Francis is a collaborative cheese effort, with the base cheese being Stoney Cross which is made by Lyburn in the New Forest. James McCall then transports them to Doset and rind-washes the cheese for 8-10 weeks, giving it a richly flavoured, supple texture with a pink, sticky exterior and a … Read More

We have a side of Aberdeen Angus beef that we have been ageing this week.  The marbling is glorious, and this is an opportunity for the serious BBQ chef that’s not to be missed. We have a whole brisket ready for those who love smoking low and slow, to create … Read More

Pico de gallo is easy to put together, is fantastic with a range of Isle of Wight tomatoes, and can be used as a dip (especially with Broad Bean Chips) or a fresh accompaniment to fish, BBQ meats, or spread over cheesy tortillas. Fresh pico de gallo (salsa) You’ll need: … Read More

Crispy broad bean ‘chips’ Makes enough for 2 people You’ll need: 10 broad bean pods/husks 140g flour 250ml milk Sea salt Black pepper A pinch of chilli powder or cayenne (optional) Beef tallow for frying (can be substituted for sunflower oil) Method: Tear the pods in half along their seam … Read More

MILITARY SPECTACULAR NEVER BEFORE SEEN AT STANSTED PARK With true British style and pageantry, the world-renowned Band of the Grenadier Guards will perform the spectacular ceremony of Beating Retreat in the iconic setting of Stansted Park this summer. This ceremonial highlight will be part of the weekend celebrations of Stansted … Read More

Spring Lamb is in, and yes, I know it’s not Spring anymore, but it is temperature-wise, and it’s also the perfect time to enjoy lamb.  While Uk lambs can be born anytime from November to June, the majority are born in April and May and grow for 5-8 months, so … Read More

Our local cheese sales have never been stronger, and leading the pack at the moment is Lyburn’s Old Winchester. It’s a superb cheese for the board, but is also a great cooking ingredient, being a natural alternative to Parmesan Cheese. Lyburn Cheese has been run by the Smales family for … Read More

I know it’s supposed to be summertime and you weren’t expecting to see the word ‘braised’ for another 4 months at least, but it’s still remarkably cool at night, and these succulent pork cheeks are hugely satisfying morsels that can be combined to make a fantastic tapas.  It’s time for … Read More

It’s English Wine Week and we have some new wines in stock from Wykes Vineyard on the South Downs in Upper Swanmore.  They have three distinct wines: PINOT NOIR RED WINE A delicate and silky cool-climate Pinot Noir. Smoky red fruits and warm spice on the nose with strawberry and … Read More

Squished make fruit-based snacks from surplus local fruit that would otherwise go to waste. By air-drying strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, they lock in the natural flavours and nutrients to make delicious snacks, including strawberry and blueberry energy balls and flapjacks.  The ingredients are 100% natural, giving a delicious, healthy snack … Read More

The local fruit and veg season is now kicking off in earnest with a whole range of superb produce picked straight from Sussex and Hampshire farms and delivered direct to our door.  We have a new supplier which means our traceability for seasonal salads, fruit and veg has never been … Read More

Heckfield is a semi-hard washed rind Guernsey cow’s milk cheese made with vegetarian rennet. It’s matured for 8-9 months and is named after Heckfield Park Farm where the milk is produced, down the road from cheesemakers Village Maid Cheese. Heckfield displays a rich umami flavour with savoury notes of Marmite … Read More

Another great local supplier has popped up in Hambrook. Roger has started growing Oyster Mushrooms using straw and used coffee grounds from an Emsworth cafe as his substrate.  The mycelium grows into the substrate log in a dark, warm room for 3-4 weeks, before being moved into a light, high … Read More

We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Porter as our new butchery apprentice starting tomorrow. Sarah is the ideal candidate, with a wealth of corporate and marketing experience, but who has always wanted to be a butcher.  She has excellent knowledge of food and cooking, having run a catering business with … Read More

There is always something going on at Stansted, especially as lockdown eases, starting this weekend with the wonderful Stansted Garden Show.  There is also the Nostalgia Show, followed by Stansted Unlocked, which will be a great weekend that will give you the chance to explore all the changes that have … Read More