Cotswolds local and seasonal food - August 2011
A strange Summer rolls on and now that schools have broken up for the long
holiday, we cling desperately to the hope of reclaiming some of Spring's blue
skies to accompany our optimistic picnics and outdoor living. Whatever the
weather, we must take advantage of the lashings of evocative food and drink
which complement this time of year and reap the benefits of the glut of healthy
salad and fresh fruit options. One of the more grounded celebrity chef’s
websites states that “we are spoiled by nature and spoiled by Nature”. This
certainly rings true for August as the fresh produce available presents our
chefs with endless golden opportunities, having scratched through the early
months of the year.
Aunt Addie's social farm project is Colin Branston's brainchild and is focussed
on 20 acres of land left to him by his Great Aunt Addie just off The Fosse Way
in Long Newnton. The key thrust of the project is to provide local people –
schools/disadvantaged/disabled and community groups to experience life in the
open countryside, to learn about planting and reap the immeasurable benefits
derived from growing crops. As well as the 27 allotments, there is a commercial
arm to the project which goes some way towards funding the facility. Only a year
on, there is already an amazing variety of crops and fruit growth. Apple, plum
and quince trees have been planted alongside polytunnels to nurture young plants
(most of which are grown from seed), aswell as to protect the more vulnerable
aubergine, tomato, chillies, peppers and cucumbers from the local whipping wind.
Beneficial insects are actively encouraged and many corners of the site are
bursting with nasturtiums, morning glory and marigolds. Two (soon to be three)
hives of honey bees are working hard and there are plans afoot for a
camping/picnic area to benefit local youth groups and the continued development
of a natural spring wildlife area. Ros Holland's boundless energy and massively
infectious enthusiasm is instrumental to the project and she supplies us with
many delicious salad leaves, mizuno, crisp peppery rocket leaves and herbs
amongst many others. Look out in September's Food and Drink Festival Programme
for a tour of the project and check out their website
www.auntaddiesfarm.co.uk
Every week we are putting on a guest cider or perry at the bar – traditional
ciders from Gloucestershire and Somerset from makers such as Day's Cottage (who
also supply us with apple juice) Hartland's in Tirley, Hecks in Street,
Somerset, Orchard's in Brockweir and Broadoak in Clutton. Not always within our
30 mile zone but pretty close and every sip is worth the slight compromise!
Just a few miles from Tetbury is
Bow-in-the-Cloud vineyard owned by Keith and Esther Willingdale. A
delightful patch of land with 3 acres of vines providing a playground for loping
hares and shy deer. Keith knows his vines and grapes intimately and whilst he
works hard on producing medal-winners and most importantly he loves the way of
life that comes with the “job”. Last year the conditions were perfect for a
bumper harvest and subsequently the 2010 wine that is now available is a cut
above the rest. There is no better way to spend a summer's evening than sipping
on a bottle of delicious Cloud Nine rosé sparkling wine whilst enjoying the
August sun. You can buy the Willingdale's wine from Stroud and Cirencester
Farmer's markets or find them online.
On Bank Holiday Monday 29th August, we are celebrating another Real Ale and
Cider Day from 12 midday serving great ales, lager and wheat beer made in The
Cotswolds and local cider from under tents outside. There will be live music in
split sets from from 1 – 5pm from Juey and Tom and The Cadbury Sisters.
Our “Barter at the Back Door” scheme is in full swing now and if you are a local
gardener or allotment grower with surplus fruit, vegetables or even flowers,
then bring them to us - freshly harvested - and in exchange we will give you
vouchers (equivalent to the current market value) which you can use on food and
drink with us. Rosie Mack from Cherington (who is also one of our artists) often
calls through with the salad leaves she has available from her garden at 8am and
they are on our lunch menu that day. Mrs Doyle's bucket loads of redcurrants and
blackcurrants are also featuring heavily on the menus and specials.
Live Sunday music is an integral part of The Priory Inn and starts every week at
8pm. Entry is free and we really hope that you come and support live music –
plus there is no better way to put Monday morning to the back of your minds! On
7th, we welcome Pete Taylor an enigmatic, fluent and confident singer/songwriter
from the South-West. Dik Cadbury is back on the 14th with his inimitable style
and charm. On the 21st, Southern Folk will take a relaxed view of acoustic
americana, country, bluegrass and folk. Staple Hill on the 28th August are a
Tetbury based “focoustic duo”. Then on Bank Holiday Monday 29th August our Real
Ale and Cider Day has live Music outside from 1pm with 4 great sets of live
music from Tom and The Cadbury Sisters and Juey.
Fairest of the months!
Ripe summer's queen
The hey-day of the year
With robes that gleam with sunny sheen Sweet August doth appear."
R. Combe Miller
TLKelly 1/08/2011
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