Nurtured in Norfolk are lovely folk, producing amazing fruit, vegetables, salads, and edible flowers over in Dereham. And they also support MasterChef contestants, interviewing them all after the competition. They interviewed me after my appearance on this world-famous TV show last year, and I just realised that I never shared the piece. So, here it is – please enjoy!
-
Continue ReadingWhat better dish to enjoy at this time of year than apple and blackberry crumble, making the most of the fruit-laden trees and hedgerows at the moment. The addition of nuts and oats makes the topping extra special. This winning recipe will keep the chill from your bones as the nights begin to draw in. INGREDIENTS1kg blackberries, washed2 larges / 3 medium Bramley apples, peeled & chopped210g plain flour150g butter80g demerara sugar40g light brown sugar70g rolled oatsA handful of broken walnutsGolden caster sugar to tasteA pinch of saltCream to serve METHODPre-heat the oven to 180 ̊ C / 355 ̊ F…
-
Continue ReadingPassionate, honest, down to earth – and a Norfolk boy through and through – are all ways to describe one of the county’s most endearing chefs, Richard Bainbridge. Famed for his days behind the stove at Morston Hall, as well as winning our hearts on Great British Menu, Richard achieved his ultimate goal as he opened the doors to his own restaurant, Benedicts, five years ago. I spoke with Richard about his culinary life, the power of following your dreams, and how he and his wife, Katja, have pressed the reset button in the wake of the pandemic. “I kid…
-
Continue ReadingYou may not have heard of Intwood Farm before, but with the hot weather forecast for this weekend and next week making it perfect barbeque weather, now is the time to check out this family-run business. Located in Cringleford, just outside of Norwich, Intwood Farm opened its butchery in April this year. Owned by Nigel Darling, the farm is set in 450 acres, including arable land, and they specialise in native breeds. “We acquired the farm in 2010, with 30 cows and calves as our foundation stock,” says Nigel. “We now have around 300 cows, a number of rare breed…
-
Continue ReadingLife is a funny thing sometimes. You find your path but, for whatever reason, you deviate from it and explore other avenues, only to come full circle and back to your chosen way in life. Nowhere is that more true than with John Hemmant from Chet Valley Vineyard in Bergh Apton. Norfolk’s original winemaker John and his wife, Bridget, are behind the iconic Skylark range that is enjoyed by so many, but few realise that John had a vineyard here back in the 1990s. I speak to this dedicated couple to find out more about Chet Valley, John’s deep-rooted passion…
-
Continue ReadingWhen I was on MasterChef, I talked about my novel – Jilly Cooper style and set in the world of the Arabian horse. I am delighted to share that one of my lockdown projects was to publish Sandstorm and it is now available in print as well as online. Against the mystical backdrop of the Middle East and the show-rings of Europe, Sandstorm is set in the exciting and mysterious world of the Arabian horse. It follows the Arabian showing circuit, with trainers cavorting at each show – with their own wives and girlfriends often taking a back seat in…
-
Continue ReadingThere are very few people in the world who have that lightbulb moment as a child, realising at a tender age the exact path that they need to be on. But for Gill Thompson, one half of Sytch Farm Studios, that moment came when she was just five years old. Playing with clay in a school class, Gill could see her future – designing and making beautiful ceramic plates and pots to be eaten from and enjoyed, and her path was set. Move on a few years with her talented husband Jon by her side, with his breath-taking woodwork skills,…
-
Continue ReadingThe Boars in Spooner Row has a rich history within Norfolk, especially since Chef Patron Simon Turner and his partner Jenny Hay took over 18 months ago. With the lockdown rules easing, Simon invited me along to check out their food and I took my parents as well so that we could enjoy the full Boars experience. And we were not disappointed. Simon Turner is perhaps best known in Norfolk for the Elm Hill Brasserie, a very popular eatery and where Simon honed his skills as a chef. Having spent time in France as a child, as well as living…
-
Continue ReadingThe Norfolk Foodie Series: Norfolk Gin The height of June saw Norfolk’s original gin, and my own personal favourite, celebrate its fifth birthday. With the first bottle sold in 2015, Norfolk Gin has gone on to sell almost 1,000,000 tots of their herbaceous and aromatic spirit. Founded by Alison and Jonathan Redding, Norfolk Gin is a firm favourite on the food and drink scene – with their delicious spirit found in everything from chocolates and chutneys to candles! I speak with this vibrant couple about their passion for Norfolk, why they chose gin, and the milestones that have meant so…
-
Continue ReadingFrom Wednesday 8 July, Old Hall Farm at Woodton will be re-opening their café following the closure of hospitality following the COVID-19 pandemic. Old Hall Farm already has an extensive outside seating area but they will be opening the café on a limited basis from tomorrow. Owners Rebecca and Stuart Mayhew have chosen to limit occupancy to 20 covers inside and 20 on the patio, both of which offer a select and delicious menu including specials. All seats inside will need to be pre-booked, although you can request a patio table if you wish. In addition, there is the picnic…