FOOD & DRINK
Food
Nene Valley Living recommends STAMFORD GARDEN CENTRE
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Nene Valley Living recommends OLIVE GROVE NURSERIES
W
e know how much our readers enjoy hearing about new places to try for coffee or a light lunch, so we were very keen to visit Olive Grove Nurseries’ new venture, an Italian gelateria, coffee shop and delicatessen. What a bold and brilliant idea this is: owners Jackie and Tim Thackeray gained a grant to build a large oak framed extension, which is flooded with light. Modern, spacious and stylish, it’s a very appealing space. The curved bar houses a selection of Italian ice creams, a selection of cakes and some serious coffee machines. Wine is also served. The savoury offerings were, on our visit, quite limited, but include options such as bruschetta, and toasted Panini with salad. We chose smoked trout and rocket rolls, accompanied by two cappuccinos. Having ordered at the counter, we settled into two enormous white leather chairs. Staff were very friendly and efficient, and served us two of the best coffees we’ve had in some time. The beans are freshly roasted, and you can tell. Considering that the Olive Grove is situated on a country road between two villages, Ashton and Polebrook, we were amazed how busy it was. But Jackie explained that word had spread fast. Once we’d eaten, we browsed the deli, where large freezers house a delicious selection of frozen food. Forget Birds Eye, this includes chunky roasted Mediterranean vegetables, paella and stir fry, all sold loose and by the scoop. Sweet options include cinnamon rolls and croissants. You can purchase singly, and just pop them in the oven when you get home. There is also a selection of pasta sauces, olives, and olive oil sold by the litre. We had seen very few of the brands before, and Jackie has spent hours sourcing supplies that aren’t available elsewhere. On warm days, you can sit outside on the sheltered terrazzo and see the olive trees and Mediterranean plants that are for sale. We highly recommend it. Fiona Cumberpatch Olive Grove Nurseries, Oundle Rd, Polebrook, Northants, PE8 5LQ Open Tues – Sat 9am-5pm. Sundays, 11am-4pm. Tel: 01832 275660 www.olivegrovenurseries.co.uk
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garden centre may not be an obvious choice for an evening dinner, but diversifying is the new watchword. Stamford Garden Centre is fast gaining a great reputation for its food, and, having been for lunch before, when I was very impressed with the innovative menu, I was keen to try one of the fine dining evenings which are held on the first Friday of each month in The Orangery. The menu is simple: four starters, four mains and four desserts. I loved its simplicity and particularly its pricing, with a standard cost of £19 for two courses or £23 for three courses with no hidden supplements or extras for side dishes. The wine list also suits all pockets and tastes. I chose the beetroot and goats cheese terrine for starters with dressed leaves, a perfect combination, others in my party were equally impressed and the wild boar and pistachio pâté with granary bread was a great hit with the men. For my main I chose the pan fried Gressingham duck breast, served with garlic fondant potato, savoy cabbage and cumberland sauce - again perfectly cooked and presented and it tasted sublime. For dessert, I had caramelised fig tart with nut brittle - an unusual combination but one that worked and I savoured every mouthful. The Fine Dining evenings are popular and must be booked, not surprising when the food is this delicious. I felt that James Lamb and his team were truly enthusiastic about what they do here, and it made for a great experience. A special Jubliee menu will be served on Friday June 8th. Bridget Steele For more information contact: Stamford Garden Centre, Road End Farm, Great Casterton, Stamford, Lincs, PE9 4BB Tel: 01780 765656
TEA FIT FOR A QUEEN Nicola Dudhill, aka Rosie Ribbons, is hosting a Jubilee tea party in Castor Village Hall on Sunday June 10th, 2.30-4pm. Expect a splendid spread including sandwiches, scones, and handmade treats such as truffles and the Queen’s favourite Victoria sponge. Tickets are £10 each, in advance only, from 07917 095390 or email nicoladudhill31@yahoo.co.uk
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