This year the pannage season has been fairly short, despite huge amounts of acorns in some areas of the New Forest. Richard has had his pigs (rare breed Middle White / Landcross) out on the acorns fattening nicely. They’ve enjoyed the relatively mild weather this autumn and have been hoovering … Read More
Wet Walnuts are a true seasonal specialty – they describe walnuts that have just fallen off the tree – the kernel inside has not yet dried, but is soft, a bit juicy and with a milder, more delicate flavour. They are also local, unlike the dried supermarket varieties that are … Read More
We have a great selection of wild meat available this week, natural, sustainable and delicious. With wild rabbit that has been ferreted from Cobnor, this is a pre-war favourite dish that is gradually coming back into favour. It is lean and healthy white meat, that works best in a stew … Read More
Every hedgerow and wood side seems to be heaving with Elderflower at the moment – and now is the time to pick some blooms and make some wild Elderflower cordial Elderflower fritters, or your own Elderflower wine. While we’re on the subject of drink, elderflower cordial also combines with gin … Read More
The woods and hedgerows are springing to life and you can enjoy the bounty with foraged St George’s Mushrooms and wild garlic. You can also enjoy nettle tips (very healthy and surprisingly tasty stir fried with garlic, chilli and pine nuts!). We will have a small amount of wild garlic … Read More
This year has to be the most spectacular display of Spring flowers that I can remember. Everything is blooming at the same time and if you get the chance, you must get into the countryside and enjoy a walk, whatever the weather. We had a family walk to Racton Tower … Read More
Wood Ear fungus is for the braver of the foragers amongst you – as it looks and feels distinctly like a cold, clammy ear. However it’s prized for its anti-inflammatory properties, eaten to relieve tonsillitis, swelling, but is also regarded as a powerful anti-carcinogen, used to prevent and treat tumours. … Read More
The hedgerows are brimming with blackberries and elderberries at the moment, and with the sunshine, they are firm and delicious. You really can’t get healthier than running around the countryside with kids while picking frree fruit that is packed with vitamin C. Gavin is cooking blackberry and apple turnovers in … Read More
On the Hunt for the Lobster Mushroom. While on holiday in Canada catching up with the in-laws, I was tempted with a bit of foraging as we were surrounded by woods. It had been a hot summer, but it rained the first two days of my holiday. This might annoy … Read More
You are cordially invited for a bit of Elderflower Foraging – visit your nearest hedgerow or wasteland plot and look for a large shrub with flat white blossoms during late May and June. They are fairly common and distinctive, but check the photos to ensure you have the right plant. … Read More
This week’s Wood-Fired Menu includes wild St George’s Mushrooms that are still popping up with the rain, so come and enjoy some locally foraged mushrooms this week, although the Bacon and Isle of Wight Blue Cheese Salad is pretty tempting…. As usual, the wood-fired kitchen will be open from 12-2.30pm … Read More
This is a simple recipe from Angela Hartnett that takes advantage of our seriously fresh local plaice and our pesto (although if you are feeling up for it then check out our wild garlic pesto recipe). Serves four. 4 plaice fillets, skinned 2 tbsp breadcrumbs 1 tbsp pesto 2 leeks … Read More