Beer Festival brings cheer
Severn Valley Railway Station will again play host to the popular CAMRA-run Bridgnorth Beer Festival which kicks off at 3pm on Thursday 3 September… lasting until all the beer runs out! It’s a chance to sample over 50 local beers and ciders, all served in the iconic Festival mug.
Ludlow foodies rejoice
Ludlow Food Festival celebrates 20 glorious years over the weekend of 11 September. Ludlow Castle is the setting for the event, which starts with workshops by top chefs and features the famous sausage and ale trails, pudding and chocolate tastings, plus cider pressings, kids’ cookery sessions … and a waiters’ race! The event also sees the launch of Made in Shropshire – a compilation of recipes with a local focus.
Giving fruitcake the respect it deserves
Having won numerous awards, Ursula Evans of Shropshire-based My Cottage Kitchen shares secret recipes in her debut book Fruitcake. In addition to Ursula’s sought-after traditional recipe – described by Mary Berry as ‘the best fruitcake I’ve ever tasted’ – her beautifully illustrated book offers over 50 new takes on the British classic, featuring lavender, beetroot and chilli vodka versions.
Tanners scoops award
Tanners Wines has been named the UK’s Large Independent Merchant of the Year by the International Wine Challenge. “In the past 12 months, Tanners has hosted exciting tasting events, opened a new shop complete with premium wine-tasting experience, invested in staff through training, and enhanced their range with new wines from India, Georgia and the Jura,” said marketing manager Hannah Schwarzer. “All these activities impressed the judges.”
Wild food foraging
On Saturday 5 September from 10am to 1pm, the National Trust will be leading a foraging day at Wilderhope Manor. See what delights can be found in our hedgerows and learn how to identify poisonous species. Tasters are included – but not lunch! £10 per person; places are limited so call 07972 115725 or email kate.price@nationaltrust.org.uk to book.
Green Dragon hits local pubs
Local brewery Hobsons have teamed up with Gemma and Ashley Brown from Bridgnorth to brew a special limited-edition beer supporting Cameron’s Fund at Asthma UK. The pale ale, named Green Dragon after the charity’s mascot, will be available in various local pubs, clubs and restaurants during September. The fund was set up in memory of toddler Cameron Brown, who died of an asthma attack in 2008, and has raised over £60,000 for education and research. “A massive ‘thank you’ goes to Hobsons and the pubs and clubs who have agreed to stock it,” said Ashley.
Maynard’s bring home the bacon
Shropshire artisan pork producer Maynard’s Farm has once again achieved award success at a national level. Their Staffordshire Black Smoked Streaky Bacon was recently placed first in the bacon category of the Great British Food Farm Produce Awards 2015, run by Great British Food Magazine.
Broseley restaurant nominated by customers
Broseley’s King and Thai was nominated by customers as a finalist in ‘top local restaurant in the Midlands’ in a competition run by Waitrose’s Good Food Guide: a panel of judges then named it overall winner. Chef Suree Coates said, “I’d like to thank everyone for voting for us and to our local suppliers for their consistent quality of produce – and last but not least my team for their ongoing shared passion and hard work.” The King and Thai will host a celebration dinner on September 30 to thank supporters.
