country house hotel – a beautiful old house, set in gorgeous gardens, overflowing with flowers, vegetables and fruit, with a mouthwatering menu of mainly locally sourced food, an internationally famous wine list and stunning West Dorset scenery for walks and drives. What Summer Lodge is NOT is…
A QUICK glance at the long list of awards won by the Eastbury Hotel at Sherborne leads the visitor to expect a memorable experience – particularly in the Conservatory Restaurant – and you won’t be disappointed. The hotel, in an 18th century former town house, is a lovely old brick and stone building with a…
TRAVELLING chef Philippa Davis is nothing if not adventurous – but driving a Land Rover miles across rutted Highland tracks, including a nerve-shredding bridge, proved quite a challenge, as she describes in her latest Postcard Recipe. “I AM looking for someone to share an adventure” … that’s what she should have said, but instead she…
IT is just over six weeks to Christmas (scary thought) so it’s time to start gathering some inspiring but affordable presents. Delicious and attractive, a new range of pestos from Pink’s could be the ideal thing for foodie friends. The range includes Watercress and Wasabi, Smoked Tomato, Rocket and Lemon (delicious with grilled chicken or…
TRAVELLING chef Philippa Davis from Shaftesbury has been cooking for a shooting party in West Sussex, before heading back to Scotland. The Sussex trip started with the usual treasure hunt to the bottom of the client’s freezer … The shooting party in West Sussex was indeed jolly. Although the day started a little overcast, after…
by Simone Sekers FACING the chores of everyday life after returning from holiday is never easy, and when that holiday was ten days living in Venice it is doubly difficult. From sitting on our wisteria-hung balcony, watching the humming bird moths hover over the late flowers of a white petunia, as the sun sunk over…
THERE’s a slightly odd question that I’ve been asked more than once: “I’ve never had sheeps’ cheese before – is it very goaty?” Many people assume that anything other than cows’ milk will give a strong flavour of goat that they’ve experienced, perhaps on holiday on the continent, or as part of a recipe. Recipes…
“Where you off to next?” “I’m off to cook for a stalking week.” “Stalking? What’s that, sounds dodgy?” said my friend. “Well…. it’s where you head into the hills dressed in tweeds, cashmere and Barbours, crawl around in the mud and heather and scramble over rocks and walk for absolutely miles from sun up to…
LUNCH at The Dining Room is a pleasure – the restaurant in the pedestrianised heart of Weymouth’s old town is contemporary and light and welcoming, the food is colourful and delicious, with an emphasis on seafood. Quite right too – some of the best sustainably caught fish and shellfish you will ever eat is brought…