The Foodclose Blog

26/5/2007 - Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair 2007 Special

Posted in Food Event Reports
Local Producer Latest News from Foodclose.co.uk

Latest Updates: Capital One Bank will be holding a Farmers' Market for its employees in its Loxley House site in Nottingham on June 6th where Foodclose will be demonstrating its interactive map and providing the employees advice on cutting food miles. Many of the producers appearing will be regulars from the West Bridgford Farmers' Market.

The County's Biggest Food Celebration Provides Visitors with a Sunny Reception

With much better weather conditions than in 2006, this year's Derbyshire Food and Drink fair in Bolsover attracted many more visitors, all of whom were also able to enjoy exploring the grounds of Bolsover Castle. With it's usual mix in indoor celebrity chef cookery demonstrations, producer stands and entertainment, the fair gave the public a chance to sample new local products, meeting the producers face to face.


Many friends of Foodclose were again in attendance with new ranges to introduce - including the area's spicy food heroes! Leicester's Spice-N-Tice have increased their range yet again, adding Thai Green Curry, Chicken Jalfrezi, Chicken tikka Masala and Lamb Rogan Josh. As usual their ingredients are authentic, the recipes are all provided and all inspired by owner Ketan's favourite home cooking! They will be given the Foodclose HQ kitchen test very soon!

Also based in Leicester, Celebrity Chef Tiny Deol appeared at last year's fair to lauch her Curryslim products and became a firm Foodclose favourite. Since then the Curryslim range, which boasts a low calorie, low fat, selection of curry sauces has become available via digital shopping channel QVC. On Saturday, Tina presented a cookery demonstration of some great ways to use her products to the fair's visitors.


As well as the local producers, TV Celebrity chefs and Ed Baines and Rachel Green delivered lively cookery demonstrations over the two days. Rachel Green provided many insights into her career so far, including her role as the Flying Chef on Yorkshire Television and her upcoming series 'World on a Plate', celebrating ethnic cuisines.


After their recent involvement in the through provoking 'Kill It Cook It Eat It' series on BBC Three, Glossop's J.W Mettrick and Son have gained a reputation for considerate and highly skilled treatment of their meat products from the abbatoir to the shop. Employee Duncan Edge, pictured above, who served customers at the fair on Saturday  expressed how proud he had been to see the programme "I'd been offered the chance to go the abbatoir before to see how it operated but hadn't managed to find time previously." After the watching the show he was extremely  impressed by the skill demonstrated by his colleagues in preparing the meat for sale.


Ever popular at the fair and farmers' markets alike is the chance to sample an unusual, locally produced burger! Ruth's Wakeling owner of Bouverie Lodge, and the manager of the successful West Bridgford Farmers' Market was offering the crowd a choice of venison or bison burgers. Heather Hill farm pictured above were cooking up a Hog roast as the queues at lunchtime grew.


Since receiving recognition by the Times as a top local producer in 2003, Yabba who offered samples for fair visitors to taste, continue to produce a very unique and tasty range of Carribean inspired chutneys and pickles which are stocked at Derby's Sound Bites and many  other independant retailers in the area.

Other highlights at the show included an incredibly spicy preserved sausage called 'The Beast', and some surprisingly sweet strawberries, both from Bolsover based Jaquest. Bexton Cheese's range of stongly flavoured cheeses included Tomato and Basil which comes highgly recommended from its tests at Foodclose HQ. Mr Pitchfork was again attracting the crowds with his great usual range and some new chutneys made in Beeston.

Local Farmers Markets

(Check dates and times with in the local press before setting off to avoid disappointment!):

1st Week of the Month

2nd Week of the Month

3rd Week of the Month

4th Week of the Month

Food Festivals, Fairs and Events 2007

Derbyshire - 24th June 2007 County Show

http://www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk/

Ashby De La Zouch Show - Mid July

http://www.ashbyshow.com/

Bakewell Show - Wednesday 01 & Thursday 02 August 2007.
http://www.bakewellshow.org

Ecofest - Saturday 8th September 2007 to Sunday 10th September TBC

http://www.veggies.org.uk/event.php?ref=573

East Midlands - Early October Food Festival

http://www.eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk/

East Midlands - Mid December Vegan Food Fair

Real Ale Festivals:

24-26 May - Lincoln Beer-Fest - Drill Hall.      

25-27 May - AlfretonTown Beer-Fest- FootballClub.

25-27 May - Newark Beer-Fest - Riverside Park.

25-28 May - Prince of Wales Beer-Fest - Spondon

25-28 May - Stag Beer-Fest - Kimberley.

31-2 Jun - Delapre Abbey Beer-Fest - Northampton

31-3 Jun - Ruddington Beer-Fest - WhiteHorse/Three Crowns. 

7-10 Jun - Ashfield Beer-Fest - Newstead Miners Welfare.

17th Jun - Bells Brewery Beer-Fest - Lutterworth, Leicestershire. 

22-23 Jun - Welland Valley Beer-Fest - Around 8 pubs.

11-15 July - Derby Beer-Fest - Assembly Rooms.

CAMRA volunteers prepare for Beer Festival… flares are optional!

For 30 years CAMRA's fabulous volunteers have brought the CAMRA Summer Beer Festival to Derby. Without them the event simply would not happen. Everyone organising and working at the festival is a volunteer. 

To celebrate 30 years of the festival they're going back to the seventies including music from the decade from our live bands.

Real Ale supporters are invited to volunteer for the varied shifts that run from the 6th July to the 16th July. You could support us in setting up the bars, serving the beer, sales and membership, helping with staff or finance support, the cellar team, or issuing glasses, general handyman tasks, putting up posters and many more essential tasks.

Volunteers are promised good fun, help towards meals or refreshments whilst working, a chance to meet new friends, and the satisfaction of supporting the future of Real Ales in the region.

Contact the Staffing Line now on 01332 898178 or email feststaffing@derbycamra.org.uk to join in!





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13/5/2007 - Derbys, Leics, and Notts - Latest News on the Best Food Produced within Yards of Your House!

Posted in Local Food Updates

Local Producer Latest News from Foodclose.co.uk

At last, it's the 2007 Derbyshire Food & Drink Festival at Bolsover Castle! 19th and 20th May!

Your chance to meet all the stars of the local food scene, including many of the regulars from our superb local Farmers Markets, has arrived. At the festival this year you can also watch celebrity chef Ed Baines amongst others demonstrating their culinary skills using local products.

Last year the weather was inclement to say the least, so lets's hope there is a break in the clouds for this foodie celebration. Around 100 local producers, caterers and shops will be exhibiting at the event of whom 80% will be from Derbyshire. There are tutorials, cooking competitions and prize draws as well as many activities for children.

As well as the main event there are many special offers and events outside the main grounds during the festival week.  A.C. Hulme are offering a parcel of fish in a prize draw when you visit their shop. Batemans's Mill Hotel are running special accomodation packages and offering menus including local produce throughout the festival. You can get a 20% discount at derby indian restaurant Anoki on production of the festival brochure and many other outlets in the area. There will be special guest local brews at the Devonshire Arms in Beely including examples from the Thornbridge and Spire Breweries. The Peak District Gala Dinner will be held on the 24th May in aid of the University Hospital.

See all the special offers and activities.

Entrance is £2.50 per adult and includes entrance to the Bolsover Castle grounds.

Visit the festival website

Local Farmers Markets

(Check dates and times with in the local press before setting off to avoid disappointment!):

1st Week of the Month

2nd Week of the Month

3rd Week of the Month

4th Week of the Month

Food Festivals, Fairs and Events 2007

Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair - 19th /20th May 2007

http://www.derbyshirefoodfestival.co.uk/

Events in the area as part of the event

Derbyshire - 24th June 2007 County Show

http://www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk/

Ashby De La Zouch Show - Mid July

http://www.ashbyshow.com/

Bakewell Show - Wednesday 01 & Thursday 02 August 2007.
http://www.bakewellshow.org

Ecofest - Saturday 8th September 2007 to Sunday 10th September TBC

http://www.veggies.org.uk/event.php?ref=573

East Midlands - Early October Food Festival

http://www.eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk/

East Midlands - Mid December Vegan Food Fair

Real Ale Festivals:

 18-19 May - Ilkeston Beer-Fest - Regency Rooms.

18-19 May - Rail Ale Beer-Fest - Barrow Hill. 

18-20 May - Blue Bell Beer-Fest - Bolsover.    

19 May - Matlock Beer-Fest - Rugby Club.    

24-26 May - Lincoln Beer-Fest - Drill Hall.      

25-27 May - AlfretonTown Beer-Fest- FootballClub.

25-27 May - Newark Beer-Fest - Riverside Park.

25-28 May - Prince of Wales Beer-Fest - Spondon

25-28 May - Stag Beer-Fest - Kimberley.

31-2 Jun - Delapre Abbey Beer-Fest - Northampton

31-3 Jun - Ruddington Beer-Fest - WhiteHorse/Three Crowns. 

7-10 Jun - Ashfield Beer-Fest - Newstead Miners Welfare.

17th Jun - Bells Brewery Beer-Fest - Lutterworth, Leicestershire. 

22-23 Jun - Welland Valley Beer-Fest - Around 8 pubs.

11-15 July - Derby Beer-Fest - Assembly Rooms.

 

CAMRA volunteers prepare for Beer Festival… flares are optional!

For 30 years CAMRA's fabulous volunteers have brought the CAMRA Summer Beer Festival to Derby. Without them the event simply would not happen. Everyone organising and working at the festival is a volunteer. 

To celebrate 30 years of the festival they're going back to the seventies including music from the decade from our live bands.

Real Ale supporters are invited to volunteer for the varied shifts that run from the 6th July to the 16th July. You could support us in setting up the bars, serving the beer, sales and membership, helping with staff or finance support, the cellar team, or issuing glasses, general handyman tasks, putting up posters and many more essential tasks.

Volunteers are promised good fun, help towards meals or refreshments whilst working, a chance to meet new friends, and the satisfaction of supporting the future of Real Ales in the region.

Contact the Staffing Line now on 01332 898178 or email feststaffing@derbycamra.org.uk to join in!

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14/4/2007 - Derbys, Leics, and Notts - Latest News on the Best Food Produced within Yards of Your House!

Posted in Local Food Updates

Local Produce News From Foodclose.co.uk

Castle Donington Farmers' Market's 5th Birthday Special

This month we focus on a special day for Castle Donington Farmers' Market which has now been in operation for five years. It is held on the 2nd Saturday of every month. Today the event was marked with the usual excellent range of stalls together with a rather unique opportunity to practice milking a cow!

Milking Experience at Castle Donington Farmers' Market

 

Baldfields Farm  brought their Milking Experience to the market in the shape of a replica cow with working udders. Those assuming milking was a piece of cake were in for a surprise, however the local children attending the market were very keen and were soon learning how milk starts its journey from cow to bottle.  Visitors to the market were also able to pick up useful information about farming, the meager income farmers are receiving from the supermarkets for milk and about the Red Tractor standard for produce.

The market began five years ago with five stalls including Combs Farm meats, 19 Gales bread, Jacksons Fruit & Vegetables and Baldfields Farm who are still in attendance today.  The market initiative began with a village appraisal that found that with the local village store closing, there was a need for local people to be able source local products once more. Peggy Beddoe, one of the members of the co-operative that initiated the market, commented that when managing a Farmers' Market , "You've got to grow it gradually, you have to attract the producers in order to attract the customers and vice versa". It can seem rather like a chicken and egg style challenge, but the team have managed to secure a full compliment of 16 regular stallholders since their smaller scale beginnings. "Producers say it is a friendly market and they like coming here because of the customers".

The Stallholders of Castle Donington Farmers' Market

The market managers are keen to make the market a true community event that is more than simply a Farmers' Market. Refreshments and cakes are available in the St Edwards Primary School where the market is held and is a regular meeting place for local people. A small number fo bric-a-brac and second hand books stalls also feature next to the market that often in support of good causes. The Castle Donington Museum has also decided to open its doors on the Saturday when the market is held so that visitors can find out more about the area.

You can view more pictures and the list of stallholders on the Foodclose Castle Donington Farmers' Market page . You can also contact 01332 810537 or 01332 850723.

 Local Farmers Markets

(Check dates and times with in the local press before setting off to avoid disappointment!):

1st Week of the Month

2nd Week of the Month

3rd Week of the Month

4th Week of the Month

Food Festivals, Fairs and Events 2007

Derbyshire Food and Drink Fair - 19th /20th May 2007 TBC

http://www.derbyshirefoodfestival.co.uk/ (not yet updated for 2007)

Newark - Mid May and Notts County Show

http://www.newarkshowground.com/cs_home.htm

Derbyshire - 24th June 2007 County Show

http://www.derbyshirecountyshow.org.uk/

Ashby De La Zouch Show - Mid July

http://www.ashbyshow.com/

Bakewell Show - Wednesday 01 & Thursday 02 August 2007.
http://www.bakewellshow.org

Ecofest - Saturday 8th September 2007 to Sunday 10th September TBC

http://www.veggies.org.uk/event.php?ref=573

East Midlands - Early October Food Festival

http://www.eastmidlandsfoodfestival.co.uk/

East Midlands - Mid December Vegan Food Fair

Real Ale Festivals:

 

19-23 Apr - Bold Foresters Beer-Fest - Mansfield.      
20-21 Apr - Mallard Beer-Fest - Worksop.     
20-22 Apr - King William Beer-Fest - Milford.       
20-22 Apr - Harrington Beer-Fest - Thulston.  
20-23 Apr - Steampacket Beer-Fest - Swanwick.
23 Apr - 7 May - Wetherspoons Beer Fest - Most outlets. 
3-5 May - Old Oak Beer-Fest - HorsleyWoodhouse. 
3-7 May - Telford Beer-Fest - Crown Inn.      
  4-7 May - Wheel Beer-Fest - Holbrook.
4-7 May - Marquis of Granby Beer-Fest - Granby, Notts.        
18-19 May - Ilkeston Beer-Fest - Regency Rooms.
18-19 May - Rail Ale Beer-Fest - Barrow Hill. 
18-20 May - Blue Bell Beer-Fest - Bolsover.    
19 May - Matlock Beer-Fest - Rugby Club.    
24-26 May - Lincoln Beer-Fest - Drill Hall.      
25-27 May - AlfretonTown Beer-Fest- FootballClub.
25-27 May - Newark Beer-Fest - Riverside Park.
25-28 May - Prince of Wales Beer-Fest - Spondon
25-28 May - Stag Beer-Fest - Kimberley.
31-2 Jun - Delapre Abbey Beer-Fest - Northampton
31-3 Jun - Ruddington Beer-Fest - WhiteHorse/Three Crowns. 
7-10 Jun - Ashfield Beer-Fest - Newstead Miners Welfare.
17th Jun - Bells Brewery Beer-Fest - Lutterworth, Leicestershire. 
22-23 Jun - Welland Valley Beer-Fest - Around 8 pubs.
11-15 July - Derby Beer-Fest - Assembly Rooms.

From the Foodclose Mailbag:

"Thank you for your excellent support at the 'End of March' sale, when [customers] purchased almost a whole animal. I have had more than the usual number of comments on the excellent eating quality of that meat, which is really exciting and very rewarding. Thank you. Although there is very little left of that animal, I do have a selection of beef the freezer, which includes:

  • Barbeque / minute steak 
  • Slow Roasts & Brisket
  • Stewing and Braising Beef
  • Mince

Try this Chiltern Country Pie recipe. It is particularly delicious (of course), when made with my Longhorn mince.

Rob Jeffery"

Note: Rob Jeffery’s Next Organic Beef Sale is happening on the 25th and 26th May at Aston House Farm, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 5AG.

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11/3/2007 - Derbys, Leics, and Notts - Latest News on the Best Food Produced within Yards of Your House!

Posted in Local Produce Recipes

Local Produce news from Foodclose.co.uk

  • More restaurants source Local Produce
  • Beef Sale
  • Local firm Mettrick and Son - Kill it, Cook it, Eat it!
  • Your turn to try Milking at Castle Donington!
  • Fish at Chantry Farm
  • Real Ale Festivals
  • Local Farmers Markets
  • Food Festivals

More restaurants source Local Produce

Derbyshire Beef at Bistrot Pierre:

French restaurant Bistrot Pierre, with restaurants in Derby, Nottingham and Leicester are now sourcing 21 day aged Derbyshire Beef for their ‘A La Carte Menu’.

The Larder, Goosegate, Nottingham:

In a former Boots Chemist shop, Gavin Cox has created a restaurant supplied largely by local producers and independent producers from around Britain. Gavin describes the menu as ‘unpretentious’ and we would agree, the dishes on offer are as full of honesty as the ingredients are with provenance. Amongst the Larder’s appetizing dishes are:

  • Colston Bassett Stilton or Lincolnshire Poacher & Beetroot Chutney
  • River Exe Mussels, white wine, cream and garlic
  • 28 Day Hung 10oz Sirloin Steak & Hand Cut Chips
  • Slow Roasted Gressingham Duck leg, Chicory and Orange Salad

Even the beers served at The Larder are sourced from within miles of the restaurant at Freedom Brewery and Castle Rock Brewery. Amongst their other suppliers are Foodclose favourite Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese, Brixham Harbour Fish, Colston Bassett Stilton, Harkers Farm Beef and Poultry, Maxeys Vegetable Growers, Weavers Wine Merchants, and Arden’s Coffee.

Rob Jeffery's next organic beef sale

Aston House Farm, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 5AG.

The next Beef sale will be on:

  • Friday  Mar 30th 3pm-6pm
  • Saturday Mar 31st  10.am till 2pm

Update on the beef herd from Robert:

“Most of our animals have spent the winter indoors, sheltered from the wind and rain. We feed them silage (conserved grass) each day, as much as they can eat. They have deep straw beds to lie on and lots of room to move around at will. We make them as comfortable as we can and they seem to appreciate it, but as spring arrives each year, they can smell the grass growing and look forward to going outside.Turnout will occur just as soon as the weather is warm and settled, and the ground dry enough to carry them without damage. This is usually in mid April, but with global warming anything can happen!”

The prices are extremely reasonable - see our earlier article on Aston Farm below. Buy a box full as you'll be able to freeze any meat you won't be using straight away.

Local firm Mettrick and Son - Kill it, Cook it, Eat it!

Glossop based J.W. Mettrick and Son allowed BBC film crews to set up a studio based viewing area around their abattoir to help people gain a true understanding of the realities of meat production. The audience were spared none of the detail including the stunning and blood release that signals the death of the animals being slaughtered.

For the majority of the audience  there was a sobering message about truly appreciating how meat has been produced prior to being packaged in more palatable forms we are used to in the shops. Some of the studio’s guests felt strongly that they no longer wanted to eat meat owing to the impact seeing the animals in their live state prior to processing.

The abattoir and its staff impressed many of the audience who commented on how skilled the slaughermen were at maintaining hygene, accurate processing and ensuring the animals welfare in their last days.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/programmes/kill_it/

Your turn to try Milking at Castle Donington!

On April 14th, at the monthly Castle Donington Farmers’ Market there will be a chance for you to try your hand at milking a cow! It is admittedly a very clever machine that replicates the experience rather than an actual cow but a farmer will be on hand for you to ask questions and teach you the techniques. The market will also be selling its usual range of locally sourced and organic products with refreshments available in the school where it is sited.

Fish at Chantry Farm

Don’t forget to visit Chantry Farm Shop on April 6th and 7th to buy your fresh fish. You can also pick up some of their superb rare breed meats and produce including local organic milk.

From the Foodclose postbag:

“Having only recently come across your website I am very pleased to see a real local hub for our local producers whom I support as much as I can, some of whom you have recommended in your website.
I would like to recommend a local producer of traditional Beef and Pork. Including a huge range of lovely sausages. The bacon is my favourite and I am a regular weekly shopper at their Farmshop. The name of the producer is Woodhouse farm at Elmesthorpe near Hinckley in leicestershire
website www.woodhousefarm.co.uk”, Nigel, Leicestershire

Real Ale Festivals

14-17 Mar - Leicester B-F - Charotar Patidar Samaj

15-18 Mar - Canalhouse Beer-Fest - Nottingham.

16-17 Mar - Bingham Beer Fest - Rugby Club.

29-1 Apr - Flowerpot Beer-Fest - Derby.      

29-1 Apr - Hollybush Beer-Fest - Makeney.      

29-1 Apr - Mansfield Beer-Fest - Football Club. 

31 Mar - Craft Brewing Fest - Brunswick, Derby.

5-9 Apr - Charters Beer-Fest - Peterboro.       

6-8 Apr - Rowing Club Beer-Fest - Derby.       

20-22 Apr - Harrington Beer-Fest - Thulston.  

20-23 Apr - Steampacket Beer-Fest - Swanwick. 

Local Farmers Markets

(Check dates and times with in the local press before setting off to avoid disappointment!):

1st Week of the Month