Enjoy the latest news and events from the East of England’s food scene.
Sourcing local produce is now easier than ever
There’s no better time to shop local than at Christmas, but many of us are unaware of just how many farm shops, butchers and grocers are located on our doorstep. If you fancy a taste of home this festive season, log on to BigBarn, a handy website which allows you to search by postcode retailers, producers and suppliers in your local area. There’s even a dedicated turkey map! Not only will you get fresh tasty produce but you’re more likely to reduce excess plastic packaging and you’ll be supporting the local community and economy.
New pub The Hummingbird set to make a buzz in Hertford
Work is underway to bring a new pub to Hertford town centre which will open in early November.
Small independent pub company Aspley Pubs has acquired the former Loch Fyne restaurant on Fore Street and is currently refurbishing the venue to create a relaxing meeting place for locals.
The Hummingbird’s opening will also create 35 new jobs for people in Hertfordshire.
Chef Adam O’ Sullivan will be at the helm. Hailing from Bishop’s Stortford, Adam has 18 years’ experience as a chef and alongside his team will be serving up a seasonally changing menu and delicious daily changing specials.
Pop Open the Fizz at Slug & Lettuce, Bedford
With sales of the notorious Pornstar Martini hitting 1.3 million across its bars last year, Slug & Lettuce Bedford has your fizzy fix sorted this autumn with its new ‘Giant Pornstar Martini’.
A concoction of smashed Smirnoff vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, caramel syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice and passion fruit puree, plus a bottle of Prosecco on the side, plus giant sparkler, it’s guaranteed to be hit this party season!
In addition, the Pornstar Martini Tree, will feature nine cocktails and is the perfect antidote for a girl’s night out – definitely worthy of an Insta snap! www.slugandlettuce.co.uk
Suffolk’s newest destination café opens this November
Located at Fornham Business Court, just five minutes outside Bury St Edmunds, Folk Café is the latest addition to the Suffolk food scene. Set within a timber framed converted barn, the café will be serving up a simple but tasty menu of artisan coffee and bread from local suppliers, plus hearty homemade breakfasts, lunches and snacks. The café is the perfect pit stop for cyclists, dog walkers or those want to a break from the hustle and bustle of the town. Further details at www.folk.cafe
Accolades keep coming for West Suffolk Restaurant
Tuddenham Mill, the three-rosette restaurant and boutique hotel between Bury St Edmunds and Newmarket, has recently been named as one of only a handful of hotels to win the coveted Editor’s Choice Award in the 2019 edition of the Good Hotel Guide as well as the ‘Notable Wine List’ award from the AA for the third year running.
Tuddenham Mill’s Chef Patron, Lee Bye said: “Editor’s Choice in the Good Hotel Guide is an amazing honour. We’ve built up a wine list that’s a real mix of traditional flavours, and we’re not afraid to throw in some modern flourishes. It’s a reflection on how we run the hotel and restaurant really, so it’s great that we’re being recognised for it.”
Tuddenham Mill has also received awards from the AA and others for accommodation, food and wine. www.tuddenhammill.co.uk
Christmas Canapé Masterclass, 11, 23 & 25 November
Kick your festive season off in style by booking a place on this fun Masterclass at Paris House in Woburn. Learn how to make some truly delicious canapés, guaranteed to wow your guests. This interactive, hands-on course will give provide the skills needed to produce bite-sized treats worthy of the finest drinks party.
Chef and owner, Phil Fanning’s easy-going and friendly nature create an informal and fun environment in which to learn. Mentoring and teaching is one of Phil’s absolute passions, so he and his team love to share their knowledge and help to welcome people in to the secrets of the culinary world!
The Masterclass will be hosted in the Paris House kitchen and will last approximately 2 hours. This will be followed by a glass of bubbles & canapés and a 5 course lunch at the Chef’s Table. Additional lunch guests are welcome to join at a cost of £99 per head. Masterclasses £169 per person. www.parishouse.co.uk
