Martin Hesp
All in Food & Drink
About the delights of foraging wild garlic, a flavourful herb thriving in England's South West. This short article explores its culinary uses, from homemade pesto to sauces, highlighting renowned chef Mark Hix's insights. You must distinguish safe wild garlic from toxic lookalikes like Lilly of the Valley, ensuring a safe foraging experience.
This article nostalgically contrasts traditional West Country Christmas customs with modern celebrations. It reminisces about unique practices like ashen faggot burning, where participants drink and toast to banish spirits; the Mummers’ Play, featuring characters like Father Christmas; and 'guise-dancing' in St Ives, where people wore disguises and danced. It also mentions the belief of master bullocks kneeling at midnight on Christmas Eve and tradesmen's tradition of giving extras to favoured customers. The customs of a robin in Christmas lore and a unique Christmas drink, Lamb's Wool, are also highlighted. The article laments the loss of these traditions to modern, commercialised celebrations, aiming to evoke a sense of old-fashioned Christmas spirit.
Delve into the gastronomic wonders of the Danish region of Kystlandet, located around the town of Horsens in eastern Jutland. A blend of scenic coastal beauty, lush landscapes, and historical depth, the article recounts memorable dining experiences during a British Guild of Travel Writers visit. Highlights include a standout meal at Ji-Mi’s, curated by the talented chef Jimmy Jensen, and traditional homemade dishes at the renowned Dolly’s in Horsens. The article further explores Kystlandet's culinary offerings, from its fresh seafood, renowned dairy products, berry-infused desserts, unique rye bread to artisanal beverages. Kystlandet - a must-visit enclave for those seeking a Danish gastronomic experience beyond the typical tourist trails.
A day back in school - Salcombe Distilling Co’s new Rum School, to be exact
Midwinter is a wonderful time for the cold-water seafood caught off the coast of South West England
Doing a bit of research on local food and drink can help you save money and also help bolster the local economy
An excellent little hike around Budleigh Salterton that should satisfy some of those enjoying this years Taste East Devon food festival
Celebrating a wonderful East Devon hike for the Taste East Devon Festival - the coastal route from Branscombe to Weston Mouth
If you are going to one of the many Taste East Devon Festival events this year, then this short walk across lovely open landscapes is an ideal way of tasting the area’s wonderful countryside
Remembering a night out in Nha Trang on the coast of Vietnam - a long evening of eating and dancing…
Drinking vodka the way they do in Ukraine, Poland and other northern places - by which we mean with salty, pickled, savoury snacks
A heatwave in southern UK today means loads of people will be out having picnics - but where to go in the South West? Here are some ideas…
Quick preview of an article which will be appearing on the site soon - all about the amazing food of Lisbon