This weekend we joined some friends of ours for a trip to Calke Abbey, a National Trust property just outside of Ashby de la Zouch and a place of great sentimental value to me. I’d not been for a few months so I was looking forward to seeing the place and of course getting to see what was on offer at the Fine Food Fair!
For almost 3 years, up to earlier this year, I was a volunteer at Calke, spending Saturdays as a room steward. I loved it, talking to the public and getting to really know and love the house and its history, not to mention the other volunteers. Sadly, I squeeze far too much into my life and I just couldn’t fit it all in!
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| Picnicking at Calke in Summers gone by.. |
The Fine Food Fair is a celebration of all things foodie and local. All of the produce on display is grown, raised or caught within a 30 mile radius – now that’s what you call local! There were some fantastic local suppliers there, some I know and love and some new.
Family run Brocklebys had a huge range on offer – their Beaver Pie is not beaver – its beef – and award-winning! I’ve got one in the fridge for dinner tomorrow and can’t wait. Farming lands in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire since the 1600’s I’m confident these guys know exactly what they’re doing and their commitment to and enthusiasm for local food is fantastic.
Sparkenhoe cheeses from Leicester were there too, a familiar name since meeting them at the Melton Mowbray Artisan Cheese Fair earlier this year. Their mature cheddars are heavenly and we’ve stocked right up! Others there included Septimus Spyder, a brewhouse making medieval ales and mead and Buffalo Brownies with all sorts of treats on offer!
It was great to see so many local suppliers in such a historic setting and if you want to get in on the action, the next Calke Abbey Fine Food Fair is a Christmas special – on Saturday 14 December – between 11 – 6 pm. It’ll come around quicker than you think and get there early to avoid the crowds!