Friday 27 May 2011

THE BULL & SWAN GIVES THE TRADITIONAL SCOTCH EGG A MAKEOVER

The innovative team of chefs at The Bull & Swan in Stamford have given the traditional Scotch egg a series of makeovers and created some tasty new versions especially for the Stamford Feast.

Since the Bull & Swan opened in January, one of the most sought after dishes on the menu has been the Burghley Estate venison Scotch eggs with visitors to the hotel’s bar and restaurant hungry to sample the popular snack.

Following on from the huge demand for these tasty bites head chef Phil Kent and his team concocted a special full English breakfast Scotch egg in celebration of the Royal Wedding which was well received by guests. A combination of black pudding and locally produced sausage meat wrapped in pancetta around a soft boiled free range egg has gone down so well that the chefs have been inspired to create even more mouth watering versions of this humble product originally created by Fortnum and Mason in 1738.

Eight varieties of Scotch egg will be on offer at the Stamford Feast to suit every palate including Tikka Marsala, Sunday lunch (a blend of pork loin, roasted vegetables and apple sauce) and for vegetarians there is a goat’s cheese with sun dried tomato and basil version. Visitors will be able to sample all of the Scotch eggs which will be available to buy and individually packaged with instructions for re-heating.

The Bull & Swan at Burghley, High Street, St. Martin’s, Stamford, Lincolnshire. PE9 2LJ

www.thebullandswan.co.uk

Thursday 26 May 2011

Free Family Fun day shows the real story behind food


On Sunday 12 June 2011, various farms across Lincolnshire will be opening their gates to the public for the annual Open Farm Sunday. This national event is a must for anyone interested in discovering how farmers produce our food, and the ways they care for our countryside.

Open Farm Sunday helps the public understand the story behind food and it’s link with nature, by encouraging them to be interactive and have some fun.
Each event is unique to the host farm. Some are on a large scale and include activities and mini farmers markets. Others are smaller events, catering for specific group visits.

Following the success of last year, Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop in Kirton Lindsey are putting on their own unique family fun day.
Last year the Farm Shop welcomed over 2000 visitors to their outdoor event. This year they have some new additions to their programme of events and a new theme running throughout the day.
This year they have joined forces with “Red Tractor” assurance (www.redtractor.org.uk) to help raise awareness of the quality assurance mark.
The Red Tractor is a mark of assurance that shows the food or drink product meets strict standards of food safety, environmental protection and animal welfare. The Union Flag featured in the logo highlights a guarantee of origin in the UK.
Shoppers may recognise the logo from their trips to the supermarket. It is featured on a variety of food and drink products from milk, to fresh meat and dairy, to produce and cereals.
Through its association with Red Tractor assurance, Uncle Henry’s will offer the public a fun and engaging afternoon whilst underlining the importance of food safety and origin.
“We are even planning a “Red Tractor” Tractor pull competition, so are hoping for some strong visitors!” says owner Steve Ward.
Other activities will include a falconry display, puppets, trailer rides and demonstrations. A raffle will be held to raise money for local charities Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Grayingham Church.

Caroline Drummond, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), organisers of Open Farm Sunday said: “Last year over 184,000 people visited farms on Open Farm Sunday experiencing the joy of discovering the great outdoors down on the farm. This is a day out with a real difference and so much to discover! Whatever you do at an Open Farm Sunday event on Sunday 12 June, it is a great opportunity to experience REAL farming at first hand and to meet Britain’s famers. Just as each farm is unique, each Open Farm Sunday event is unique. LEAF supports farmers with putting on an event that is not only enjoyable, but gives visitors a really fascinating insight into aspects of the countryside that they would not usually see or experience on an average day out.”

Open Farm Sunday at Uncle Henry’s is on Sunday 12th June and is free to enter. Other farms do not usually charge entry. However this is down to the discretion of the individual farm.
To find out more about LEAF and Open Farm Sunday call 02476 413911 or visit www.farmsunday.org

Monday 23 May 2011

Tennyson Rises at the Lincolnshire Events Centre

There is ground breaking news at the Lincolnshire Events Centre. Construction has begun on the latest addition to the showground’s buildings. The Tennyson Pavilion replaces the Sponsors Pavilion that was demolished in 2008 to make way for the EPIC Centre. The new Pavilion will be completed in time for the Lincolnshire Show on June 22nd & 23rd.
The previous Sponsors Pavilion was donated to the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society by A W Lockwood, on completion of his year of office as President of the Society. The new Tennyson Pavilion will replace this, enabling sponsors and corporate hospitality guests at the Show to be the first to benefit from this brand new facility.
John Lockwood, Chairman of the Agricultural Society, said “I am delighted to be supporting the Tennyson Pavilion; the development will be a great addition to the Events Centre and the Show itself.” He added “It’s perfect for hospitality at the Show, being central to all that goes on at Show and a great place to experience the Main Ring entertainment.”
Local firm, John Roberts Architects, have designed the single story Tennyson Pavilion, which will be situated on the west side of the Main Ring, providing an ideal venue all year for exclusive meetings and receptions. The Tennyson Pavilion, named in honour of Lincolnshire’s world famous poet, is entirely in keeping with the Event Centre’s ethos, the building incorporates many environmental features and is designed to be highly insulated and energy efficient.
Mark Farmer, Chief Executive at the Lincolnshire Events Centre said “The new pavilion will not only provide a new intimate facility for events throughout the year but it also reinforces our commitment to developing this prestigious venue to the benefit of the County’s economy.”
For more information about hospitality at the Show or to book the Pavillion for exclusive private parties throughout the year, contact Laura Luty, Business Development Manager at the Lincolnshire Events Centre.