Latest
Restaurant review - The French by Simon Rogan, Midland Hotel, Manchester
Why mess about with a jewel like The French? Our reviewer was concerned too... until he went along to see for himself
Animal nutritionist Joanna Palmer explains the basics about keeping pigs
For many smallholders, starting out in farming begins with a flock of chickens and the enjoyment this brings can soon lead to a quest for new challenges. Where time and space allow, rearing pigs is often the next natural step and with plenty of research and careful planning, it can be an extremely rewarding venture. Joanna Palmer BSc (Hons), nutritionist for the Smallholder Range, explains the basics.
BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson on our rare breeds and the work being done to secure their future
Let me tell you a tale of the Lincolnshire Curly Coat. It’s not a trendy hair style or the latest in country fashion wear. In fact it’s something we’ll never see again.
Short Break - Hilton Manchester Deansgate
The Hilton’s reputation precedes it. Founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton, in the intervening years it has played host to such events as the creation of the Piña Colada in 1949 and the famous John Lennon and Yoko Ono Bed-in for Peace in 1969, on its way to become one of the world’s most famous brands.
Restaurant Review - The Botanist, Alderley Edge
Dining at The Botanist in Alderley Edge is not only an enjoyable culinary experience, it’s a feast for the eyes too and a trip down memory lane for some... Review by Ray King Photography by James Brown
Short Break - Oddfellows Hotel, Chester
Janet Reeder finds a boutique hotel in Chester the perfect location for exploring the city
Le Vin La Table - Hale’s French Connection in the world of fine wine
WORDS BY RAY KING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN COCKS
Food
A Malaysian cooking Masterclass with Norman Musa at Ning, Manchester
Much honoured of late, and even more talked of, the Malaysian restaurant Ning in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is to be the venue for my first cookery class. Though there’s no logic to the thought, its location next to a comedy club gives rise to the hope this will not be a ‘Yes chef, no chef’ experience with a screaming egomaniac in a toque.
Tom Parker Bowles
Tom tells us why April is a forager's delight and shares a wild garlic and nettle soup recipe...
Chef Tom Kerridge Brings his 2 Michelin Stars to the Panoramic restaurant at Royal Ascot
The incredibly popular and loveable chef patron Tom Kerridge, who owns the extraordinary two Michelin-starred Hand & Flowers pub in Marlow, is to bring his unpretentious modern British flavours to the Panoramic Restaurant during the Royal Meeting...
Tom Parker Bowles Forced Rhubarb Fool recipe
A great name, and beautifully simple to make. Ginger biscuits add a wonderful crunch. Soaking them in King's Ginger liqueur makes it finer still. As summer goes on, use gooseberries and raspberries instead... Serves 6
Local producers
BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson on our rare breeds and the work being done to secure their future
Let me tell you a tale of the Lincolnshire Curly Coat. It’s not a trendy hair style or the latest in country fashion wear. In fact it’s something we’ll never see again.
Top gardening tips on growing your own salad
There are few sadder sights than that slimy bag of forgotten salad, lurking in a seldom visited region of the fridge. Apart from being a little revolting, it’s a waste of food and your money.
Chef profiles
Meet the Chef - Mark Burke, The Lymm Hotel, Warrington,
Mark Burke is the Head Chef at The Lymm Hotel in, Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire, which is part of Macdonald Hotels and Resorts. Mark has won awards such as Nestle Junior Chef of the Year 2001, Up and Coming Best Chef of Cheshire 2007 (Marc Hix Judge), and Best Welsh Lamb at the Welsh Culinary Championships 2006 to name a few.
Chef Profile: Vivek Singh
Read more about Vivek Singh, a regular on Saturday Kitchen, Masterchef and Market Kitchen...
Recipes
Flapjacks by Philippa James
It was with some amusement that I recently heard of a school where the cook was told to cut the flapjacks into ‘squares or rectangles’ after a child was injured when a triangular cut piece hit him in the face during a food fight; in my day I’d have learnt the lesson not to throw food around
Ruth Clemens' Spiced Apple Chutney Recipe
The perfect winter recipe which you can enjoy yourself or can be given as a great homemade gift...
Restaurant reviews
Restaurant review - The French by Simon Rogan, Midland Hotel, Manchester
Why mess about with a jewel like The French? Our reviewer was concerned too... until he went along to see for himself
Short Break - Hilton Manchester Deansgate
The Hilton’s reputation precedes it. Founded in 1919 by Conrad Hilton, in the intervening years it has played host to such events as the creation of the Piña Colada in 1949 and the famous John Lennon and Yoko Ono Bed-in for Peace in 1969, on its way to become one of the world’s most famous brands.
Restaurant Review - The Botanist, Alderley Edge
Dining at The Botanist in Alderley Edge is not only an enjoyable culinary experience, it’s a feast for the eyes too and a trip down memory lane for some... Review by Ray King Photography by James Brown
Short Break - Oddfellows Hotel, Chester
Janet Reeder finds a boutique hotel in Chester the perfect location for exploring the city
Drink
Le Vin La Table - Hale’s French Connection in the world of fine wine
WORDS BY RAY KING
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOHN COCKS
Simon Rimmer beer launch night in aid of the Marina Dalglish Appeal, Earle, Hale
Celebrity chef Simon Rimmer launched his new range of bottled beers - specially created to match with food - at Earle, his award-winning restaurant in Hale.
Trooper - a new cask and bottled ale from Iron Maiden and Robinsons Brewery
British rock legends Iron Maiden have teamed up with Cheshire family brewers Robinsons to create a new beer, "Trooper".
Simon Rimmer and Robinsons launch beers as a perfect accompaniment to your meal
Simon Rimmer has teamed up with legendary award winning family brewers Robinsons to create three very unique bottled beers, specially handcrafted, to go with steak, chicken and curry.
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