GOOD FOOD GUY
A COTSWOLD FEAST, FIT FOR A KING
Taken from this month’s Cotswold Life magazine
CELEBRATE THE KING’S CORONATION WITH A LOCALLY-SOURCED PICNIC AND GAIN THE ROYAL STAMP OF APPROVAL…
Say what you want about our new king – one this is for sure, he’s been a trailblazer of all things seasonal and local for decades, well before it was fashionable to say so. Oh, how we may have raised an eyebrow at Charles’ ‘talking to the plants’ comments, his fuddy-duddy architectural interests, his hippy organic farming. But look who’s laughing now!
No matter what you think of the Royal Family soap drama, the King’s coronation in May is a massive milestone in our British history. I may not down tools for the whole of the Bank Holiday weekend, but I’ll certainly be raising a glass (of organic, Gloucestershire cider, naturally) to toast the king and his new reign. And as we tuck into our Coronation Big Lunch picnic with family and friends, I’ll have one eye on what Cotswold resident Charles is feasting on as well. Although, if you’re reading, Your Royal Highness, this is what I’d humbly recommend…
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MACNEIL'S SMOKEHOUSE HOT KILN SMOKED SALMON
Having just picked up a Three Gold Star Great Taste Award last year, this locally-smoked fish will take pride of place at our Coronation picnic. Smoked over beech wood in a traditional Norwegian kiln, the salmon is topped with a peppery crust and hand carved into succulent steaks. Great with eggs, but perfect for sandwiches and canapés.
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VALE OF EVESHAM OR WYE VALLEY ASPARAGUS
It’s prime time for Evesham’s most celebrated export so this really is a must for anyone’s spring-time feast. Griddled, roasted, pan-fried, with Hollandaise, butter or salt and pepper, you don’t get much better than our very own, locally-grown ‘green gras’. People even come from around the world to pay homage to the Festival’s very own court jester, Gus.
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CINDERHILL FARM RIDGEBACK WILD BOAR ROLLS
Made sustainably on an eco farm in the Forest of Dean, these really are the king of all sausage rolls. Rare breed meat is used in all products which are then rolled and hand decorated with homemade shortcrust pastry. The farm and the land is managed by hand using traditional eco-friendly practices to benefit the wildlife and people around.
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GODSELL'S SINGLE GLOUCESTER CHEESE
Load up your crackers with this rather special cheese. Single Gloucester cheese has a PDO, meaning it can only be made exclusively in Gloucestershire, using milk from Gloucester cattle and there are only a handful of cheesemakers in Gloucestershire who make it. This traditionally matured and cloth-bound cheese has a fresh, slightly nutty flavour.
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HAYLES FRUIT FARM STRAWBERRIES
Locally-grown, seasonal and freshly picked, this is how strawberries should be enjoyed! There really is a noticeable difference between home-grown produce and that which is shipped in all year round from all over the world. These juicy berries don’t really need much else, but if you want to splash them in cream (from Jess’s Organic Ladies obviously) I won’t tell!
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BEAU'S BAKEHOUSE CARAMEL SHORTCAKE
These ‘Lovingly Handmade’ traybakes are made in a small bakery in Frampton-upon-Severn and are every bit as good as you’d make at home. From the luscious hand-stirred caramel to the buttery shortbread and Belgian chocolate topping, everything is created by hand by a small team of bakers who are passionate about what they do. And it shows.
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THREE CHOIRS VINEYARD CLASSIC CUVEE
This superb English sparkling wine won Gold at the Sommelier awards and is the perfect tipple to toast the King. Made in the traditional method with fermentation in the bottle, its bubbles fizz with flavours of the Gloucestershire countryside – crisp green apple and tangy stone fruit – mixed with the classic biscuit and brioche character you’d expect from top quality champagne.