As we move into the final week of British Food Fortnight (20 Sept to 2 Oct 2022) and with the autumn truly upon us, we look forward to celebrating local British producers, particularly in the Wye Valley, and turning towards hearty, healthy eating in the run up to Christmas.
Now in its 21st year, British Food Fortnight is a national celebration of the diverse and delicious food that the UK produces and many communities and organisations across the country take part, promoting and enjoying the best local produce our nation has to offer.
In Herefordshire, eight local producers and retailers are officially taking part – including Pengethley Farm Shop, Huntsham Court Farm and Little Marcle Farm Shop all local to Ross – plus Tudges, Monkland Cheese Dairy, Springfield Poultry, Mousetrap Cheese Shop and Oakchurch (although there are many more local Herefordshire producers not officially included).
Pengethley Farm Shop (HR9 6LN) is located on the outskirts of Ross-on-Wye on the A49 towards Hereford and stocks a wide range of locally sourced produce ranging from homemade preserves, freshly baked cakes and the finest locally produced free range high welfare meats. Their beef is grown on their own Herefordshire family farms where the animals graze from spring through to autumn. And with Halloween approaching, it’s no surprise to see their fantastic array of locally grown winter squashes now on display, including the Harlequin, Red Kuri, Turk’s Turban and the Celebration Squash (above).
Huntsham Court Farm (HR9 6JN), a few miles south of Ross-on-Wye, has been in the Vaughan family for nearly 400 years and is owned and run by husband and wife team, Richard and Rosamund. The farm produces the highest quality meats from traditional breeds including Longhorn cattle, Middle White pigs and Ryeland sheep. Their meat is regularly snapped up by Michelin starred restaurants in London including The River Café and Le Gavroche. All are available to buy online where you can select from a range of different meat boxes – plus there are plenty of recipe ideas to explore, including Rosamund’s Spiced Longhorn Beef, her Maiale al Latte (Pork Leg Braised in Milk) or their hearty Huntsham Cottage Pie using their Longhorn mince.
If you’re looking for high quality organic vegetarian produce, the Little Marcle Organic Produce and Farm Shop near Ledbury (HR8 2JN), will be right up your street. For nearly 20 years, they’ve been growing organic vegetables on 30 acres of beautiful Herefordshire red soil. Their online shop is extremely popular and you can buy small, medium and large vegetable or fruit boxes including potatoes, carrots, cauliflowers, courgettes, beetroot, squashes, strawberries and much more – plus extras including eggs and apple juice. Their focus is on environmentally-friendly, chemical-free produce, delivered as locally as possible to Ledbury, including Ross, Little Marcle, Colwall, Hereford and Malvern.
In addition to the above producers featured in the British Food Fortnight website, also deserving a mention are wonderful local food and drink producers Hank’s Meat & Game (award winning produce in Ross town centre); Model Farm Shop (100% pasture-fed, organic & free range meat online); Lodge Farm Kitchen (‘heavenly handmade suppers, soups and desserts from the heart of Herefordshire‘); Wye Valley Salads (supplying award-winning speciality salads, edible flowers and heritage tomatoes to chefs, restaurants, pubs and caterers); Wye Valley Produce (locally grown asparagus, rhubarb, blueberries, fine beans and peas from the Chinn family); Two Farmers Crisps (delicious hand-cooked crisps served in the first 100% compostable bag); Tyrrell’s (award-winning potato, vegetable and lentil crisps); Willy’s Apple Cider Vinegar (‘good gut apple cider vinegar, blends, shots & drinks‘); Castle Brook Vineyard (award winning English wines from the Chinn family); Wythall Estate Vineyard (unique award winning local wines produced in Wythall’s own microclimate); Ross-on-Wye Cider & Perry Company (award winning whole juice, craft cider made using directed natural fermentation);
There are many many more in the area so just drop us a line via the ‘Contact’ page and we’ll add them to our listings!