Good Taste issue 21

GOOD TASTE THE MAGAZINE FROM SELECT LINCOLNSHIRE • SPRING/SUMMER 2015 • ISSUE 21 • FREE

Magna Carta’s 800th birthday BREAD AND WATER

Celebrate with a good walk

A Victorian Prison Diet

PLAYING THE GOAT Say Cheese

10th Anniversary Issue ALSO INSIDE:

Castle chronicles • The life of a Lincolnshire butcher • Award winners facebook.com/goodtastemagazine

@LoveFoodLincs

selectlincolnshire.com

Contributors

GOOD TASTE THE MAGAZINE FROM SELECT LINCOLNSHIRE Editor Mary Powell Lincolnshire County Council Deputy Editor Lydia Rusling Lincolnshire County Council News Jessica Marshall and Kate Loosmore Lincolnshire County Council Graphic Design Becky Boulter boults-studio.com Main Photography Andrew Tryner, © Lincolnshire County Council Publisher Select Lincolnshire Lincolnshire County Council County Offices, 13 The Avenue, Lincoln, LN1 1PA T: 01522 550612 F: 01522 516720 selectlincolnshire.com Advertising Sales and Artwork KM Media and Marketing T: 01522 513515 km-media.co.uk

Select Lincolnshire Team Mary Powell, 01522 550612 mary.powell@lincolnshire.gov.uk

Lydia Rusling works in the tourism development team at Lincolnshire County Council and has been involved in promotion of local foods since 2004. Lydia enjoys searching for great places to eat and buying good food with her family.

Chef Rachel Green is the Select Lincolnshire Champion and demonstrates at many of our events.

A Lincolnshire farmer’s daughter, Rachel had 20 years as a chef before developing a TV career.

Eric and Beth Phipps won Country Life’s Britain’s Best Butcher and were one of Rick Stein’s Food Heroes with their family business FC Phipps.

Eric & Beth have now retired but they still take a keen interest in all things foodie in Lincolnshire.

Lorraine Heyes works in heritage interpretation. If you are out on Water Rail Way or Spa Trail look out for the interpretation panels all written and researched by her. She is currently working as script writer on the Lincoln Castle interpretation.

Hugh Marrows is a retired civil servant and a keen walker with an extensive knowledge of Lincolnshire. Hugh writes for Lincolnshire Today, wrote the Viking Way Guide and more recently ‘A Boot Up the Lincolnshire Wolds’.

Amanda Davey has worked with Mary since 2002 when Tastes of Lincolnshire was set up. As well as working on Good Taste she organises the Skills for the Future HLF bursaries at Lincoln Cathedral and conservation of the Doddington Hall tapestries at Lincoln Castle.

Amanda Davey, 01522 550613 amanda.davey@lincolnshire.gov.uk Lydia Rusling, 01522 550603 lydia.rusling@lincolnshire.gov.uk Jessica Marshall, 01522 550646 jessica.marshall@lincolnshire.gov.uk Helen Marris, 01522 550593 helen.marris@lincolnshire.gov.uk If you are interested in Select Lincolnshire membership please contact Gillian Richardson gillian.richardson@lincs-chamber.co.uk Repro and Printing The Artisan Press Limited, Leicester Visitor Information Enquiries 01522 782332 visitlincolnshire.com @LoveFoodLincs facebook.com/LoveFoodSelectLincolnshire facebook.com/goodtastemagazine lovefoodlincs.blogspot.co.uk Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this guide, Visit Lincolnshire and Select Lincolnshire shall not be liable for any inaccuracies contained therein.

Cover photo English summer berry Swiss roll Recipe by Rachel Green Photography by Andrew Tryner © Lincolnshire County Council Good Taste comes out twice a year, March and September.

Downloadable version available at visitlincolnshire.com

Spring/Summer 2015 Contents

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WELCOME… Celebration is very much the theme of 2015 in Lincolnshire: Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary and the completion of the £22m Lincoln Castle Revealed, a project I have been working on since it began.

I hope that you will be coming to look and see what has been achieved. Although there is a packed Castle events programme, plenty will be happening elsewhere. Do try the new 16.5 mile Stephen Langton Trail from his home of Langton by Wragby to the Castle and learn more about the man who mediated between King John and his Barons (page 16).

Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition brings together treasures, all with Lincolnshire connections, to be housed in four locations in Lincoln, 27 June – 27 September (page 61). I’ve been helping with the production of a luscious book that accompanies the exhibition – so I’ve seen many of the fabulous treasures that are being loaned.

This will be a real blockbuster and not to be missed. If ever there is a year to return to Lincolnshire, 2015 is the one!

It was March 2005 that we produced our first Good Taste magazine – it had just 24 pages and so we have grown considerably, all as a result of feedback from you the readers. A 10th anniversary seems rather feeble in comparison with Magna Carta’s 800th, but nonetheless we are proud of a decade of telling you some great Lincolnshire stories.

24 REGULARS 08 News 21 Farmers’ markets dates 17 Events 40 Map 41 Select Lincolnshire members

FEATURES

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04 Summer days Rachel Green 12 COVER STORY The life of a Lincolnshire butcher Eric Phipps 16 COVER STORY The Stephen Langton Trail Hugh Marrows 22 COVER STORY Bread & water Lorraine Heyes 24 COVER STORY New kids on the block Mary Powell 28 COVER STORY Castle chronicles Mary Powell 34 COVER STORY Top of the class Lydia Rusling 32 Masterclass Rob Marsh 61 Exhibit A Mary Powell 64 What’s brewing at the Castle? Lydia Rusling 66 Batemans ale bread Rachel Green

Mary Powell Editor, Good Taste

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RACHEL GREEN

Summer days Relaxed, easy food

BBQ Lincolnshire rack of pork loin ribs • 2 racks of pork loin ribs, trimmed of membrane • 1 sprig of rosemary FOR THE MARINADE: • 75ml vegetable oil • 4 tbsp tomato ketchup • 1 tbsp English mustard • 2 tbsp dark muscovado sugar • Juice of an orange • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp Marmite • 2 tsp smoked paprika • A pinch of chilli flakes • 1 tsp ground pepper Preheat the oven to 140°C/Gas 1.

Mix together the marinade ingredients and massage well into the ribs. Put in a shallow oven proof dish, cover and leave in the fridge for 4 hours, turning once or twice during this time to make sure the entire racks are coated. Cover the dish tightly with foil and cook for about 2 1/2 hours until tender, basting once or twice during this time, and removing the foil for the last 15 minutes. The rack should end up soft and floppy.

Heat a barbecue or a griddle pan until hot. Remove the ribs from the fridge and shake off the excess marinade. Do not discard the marinade, place it in a pan and reduce slightly over a gentle heat. Place the ribs on the barbecue or griddle pan then using the sprig of rosemary as a brush, baste the ribs with the rest of the marinade and cook until charred and caramelized. Let the rack of ribs rest in a warm place for 5 minutes then carve into ribs and serve immediately with the mustard coleslaw and the Batemans ale bread (see page 66). It also goes well with barbecue corn on the cob.

TIP: This marinade is also delicious on chicken thighs.

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Mustard slaw • 1 medium firm white cabbage, shredded • 4 spring onions, finely chopped • 2 carrots, peeled and grated • A small bunch of dill, chopped finely • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard • A good squeeze of lemon juice • 2 tsp caster sugar • 3 tbsp mayonnaise • 2 tbsp soured cream • Sea salt and black pepper • Freshly chopped herbs, to decorate

Put the cabbage, spring onion, carrots and dill into a large bowl.

In a separate bowl mix together the mustard, lemon juice, sugar, mayonnaise, soured cream and season to taste. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and combine, adjust the seasoning and refrigerate until required.

TIP: I sometimes use English mustard if I want it hotter and also I add more dill and sometimes chives, depending on what’s available in the garden.

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English summer berry Swiss roll SERVES 8 • 50g plain flour • 55g cornflour • 6 egg yolks • 30g vanilla sugar • Zest of 1 lemon • 30g caster sugar • 4 egg whites • 150g raspberry jam • 400ml double cream, whipped with vanilla extract • 150g fresh raspberries, strawberries and blackberries • Extra soft fruits, to decorate • Mint leaves and icing sugar

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Grease and flour a 30 x 20cm Swiss roll tray and preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas 4.

Sift the flour and cornflour together and set aside.

Whisk the egg yolks, vanilla sugar and lemon zest in a bowl until thick and pale in colour. Gently fold in the flour and cornflour. Whisk together the caster sugar and egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the flour mixture.

Pour the mixture on to the Swiss roll tray and bake for approximately 15–20 minutes.

Turn out on to sugared baking parchment and allow to cool. Spread the Swiss roll sheet with the raspberry jam, followed by the whipped cream. Scatter the fresh raspberries, strawberries and blackberries on top of the cream. Roll up into a Swiss roll. Finish with more fruit, fresh mint leaves and a good dusting of icing sugar.

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Pop-up parlour Due to demand, Pink Pig Farm will be creating a pop-up ice cream parlour within the shop for the six week summer holidays from mid-July 2015. Over 16 flavours of Willingham Fayre Ice Cream will be on sale, along with sundaes, banana splits, knickerbocker glories, chocoholic delights or pick and mix your very own with a selection of toppings.

Boston College John Stephenson has been a Chef Lecturer at Boston College for over 23 years and this March he will be retiring. He has trained over 1,700 full time learners during this time including such famous chefs as Jason Atherton and Ben Tish. John has worked above and beyond over these 23 years to enter students into competitions and regularly gave up his own family Christmas to take a minibus of students to St Andrews and Gleneagles Hotels for work experience.

Enjoy your retirement John.

The College’s latest Catering Apprenticeship success is Scott Brackenbury, who used the skills he refined during his apprenticeship to fight off tough competition at a practical trial day, landing himself a job as a Commis Chef at Gordon Ramsey’s Maze Restaurant in Mayfair.

Barn with a difference Percy’s Tea have recently moved to the manufacturing unit at the National Centre for Food Manufacturing at Holbeach, which has made the production of Percy’s vodka iced tea drinks much slicker. Claire is in the process of developing a new ‘sharing bottle’, a summer flavour which is perfect for when the sun shines. They can be found through ‘Not on the High Street’ and percys-t.com

Carol and Laura Emerson from Elms Farm Cottages were Runner Up with their Granary Barn in the New Business of the Year Award at The Boston Business Awards. The Granary Barn is a recently converted Wedding and Conference Barn offering couples and businesses a more relaxed exclusive use venue.

Spire Chocolates have recently opened a shop in the New Market Hall in Louth. Selling their own exclusive handmade award winning range of chocolates, in addition to a wide range of bars and other specialist products from chocolatiers in the UK and Europe. Bespoke orders welcome and online ordering available.

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Spring/Summer 2015 News

A novel supper 2015 sees the launch of ‘Biblioteque’ a French themed supper club set in the stunning location of Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre’s Library. This style of dining experience with a difference is becoming popular in many cities, diners will eat dinner party style within the library setting and be treated to entertainment from a jazz soloist to short theatrical plays. Chef Penny Finley hopes that the supper club will offer something different for diners and complement the already popular pudding club.

Sweet success Redhill Farm Free Range Loin of Pork wins ‘Fine Food Oscar’ scooping the top prize of Best Speciality Food Midlands & East Anglia in the Great Taste Awards 2014.

There were 10,000 entries, over 400 judges and thousands of hours of blind tasting. A distinguished panel of judges including Sheila Dillon, of BBC Radio 4 Food Programme and food critic, Charles Campion, blind-tasted in teams to ensure a balance of expertise, age and gender, and commented “Lovely looking rack of pork, golden skin and savoury aromas. The texture is very tender and carves very well. The fat is nice and sweet and the crackling came up very well. Full flavoured pork as it should be.”

The judges also awarded it a 3 star Gold and selected it as one of the Top 50 Foods in Britain before nominating it for a prestigious Golden Fork Award.

Jane and Terry Tomlinson commented “This is an amazing accolade for us and comes at an important time as we move into our new purpose built production facilities and new farm shop.”

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Off the Beeton track RJ Hirst Butchers at Woodhall Spa are being featured along with Tattershall Castle and The Kinema in the Woods in the March/April edition of the national LandScape magazine. As well as writing a monthly food column for the local Target paper about local recipes and the importance of food traditions and heritage, Sadie Hirst also gives talks to local organisations called ‘Off the Beeton Track’, taking a selection from her collection of old cookery books and talking about some of our English food writers from the past, who have been largely forgotten in the shadow of Mrs Beeton.

The Aga Shop is introducing the new AGA C60, same size as an oven but with all the benefits of a traditional AGA, so no need to redesign your kitchen. They also have the AGA Dual Control in electric or gas, which means a reduction in the running costs and more controllable. For a test drive check the AGA website.

Boston Sausage is opening a state of the art artisan butchery in an extension of Abbey Parks Farm Shop on the A17 at Heckington. Which means you will no longer have to drive into Boston or head down to Borough Market in London to find their famous sausages. An open weekend late spring or early summer is planned for the launch, with children’s activities, food and craft stalls.

The Boardwalk Café at the Natural World Centre at Whisby has recently been redecorated, which also gave them the opportunity to revamp their menu.

They are now sourcing within a 50 mile radius and can cater for special occasions, large groups and host themed events.

Saints and Sinners Preserves have created an exclusive range of three preserves for Heckington Windmill using 8 Sail Brewery Ales.

There is a Plum and Ale Jam using Flour Power Ale, an Ale Chutney using Victorian Porter and an Ale Marmalade using Windy Miller Ale. A percentage from each sale will go directly to the Heckington Windmill Trust in support of the restoration fund. These preserves are available from the windmill shop and directly from Saints and Sinners Preserves.

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The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company have listened

Feeling stoked Situated in the iconic Tudor building on Lincoln’s High Street, Stokes High Bridge Café has recently been voted Best Bistro and Coffee Shop by Lincolnshire Pride magazine readers and the Best Breakfast Spot in the City by East Coast Trains. Part of their campaign to find the tastiest breakfasts along the East Coast mainline, followers on social media nominated their favourite places, the top five nominated in each location were taken forward to a public vote, and Stokes came out top for Lincoln.

Check out their new website for latest news, events, intriguing tales from the Stokes archives and online shop. The updated website marks the launch of an exclusive Stokes Society for people who really love their beans and tea leaves.

Batemans Brewery has recruited Linda Green as its new Retail Director.

Stuart Bateman, Managing Director of Batemans, commented: “Linda’s appointment marks the start of an exciting time for Batemans as we look to dramatically increase our retail estate.

This is a new role for us, and we believe Linda will prove invaluable in helping us to achieve our acquisition targets.”

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to the comments of customers who were concerned about getting the right grind of coffee for their espresso machine.

A finer grind is needed when using an espresso machine, to slow the water down which is forced through under pressure.

Because of this The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company are now selling a finer grind suitable for the majority of home espresso machines. A popular 100% Arabica House Blend, a medium easy drinking coffee.

The Electric Bar at the Doubletree by Hilton, Lincoln, is launching ‘A Taste Of…’ evenings from March onwards. There’ll be a themed taster menu on these evenings each month with food from their regional areas; March 12th Tuscany, April 2nd The Dordogne, May 7th is Louisiana, June 4th - Ye Olde England, specifically to celebrate the re-opening of the Castle and Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary, July 2nd is Kyoto, August 6th is The Yucatan and September 3rd is Rio.

Big cheese Cote Hill Cheese is on top of the world after their Creamy Cote Hill Blue scooped Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards and was named one of the World’s 62 Best Cheeses, The BBC Good Food Show at London’s Olympia and a sister cheese, Cote Hill Lindum – which has a rind washed in Tom Wood’s ale - also scooped a silver award.

Last summer Cote Hill Lindum won gold and was also named Best New Cheese in the British Cheese Awards. Mary Davenport from Cote Hill Cheese said “The British Cheese Awards are restricted to entries from Great Britain. At the World Awards, we pitted our blue cheese against 2,700 others from 33 countries, so it was a real thrill to get a Super Gold certificate.”

Michael Davenport said “Cote Hill Blue is the first cheese we made in 2005. It is our best-seller. We know it has a distinctive quality and we call it our signature cheese, but the Super Gold award raises its profile even further.”

Pocklington’s Bakery has recently installed solar panels at the bakery in Withern and expect to supply around 60% of the bakery’s energy requirement. Chris Pocklington believes his business is the first bakery in the country to invest in such a large installation and says the solar panels will bring great benefits to both the business and the environment. “Our business relies on electricity for baking and we are acutely aware of our environmental impact both locally and internationally”.

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Spring/Summer 2015 News

The Olde Barn Hotel joined Wyndham Hotel Group’s Garden Brand franchise, and became Wyndham Garden Grantham. The re-branding followed a 12 month period of refurbishment, including the lounge and reception.

The hotel is still independently owned and run, retaining most of the same team that have served the business so well.

The Health Club offers membership to both hotel guests and the community, there is a 15m pool, fitness suite, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi spa.

Heroes from Martin Sherry at Manor House Stables in Martin offers courses in cookery, crafts and gardening. Sherry is continuing to provide old favourites and has now added cheese-making and hedgerow foraging to the list. Other additions include ‘Introduction to Beekeeping’ and ‘Products from the Hive’.

New courses in weaving, tapestry and dyeing wool using garden plants will also be taught alongside her original crocheting and knitting, and the brand new ‘Soap Making’ and ‘Make our own Natural Make-up’ courses. And check out the new willow weaving courses or the creation of magical characters using clay!

In the last issue we mentioned the museum about the First World War soldiers from Martin, Sherry has organised open days, to find out more visit the Manor House Stables website.

Ronnie from Ownsworth’s Rapeseed Oil and Fulbeck Gardens Cottage, has been working on her cookery book which is due out in spring. Containing popular recipes that have been trialled at events throughout Lincolnshire, using ingredients from local producers as well as useful information for both the home cook and restaurant chef on how to get the most out of your local rapeseed oil.

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Top sausage In December Uncle Henry’s attended BBC’s The One Shows’ Sausage Festival held at their studios in London. Throughout the day, Uncle Henry’s were selling their award winning Lincolnshire sausages to members of the public alongside five other butchers from across the country. At 7pm, The One Show went live and Emma Ward, General Manager at Uncle Henry’s was interviewed by Matt Baker and guest Harry Hill.

Uncle Henry’s Lincolnshire sausage was judged against the other butchers sausages by members of the public throughout the day and Harry Hill announced Uncle Henry’s as the winner of the Best Sausage Award at the end of the show. In the closing credits, Emma said “we are so pleased to have brought the county’s most iconic food product to the capital and to be going home with the trophy”.

MISTAKE IN LAST ISSUE Good Taste Autumn/Winter 2014, Wragby & Langton by Wragby walk. Unfortunately the rights of way on the route from Little Langley to point 4 on the magazine map (page 39), has altered since the Explorer Map was printed in 1999. The 2013 version of the OS Explorer Map now has the path deleted.

This part of the walk is on private land with no right of way.

We apologise for any inconvenience to the land owner and walkers who have attempted to use this walk.

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The life of a Lincolnshire butcher In part two Eric Phipps’ family move to Mareham Le Fen

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ERIC PHIPPS

The quantity of meat supplied to the shop depended on the number of coupons cut from ration books and so opportunity for expansion of the business was severely limited by the number of ration books registered

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fter many years working in the Horncastle business of Mr. J W Gill in 1950 my parents took the opportunity of acquiring the business of Mr. J B Smith in Mareham Le Fen. This was at Osborne House on the main street, built in solid Victorian style by the Johnson family who originally worked in the house opposite where some of their equipment can still be seen in the out housing.

Osborne House was built in 1907 with a shop facing north, a preparation and sausage room behind it and family accommodation to the side and first floor.

It was very ‘hi-tech’ for its day having acetylene gas illumination and all roof water collected in a soft water cistern under the yard. Fresh water came from hand pumped spring water wells.

On the yard was a copper house with two large coal fired coppers to supply the attached abattoir, animal lairage, stable and cart shed. The abattoir had its own double septic tank system to deal with its effluent. Humans had to use a double earth closet at the very bottom of the yard. This my father only emptied once and seeing the yellow paint on the yard buildings turned blue by the noxious gases released, immediately had the house fitted with a WC. It was a very hard start for my parents their first weeks takings were only £27 -2-6d and shortly afterwards the war time meat ration was reduced to 8d per person per week + 2d of corned beef. The quantity of meat supplied to the shop depended on the number of coupons cut from ration books and so opportunity for expansion of the business was severely limited by the number of ration books registered. We had to be very careful to preserve our customer base and respond SPRING/SUMMER 2015

to the villagers’ most urgent question “will they be Church or Chapel?” Of course we had to be both, my brother and I experiencing Methodism for the first time at Chapel Sunday school and then the family went to St. Helen’s evensong where my father always placed us in a pew in front of a village octogenarian, who hopeful of atoning for his dalliances with a lady from the next village sang loudly and lustily in his attempts at achieving redemption – but always half a line behind everyone else!

My father quickly realised that to get extra business he would need to add value to his supply of meat and so began to make pies and other pastry products.

He had to beg and borrow supplies of

precious lard to make the pastry, but soon established reputation for his products.

A freely available source of meat was the rabbit and my mother began to make rabbit pies, which my brother and I would deliver straight from the oven after school.

Many of the village ladies worked in the fields from springtime, planting potatoes, hoeing and thinning sugar beet and then harvesting; so they were pleased at least once a week to have a hot rabbit pie delivered for the evening meal. For many years our rabbit pies formed the annual harvest supper in the village hall.

Another source of income was a pig killing service. In those days most people kept a pig in a sty in the garden and after the first winter frosts would need it to »

Left: Horncastle Gala Above: Eric, eldest daughter Nicola and Fred Phipps in 1976

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be slaughtered and butchered. Some people brought their pig to the abattoir, which although we could not use to provide meat for the shop we could use for private slaughter; otherwise father had to be up at the crack of dawn to drive out to the customers and dispatch their pigs, mostly in the garden. One week he did 17 pigs at the princely sum of 7s and 6d each. A second visit was also needed the next day to ‘cut out’ the pig so that it could be salted to make hams and flitches and the rest made into sausages and pies and ’pig cheer’.

In 1953 rationing was relaxed and we were able to use the abattoir to supply the shop, father would visit Spilsby market on Monday and Horncastle on Thursday to buy cattle, pigs and lambs at the livestock auctions. The animals were delivered on the following Monday and made a very busy start to the week the day seldom finishing before 9pm.

My brother and I had to work as errand boys on Saturdays delivering weekend joints to the families in the village, which was dominated by about

As well as meat we delivered medicines, baby food, newspapers, long life milk and ‘accumulator’ batteries to outlying farms, which had no mains electricity six family names and distinguished by a variety of nicknames such as Ferret, Mole, Marmalade, Soldier, Sogger! We could say that we knew everyone in the village.

In the school holidays we helped on the delivery rounds, opening field gates and running up and down garden paths. As well as meat we delivered medicines, baby food, newspapers, long life milk and ‘accumulator’ batteries to outlying farms, which had no mains electricity.

With the end of rationing meat became plentiful and my mother then suggested that we cut up pigs in the old Lincolnshire way so as to have a chine to salt and then make stuffed chine as an added variety of cooked meat for the shop. This was very successful and the chine soon became the iconic product of the business.

Read part 3 in the next issue of Good Taste.

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We had much interest in the ‘first episode’ and one response was from Ian Cocking, retired butcher from Tealby and like Eric, a former member and often award winner of Select Lincolnshire.

“I first cycled the three miles or so to work at Leaning’s butchers shop in Tealby from Market Rasen in 1969. My day began at 8am, a little later than my father who also worked there. He drove up to the village in the van and I don’t think it took much more than the first taste of winter to convince me that was the better option. A little while later, when I’d passed my driving test, my first job of any weekday was to deliver the meat to the Cherry Valley workers canteen in Cuxwold, not an easy journey in the winter months, but it had to be there first thing for the ladies to start preparing the meals.

Looking back, those were end of era days in many ways. Smokers now have to go outside for their nicotine fix. Back then the men would be puffing away while working in the shop. The counter edges were brown from the burning fag ends which had been left there and I guess that the shop must have smelled of tobacco which was pretty much the case everywhere in those times. Tealby was more of a farming village in those days too.

There were then three full time workers in the butchers business, Walter Leaning, my father Phil Cocking, myself and a part timer, Dave Spavin, an elderly gent who lived across the road from the shop. When Dave completely retired my younger brother came to work with us for some years too. Apart from supplying the work canteen we also delivered meat to various school canteens for the dinner ladies to prepare home cooked meals for the children; Tealby, Kirmond le Mire, Walesby, Middle Rasen and Osgodby schools among others. Sometime in the early 1970s the shop bought a brand new Vauxhall Viva van which broke down every fortnight. These were the days when I learned how to drive without using the clutch, a necessary skill when there wasn’t one. Every day but Monday I was out and about doing the rounds in the wolds. Once again, winter weather was often a challenge. I have some spectacular pictures taken in the winter of 1978 when people in outlying places saw no one else between our visits. In those days it was common for tradesmen to do rounds, and Tealby was almost like a small market town, a base from where the village shops operated. Incidentally, it’s occurred to me that to some extent we were like social workers looking in on sometimes vulnerable people on a regular basis. Then, the butcher, the baker, the ironmonger, the fishman and of course, the ubiquitous milkman were regular callers but the evolving world has seen their demise.”

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Visit: visitlincolnshire.com for latest information

Spring/Summer 2015 Events

EVERY 1ST SATURDAY

FRIDAY 1 MAY

SATURDAY 20 & SUNDAY 21 JUNE

Market Place Market Rasen Award winning market selling local food and crafts.

The Cotton Club

TUESDAY 12 MAY

Beer & Cheese Fair Pink Pig, Scunthorpe

Lincoln Jazz Week with Nicola Farnon Stokes Collection Café, Lincoln

SATURDAY 27 JUNE – SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 9 MAY

Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition The Collection, Usher Gallery and Wren Library

FRIDAY 20 MARCH American jazz vocalist Marlene Verplanck

FRIDAY 27 MARCH Tom Kitching and Friends Performing English Folk Music Stokes Collection Café, Lincoln

SATURDAY 28 & SUNDAY 29 MARCH Discover Lincolnshire Weekend visitlincolnshire.com Free entry to venues in Lincoln and Lincolnshire.

MONDAY 30 MARCH – FRIDAY 17 APRIL Easter Holiday Fun

FRIDAY 3 – MONDAY 6 APRIL Cadbury’s Easter Egg Trail

SUNDAY 12 APRIL Uncovering the Machine Gun Corps Belton House, Grantham

SATURDAY 4 APRIL

Cake Day for Multiple Sclerosis

SATURDAY 16 MAY Getting the most out of your AGA with Sue Eggleston The AGA Shop, Lincoln

Wild Art Weekend

SATURDAY 30 MAY Upstairs Downstairs Tour Belton House, Grantham

SATURDAY 6 JUNE Coffee & Cake Morning for Air Ambulance The AGA Shop, Lincoln

SUNDAY 7 JUNE Open Farm Sunday Minting Park Farm, Gautby, Wragby Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop, Grayingham Pink Pig Farm, Scunthorpe

SATURDAY 18 APRIL & 30 MAY

SUNDAY 7 JUNE

Test Drive an AGA

Pony Rides on the Oval

Around the World in Ten Dishes with Penny Zako The AGA Shop, Lincoln

WEDNESDAY 8 APRIL

SUNDAY 21 JUNE Father’s Day Adventures

SATURDAY 27 & SUNDAY 28 JUNE Summer Garden Fete Belton House, Grantham

Easter Egg Hunt & Egg Decorating

SATURDAY 18 & SUNDAY 19 APRIL Spring Food & Craft Fair Uncle Henry’s, Grayingham

FRIDAY 17 – SUNDAY 19 APRIL Belton Horse Trials belton-horse.co.uk

SATURDAY 25 APRIL Biblioteque Supper Club Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre

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Horncastle Summer Festival

SATURDAY 4 & SUNDAY 5 JULY SATURDAY 23 & SUNDAY 24 MAY

Baking & Coffee Day

WEDNESDAY 22 APRIL

SUNDAY 28 JUNE

WEDNESDAY 17 & THURSDAY 18 JUNE Lincolnshire Show Showground, Lincoln

1000 Years of Traditional Crafts Lincoln Castle For information on all Castle events and advance tickets see: lincolncastle.com Watch demonstrations in blacksmithing, felt, pole lathe turning, traditional dyeing, traditional plastering, heritage roofing and so much more! Hands on activities available for little and big kids!

FRIDAY 10 JULY Big Screen Trio Stokes Collection Café, Lincoln

SATURDAY 25 & SUNDAY 26 JULY Heckington Show Osbourn Way, Heckington

SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER Biblioteque Supper Club - Game Special Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre

SATURDAY 24 OCTOBER Lincolnshire Sausage Festival Lincoln Castle

THURSDAY 3 – SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER Lincoln Christmas Market lincolnchristmasmarket.co.uk

THURSDAY 18 – SUNDAY 21 JUNE Three Choirs Festival Lincoln Cathedral

SATURDAY 20 JUNE

Some of these events need to be booked, for contact details of the venues mentioned, see listings pages

Pudding Club - Summer Berry Caistor Arts and Heritage Centre

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Washingborough and the River Wit ham

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The Stephen Langton Trail • 01 • Langton by Wragby to Apley

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ake time to visit Langton by Wragby church. St Giles has a mediaeval tower with its weathered west doorway showing several fossils. The rest however is Victorian from a rebuild in 1866. Note the memorial stained glass window to Stephen Langton. Interestingly the list of incumbents for St Giles begins in 1215, the year of Magna Carta.

Nearby is Langton Manor, romantically set within its moat. The present building dates from 1841 but stands on the site of earlier manor houses and may occupy the site of Stephen Langton’s birthplace. The surrounding fields (either side of the road by the information board) show traces of the mediaeval Langton village and ridge and furrow fields.

Near Wragby our walk crosses the former Louth to Bardney branch railway line which closed in 1960.

Our route towards Apley now crosses part of the Lincolnshire Limewoods.

This area located between Bardney, Woodhall Spa and Wragby was once much more wooded and may contain remnants of the original wildwood which developed after the retreat of the last Ice Age. The natural woodland has been much depleted over the centuries but

START Langton by Wragby church.

(St Giles.) (GR149768)

DISTANCE 4m : 6.5km

FINISH Thistle Storr Wood.

(GR119754)

REFRESHMENTS • None on route.

NOTES Verge parking is possible along Church Lane at Langton and at the entrance to Thistle Storr Wood.

Langton’s bus stop is on A158.

18 | GOOD TASTE

nevertheless considerable areas remain.

They are especially important because of their concentration of small-leaved limes – an indicator of ancient woodland - and in 1997 several woods were collectively designated as the Bardney Limewoods National Nature Reserve. Now managed for nature conservation and timber production, new woodlands have been

1 Face the church and turn left following the road round to the right until opposite the Manor House and its moat. At the village information board take the track on the left. Sixty yards after entering Ash Holt turn right at the waymark onto a grass track over an arable field and at another waymark turn left behind a hedge to reach a farm track.

2 Turn right here and when the track goes left (there’s a footpath sign) keep ahead on a path through trees and across a footbridge; then bear left downhill past Badgermoor Wood to reach a copse, a footbridge and then a kissing gate. From this go diagonally right across a meadow to its far corner where there’s another kissing gate and cross the old railway to a path junction. Now turn left along a field edge path by a stream to reach a road.

planted to extend and link up the ancient woodlands.

Along with the other limewoods Thistle Storr Wood, part of College Wood is a remnant of this much larger woodland. The derivation of its unusual name is uncertain but may come from the Old Norse ‘stord’ meaning ‘brushwood’.

3 Keep ahead for a third of a mile crossing to the safer, wider verge on the opposite side when convenient. Just after Little Langley house (GR133764) there is a footpath fingerpost on the left-hand side of the road but pointing right.

4 Go through the farm gate and follow the track for 200 yards. At a waymark bear right (the path should be marked in any crops) aiming just right of a green barn where another waymark guides you through a copse. In the open field beyond veer left, staying parallel with some electricity poles, to come alongside more woods. Keeping forward cross a farm road aiming towards a waymark seen in a hedge gap ahead.

5 From it bear left over rough grass to a waymark by a double electricity pole, pass under the wires and go slightly right for 100 yards to a footpath sign

and footbridge. Keep left on a wide grass track, bending first left then right, and at an open grass area keep left to reach another footbridge. There is now a clear path to a footpath sign beside College Wood.

Keep right beside a wire fence bordering the woodland to reach a footbridge, a handgate and a 4-way footpath sign.

There are now two options: A – Complete section 1 only.

Turn left along the field edge, still by the woods, and from a gate in a hedge keep forward in the second field. At its far corner pass a pond to a footbridge and the College Wood parking area.

B – Continuing onto section 2.

You should keep ahead towards Apley with a hedge on your right towards the far end of the field [see Section 2].

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

The Stephen Langton Trail • 02 • Apley to Fiskerton

T

he Lincolnshire Limewoods contain the greatest concentration of small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) woodland in England. Amongst other conservation programmes experimental work is being undertaken to clone local small-leaved lime trees to provide stock for new woodlands.

At Apley note the small St Andrew’s mortuary chapel. An earlier church was in ruins by around 1800 and only replaced by the present building in 1871 at a cost of £284. Note that the quoins (corners) are brick on one side and stone on the other.

We pass Hardy Gang Wood. There are legends of a ‘Wild Man of Stainfield’ who survived partly by killing local livestock.

In one version he was himself killed in the wood by the ‘Hardy Gang’ of local farmers. Another derivation for the wood’s name is from the Old Norse word ‘haga-ganga’ denoting an area for grazing.

Near Hardy Gang Wood, our route follows the Viking Way the 147 mile National Trail between Barton-on-Humber and Oakham with its distinctive Viking helmet waymarks.

START College Wood near Apley.

(GR119754)

DISTANCE 6.25m : 10.00km

FINISH Carpenter’s Arms, Fiskerton. (GR050720)

REFRESHMENTS • Carpenter’s Arms, Fiskerton

NOTES There is a small parking area at the entrance to College Wood. Walkers doing Section 2 with two cars may park at the Carpenter’s Arms.

(The first quarter of a mile retraces the end of Section 1)

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

We then come to Barlings Abbey where the grounds with their earthworks and remains of a fishpond are open access.

The Witham valley is famous for its concentration of abbey sites. In mediaeval times the marshy terrain here was ideal for religious communities to achieve isolation but also have a good river trade route (via Boston) for wool, their primary source of income. Barlings was established by Premonstratensian monks around 1154 and survived until the Dissolution. The abbot here was hanged for his part in the 1536 Lincolnshire Rising. Only part of the north arcade to the nave remains standing.

A couple of miles further on modern technology intrudes into the landscape in the shape of the Fiskerton oil wells situated on the former RAF Fiskerton airfield. Oil was discovered here in 1997 the ‘nodding donkeys’ extract the oil, which is then pumped to Welton.

The WWII airfield boasted a curious experimental system known as FIDO – Fog Investigation Dispersal Operation, a system of pipes beside the runways through which thousands of gallons of petrol could be pumped every minute, which when burnt off, hopefully

1 Facing into the woods turn left over a footbridge, pass a pond and follow the right-hand edge of a meadow. In the second field walk to a four-way footpath sign and turn left along the field edge with a hedge on your right.

Beyond a footbridge at the field corner continue on a marked path over an arable field towards a distant house.

2 On reaching a lane turn left and then bear right at a ‘T’ junction into Apley. Note the community seat opposite the churchyard. Keep ahead past the church for about a mile until the road bends left near Hardy Gang Wood. (GR096746) Here there is a bridle gate and a Viking Way Waymark.

3 Cross the meadow (ignoring the bridle gate on your right) and join a track at the far side of the field. Follow this until you come to a footbridge and enter the grounds of Barlings Abbey.

Keep forward past the abbey ruins and nearby farm to a kissing gate at the far right-hand

evaporated any fog! One of the last bombing operations from Fiskerton was on 25th April 1945 to attack Berchtesgarden, Hitler’s ‘Eagle’s Nest’ hideaway in the Alps.

On the optional route Five Mile Bridge spans the river where there was once a ferry – hence the two opposing ‘No Through Roads’ on either bank. The south bank once carried the ‘Lincolnshire Loop Line’ that opened in 1848. This was the Great Northern Railway’s original line from London to the north via Boston and Lincoln. There was formerly a bargeman’s inn here, Five Mile House, which became a railway station. The footbridge was installed in 1957. »

corner of the site; then join a lane and turn right.

4 After 200 yards go left at the Viking Way marker along a grass track and then a headland path by a hedge – continuing until you reach a footbridge. Cross this and then bear very slightly right over an arable field aiming towards a gap in trees and a 3-way footpath sign at the far side. Ignore the path heading left but go through the gap onto a wide grass track with a hedge on your left. Walk on to another footbridge and then to a 3-way fingerpost; now bear right then left.

5 Walk ahead past three more 3-way fingerposts as the route becomes enclosed and swings left past the oilfield and Fiskerton airfield. Eventually join Hall Lane, Fiskerton and keep forward to the junction with the main road.

The main route now goes right through Fiskerton village bearing left at a ‘Y’ junction to finish at the Carpenter’s Arms.

There are now two options: 6A – Complete section 2 only, finishing at the Carpenter’s Arms.

Turn right onto the main road towards Fiskerton village, bear left at a Y junction onto the High Street, finishing at the Carpenter’s Arms.

6B – Continuing onto section 3, without visiting the inn, an alternative route from Hall Lane omits Fiskerton village.

Turn left onto the main road for 200 yards, then cross into the lane opposite and walk down to Five Mile Bridge. DO NOT take the footpath signed by the North Delph but turn right along the one actually on the river embankment – though it’s worth going onto the bridge first for the view to Lincoln Cathedral. In half a mile the main route joins from a footbridge below on your right. Keep ahead here then follow from (*) in section 3.

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The Stephen Langton Trail • 03 • Fiskerton to Lincoln

T

he final section of the trail takes us on a delightful riverside walk, via Greetwell and then through the city’s Arboretum before climbing to the cathedral and castle.

The River Witham was a major transport route from Boston to Lincoln in the mediaeval period and contributed to Lincoln’s commercial importance.

Drainage was a key concern throughout the Tudor and Stuart period with many complaints about its silting up. First straightened and embanked in 1812, over the years many archaeological finds have been made including a causeway of buried wooden posts dated to around 4500BC. Many finds of weapons, jewellery and tools, including some Roman artefacts, and these may have been votive religious offerings. Numerous dug-out boats were discovered too. A reconstruction along with many of the finds, can be seen at The Collection in Lincoln.

On the far bank is the Water Rail Way, a long distance walking/cycle trail between Lincoln and Boston.

As we climb the track up to Greetwell Hall and church there is evidence on either side of the former mediaeval village.

Recorded in the Domesday Book along with a fishery and a mill. The Hall itself, most likely Jacobean (C17th) in origin has

START Carpenter’s Arms, Fiskerton (GR050720)

DISTANCE 6.25m : 10.00km

FINISH Castle Square, Lincoln (GR976718)

REFRESHMENTS • Carpenter’s Arms, Fiskerton • A wide choice in Lincoln

NOTES Walkers may park at the Carpenter’s Arms

20 | GOOD TASTE

had C18th and C19th additions.

The adjacent church, All Saints, is largely Norman and also mentioned in the Domesday Book, but heavily restored in 1899.

Just after Greetwell we find ourselves beside the railway from Lincoln to Barnetby Junction, built by the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company in 1848 to link the midlands with New Holland and the Humber ferries.

Once in Lincoln we pass through the Arboretum opened in 1882. From the lime tree avenue of the upper Long Terrace there are views down to an ornate bandstand, pools and fountains.

We enter the Cathedral Close past the C14th Pottergate, once part of the enclosing wall. To the left is the Bishop’s Palace (English Heritage) and then the awe inspiring West Front of the Cathedral.

The Cathedral’s early history included fire (1141) and earthquake (1185), which was followed by Bishop Hugh of Avalon’s rebuilding. Particularly noteworthy are the cloisters, with the Wren Library above, the imposing Chapter House and the Dean’s Eye window dating from the 1220s.

Restored in 2006 this still retains 85% of its original glass. And of course we must not forget the famous ‘Lincoln Imp’ in the Angel Choir. And another attraction

1 From the inn carpark turn left and in 100 yards go left again into Nelson Road. At the end a footpath sign indicates an enclosed path on the right. This soon bears left to a footbridge after which go right along a fenced path to another footbridge and climb onto the Witham embankment. Turn right [Alternative option to Section 2 joins here].

2 (*) Follow for the embankment for two miles passing through two bridle gates. At a third gate the Viking Way goes off to the right but we continue by the river for another quarter of a mile to a pumping station and 3-way fingerpost. Turn right here over a bridge and follow a track that swings right uphill to Greetwell church and hall.

for visitors in recent years has been the peregrines nesting on the south transept.

William the Conqueror completed a castle at Lincoln in 1068, according to Domesday Book the space for 166 Saxon households was used to make way for it. It has always, at least partially, been a prison and a gaol completed in 1788 with an 1848 extension survives today along with its chapel and tiers of claustrophobic individual cell-like pews. At the west end of the bailey is the Shire Hall (1826) now the Crown Court.

The Castle also houses Lincoln’s Magna Carta now accommodated in its brand new vault as part of the very recent £22m restoration.

3 Just beyond the hall bear left on grass, crossing the earthworks of the deserted mediaeval village, to meet a fence near a house garden.

Turn left alongside this to a kissing gate and in the next field follow the grass headland to a short fenced path leading to a kissing gate at a railway crossing. Go over (carefully!) and turn left, then right at the field corner. After 30 yards go up the steps on your left and join a road.

4 Bear right and first left (Crofton Road) to reach a junction with a main road.

Cross into Tower Drive – slightly to your left - and at its end, where it becomes Roman Pavement, take the wide path ahead. Beyond the hospital grounds the path becomes

narrower and walled continuing until it meets Milman Road.

Cross over and take the gravel path (to your right) into the arboretum.

5 Walk along the wide Long Terrace to the fountain at its far end and then bear right, up steps, to exit onto Lindum Terrace. Turn left then take the first right (Upper Lindum Street) and at the top cross Wragby Road by the pedestrian crossing and go left. Turn right up Pottergate before bearing left beside the Cathedral to reach its West Front. Finally go through the C14th Exchequer Gate to complete the trail on Castle Hill.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Spring/Summer 2015 Gardening Events SATURDAY 16 MAY

SUNDAY 17 MAY

Saturday 13 June

St Barnabas Hospice Plant Sale & Garden Party George Henderson Lodge, Front Street, Morton, DN21 3AD 11am–2pm. Free Entry.

Join us for a relaxing time in the garden at our popular annual Gainsborough Hospice Plant Sale and Garden Party! There will be plenty of plants for sale at affordable prices along with a selection of stalls to peruse, games and delicious refreshments.

Donations of plants, cakes and home grown produce would be very much appreciated.

Contact Caroline Swindin: T: 07435 970309 E: caroline.swindin@ stbarnabashospice.co.uk For full listings of events please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

St Barnabas Hospice Plant Sale & Garden Party Grimsby Road, Louth, LN11 0NX 11am–2pm Join us in the gardens overlooking the rolling fields at our Louth Hospice Plant Sale and Garden Party! There will be a selection of lovely plants for sale at affordable prices along with stalls, games and delicious refreshments.

Donations of plants and cakes would be very much appreciated.

Free entry and car parking available.

Contact Caroline Swindin: T: 07435 970309 or email E: caroline.swindin@ stbarnabashospice.co.uk For full listings of events please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

Grantham Grand Plant Sale Grantham Day Centre, 86 Barrowby Road, NG31 8AF Event starts at 10am. Entry 50p.

Fill your garden this summer with beautiful quality plants from a wide and varied selection at our annual plant sale, including bedding plants, shrubs, perennials and beautiful hanging baskets. A selection of secondhand garden equipment will be available along with home produce and local honey. Entry just 50p, with hot food and refreshments available.

Donations of plants or garden equipment welcome. If you have a lot of plants to donate and would like them to be collected, or would like further information please contact Janie McCormick: T: (01476) 591010 E: janie.mccormick@ stbarnabashospice.co.uk

SUNDAY 17 MAY St Barnabas Hospice 14th Annual Grand Plant Sale The Grandstand, off Carholme Road 10am–1pm. Entry 50p.

There will be an array of indoor & outdoor plants, an assortment of quality bedding plants, shrubs and perennials plus beautifully filled hanging baskets. Quality plants at affordable prices. Refreshments available. Can you help?

Plant donations needed!

Contact Ben Petts: T: (01522) 540300 M: 07918 051929 E: ben.petts@stbarnabashospice. co.uk.

For full listings of events please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

SUNDAY 31 MAY Skellingthorpe Open Gardens In aid of St Barnabas Hospice Skellingthorpe Community Centre, Lincoln Road 11am–4pm. Entry by programme.

This is your chance to visit a number of beautiful gardens in the quaint village of Skellingthorpe.

You will see a wide range of plants, stalls & delicious refreshments are also available.

Contact Ben Petts: T: (01522) 540300 M: 07918 051929 E: ben.petts@stbarnabashospice. co.uk.

For full listings of events please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk

SUNDAY 21 JUNE Claxby Open Gardens Open 12 noon–5.30pm.

Admission £4 The village is re-establishing its garden celebration after a 4 year break. At least 7 gardens, the Three Sisters Vineyard, short concerts in the church of folk songs and instrumental music, Griff Memorial Wood, vintage lawnmowers, classic cars, plants, teas, Willingham Fayre ice cream, free parking and a warm welcome. Claxby is between Market Rasen and Caistor, signposted off the A46 and B1225 (Caistor High Street).

BOSTON

GRANTHAM

LINCOLN

LOUTH

3rd Wednesday

2nd Saturday

2nd Friday

BRIGG

GRIMSBY

1st Friday, City Square

4th Saturday

3rd Friday

CAISTOR

HORNCASTLE

2nd Saturday

2nd Thursday

GAINSBOROUGH 2nd Saturday

2nd Wednesday, High Street 3rd Saturday, Castle Square 4th Friday, North Hykeham

4th Wednesday

SLEAFORD 1st Saturday

SPALDING 1st Saturday

STAMFORD Every other Friday

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Bread & Water Lorraine Heyes looks at the Victorian prison diet

The journals studied by Lincoln Castle’s historical researchers Helen Bates and Susan Payne reveal some fascinating facts about prison food. As script writer for Lincoln Castle Revealed it’s great that we have such detailed sources of everyday life at the prison to call on.

22 | GOOD TASTE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Monotonous and unappetizing though Victorian prison fare was,

1860, Broadbent allowed him “two mince pies which have been

at least the standardised diet, as recommended by the Home

brought him by his friends – as well as one pound of bread each

Secretary Sir James Graham in 1843, guaranteed a prisoner three

meal”. Dramatically, Richardson was reprieved the day before his

meals a day. In Lincoln, local suppliers including grocer William

execution and he was transported to Australia to serve a sentence

Gibbon tendered to supply meat, potatoes, flour and rice and other

of penal servitude for life instead.

basic commodities for meals which were stewed and boiled

Convicted prisoners were allocated work duties, sometimes

in the prison’s basement kitchens.

assisting in the kitchens. The matron was in charge of food

COST CUTTING

preparation as part of her duties in the less populated female wing;

The magistrates, keen to keep the prison’s running costs as low

the male wing. Prison cook William Smith might have been glad to

as possible, were frugal with the food budget: prisoners at Lincoln

make his own brief getaway from the kitchen when Governor John

Castle received 50 oz less than the 267 oz national daily prison

Nicholson sent him to Barton-upon-Humber to help search for

average. To cut costs further, in 1871 they instructed Governor

escaped prisoner Joseph Ralph in August 1854. Unfortunately for

John Foster to replace fresh meat with tinned Australian beef

Smith, Ralph was found just three days later.

and mutton:

a male live-in cook sweated over the new-fangled steam ovens in

Soon afterwards, following five years as prison cook, Smith

‘[I] gave directions to the cook to use the beef for soup and

decided he had had enough of living almost like a prisoner

the mutton for Irish stew – soup on Mondays, Wednesdays,

himself; having to ask the governor’s permission whenever he

and Fridays – Irish stew on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays

wanted to go out, and not least the lack of privacy when caught

and Saturdays – until further orders.’

with a lady friend on the premises. Governor Nicholson recorded

COMPLAINTS Although the Victorian prison regime is often characterised as harsh, prisoners had the right to have their grievances heard

in his journal: ‘at locking up time I perceived a female in the Wardens sitting room introduced by Smith the Cook then on duty and contrary to rule 107’. Three months later Smith found himself a new position and freedom!

and investigated by the governor. Unsurprisingly many of them concerned the quality and size of the rations. John Riley was a serial complainer and Foster’s exasperation with his complaint about the burnt crust on his bread is evident in this entry in Foster’s journal: Riley ... made the following remark to the Warder: “Thompson look you here at this bread it is not fit for no man to eat. I shall show it to the Magistrates.’ I told the prisoner if he had any complaints to make I would hear him but I would not allow him to make such remarks to the Officers.

Another prisoner, poacher Robert Traves complained he hadn’t been given enough food to eat. But Foster had him weighed and Traves had in fact put on 5lb since he had been weighed on entering the prison.

FOOD FOR SICK PRISONERS The prison surgeon could prescribe additional food for sick prisoners and nursing mothers. Elizabeth Waby who had recently given birth was ‘to have tea and a mutton chop’. Mary Holmes was given ‘rice pudding dinners instead of meat and ... a glass of port wine daily.’ The prison journals reveal that Foster’s successor Edward Broadbent regularly ordered changes in prisoners’ diet as treatment. As the surgeon supplied medicines as part of his annual fee, perhaps Broadbent was trying to minimise his expenses.

Food was used both as a punishment – those who misbehaved were put on bread and water rations – and a comfort for prisoners due to be executed. Thomas Richardson was found guilty of murdering a policeman: his defence was mistaken identity.

Sentenced to hang on Cobb Hall’s gallows on 19 December

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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‌I receive a warm welcome from a pen of Saanen and Toggenburg goatlings who all stand on their hind legs, the better to satisfy their curiosity about me. I soon realise that this is a ruse as they try to eat my notebook, my biro and the buttons on my jacket

24 | GOOD TASTE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

New kids on the block Mary Powell learns how goats cheese is made

I

t is common place to hear retired people say that they are busier now than they’ve ever been. Nowhere is this truer than in the case of John and Carolyn Gunner who retired to Lincolnshire 11 years ago but then decided to start keeping goats and making cheese. They work extraordinarily hard but success has followed, for in their first year they sent three of their

cheeses to the British Cheese Awards and won two gold medals!

To catch the milking I visit Goatwood Dairy at Langton by Wragby early one glorious December morning, the sky may be blue and the sunshine dazzling but it is bitterly cold. However I receive a warm welcome from a pen of Saanen and Toggenburg goatlings who all stand on their hind legs, the better to satisfy their curiosity about me. I soon realise that this is a ruse as they try to eat my notebook, my biro and the buttons on my jacket. There are two billy goats, Tommy and George, who are huge, equally friendly and very vocal. Âť

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…there is Doris and Daisy, Maisie and Maud, not to mention Ethel, Pansy and Gladys – most are named for friends and relations John tells me that they started with 12 goats and four

attaches the milking machine. I notice from the chalk

years on now have around 80; they would like to grow so

board that there is Doris and Daisy, Maisie and Maud,

that they have 60 in milk at any one time. Goats are kids

not to mention Ethel, Pansy and Gladys – most are

up to nine months old, then goatlings and eventually

named for friends and relations. They milk twice a day

nannies. Their life expectancy is about 12 years and John

and make cheese every other day.

doesn’t kid them until they are over a year old and then

We are delighted to join Carolyn in the warm

kids them every two years. Male kids go to Sunnyside to

humidity of the cheese making room, peeling off a few

be butchered at nine months, John tells me that “goat

layers so that we can get suited up in white overalls,

meat is delicious and tender”. The goats are outside

caps and over-shoes. Carolyn tells me that it was a very

for most of the year but have come in for the winter,

steep learning curve when they set up and recommends

however some of the kids, perhaps in an attempt to get

that when starting up, whatever your budget, double it!

rid of some surplus energy are let out. As they gambol

She has been on various cheese-making courses at the

across the green grass their white coats positively glow

School of Artisan Food at nearby Welbeck, but nothing

in the bright sunshine. I notice that one of the penned

beats trial and error and talking to fellow cheese makers

kids has its leg in a cast, apparently broken in a jumping

such as Mary Davenport at Cotehill Cheese.

incident - that’s the problem with goats, they’ve got an

The milk, which is tested once a fortnight, goes into

awful lot of bounce!

a vat and is warmed up and the starter cultures added.

The photographer is having no problem taking any

It is left for however long the particular recipe decrees

of the goat’s pictures as they all seem very willing to

as they make six varieties, all named after surrounding

strike an attitude, one particularly so. John, who seems

villages. This particular batch has been cut into cubes

to know the name of every goat, says that “this is young

and now needs to be stirred very delicately every ten

Connie who is a right poser”. For this we are grateful,

minutes. Carolyn moves her arms gently through the

for in the ten years of Good Taste we have experienced

100 litre vat, the cheese is really soft although it does

camera-shy piglets, calves, deer, cockerels, pheasant and

become firmer as the whey comes out: it’s rather a

bees; and don’t even get us started on their owners!

peaceful process and we chat as we wait for the camera

Six of the goats push me out of the way as they

to acclimatise to the humidity. She will take off some 20

rush into the milking parlour to take up their positions.

litres of whey which they feed to their pigs, apparently

They all eat happily as John cleans their udders and

whey-fed pork is delicious. The remaining curds are then put into the moulds, Carolyn is left handed so she and the photographer have to do a tricky dance around each other! The moulds will be turned three times and sit there draining overnight, with the hand salting taking place tomorrow. All the fridges are set at varying temperatures as their goat cheese varieties all need different temperatures to mature in.

Many Select members cook with Goatwood cheeses in their restaurants, sell it in their shops and John does about five farmers’ markets; “hard work but rewarding” he says as he sees it from both sides, as farmer and as salesman. Carolyn tells me that they “came here for the easy life!” but clearly they both love the goats and the cheese making, however demanding it is.

Both comment on the resistance to goats cheese – often by people who’ve never tasted it! I’m a big fan and think it’s incredibly versatile whether cooked or not.

As I leave, I reflect that their farm is just 17 acres – what productive acres they are and what quality is coming from them.

26 | GOOD TASTE

AUTUMN/WINTER2015 SPRING/SUMMER 2014

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| 27

CAVALIER ATTITUDE Castle not impregnable Lincoln Castle changed hands many times during the English Civil War. In 1644 Prince Rupert successfully relieved Newark, and Lincoln was then surrendered to Rupert’s troops on 23 March.

However, Rupert left for Oxford and Sir Francis Fane (c1611-1681) from Fulbeck Hall, near Grantham was left as governor with only a small force. The Earl of Manchester, led an attack on Lincoln for the Parliamentarians. A contemporary account of the event survives and describes his forces taking the lower city on the 3 May, while the Royalists retreated to the upper works and the Castle, which “they conceived to be impregnable”. On 4 May there was so much rain that further advance was impeded, too slippery for the troops to crawl up the hill, “the Mounnt whereon the Castle stood being neare as steep as the eaves of a house”. However on the Monday morning, Manchester’s army managed to scale the walls and the Castle was taken. “Our Foot never left running till they came to the top of the Hill, which would have been enough to tier a Horse, being under their workes, we set up the Scaling ladders, which they seeing left their fiering, and threw mighty stones upon us from over their workes, by which wee received more hurt than by all their shot; but all would not daunt our men, but up to the top of the ladders they got, which proved too short most of them, to reach the top of their Wals and Works, they being most of them as high as London Wal, but yet they shifted to get up, which the enemy perceiving, they had no spirit left in them, but betooke themselves to their heels”. Sir Francis Fane was taken prisoner and under the Commonwealth his estate was confiscated, although he was allowed to buy it back – at considerable cost! Our picture shows Julian Fane with his ancestor Sir Francis Fane. Julian is having a busy year in 2015 as another ancestor fought at the Battle of Waterloo which is celebrating its 200th anniversary.

CASTLE CHRONICLES Mary Powell reveals more stories from Lincoln Castle

28 | GOOD TASTE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

LINCOLN CASTLE MAN Complexities of a facial reconstruction In 2013 during an archaeological dig in preparation for the

at it from all angles. Caroline uses a pen-like arm to draw on screen

insertion of a stair and lift tower that will provide access to the walls

and feel what she’s sculpting, tugging the muscles to where she

we found a previously unknown Saxon church. There was a very

wants them. The anatomy may say one thing, the pegs another; but

rare sarcophagus and ten skeletons: four adult males, three adult

the anatomy always trumps the pegs says Caroline. This is because

females, two teenagers and a child. One male skull is in particularly

you’re looking for an individual not an average. Hardly anyone has

good condition and although the skeletons will not be on display, we

a perfectly symmetric face, but the asymmetry of Lincoln Castle

decide to do a facial reconstruction.

Man’s face was apparently quite marked. His lips stood out because

I get to meet Caroline Erolin who is a lecturer in medical and

the teeth were quite flat across the front and there was some

forensic art at the University of Dundee. She works on a mixture

overcrowding, Caroline tells me that it can take her by surprise

of modern forensic cases and those like Richard III and our Saxon,

as the face develops. She adds skin minus nose, eyelids, lips and

christened by Caroline as ‘Lincoln Castle Man’. She has worked

ears. Her colleague Dr Chris Rynn did his PhD in nasal prediction

on various Ancient Egyptian Mummies, including the sons of

and she defers to him in all matters nasal. Chris developed a

Rameses and more recently on JS Bach and Robert Burns who

methodology in which five measurements are taken, then three

both had massive heads apparently! Although students still start

equations and apparently there’s your nose!

by modelling in clay, using little pegs to build up the face; Caroline

When it comes to the painting stage, she builds up in layers

works on a 3D digital model, using the latest techniques and a

and then uses a sponge to give the effect of pores, the painting

language that frankly I find a bit beyond me, but on screen she

takes away the flatness of the face. Facial hair or shadow? Oh

can see the underlying skull which you can’t when working in clay.

dear, more decisions. Later when back in the office I find myself

The fragments of the skull are laser scanned to get all the external

cruising through websites looking at male wigs. The researchers

features and it is then reassembled on screen and the pegs inserted.

have decided that a modified Beatle hairstyle would be the most

They start by building up the muscles and through their modern

appropriate for the period and we choose a George Harrison! I’m

forensic work they have built up a database of generic muscles and

afraid that we are still struggling to extract DNA from the skeletons

tissue thicknesses. When they import a muscle, Caroline knows it

and this is delaying our ability to tell their stories but I am pleased

won’t be perfect, but it’s a starting point and she adjusts and tweaks.

to report that Lincoln Castle Man has a smallish head, is quite fine

She shows me how she can move the skull about on screen, looking

featured with a rather nice, neat nose. »

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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CASTLE CHRONICLES

UNEARTHED A Roman comb, feasting and a bit of 12th century gambling Lorraine has reported on the 19th century dietary niceties at Lincoln Castle, but I can go one better with evidence of 12th century banqueting. During Lincoln Castle Revealed, our archaeologists burrowed extensively around the site. They unearthed Roman townhouses, a Saxon church and medieval stables. Artefacts from many periods: Roman household items often with female associations including a cosmetic palette and a bone comb, tiny 12th century dice made from bone and horn, coins from several periods, delicate glassware, pottery and numerous animal and fish bones.

The Roman comb was so fragile that it had to be lifted as an intact soil block and immediately refrigerated and kept dark to prevent any mould growing. Sent to a conservator to excavate under laboratory conditions, the final twist was that as the soil was scraped away, they found a 4th century Roman coin underneath the comb!

In the Eastern Courtyard a yearlong dig took place in preparation for the building of the Vault to house Magna Carta.

Several middens were found, one being a particularly rich source of material. If I say that through fine sieving the archaeologists retrieved some 3,500 animal and fish bones, one can see what painstaking work this is; there was also material from over 1,100 pottery vessels, a rich assemblage of iron work, seven dice, two fragmentary bone whistles and two bone dress pins. The dice are a favourite item, but once beautifully lit and photographed, whenever I showed the picture nobody would believe how tiny they were. So we re-photographed them, this time with a one pence coin alongside for scale; get one out of your purse to remind yourself how small that coin is! My imagination, with no basis in 30 | GOOD TASTE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

fact, sees our 12th century gambler keeping these tiny pieces about his person, always handy for a quick game of dice whenever the chance arose.

This midden indicates highly conspicuous consumption.

The usual farm animals were represented, but often as very young tender animals including new-born lamb, suckling pig and veal calves, while game included hare, rabbit and venison.

There was evidence of a wide range of shellfish including oysters, mussels, cockles, winkles, whelks and crab; while fish included eel (including conger), cod, salmon, smelt, trout, dace, pike, turbot, perch, roach, herring, pollack, haddock and sea bass. Birds were a particular delicacy, and included teal, mallard, garganay-type duck, woodcock, swan, plover, lapwing, song thrush, lark, pigeon, dove and seagull. Some species may perhaps have been caught using trained birds of prey, represented by the very unusual

Documentary references record royal visits to Lincoln in 1175, 1179, 1181 and 1183 and it is possible that this represents the remains from royal feasts example of a bone of a marsh harrier. This array of food represents an extremely high status and sumptuous episode of feasting.

Archaeologist Dr Jonathan Clark from FAS tells me that the very young animals represent delicacies that would have been the reserve of the wealthy, and the gulls, woodcock, lapwings, swans, thrushes and pike represent species traditionally served at feasts, and even then likely to have been at the high table. He goes on to say that a gathering of the elite is further hinted at by the high status ivory pin found in the midden, possibly from a female headdress, and the presence of bone whistles amongst the material conjure jongleurs or minstrels who would have provided the entertainment. The dice might derive from gaming that took place during banqueting, disposed of amongst the floor coverings and food waste after the feast. The organisation required for a feast of this type would have taken months of planning. I never cease to be amazed at the forensic nature of this work: the ceramics provide a close date for the activity of the 1170s or 1180s, while the presence of hens in lay, piglets and lambs indicate a period of April to July. Documentary references record royal visits to Lincoln in 1175, 1179, 1181 and 1183 and it is possible that this represents the remains from royal feasts. By this time, the Castle had been recovered from the Earls of Chester, so could this have been Henry II reasserting his claim to the Castle? Henry, the father of King John, was an energetic and effective administrator and he moved incessantly around his territories in England and France. He reorganised the judicial system, establishing courts and prisons and setting procedures for criminal justice. From October 2015, the guest document in the Magna Carta Vault will be a Henry II Charter from 1157 which will be on loan from Lincoln’s Guildhall collection, thanks to City of Lincoln Council.  SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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CASTLE CHRONICLES

Broadening Horizons

the how and the where”. His foundation is of the firm belief that

Mary Powell interviews David Ross about his donation to the Magna Carta Vault

every child and young person has passions and talents and that by offering them a wide range of educational opportunities this will

Receiving a donation of £1.4m towards the building of the

Lincoln Castle is to have an extensive education programme

Magna Carta Vault was an inspiring moment and it felt like an

and with its new facilities will be able to cope with some 20,000

endorsement of everything that we were doing at the Castle.

school children a year, double its previous capacity and David

Our donor is David Ross and back in November last year when

believes that the whole school community will engage with the

the Historic Lincoln Trust sealed the deal and the celebratory

Castle and Magna Carta. He tells me that in London there are

photographs were being taken, I took the opportunity to interview

lots of examples of philanthropic endeavours but outside the

him. David is from Grimsby and remembers childhood visits to

capital very little and he would like to see more happening in

Lincoln Castle. I expect him to mention the chapel as this always

the provinces. The David Ross Education Trust has developed a

seems to stick in children’s minds, but no, it is the Lincolnshire

network of over 20 academies, half of which are in Lincolnshire.

Archives which for many years were housed within the prison

He tells me that working with the academies is very satisfying

at the Castle. His mother was very keen on researching the

but it can be very challenging, so whilst there are the joys

history of their house at Saltfleet and on shopping trips to

and the successes, there can be sadnesses too. But always the

Lincoln his father would head to the Cathedral while David

determination for young people to be inspired to achieve the

and his mother would make yet another visit to the archives.

best that they can. I ask David what Magna Carta means to him

His foundation was set up in the early 2000s after Carphone

and we talk about the way it has been important in our history at

Warehouse was floated: “If you find yourself in a position of

different times; but he is intrigued by the fact that it has been the

good fortune you realise that there are things here that you can

basis of so much, from juries to women’s rights – so 800 years on

do” he explains to me “although it takes you a while to work out

Magna Carta is a great inspirer too.

32 | GOOD TASTE

help them to discover their strengths.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

THE MARITIME CONNECTION His first academy was in Grimsby and when they were looking for a school symbol they wanted something with a local resonance and so the logo has a family likeness to the flag flown by the trawlers of the Ross fishing fleet; this symbol was subsequently adopted by the whole Education Trust. The Havelock Academy has recently moved into a new build and the design is based around the features of a ship to reflect Grimsby’s maritime heritage.

David’s grandfather Carl Ross was a fishery entrepreneur who recognised that the future for the fishing industry was in integrating fishing, processing and selling. At its peak the Ross fishing fleet was the largest in Europe, all with their green Ross house flag with a white star. Ross Tiger is now preserved at Grimsby’s Fishing Heritage Centre. I want to know more and David disappears back to his office, returning with handfuls of old black and white photographs including pictures of the Duke of Edinburgh visiting to open a new fish processing plant.

I ask David about food and he tells me that he loves food, particularly game; good cook I enquire? “not so much” comes the rueful reply!

Photograph by Andy Staples

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA Bizarrely from fish the conversation moves onto opera for which he has a passion. At his home near Stamford he has developed the Nevill Holt Opera Festival which takes place late June/ early July each year. Using a semi-permanent structure within a stable block courtyard, David is now building a proper theatre which will complete in the next couple of years. He introduces me to Rosenna East, who is two months in post as the general manager of Nevill Holt Opera. A professional violinist with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for nine years, Rosenna tells me that she started a blog whilst travelling with the orchestra in India and this led to her becoming a regular contributor for newspapers and then opera critic for The Herald Scotland.

She was ready for a change and considers this as very much her “dream job”. Rosenna describes to me the “extraordinarily beautiful setting of Nevill Holt” and its combination of lovely buildings, panoramic views and gardens to picnic in that feature an amazing contemporary sculpture collection; as she says there’s a very strong “what’s not to like” about the whole set-up. Nevill Holt has a policy of picking young talented singers, trained in the British system and showcasing those just on the cusp of their careers taking off. The Festival has a strong educational element to it and to date has reached over 600 children in the local area.

They want to be a local festival but to have outstanding artistic credentials too; with the move to a permanent structure this event will clearly become an inspiration for the area.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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Top of the class Lydia Rusling salutes Select Lincolnshire award winners Competition is fierce to reach the top in your group in the Select Lincolnshire awards and a lively ceremony took place on 3 February at the White Heather at Hemswell.

All present are top in their category, but have they got 1st place? The atmosphere is electric and although the rivalry is fierce, many of them know each other and the noise levels build up as everyone catches up. Mary is the one who gets to read out each award to whoops of delight from the winners.

Many thanks to our judges and congratulations to our winners and those highly commended – you are the best!

The Old Stables

Oaklands Hall Hotel

Caxton House

Harrisons Restaurant

Seacroft Bar

Select Lincolnshire Hotel of the Year Oaklands Hall Hotel, Grimsby Highly Commended: Humber Royal Hotel, Grimsby Supreme Inns, Swineshead Tower Hotel, Lincoln

Select Lincolnshire Bed & Breakfast of the Year Caxton House, Skegness Highly Commended: The Grange, East Barkwith West View B&B & Cottages, South Cockerington

Select Lincolnshire Grower of the Year Strawberry Fields, Boston Highly Commended: Ownsworth’s Rapeseed Oil, Fulbeck Manor Farm Shop, Swineshead

Select Lincolnshire Tea Room of the Year The Old Stables, Horncastle Highly Commended: Pepperpot Tea Room at Hall Farm Park, South Kelsey Uncle Henry’s, Grayingham, Kirton-in-Lindsey

Select Lincolnshire Pub of the Year Seacroft Bar, Seacroft Holiday Estate, Trusthorpe Highly Commended: The Sebastopol Inn, Minting Ye Olde Red Lion, Bicker

Select Lincolnshire Restaurant of the Year Harrisons Restaurant, Barton upon Humber Highly Commended: Comfy Duck, Oaklands Hall Hotel, Grimsby The Pink Pig, Scunthorpe » Strawberry Fields

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Manor Farm Shop

Elms Farm Cottages

Select Lincolnshire Producer of the Year Uncle Henry’s, Grayingham, Kirton-in-Lindsey Highly Commended: Ownsworth’s Rapeseed Oil, Fulbeck R J Hirst Family Butcher, Woodhall Spa

Select Lincolnshire Retailer of the Year Manor Farm Shop, Swineshead

Uncle Henry’s

Highly Commended: The Pink Pig, Scunthorpe R J Hirst Family Butcher, Woodhall Spa Uncle Henry’s, Grayingham, Kirton-in-Lindsey

Select Lincolnshire Wholesaler of the Year Pocklington’s Bakery, Withern Highly Commended: Stokes Tea & Coffee, Lincoln Strawberry Fields, Boston

Select Lincolnshire Self-Catering Establishment of the Year Elms Farm Cottages, Boston Highly Commended: Brackenborough Hall Coach House Holidays, Louth Manor House Stables, Martin

36 | GOOD TASTE

Pocklington’s Bakery

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Select Lincolnshire Caterer of the Year The Farm Kitchen, Ewerby Thorpe Highly Commended: Bizzibees, Friskney Hog Roast Lincolnshire, Barton upon Humber

Select Lincolnshire Function Venue of the Year Hemswell Court, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough Highly Commended: Oaklands Hall Hotel, Grimsby Tower Hotel, Lincoln

Select Lincolnshire Teaching Establishment of the Year Lincoln Minster School, Lincoln Lincoln Minster School

Highly Commended: Manor House Stables, Martin Lincolnshire Montessori, Caistor

The People’s Choice Award Sponsored By Lincolnshire Co-Operative

Mountain’s Boston Sausage, Boston

Mountain’s Boston Sausage

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Hemswell Court

The Farm Kitchen

MASTERCLASS

1

2

3

4

5

6

YOU WILL NEED: • 4 duck legs • 10 sprigs of thyme • 4 large cloves of garlic, chopped • 15g coarse sea salt • 2 tsp five spice powder • 2 tsp allspice powder • 6 bay leaves, shredded • olive oil • 1 bottle of Batemans Orange Barley beer • 1 dsp marmalade • 4 baking potatoes • 100ml milk • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed • 10 black peppercorns • 1/2 head of Chinese leaves or Savoy cabbage • chopped fresh garlic and ginger

38 | GOOD TASTE

STEP 1 Trim duck legs of excess fat.

STEP 2 Combine thyme, garlic, salt, five spice, allspice and bay leaves and rub into skin and meat of the duck legs. Put legs in a tray, pour over 1/2 a bottle of the fruit beer and refrigerate for 24 hours.

STEP 3 Heat oven to 150°C/300°F/Gas 2.

Next day scrape the seasonings off the legs and keep to one side. In a heavy frying pan put a trickle of olive oil over a fairly high heat and brown the legs all over, transfer to an oven dish where the legs should all fit closely. Put the reserved seasonings over the top and cover with olive oil so the legs are submerged. Cover the dish with foil and cook for 2 hours.

STEP 4 For the mash, clean the baking potatoes and prick with a fork. Bake in the oven at 180°C/360°F/Gas 4 for 11/2 hours.

In a pan infuse some milk with 4 cloves of

crushed garlic and 10 black peppercorns.

When the baked potatoes are cooked, slice in half and scoop out the centres.

Put the potato into a pan and mash with the sieved infused milk. Season the mash to your liking. The mash can then be sieved if you prefer it smooth and creamy.

STEP 5 In a pan reduce to a third, the remaining half bottle of the fruit beer over a high heat, reduce the heat and add the marmalade.

STEP 6 Finely chop some Chinese leaves or Savoy cabbage and stir fry over a high heat with some chopped garlic and ginger. When the leaves are wilted put on a plate with some of the infused mash. The legs can be served whole or shredded and placed on top of the Chinese leaves and covered with the beer and marmalade reduction.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

FIVE SPICE CONFIT DUCK LEGS with Batemans Orange Barley Beer reduction on Chinese leaves with garlic mash The Hickman Hill Hotel in Gainsborough is set within two acres of gardens.

It was built as the Gainsborough Grammar School in 1795, becoming a home in the 1950s, then a hotel in 1982 and by keeping many of the original features is now Grade 2 listed. Rob Marsh is the head chef and with his wife Michelle have been owners of this multi award winning hotel for 10 years. Having come from London, Rob was working in engineering and Michelle in marketing, when they settled on this Georgian country hotel in Lincolnshire.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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40 | GOOD TASTE

AUTUMN/WINTER 2014

City of Lincoln (See map on page 40)

WHERE TO STAY

blog.cafeportico.co.uk Fully licensed café bar serving a wide selection of delicious homemade and locally sourced food with an Italian flavour.

Castle Hotel Westgate, Lincoln LN1 3AS 01522 538801 castlehotel.net A small unique luxury hotel with a difference at the heart of Lincoln’s historic centre, a haven for guests offering complimentary on-site parking and wifi.

Cloister Refectory – Lincoln Cathedral Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln LN2 1PX 01522 561644 refectory@lincolncathedral.com Relax and enjoy a selection of freshly prepared snacks and light meals. We are open all year and offer a warm welcome.

The Lincoln Hotel Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1PN 01522 520348 thelincolnhotel.com 71 Bedrooms and stunning views of the Cathedral, the perfect place to stay, socialise and relax. Select Lincolnshire Hotel of the Year 2013, Highly Commended 2014.

Doddington Café & Restaurant Doddington Hall, Lincoln LN6 4RU 01522 812505 doddingtonhall.com Stylish design, showcasing Kitchen Garden and Estate produce. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and tea, plus Friday and Saturday evenings and selected Thursdays. Book for Restaurant.

The White Hart Hotel 87 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR 01522 526222 whitehart-lincoln.co.uk 50 refurbished contemporary bedrooms with arguably the best views of Lincoln Cathedral, complimentary WiFi and parking.

Excellent restaurant, brilliant cocktails!

WHERE TO EAT Café Portico The Terrace, Grantham Street, Lincoln LN2 1BD 07956 653156

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

The Electric Bar and Restaurant The Double Tree by Hilton Lincoln, Brayford Wharf North, Lincoln LN1 1YW 01522 565182 electricbarandrestaurant.co.uk The Electric Bar and Restaurant offers fine-dining in an elegant yet informal venue, boasting unsurpassed views of the city.

The Green Room The Lincoln Hotel, Eastgate, Lincoln LN2 1PN 01522 520348 thelincolnhotel.com

Dining in a sophisticated setting adjacent to the Cathedral, with its own private bar and entrance. Dishes are modern in style using fresh local ingredients.

Select Lincolnshire Restaurant Winner 2014.

Henry’s Tea Room Ruddocks of Lincoln, 287 High Street, Lincoln LN2 1AW 01522 514113 henrystearoom.co.uk A peaceful, traditional Victorian tea room serving top quality food from freshly cooked local ingredients.

Come to ‘Henry’s’ for your true ‘Lincoln experience’.

The Ice Cream Parlour and Tearoom 3 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AE 01522 511447 Have a cone or try an ice cream sundae in our 14th century cellar tearoom in the historic area of Lincoln. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2013.

Langton’s Café Lincoln Castle, Castle Hill, Lincoln LN1 3AA 01522 541173 lincolncastle.com Free entry into the Castle grounds, pick up a coffee to go, picnic for the grounds or stay for a wonderful selection of snacks and meals.

Lincoln Grille at The White Hart Hotel 91 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR 01522 563290 whitehart-lincoln.co.uk Superb mouth-watering dishes,

fabulous atmosphere with the highest quality service. We deliver the dining experience our customers have come to expect and deserve.

The Reform Restaurant The Castle Hotel, Westgate, Lincoln LN1 3AS 01522 538801 castlehotel.net Modern European cuisine served to the highest standards, using locally sourced produce.

The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated and is a very popular city restaurant. Taste of Excellence Award Winner 2012 and Runner Up 2013 Sessions Restaurant Sessions House, Lincoln College, Monks Road, Lincoln LN2 5HQ 01522 876343 lincolncollege.ac.uk Preparing and serving meals to customers form an integral part of programmes of study for professional cookery and hospitality students.

Stokes at the Collection Danes Terrace, Lincoln LN2 1LP stokes-coffee.co.uk A sleek stylish café set in the comfortable surroundings of the Collection, Lincoln’s archaeological museum. Contemporary café menu and daily specials. Open 7 days 10am–4pm.

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Stokes High Bridge Café (since 1902) 207 High Street, Lincoln LN5 7AU 01522 523548 stokes-coffee.co.uk Morning coffee, breakfast, luncheon and afternoon teas. Popular café in beautiful 16th century building over-looking the River Witham.

Open everyday.

The Tower Hotel and Tower Restaurant 38 Westgate, Lincoln LN1 3BD 01522 529999 lincolntowerhotel.co.uk The Tower is a 3AA Star Hotel and 1 Rossette Restaurant, set in the historic area of Lincoln’s Cathedral Quarter. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

WHERE TO BUY Angels Desserts A True Taste of Heaven 01522 500294 angelsdesserts.co.uk Creators of Fresh Luxury Hand Crafted Desserts. Providing you with that WOW factor in both taste and appearance. Hear the mmmmmm with every spoonful.

Wholesale enquiries welcome.

Doddington Farm Shop Doddington Hall, Lincoln LN6 4RU 01522 688581 doddingtonhall.com Beautiful and stylish shop showcasing home grown Kitchen Garden produce, fab home-cooked cakes, Lincolnshire and regional

42 | GOOD TASTE

specialities. Full deli, butchery & bakery. Open daily.

Elite Meats  89 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR 01522 523500 elitemeats.co.uk Elite Meats is a quality butcher and game dealer. We source local produce and serve with our expertise and butchery skills.

R Foster & Son 111 Monks Road, Lincoln LN2 5HT 01522 523369 fostersbutcherslincoln.co.uk Home-made pies and other savoury pastries, fresh baked bread and confectionery. Locally sourced and matured quality beef, lamb and pork.

Jenny’s Jams of Lincoln 01522 534405 jennysjams.co.uk Handmade preserves from traditional recipes using traditional methods for maximum flavour.

Were possible local produce used.

The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Company  01522 681838 thelincolnteaandcoffeecompany.co.uk Retail and wholesale supplier of high quality leaf teas and single origin, bespoke blended roasted coffees. Distributor of commercial and domestic La Spaziale espresso machines, with barista support and advice.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

Countryside North (See map on page 40)

WHERE TO STAY Black Swan Guest House 21 High Street, Marton, Gainsborough DN21 5AH 01427 718878 blackswanguesthouse.co.uk Rural located B&B offering en-suite rooms, internet access, private car park, licensed, easy access to Lincoln and Gainsborough.

The Grange Kexby, Gainsborough DN21 5PJ 01427 788265 thegrangeatkexby.co.uk A welcoming Victorian farmhouse on a working farm. Home cooked food and produce. Convenient for Gainsborough Old Hall, Lincoln Cathedral and Castle, Hemswell Antiques and the Wolds.

Winteringham Fields Restaurant with Rooms 1 Silver Street, Winteringham, North Lincs DN15 9ND 01724 733096 winteringhamfields.co.uk Winteringham Fields is one of the most individual and secret places

you could wish to stumble across, with an ambience and cuisine to rival Europe’s finest.

WHERE TO EAT Blyton Dairy Ice Cream Old Hall Farm, Blyton, Gainsborough DN21 3LA 01427 628355 blytonicecream.co.uk Over 50 flavours of ice cream, hot and cold food, Sunday carvery, childrens play area. Open 7 days a week. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013.

Bransby Horses Bransby, Lincoln LN1 2PH 01427 788464 bransbyhorses.co.uk Enjoy light lunches, snacks or afternoon tea at the Feedroom Café before meeting Bransby’s rescued horses. Open daily and free admission.

Café Courtyard Market Place, Brigg DN20 8JH 01652 657900 cafecourtyard.co.uk Relax in beautiful surrounding with palms, chandeliers and Lloyd Loom seating, while enjoying light lunches, afternoon teas and Italian coffees.

Gainsborough Old Hall, Chambers Café Parnell Street, Gainsborough DN21 2NB 01427 677348 gainsborougholdhall.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Enjoy light refreshments, locally sourced and freshly made, including speciality teas and coffees, within this unique medieval manor house setting. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2014.

The Guardroom Coffee Shop Hemswell Antiques Centre, Caenby Corner Estate, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough DN21 5TJ 01427 667113 hemswell-antiques.com Open everyday 10am–5pm.

Choose from a selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches and freshly made coffees.

Hemswell Antiques Coffee Shop Hemswell Antiques Centre, Caenby Corner Estate, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough DN21 5TJ 01427 668389 hemswell-antiques.com Open everyday 10am – 5pm.

Choose from a selection of homemade cakes and coffees or a freshly prepared lunch or light snack.

Hickman Hill Hotel Cox’s Hill, Gainsborough DN21 1HH 01427 613639 hickmanhill.co.uk Multi Award winning hotel and restaurant, situated in Grade II listed former grammar school. Produce is sourced locally and freshly prepared. Also cater for functions.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

The Inn on the Green Ingham, Lincoln LN1 2XT 01522 730354 innonthegreeningham.co.uk Award winning country pub/ restaurant. Food & service to the highest standards. Locally sourced, seasonal menu. 3 Times Taste of Excellence Winners. Also private dining, business meetings/lunches.

The Loft Restaurant 10 Wrawby Street, Brigg DN20 8JH 01652 650416 theloftbrigg.co.uk Award winning contemporary restaurant. Enjoy delicious food, home-cooked with care using locally sourced produce.

Homemade cakes, Barista coffee and special afternoon teas.

The Natural World Centre, Whisby Nature Park Moor Lane, Thorpe on the Hill, Lincoln LN6 9BW 01522 688868 naturalworldcentre.co.uk Stunning lakeside views. Snacks, lunches and Sunday roasts too!

Open daily 10am. Gold Award winner 2011 and Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2012.

Pepperpot Tea Room, Hall Farm Park Caistor Road, South Kelsey LN7 6PR 01652 678822 hallfarmparkoffice@keme.co.uk Relax and enjoy a light lunch, delicious cake and drink in our tearoom or on the patio

overlooking beautiful open countryside. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Pink Pig Farmshop and Restaurant Holme Hall, Holme, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE 01724 844466 pinkpigfarm.co.uk Enjoy our homemade breakfasts, lunches, coffees, cakes and teas, made from fresh, delicious, local produce. Take home some of our famous sausages for your supper! Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop  Grayingham Grange, Grayingham, Gainsborough DN21 4JD 01652 640308 unclehenrys.co.uk Award winning farm shop, butchery, cafe & conference facilities. Home produced, locally sourced food supporting local producers and providing affordable quality. Coaches welcome. Select Lincolnshire Awards 2014 & 2015, BBC One Show “Britain’s Best Sausage”.

The White Swan Hotel 9 The Green, Scotter DN21 3UD 01724 763061 whiteswanscotter.com Situated in the picturesque village of Scotter overlooking the River Eau, we guarantee a warm welcome. A venue for every occasion – weddings, events and more.

Winteringham Fields Restaurant with Rooms 1 Silver Street, Winteringham, North Lincs DN15 9ND 01724 733096 winteringhamfields.co.uk Winteringham Fields is one of the most individual and secret places you could wish to stumble across, with an ambience and cuisine to rival Europe’s finest.

WHERE TO BUY Bebe’s Deli 267 Ashby High Street, Ashby, Scunthorpe DN16 2SD 01724 844011 Facebook – bebe’s Deli Fresh foods, cheeses and chutneys.

Bebe’s is the home of the best fresh scones and home baking. Warm friendly service.

Croft Apiaries  01673 818711 croftapiaries.co.uk Honey direct from the producer. Trade enquiries welcome from farmshops, caterers, local shops etc. Online shop for honey and products produced from English honey.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

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Marron Wine, Cider and Liqueurs  9 Broadbeck, Waddingham, Gainsborough DN21 4TH (by appointment only) 01673 818478 marroncider.co.uk Artisan makers of Choc Au Vin chocolate wine, cider and liqueurs for retail and trade sales.

Specialising in personalised labeling.

Pink Pig Farmshop and Restaurant  Holme Hall, Holme, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE 01724 844466 pinkpigfarm.co.uk Free range pork, lamb, eggs and oodles of local produce.

Plus, the most delicious (and award-winning) sausages! Mail order ‘Lincolnshire Hampers’ our speciality. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Redhill Farm Free Range Pork  Laughton Road, Morton, Gainsborough DN21 3DT 01427 628270 redhillfarm.com Farmers, producers and retailers of National Award Winning free range pork. Find us at farmers’ markets, our farm shop or on-line. Select Lincolnshire Peoples’ Choice Award Winner 2013, Select Lincolnshire Producer of the Year 2012 & 2014.

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Uncle Henry’s Farm Shop  Grayingham Grange, Grayingham, Gainsborough DN21 4JD 01652 640308 unclehenrys.co.uk Award winning farm shop, butchery, cafe & conference facilities. Home produced, locally sourced food supporting local producers and providing affordable quality. Coaches welcome. Select Lincolnshire Retailer of the Year 2014 & Producer 2015, BBC One Show “Britain’s Best Sausage”

Countryside South (See map on page 40)

WHERE TO STAY Fulbeck Gardens Cottage 01400 273989 07966 430728 fulbeckgardenscottage.com 4 Star self-catering cottage adjacent to vineyard. Beautifully furnished. Sleeps 2-7. Hot-tub.

Strictly no pets. 3/4/7 night breaks, available all year. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2012 & 2014.

The Manor House Stables The Manor House, Timberland Road, Martin LN4 3QS 01526 378717 manorhousestables.co.uk Lovely self-catering luxury in historic stables. Relax by your wood-burning stove and enjoy a hamper of Lincolnshire goodies!

Select Lincolnshire Awards 2009–2015.

Petwood Hotel Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG 01526 352411 petwood.co.uk Fabulous food, friendly service and a historic setting make the Petwood a favourite for local dining and short breaks. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2014.

Rural Roosts Holiday Lodges Manor Farm, Stainfield, Market Rasen LN8 5JJ 01526 398492 ruralroosts.co.uk Beautiful self catering pine lodges, situated 8 miles east of Lincoln.

Fantastic base for fishing, relaxing and exploring Lincolnshire.

Village Limits Country Pub, Restaurant & Motel Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6UJ 01526 353312 villagelimits.co.uk Select Lincolnshire finalists 20062013. Friendly pub with 4 star accommodation. We serve great fresh local food, local ale and lovely coffee.

Washingborough Hall Hotel Church Hill, Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1BE 01522 790340 washingboroughhall.com Grade II listed, Georgian Manor House, bedrooms retaining the best of their original features. Fabulous food served in the Double AA Rosette award winning restaurant.

WHERE TO EAT The Hive Café at Hill Holt Wood Norton Disney LN6 9JP 01636 892836 hillholtwood.co.uk The Hive Cafe is located within 34 acres of beautiful woodland.

Open Sundays 10am until 4pm, serving breakfast, paninis, fresh cakes and drinks.

Petwood Hotel Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QG 01526 352411 petwood.co.uk Fabulous food, friendly service and a historic setting make the Petwood a favourite for local dining and short breaks.

Village Limits Country Pub, Restaurant & Motel Stixwould Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6UJ 01526 353312 villagelimits.co.uk Select Lincolnshire finalists 20062014. Friendly pub with 4 star accommodation. We serve great fresh local food, local ale and lovely coffee.

Washingborough Hall Hotel Church Hill, Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1BE 01522 790340 washingboroughhall.com Fabulous menu in the Double AA Rosette award winning restaurant, stay over in one of the beautifully

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

designed bedrooms, in this Grade II listed, Georgian Manor House.

WHERE TO BUY Abbey Parks Farm Shop  Parks Farm, East Heckington, Boston, Lincs PE20 3QG 01205 821610 abbeyparks.asparagus.co.uk Open 9-5 Monday to Saturday, 9.30-5 Sunday. Vast selection of home grown and local vegetables, cheese and meats. Coffee shop serving home cooked food and Sunday lunch. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2012.

Cogglesford Watermill East Road, Sleaford NG34 7EQ 01529 413671 during opening hours 01529 308102 NKDC Tourism Unit cogglesfordwatermill.co.uk Historic working watermill in picturesque setting. Organic wholemeal flour milled on site and other locally produced goods for sale.

Fen Farm Venison  Fen Farm, Horbling Fen, Sleaford NG34 0JX 01529 421272 fenfarmvenison.co.uk Quality farmed venison – fillets, joints, steaks, casseroles, sausages and burgers. Sold on the farm and at local farmers’ markets and shows.

Handson’s Butchers  Main Street, Mareham le Fen, Boston PE22 7QW

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

01507 568222 handsonsbutchers.co.uk A traditional village butcher.

Real Lincolnshire stuffed chine, home-made pies and ready meals, venison and game. Private livestock butchery service. All Lincolnshire produced. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013 & 2014.

R J Hirst High Class Family Butchers Station Road, Woodhall Spa LN10 6QL 01526 352321 rjhirstfamilybutchers.co.uk hirstsheritagefoods.co.uk Multi award winning butchers and producer of Hirst’s Heritage Foods.

Reviving Historic Lincolnshire recipes. Double winner Best Shop/ Producer. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2014 & 2015.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

A Little Luxury Ltd  01529 414890 07942 930326 alittleluxury.org.uk A family business producing preserves in small batches using traditional methods. We use fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables sourcing where possible from within Lincolnshire.

Odling Brothers 54 High Street, Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0ET 01522 810228 odlingbros.co.uk Award winning Pork and Meat Pies, Lincolnshire Sausages and Haslet. Traditional family butchers and grocers providing high quality personal service.

Welbournes Bakery  38 High Street, Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0DZ 01522 810239 welbournesbakery.com Traditional, artisan village bakery since 1896, specialising in Lincolnshire plum bread. Wide range of bread, cakes and sausage rolls available.

Wolds (See map on page 40)

WHERE TO STAY Bayons by the Brook Tealby, Market Rasen, LN8 3XT 07713 102773 rachel@rachel-green.co.uk Owned and run by renowned chef Rachel Green, our B&B is set in tranquil gardens with the river Rase running through it, close to The Viking Way. Brackenborough Hall Coach House Brackenborough, Louth LN11 0NS 01507 603193 brackenboroughhall.com Winner: Best Self-Catering Holiday

in England 2009/10, Silver Award.

Three luxury apartments in a listed Coach House, accommodating 1 to 24 guests. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Enfield Farm Cottages Main Street, Fulstow, Louth LN11 0XF 01507 363268 enfieldfarmcottages.co.uk Cottages are elegantly furnished converted barns, retaining original features on a working farm. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2006, 2008, 2009, Highly Commended 2005 & 2007.

The Grange Torrington Lane, East Barkwith, Market Rasen LN8 5RY 01673 858670 thegrange-lincolnshire.co.uk A perfect retreat, offering bed and breakfast and self-catering.

Excellent facilities and quality traditional home cooked cuisine, using local produce. Select Lincolnshire Awards 2008–2015.

Grange Farm Holiday Breaks Salmonby, Horncastle LN9 6QS 01507 534101 grangefarmholidaybreaks.co.uk Luxurious 4 star Gold Award holiday cottages, a restful Caravan Club CL site and peaceful course fishing lakes. Open all year.

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The Ivy Inn, Wragby Market Place, Wragby, Lincoln LN8 5QU 01673 858768 theivywragby.co.uk Traditional refurbished pub and restaurant with 4 Star all en-suite accommodation, serving the finest produce sourced from local suppliers, with fine wines and real ales.

Oaklands Hall Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, Grimsby DN37 7LF 01472 872248 oaklandshallhotel.co.uk Nestling in beautiful Lincolnshire parklands, the Oaklands is perfect for exploring the county whilst offering the best Lincolnshire produce. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2015.

Treetops Cottages & Spa 39 Station Road, Grasby DN38 6AP 01652 628071/07790 723602 treetopscottages.com Three 4* cottages for up to 10 guests, includes indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, wifi, spa room for treatments including day guests.

West View B&B and Cottages South View Lane, South Cockerington, Louth LN11 7ED 01507 327209 west-view.co.uk Converted barn in rural village, relax and recharge, friendly atmosphere offering quality and comfort.

Disabled access and also self-

46 | GOOD TASTE

catering cottages.

Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2008. Tastes of Excellence Runner-up 2010–2011.

sandwiches, delicious filled rolls, buffets catered for. Stokes coffee and teas. Eat in or take away.

Wold View Bed and Breakfast Bully Hill Top, near Tealby, Market Rasen LN8 6JA 01673 838226 / 07976 563473 woldviewhouse.co.uk Cosy, homely on top of the Wolds, above pretty village of Tealby.

Locally sourced food, homecooking. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2006, 2008, Highly Commended 2009.

The Five Sailed Windmill 32 East Street, Alford LN13 9EH 01507 462136 alford-windmill.co.uk Beautiful working windmill in a delightful location, selling stoneground flour, cereals, preserves and gifts. Popular, award-winning tea room offering cakes and light meals

Kenwick Farmhouse Nursery and Tea Room Kenwick Road, Louth LN11 8NW 01507 606469 kenwicknursery.co.uk Freshly made home-cooked meals, cakes and Sunday lunches (including gluten free), using locally sourced produce. Open TuesdaySunday and Bank Holiday Mondays.

Harrisons Restaurant 12 Market Place, Barton Upon Humber DN18 5DA 01652 637412 harrisons-barton.co.uk Local produce cooked fresh by creative and talented Chefs, full bar offering bottled local ales, lagers, champagne and wine list. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2015.

Myers Bakery, Café Tearoom & Deli  18-20 The Bull Ring, Horncastle LN9 5HU 01507 525871 myersbakery.co.uk A traditional family bakery business incorporating a café tearoom and delicatessen. Famous for their award winning Lincolnshire plum loaves. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013.

WHERE TO EAT Alford Manor House West Street, Alford LN13 9HT 01507 463073 alfordmanorhouse.co.uk Enjoy homemade cakes, snacks or light lunches in the tea room of this historic thatched Manor House. See website for opening times.

Caistor Arts & Heritage Centre Cafe 28 Plough Hill, Caistor LN7 6LZ 01472 851605 28ploughhill.co.uk Scrumptious cakes, breakfasts, lunches and snacks served in the café or outside on the terrace.

Open 7 days, takeaway and celebration cakes available.

The Coach and Horses Hemingby, Horncastle LN9 5QF 01507 578280 Traditional village pub serving a range of real ales and good quality fairly priced bar meals. Select

The Ivy Inn, Wragby Market Place, Wragby, Lincoln LN8 5QU 01673 858768 theivywragby.co.uk Traditional refurbished pub and restaurant with 4 Star all en-suite accommodation, serving the finest produce sourced from local suppliers, with fine wines and real ales.

Just Elleven 11 Market Street, Spilsby PE23 5JT 01790 755669 simonsbutchers.co.uk Artisan breads, cakes, bespoke

Oaklands Hall Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, Grimsby DN37 7LF 01472 872248 oaklandshallhotel.co.uk Nestling in beautiful Lincolnshire parklands, the Oaklands is perfect for exploring the county whilst offering the best Lincolnshire produce. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

The Old Stables - Coffee House Market Place, Horncastle LN9 5HB 01507 523253 theoldstables-horncastle.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Double award winning fine dining bistro offering locally sourced produce that changes with the seasons. A place to relax, refresh, revive. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2015.

The Railway Tavern Aby Main Road, Aby, near Alford LN13 0DR 01507 480676 dawn@grangemill.fsnet.co.uk Award winning friendly family run pub. Offering home cooked extensive menu and superb real ales too- find us on Facebook.

The Redwood Crowders Garden Centre, Lincoln Road, Horncastle LN9 5LZ 01507 528628 crowders.co.uk/theredwood Licenced 52-seater restaurant, within garden surroundings offer vibrant food, a bespoke wine list and great service, Available for evening functions.

The Sebastopol Inn Church Lane, Minting, Horncastle LN9 5RS 01507 578577 thesebastopol.com Multi-award winning country pub and restaurant championing local producers and growers. Cask ales from regional craft brewers. Great wines. Winner Taste of Excellence Best Pub Food 2014 & 2015. Select Lincolnshire’s Pub of the Year 2014 & Highly Commended 2015.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Willingham Fayre Ashgrove Farm, North Willingham, Market Rasen LN8 3RJ 01673 838123 willinghamfayre.co.uk We make Lincolnshire Wolds Dairy Icecream with whole fresh cows milk. Visit our icecream parlour, café and children’s play area.

Wold View Bed & Breakfast, Tearoom and Licenced Restaurant Wold View House, Bully Hill Top, near Tealby, Market Rasen LN8 6JA 01673 838226 07976 563473 woldviewhouse.co.uk A delightful old English tea room, serving all home cooked and locally sourced food. On top of the Lincolnshire Wolds, near Tealby.

View our facebook page.

WHERE TO BUY The Chocolate Drop  Special Edition Chocolate, Market Rasen LN8 3RH 01673 844073 specialeditionchocolate.co.uk All chocolate is made here, NUT FREE, GLUTEN FREE and the Dark is DAIRY FREE. New…..Afternoon teas now available. Book for a ‘Chocolate Experience’.

Cote Hill Cheese  Cote Hill Farm, Osgodby, Market Rasen LN8 3PD 01673 828481 cotehill.com Award winning artisan cheeses handcrafted on our farm using

unpasteurised milk from our herd of dairy cows. Available from cheese shops, Lincolnshire Co-op and farmers’ markets.

A E Dennett & Son Ltd 24-26 Boston Road, Spilsby PE23 5RQ 01790 752573 Established in 1926, this family business makes award winning natural ice cream in 30 flavours, also frozen yogurt and sorbet.

Select Lincolnshire 2010 Mr George Award.

Field Farm Free Rangers Field Farm, High Toynton, Horncastle LN9 6NL 01507 523934 fieldfarmshop.co.uk Farm shop selling our own rare breed Berkshire pork, sausages, bacon and gammon, lamb, chickens and eggs, also home produced and local vegetables.

Goatwood Dairy  Hoop Lane Farm, Hoop Lane, Langton by Wragby LN8 5QB 01673 857922 goatwooddairy.com Award winning artisan goats’ cheeses, handmade on our farm using unpasteurised milk from our own herd of contented goats.

buffets catered for. Stokes coffee and teas. Eat in or take away.

Lakings of Louth  35 Eastgate, Louth LN11 9NB 01507 603186 lakingsoflouth.co.uk Lakings of Louth traditional Butchers, Bakers & Delicatessen.

Established 1908.

V T Lancaster & Son Ltd  15/47 Queen Street, Market Rasen LN8 3EH 01673 843440 or 842260 lancastersbutchers.co.uk A traditional family butchers, sourcing produce from local farmers. Famous for Lincolnshire sausages, pork pies, haslet, sausage rolls, stuffed chine & potted beef.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese  01507 466987 lincolnshirepoachercheese.com Award winning cheese and butter made by hand on the farm using milk from our own cows and matured for about 18 months.

Just Elleven 11 Market Street, Spilsby PE23 5JT 01790 755669 simonsbutchers.co.uk Artisan breads, cakes, bespoke sandwiches, delicious filled rolls,

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Meridian Meats  108 Eastgate, Louth LN11 9AA 01507 603357 meridianmeatsshop.co.uk Producers of Britain’s Best Steak, specialising in meat from traditional breeds, sourced from our own farm or locally to our shop in Louth.

Minting Park Farm Meats Minting Park Farm, Gautby, Nr Wragby LN8 5JP 01526 398373 07775 628259 mintingparkfarm.co.uk Home bred & grown beef, lamb, mutton and British Lop pork. Award winning sausages, own free range eggs. Local honey, rape seed oil, real ales & cider.

Modens Lincolnshire Plumbread Co  01790 755620 modens.co.uk Artisan bakery producing Gold Award Winning Lincoln Plum Bread, produced in Spilsby since 1936. No additives, no preservatives or eggs.

Oslinc  White House Farm, Main Road, Moorby, Boston PE22 7PL 01507 568885 oslinc.co.uk Ostrich farmers and speciality low fat meat producers; ostrich, kangaroo, springbok, wild boar etc.

Available by mail order, farmers’ markets and farm shop.

Pocklington’s Bakery 2 Market Place, Louth LN11 9NR 01507 600180

48 | GOOD TASTE

pbl.uk.com Traditional family bakers.

Established 1924. Crusty and speciality breads, rolls, cakes, pastries, pork pies and Award Winning Lincolnshire Plumbread.

Celebration cake specialists.

Primrose Free Range Eggs 01673 858379 primrosefreerangeeggs.co.uk A family run farm concentrating on producing free range eggs from hens with unrestricted movement within their field and shed which are accredited to the Freedom Food Scheme.

Simons of Spilsby  14 Market Street, Spilsby PE23 5JT 01790 754543 simonsbutchers.co.uk Our specialities include: ready meals, sausages, pies, haslets, Lincolnshire stuffed chine, dry cured bacon and home cooked meats. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2010, 2012, Highly Commended 2013.

Spire Chocolates  Unit 16 New Market Hall, Louth LN11 9NS 01507 622880 07840 847526 spirechocolates.co.uk Our Louth shop features our fresh, handmade chocolates plus a range of products from chocolatiers in the UK and Europe.

J H Starbuck Bakers & Confectioners 9 Union Street, Market Rasen LN8 3AA 01673 843483 richardstarbuck169@msn.com Traditional family bakers. Wide range of breads, cakes, pastries, savouries and Lincolnshire plumbread. Look for our speciality and healthy bread range.

Tom Wood Beers Ltd  Melton High Wood, Barnetby DN38 6AA 01652 680001 tom-wood.com Tom Wood Beers brew a well-loved range of ales. We pride ourselves on producing excellent beer using only English ingredients.

4 Star guesthouse, ensuite rooms, seaviews/balconies. Homemade food using local produce, licensed bar. East Midlands Best Hidden Gem 2011, Select Lincolnshire B&B Awards since 2012, including Winner 2015.

Humber Royal Hotel and Brasserie Littlecoates Road, Grimsby DN34 4LX 01472 240024 thehumberroyalhotel.co.uk Four star hotel with a range of rooms, some with balconies overlooking a landscaped golf course. Number 1 on Tripadvisor for Grimsby. Select Lincolnshire High Commended 2015.

WHERE TO EAT

Coast (See map on page 40)

WHERE TO STAY Best Western North Shore Hotel & Golf Club North Shore Road, Skegness PE25 1DN 01754 763298 northshorehotel.co.uk 34 Comfortable en-suite bedrooms, many with magnificent views of the sea and golf course. Situated next to Skegness beach.

Caxton House 6-8 Trafalgar Avenue, Skegness PE25 3EU 01754 764328 caxton-house.com

Batemans Brewery & Visitors Centre  Salem Bridge Brewery, Wainfleet, Skegness PE24 4JE 01754 882009 bateman.co.uk/visitors+centre Open Wednesday to Sunday to the general public but is now a great venue for parties and weddings including holding a licence for Civil Ceremonies.

The Countryman Chapel Road, Ingoldmells PE25 1ND 01754 872268 countryman-ingoldmells.co.uk Warm and friendly village pub serving home-made food with daily specials. Parties catered for. Home of Leila Cottage Brewery.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Woodrow Farm, Sutton Road, Huttoft, Alford LN13 9RL 01507 490347 farmerbrownsicecream.co.uk Ice cream parlour, tea room and small farm shop set within a working mixed farm by the seaside.

The Grange & Links Hotel Sea Lane, Sandilands, Sutton on Sea LN12 2RA 01507 441334 grangeandlinkshotel.co.uk Restaurant and bar menus, breakfast and Sunday lunch. Large garden and play area making us child and dog friendly!

Humber Royal Hotel and Brasserie Littlecoates Road, Grimsby DN34 4LX 01472 240024 thehumberroyalhotel.co.uk Four star hotel with onsite Brasserie serving local produce all day.

Catering for up to 300. Patio area overlooking Grimsby Golf Club.

Mermaid Inn & Field to Fork Restaurant Seaholme Road, Mablethorpe LN12 2NX 01507 477473 mermaidinn2014@gmail.com Locally sourced produce, we make into delicious handmade meals.

Bean to cup coffee and selected teas and don’t forget our bar.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Sea Breeze Restaurant 10-12 High Street, Sutton on Sea LN12 2EX 01507 441548 seabreeze-restaurant.co.uk A lovely seaside restaurant using locally sourced produce. Serving homemade food, licensed bar, lunchtime and evening menu, Sunday lunches. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013.

Seacroft Holiday Estate Sutton Road, Trusthorpe LN12 2PN 01507 472421 seacroftcaravanpark.com Seacroft Holiday Estate together with the Seacroft Bar provide both award winning accommodation and top quality food and drink. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2015.

Windmill Restaurant 46 High Street, Burgh le Marsh, Skegness PE24 5JT 01754 810281 windmillrestaurant.co.uk Freshly cooked local produce, friendly efficient service, homemade desserts, open Wednesday to Sunday. See website for menus. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2007, 2008, 2012 & 2013.

heart of the fish docks producing smoked haddock and salmon.

Visit or buy online. Open weekday mornings only.

Batemans Brewery & Visitors Centre  Salem Bridge Brewery, Wainfleet, Skegness PE24 4JE 01754 882009 bateman.co.uk/visitors+centre Open Wednesday to Sunday to the general public but is now a great venue for parties and weddings including holding a licence for Civil Ceremonies.

Chapman’s Seafoods Ltd 01472 269871 chapmansfishcakes.co.uk Producers of handmade gourmet fish cakes, fish pies, fish wellingtons and other seafood dishes, available at Lincolnshire farmers’ markets and farm shops.

WHERE TO BUY

Fabulously Fruity Wine Peaks Top Farm, New Waltham, Grimsby DN36 4RS 01472 812941 peakstopfarm.com Fabulously Fruity Wine is a unique and delicious range of wines produced 100% from fruit grown on our farm.

Alfred Enderby Ltd  Maclure Street, Fish Docks, Grimsby DN31 3NE 01472 342984 alfredenderby.co.uk 100 year old smokehouse in the

Jim’s Fresh Grimsby Fish Ltd 07831 501040 jimsfreshfish.co.uk One of Grimsby’s finest fishmongers, delivering fresh Grimsby fish straight to your home.

Our shop is mobile and offers a well-stocked variety of produce.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

Lymn Bank Farm  01754 880312 postacheese.com Producers of Skegness Blue, Skegness Gold, Lincolnshire Brie, Just Jane, flavoured cheeses and Handmade chutney.

Smiths Smokery  Nova Lodge, Sea Lane, Friskney, Boston PE22 8SD 01754 820262 smithssmokery.co.uk We are a small family run business we catch and smoke the eels, as well as smoke haddock, salmon etc….

Willows Farm Fruit PYO: A52 Skegness Road, just south of turn off to Chapel St Leonards 01754 873266 07771 696001 willows-farm.com Soft fruit growers and suppliers to public, retail, caterers and wholesale. PYO strawberries, raspberries, currants in summer months. Special and freezer orders catered for. Winner of Select Lincolnshire Grower 2013.

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Fens (See map on page 40)

WHERE TO STAY Elms Farm Cottages Hubberts Bridge, Boston PE20 3QP 01205 290840 elmsfarmcottages.co.uk Nine multi-award winning 4 & 5 Star holiday cottages with wheelchair facilities. Short walk to village pub. Sleeps 2-38. Select Lincolnshire Awards since 2009, including Winner 2015 & Mr George Award 2013.

The Forge & Smithy Holiday Cottages Chapel Road, Tumby Woodside, Boston PE22 7SP 01526 342943 the4ge.co.uk Four star detached cottages set in rural Lincolnshire, sleeps 5 or 2 (respectively), fully equipped with enclosed garden and parking area. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended Award 2012.

Stennetts Farm Cottages Moulton Eaugate, Spalding PE12 0SX 01406 380408 or 07743 828405 stennettsfarmcottages.co.uk In the heart of the highly productive South Lincolnshire Fens, superb accommodation is offered in our Four Star Farm Cottages.

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Supreme Inns Bicker Bar, Bicker, Boston PE20 3AN 01205 822804 supremeinns.co.uk Independently run and locally owned, featuring 55 large and well equipped rooms, all with en-suite facilities. Award winning restaurant is open all day, serving locally sourced homemade food. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013 & 2015.

WHERE TO EAT Black Sluice Riverside Café Black Sluice Lock Cottages, South Forty Foot Bank, London Road, Boston PE21 7RA 01205 310006 Our café on the bank of South Forty Foot Drain offers customers the opportunity to sit back and relax out of the town centre.

Parking available.

home cooking, lunches, snacks, local produce, plus locally grown plants too!

cuisine, real ales and Sunday lunches. Cosy rooms with patio riverside garden.

Coffee Pot at Johnson Community Hospital Spalding Road, Pinchbeck PE11 3DT 01775 652190 hillsdepartmentstore.co.uk Offering homemade drinks and snacks for visitors, staff and patients.

The Poachers Country Hotel Swineshead Road, Kirton Holme, Boston PE20 1SQ 01205 290310 poachershotel.co.uk Providing a warm, relaxing and friendly atmosphere, with a ‘quirkiness’. Menus change weekly, cooked by our quality chefs, using locally sourced produce.

Concreation Garden Centre and Coffee Shop Baythorpe, Boston Road, Swineshead PE20 3HB 01205 821349 concreationpgc.co.uk Small family run garden centre, offering fresh homemade delicious soups, cakes and hearty meals using seasonal and local produce.

Bookmark, Spalding 20 The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AF 01775 769231 enquiries@bookmark-spalding.co.uk Browse through our amazing range of books, gifts and toys. Enjoy our home-made food, a great venue to meet friends.

Lime Restaurant Boston College, Skirbeck Road, Boston PE21 6JF 01205 313220 boston.ac.uk – look in Rochford Campus Enjoy an exceptional fine-dining experience at affordable prices.

Open Tuesday to Friday lunchtimes and Thursday evenings during term-time.

The Chestnuts A17, Main Road, Gedney, Spalding PE12 0BS 01406 363123 chestnutgardencentre.co.uk Friendly tea rooms, farmshop and garden centre, offering traditional

The Mermaid Inn (Surfleet) Ltd 2 Gosberton Road, Surfleet, Spalding PE11 4AB 01775 680275 themermaidinnsurfleet.co.uk Warm, friendly restaurant, bar and B&B, serving traditional homemade

Riverview Café in Hills Department Store 18/19 Broad Street, Spalding PE11 1TB 01775 767155 hillsdepartmentstore.co.uk The Riverview Cafe has the finest view in Spalding and serves breakfasts, morning coffee, lunchtime specials and our grand afternoon tea.

Sibsey Trade Windmill Frithville Road, Sibsey PE22 0SY 07718 320449 sibseytraderwindmill.co.uk Working windmill producing range of stoneground flour (bread making and baking). Oat products, Gluten free flours and wholefoods, muesli, preserves. Award winning tearoom.

Spalding Farm Shop – Manna Coffee Shop Scoldhall Lane, Surfleet, Spalding PE11 4BJ 01775 680101 spaldingfarmshop.co.uk

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Everything prepared fresh in our kitchen using local ingredients.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and cake or a dish from our daily specials board.

Now fully licensed.

Supreme Inns Bicker Bar, Bicker, Boston PE20 3AN 01205 822804 supremeinns.co.uk Independently run and locally owned, featuring 55 large and well equipped rooms, all with en-suite facilities. Award winning restaurant is open all day, serving locally sourced homemade food.

The Wheatsheaf Inn – Hubberts Bridge Station Road, Hubberts Bridge, Boston PE20 3QR 01205 290347 thewheatsheafinn.org Traditional village pub and restaurant serving the finest Lincolnshire produce sourced from local suppliers, together with fine wines and real ales.

Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2014.

Ye Olde Red Lion Donington Road, Bicker, Boston PE20 3EF 01775 821200 redlionbicker.co.uk A quintessential English Country Pub, complete with real ales, fine food and warm fires. Using all locally sourced homemade food. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

WHERE TO BUY Bomber County Produce Willow Farm, Coningsby Road, Dogdyke, New York LN4 4UY 01526 342039 bombercountyproduce.co.uk Grower and packer of the finest quality leeks and asparagus, fresh from the Fens of Lincolnshire. Open daily 8am–7pm.

Fenbake  Beech House, Fengate, Moulton Chapel, Spalding PE12 0XL 01406 380259/07530 529723 fenbake.com Bakers of delicious Fen Oaties, available as gift bags, snack lines and catering packs. We also run Youbake cookery club.

Fred and Bex Flavoured Vinegars 07917 237127 fredandbex.vinegar@gmail.com Fred and Bex Vinegars are handmade at our Lincolnshire cottage using only whole fruit and quality ingredients and we stick to traditional family recipes.

George Adams & Sons (Retail) Butchers 25/26 The Crescent, Spalding PE11 1AG 01775 725956 adamsandharlow.co.uk Traditional family butchers selling Lincolnshire reared meat, handmade pork pies, Lincolnshire sausage and stuffed chine.

Since 1910.

The Ivy’s Farm Shop Villa Lane, Swineshead, Boston PE20 3NG 01205 820001 manor-farm@btconnect.com Come along and buy the tastiest and freshest produce around. Fresh from our farm to you.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

Manor Farm Shop Baythorpe, Swineshead, Boston PE20 3EZ 01205 820123 manorfarmshop.co.uk Come along to buy the tastiest and freshest produce around.

Fresh from our farm to you. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2014 & Winner 2015.

Mountain’s Boston Sausage  13 High Street, Bridgefoot, Boston PE21 8SH 01205 362167 bostonsausage.co.uk Purveyors of finest quality handmade Lincolnshire sausages.

No preservatives, additives or flavour enhancers. Available online, instore, selected independent retailers and at London’s Borough Market. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2010 and Peoples’ Choice 2013, 2014 & 2015.

Saints and Sinners 01775 724580 saintsandsinnerspreserves.co.uk A range of over 150 genuinely homemade and award winning preserves from the traditional to the contemporary. Preserving courses also available. Mr George Award 2012 & Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013.

Spalding Farm Shop Scoldhall Lane, Surfleet, Spalding PE11 4BJ 01775 680101 spaldingfarmshop.co.uk Award Winner 2007. Lincolnshire grown produce, picked and delivered to the shop on the same day to ensure field-fresh produce every day. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2012.

Strawberry Fields 01205 480490 strawberryfieldsorganics.co.uk Family run business, growing organically since 1975. Lettuces, fresh herbs and a wide range of vegetables, including the more exotic and unusual, supplied wholesale. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2014 & 2015.

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Vine House Farm Deeping St Nicholas, Spalding PE11 3DG 01775 630208 vinehousefarm-farmshop.co.uk We offer a range of home grown and locally grown vegetables and other locally sourced foods. We specialise in Wild Bird Food and accessories.

Wimberley Hall Farm Shop Wimberley Hall Farm, Stonegate, Weston, Spalding PE12 6HR 01406 372702 wimberleyhall.co.uk A family run farm shop and café supplying locally produced meat also locally sourced fresh fruit and veg, bread and milk.

Woodlands Farm  Wash Road, Kirton, Boston PE20 2AF 01205 724778 woodlandsfarm.co.uk Organic and Biodynamic Farm with Box Scheme home delivering vegetables, Lincoln Red Beef, Lincoln Longwool Lamb, Rare Breed Turkeys and Pork. BBC Radio 4 Farmer of the Year 2009.

52 | GOOD TASTE

Vales (See map on page 40)

WHERE TO STAY Wyndham Garden Grantham Toll Bar Road, Marston, Grantham NG32 2HT 01400 250909 wyndhamgardengrantham.co.uk 109 bedroom hotel recently refurbished and branded with Wyndham Hotel Group, with full leisure facilities, bar and restaurant.

Select Lincolnshire Winner 2010, Highly Commended 2014.

WHERE TO EAT Belton House (The National Trust) Grantham NG32 2LS 01476 566116 nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house Superb 17th century English country house with delightful gardens, parkland, Stables Restaurant, Ride Play Café, gift and garden shops.

Hambleton Hall Hotel and Restaurant Hambleton, Oakham, Rutland LE15 8TH 01572 756991 hambletonhall.com The ultimate in small country house hotels with elegant surroundings and spectacular lakeside views. The Michelin-starred restaurant is rated amongst England’s very best.

WHERE TO BUY Bassingthorpe Beef 01476 585274 bassingthorpebeef@live.co.uk Lincolnshire Angus Beef and Old Spot Pork all available from farmers markets – Lincoln Castle Square, Sleaford, Spalding and Stamford or George Centre in Grantham alternate Fridays.

Grasmere Farm Traditional Butchers  8-10 Market Gate, Market Deeping PE6 8DL 01778 342239 grasmere-farm.co.uk Hand Crafted Traditional Pork products from outdoor bred pigs, reared on our farm. Locally sourced Lincoln Red Beef, lamb and chicken butchered to your requirements.

Hambleton Bakery Ironmonger Street, Stamford PE9 1PL 01572 812995 hambletonbakery.co.uk Winners of Britain’s Best Bakery 2012 and Baker of the Year 2013 – Traditional handmade artisan breads, savouries and cakes.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

Stamford Cupcake Company 01780 489364 07825 153003 stamfordcupcakecompany.co.uk Cupcakes and celebration cakes for all occasions. You can find us at Stamford Town Market each Friday and Saturday.

Caterers & Function Venues Batemans Brewery & Visitors Centre  Salem Bridge Brewery, Wainfleet, Skegness PE24 4JE 01754 882009 bateman.co.uk/visitors+centre Open Wednesday to Sunday to the general public but is now a great venue for parties and weddings including holding a licence for Civil Ceremonies.

Bizzibees - Catering Outside Caterer, Private and Corporate 01754 820369 or 830654 bizzibeescatering.co.uk Intimate dinner parties to country house weddings and marquees, meeting your specific needs. A bespoke service using our own apiaries Lincolnshire honey and products. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Bowser Brothers 07767 252209 bowserbros.com Delicious spit rotary cooked

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

whole hogs, large joints of pork, beef, turkey. Perfect crackling.

Locally sourced. 5 Star Hygiene Rating from January 2010, re-awarded 2012.

speciality burgers and locally reared succulent pork hog roasts for events large and small. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2013 & Highly Commended 2015.

Caistor Arts & Heritage Centre 28 Plough Hill, Caistor LN7 6LZ 01472 851605 centremanager@28ploughhill.co.uk Available for private functions and business meetings. We can also provide celebration cakes and outside catering including hiring out our chef and her team.

The Coach House at Doddington Hall Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RU 01522 812510 doddingtonhall.com Stylish extension of Elizabethan Coach House with private garden.

Fabulous home-cooked menus suitable for weddings, corporate and private parties.

Charbecue Catering Company 01529 304236 charbecuecatering.com Catering for all occasions using locally sourced produce, to create national and international cuisine.

Everything from a Hog Roast to Cajun, Creole and Caribbean foods.

The Granary at Elms Farm Cottages Hubberts Bridge, Boston PE20 3QP 01205 290840 thegranary@elmsfarmcottages. co.uk Enjoy a relaxed country wedding weekend in an early 18th century converted barn, with a vaulted roof, exposed brickwork and original beams. Conference facilities available. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2014.

CGC Event Caterers Ltd 0113 2876387 cgcevents.co.uk Outside catering company, offering a complete bespoke service for events from 75 to 2000 guests, delicious home produced food and menus with a strong Lincolnshire accent.

Classic Catering 01652 660978 07850 438624 info@hogroastlincolnshire.com At Classic Catering we are passionate about cooking locally produced Lincolnshire sausages,

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Grasmere Farm 127 Station Road, Deeping St James PE6 8RQ 01778 342344 grasmere-farm.co.uk We specialise in Hogroasts and Barbecues, from our delicious Grasmere Farm reared pork.

Each event is tailor made to meet your requirements.

Hemswell Court Lancaster Green, Hemswell Cliff, Nr Gainsborough DN21 5TQ 01427 668508 hemswellcourt.com Exclusively yours with 5*AA accommodation, catering for weddings, conferences, proms and dinner parties. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2012 & 2013 and Winner 2014 & 2015.

H.J’s British Food, Thorpe Tilney Farm 01526 378190 greatfood@hotmail.co.uk Home produced beef and locally sourced produce, hot roasts, catering for weddings, special occasions, BBQs and birthday parties. Catering units available for outside events. Enquiries welcome.

Hog and Rooster Heritage House, 12a Cleethorpe Road, Grimsby DN31 3LB 01472 470668 / 07792 871181 hogandrooster.co.uk Hog roast perfected, also locally sourced chicken, lamb and beef.

Specialising in all your events from weddings, music festivals to corporate events.

KB Hogroasts 01529 469191 07967 115518 kbhogroasts.co.uk Succulent spit-roasted; whole pigs, lamb or beef. Ideal for parties, wedding and corporate events.

Great value for 100–2000 people.

With 20 years experience.

All UK covered.

Lincolnshire Showground Grange de Lings, Lincoln LN2 2NA 01522 524240 lincolnshireshowground.co.uk An innovative and flexible events space for business and leisure, set in 200 acres of historic showground.

Michael’s Outside Catering 07879 067057 ninaandmichael@tiscali.co.uk Michael your local butcher based at Coningsby with over 40 years experience. Hog Roasts to BBQs and Buffets, our catering services are tailored to meet your exact requirements.

National Events Caterers 01406 330400 nationaleventscaterers.co.uk An established provider of mobile catering units across Lincolnshire and the UK. Providing local and Fair-trade produce to indoor and outdoor events, managed by friendly and trained teams.

Oaklands Hall Hotel Barton Street, Laceby, Grimsby DN37 7LF 01472 872248 oaklandshallhotel.co.uk We pride ourselves in making sure it is a day to remember. From the moment you arrive, your party will experience the full warmth of our hospitality, so you are free to enjoy your day. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

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This Little Piggy 01673 818481 01652 648362 Private or corporate events, catering from 30 upwards. Mobile hog roast specialists in Lincolnshire using pork and Lincoln Red beef.

The White Hart Hotel 87 Bailgate, Lincoln LN1 3AR 01522 526222 whitehart-lincoln.co.uk Catering for intimate, family affairs and can also host larger functions with live music, banquet dinners and buffets.

The White Heather Caenby Corner, Market Rasen LN8 2AT 01673 878100 whiteheatheronline.com Caterers for various occasions and is a perfect wedding venue.

Purpose built marquee holding 160 guests set in 3 acres of landscaped grounds.

Wyndham Garden Grantham Toll Bar Road, Marston NG32 2HT 01400 250909 wyndhamgardengrantham.co.uk Recently refurbished and branded with Wyndham Hotel Group, the venue is perfect for your wedding, civil ceremony or special occasion.

Select Lincolnshire Winner 2010, Highly Commended 2014.

54 | GOOD TASTE

Wholesalers and Associate Members The Aga Shop Outer Circle Road, Lincoln LN2 4HU 01522 538745 lincoln@aga-web.co.uk Aga ‘the heart of the home’, visit us for demonstrations, cookware, Rayburns and refrigeration.

Food tastes better from an Aga. Batemans Brewery & Visitors Centre  Salem Bridge Brewery, Wainfleet, Skegness PE24 4JE 01754 880317 bateman.co.uk Award winning beers both cask and bottles, supplied for pubs, that can be found in supermarkets and on their websites.

Bizzibees – Golden Bar Apiaries  01754 820369 or 830654 bizzibeescatering.co.uk 100% Pure Lincolnshire Honey direct from our apiary complimented by our range of honey based sauces, salad dressings and seasonal chutneys.

Trade enquiries welcome.

Brewsters Brewing Company 01476 566000 brewsters.co.uk National award winning brewer, producing cask and bottled

beers from locally produced malt.

Supplying hospitality businesses, corporate and private parties.

Duffy’s Chocolate Ltd  07721 926706 duffyschocolate.co.uk Britain’s finest chocolate maker – making award-winning chocolate in Cleethorpes. Cocoa beans are roasted and stone-ground for 50 hours and each bar hand wrapped.

L J Fairburn & Sons Ltd 01507 462264 ljfairburnpoultry.co.uk A British family business since 1951, producing and packing only the best Lincolnshire free range eggs of the highest quality.

Fold Hill Foods Ltd  01205 270500 foldhill.com Fold Hill have been manufacturing dog food for over 20 years.

Growing a large range of the ingredients which go into producing their tasty food.

Heart of Gold Rapeseed Oil  07732 953238 heartofgoldrapeseedoil.co.uk Delicious versatile golden oil – grown and pressed on our farm near Grantham. Low in saturated fat. High in Omega 3, 6 and 9.

Treat your heart.

Mr Huda’s 161 Frodingham Road, Scunthorpe DN15 7NH 01724 335492 mrhudas.co.uk ‘We have done the hard work so you don’t have to’. Ready blended authentic curry pastes. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2008.

Ideal Lincs Ltd Grange Offices, Girsby Grange Farm, Burgh on Bain, Market Rasen LN8 6LA 01507 313855 ideal-lincs.co.uk Specialist wholesaler of Lincolnshire produce serving multiple and independent retailers, food service and restaurants. ‘Regional Produce Hub’ serving ASDA locally. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2010 & 2013, Highly Commended 2007, 2008 & 2009.

Jack Buck (Farms) Ltd 01406 370219 jackbuck.co.uk Growers of a range of vegetables, notably ‘The Ugly One’ brand of celeriac. We supply wholesalers and processors.

Lincolnshire Co-op Food Stores 01522 512211 lincolnshire.coop Our food stores can be found all across the county, well stocked with more than 100 locally sourced products in our Love Local range.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Ownsworth’s Rapeseed Oil  01400 273989 ownsworths.co.uk The highest quality home grown rapeseed oil for all culinary uses including baking, roasting, dressings and marinades. Nothing added, nothing taken away. Fully traceable and GM free. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2014 & 2015.

The Pastry Room 01652 688323 thepastryroom.co.uk Create mouth-watering pastries with the only ‘Made from Scratch’ frozen pastry crumb. Use from frozen, mix and roll for quick and easy Artisan pastry.

Pipers Crisps  01652 686960 piperscrisps.com Hand made crisps produced in Lincolnshire using local potatoes and natural flavours from people who care. Select Lincolnshire People’s Choice Award 2012.

Pocklington’s Bakery Ltd Sunnyholme Bakery, Withern LN13 0LD 01507 450222 pocklingtons-bakery.co.uk Traditional wholesale baker supplying the whole of Lincolnshire with breads, rolls, cakes, pastries, pies and award winning Lincolnshire Plumbread. Also Celebration cake specialists. Select Lincolnshire Winner 2015.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Scrubbys Vegetable Crisps 01472 289255 scrubbys.co.uk Scrubbys are at least 30% lower fat and 18% lower calories than standard fried vegetable crisps, and gluten free. Great Taste Gold Star Winner 2013.

Cookery Schools, Children’s Nurseries and Schools

Stokes Tea and Coffee  01522 523548 stokes-coffee.co.uk Coffee roasters and specialists since 1902. Supplying tea, coffee and equipment to the retail, wholesale and catering trades.

Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Lincolnshire Montessori Top House, Caistor LN7 6RJ 01472 859959 lincolnshiremontessori.co.uk Lincolnshire Montessori offers quality nursery care and primary education from sites in Stallingborough and Caistor.

Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2015.

Strong Vision – Creative Display Solutions 1 Lincoln Road, Leasingham, Sleaford NG34 8JS 01529 304926 strongvision.co.uk A revolutionary multi-purpose display system developed as a more robust alternative to traditional cardboard displays with a limited life within a busy retail environment.

The Manor House Stables The Manor House, Timberland Road, Martin LN4 3QS 01526 378717 manorhousestables.co.uk Cookery, craft & gardening courses, learn to make cheese or chocolate, bath products & perfume. See the news section to read more. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013–2015.

A Wright & Son  Nursery Road, Riverside Industrial Estate, Boston PE21 7TN 01205 368032 qualitylincolnshiremeat.co.uk Suppliers of Lincolnshire Quality Beef, Lamb and Pork.

Lincoln Minster School 01522 551300 lincolnminsterschool.co.uk Quality, local seasonal ingredients used for healthy lunches; school dinners as you’ve never known them! Another good reason to choose Lincoln Minster. Select Lincolnshire Highly Commended 2013, Winner 2014 & 2015.

Red Hen Children’s Day Nursery Manor House Farm, Legbourne, Louth LN11 8LS 01507 603535 redhendaynursery.co.uk Ofsted Outstanding in every area.

Healthy environment on the farm.

Delicious home cooked meals using local produce. Excellent childcare and nursery education. Select Lincolnshire Mr George Award 2009, Select Lincolnshire Winner 2013, Highly Commended 2014.

Keep up to date with news, events and offers from Select Lincolnshire: Follow: @LoveFoodLincs Like: LoveFoodSelectLincolnshire GoodTasteMagazine Visit: selectlincolnshire.com

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56 | GOOD TASTE

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Spring/Summer 2015 Sourcing Your Produce Foster Butchers & Bakers 42 Hambleton Bakery 52 Just Elleven 47 Modens Lincolnshire Plumbread 48 Myers Bakery 46 The Pastry Room 55 Pocklington’s Bakery 48/55 Sibsey Trade Windmill 50 Stamford Cupcake Co 52 Starbuck Bakers 48 Welbournes Bakery 45

FARMSHOPS & RETAILERS Abbey Parks Farmshop Bebe’s Deli The Chestnuts Doddington Farmshop Field Farm Free Rangers Ivy’s Farmshop Manor Farm Shop Minting Park Farm Meats Pink Pig Farmshop Redhill Farm Free Range Pork Spalding Farmshop Uncle Henry’s Farmshop Wimberley Hall Farm Shop

45 43 50 41/42 47 51 51 48 43/44 44 50/51 43/44 52

BAKERS & FLOUR Angels Desserts Cogglesford Mill Fenbake Five Sailed Windmill

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

42 45 51 46

MEAT & FISH Alfred Enderby Bassingthorpe Beef Chapman’s Seafoods Elite Meats Fen Farm Venison Foster Butchers & Bakers George Adams Grasmere Butchers Handson’s Butchers Hirst Butchers Jim’s Fresh Grimsby Fish Lakings of Louth Lancaster Butchers Meridian Meats Minting Park Farm Meats Mountain’s Boston Sausage Odling Brothers

49 52 49 42 45 42 51 52 45 45 49 47 47 48 48 51 45

Oslinc Redhill Farm Free Range Pork Simons of Spilsby Smiths Smokery Woodlands Farm A Wright & Son

48 44 48 49 52 55

PRESERVES, OILS, HONEY & CONFECTIONERY A Little Luxury Bizzibees – Golden Bar Apiaries Chocolate Drop Croft Apiaries Duffy’s Chocolate Fred & Bex Flavoured Vinegars Heart of Gold Rapeseed Oil Jenny’s Jams of Lincoln Mr Huda’s Spices Ownsworth’s Rapeseed Oil Pipers Crisps Saints & Sinners Scrubby’s Vegetable Crisps Spire Chocolates

45 54 47 43 54 51 54 42 54 55 55 51 55 48

42/55 48

Stokes Tea & Coffee Tom Wood Beers

FRUIT & VEGETABLES 51 54 51 52 49 52

Bomber County Produce Jack Buck Strawberry Fields Vine House Farm Willows Farm Fruit PYO Woodlands Farm

CHEESE, ICE CREAM, EGGS & DAIRY Blyton Dairy Icecream Cote Hill Cheese Dennett Icecream Fairburn Free Range Eggs Farmer Brown’s Ice Cream Goatwood Dairy Lincolnshire Poacher Cheese Lymn Bank Cheese Primrose Free Range Eggs Willingham Fayre Icecream

DRINKS

PET & BIRD FOOD

Batemans Brewery 48/49/54 Brewsters Brewing 54 Fabulously Fruity Wine 49 Lincoln Tea & Coffee 42 Marron Wine, Cider & Liquers 44

Fold Hill Foods Vine House Farm

42 47 41/47 54 49 47 47 49 48 47

55 52

 Mail Order Available

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events things to do places to stay where to eat visitlincolnshire.com 58 | GOOD TASTE

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Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition 27 June – 27 September

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Would you like us to send this magazine to a friend?

Over 150 Lincolnshire connected treasures, from private and national collections, the earliest from the 1090s, the latest the 1990s.

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Go on the database to receive future editions?

Not to be missed!

Usher Gallery, The Collection and the Cathedral’s Wren Library For more information go to: historiclincolntrust.org.uk

Many of you ask us to send our brochures to friends or to former Lincolnshire residents who like to be kept posted on events ‘back home’. We’re always happy to do this, so just fill in their name and address and we will do the rest!

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Email Post to: Lincolnshire County Council, Communities, Freepost RRZK-BRXK-URAX, Communities, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1YQ

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Read about the exciting plans for the complete redevelopment of Lincoln Castle, improvements at Lincoln Cathedral and upcoming events in the area.

If you would like to receive a free copy of the newsletter four times a year, please fill in your name and address below or send your details to mary.powell@lincolnshire.gov.uk

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Post to: Tourism & Visitor Economy, Lincolnshire County Council, 13 The Avenue, Lincoln, LN1 1PA

Post to: Lincolnshire County Council, Communities, Freepost RRZK-BRXK-URAX, Communities, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1YQ

60 | GOOD TASTE

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Exhibit A Mary Powell chooses her favourites

B

ehind the scenes a most sumptuous collection of treasures has painstakingly been assembled and if there wasn’t enough going on for Lincolnshire in 2015 to celebrate Magna Carta’s 800th and Lincoln Castle’s completion, this really is the juiciest cherry

on the cake. Called Lincolnshire’s Great Exhibition (27 June-27 September) in a nod to the original Great Exhibition in 1851 when some feared that the mass of visitors might become a revolutionary mob - so here’s hoping that’s where the comparisons end!

In our version, some 150 treasures, all with Lincolnshire connections will be brought together. They may still be residing in the county but often unseen; some are in national collections, their Lincolnshire origins often forgotten or they may be connected

There will be four Turners in all, the two from Lincolnshire are watercolours and because they are sensitive to light they are very rarely on display so a chance not to be missed

with those Lincolnshire Adventurers who left their rural home and changed the world. Our earliest item dates from the 1090s and our

experienced in putting on exhibitions is working her way through

latest to the 1990s.

the mountain of paperwork that is required. We can’t reveal every

Two years ago we started with a long list of “wouldn’t it be nice

item as yet, but I thought I’d share some of my favourites that are

to haves”, some so rare or valuable we thought our chances of

coming from within the county.

borrowing slim. But that didn’t take into account the formidable

There will be four Turners in all, the two from Lincolnshire are

team who were doing the asking: Lord Cormack, who originally

watercolours and because they are sensitive to light they are very

conceived the idea, honorary curators Alan Borg (ex Director of

rarely on display so a chance not to be missed. The painter George

the V&A) and Jeff James (Director of the National Archives). To

Stubbs was born in Liverpool, but his time in Lincolnshire, both

put it bluntly they knew where all the ‘good stuff ’ was and they

before and after he became famous, was central to his development

weren’t afraid to ask for it! Seriously, all our lenders have been

as an artist. Stubbs took the unfashionable view for the time, that

incredibly obliging and we are very grateful to them, for we are

the observation of nature was a better way forward for artists than

the lucky recipients to be able to see all these treasures gathered

the study of antiquities. He made the drawings for his famous

together, something that is unlikely to ever happen again. Just to

publication, The Anatomy of the Horse while living at Horkstow in

illustrate this, house manager Ray Biggs from Grimsthorpe Castle

North Lincolnshire. We will devote a room to his work, horses of

told me that he was amazed when he saw the list of items that they

course, but also the favourite spaniels, hunting dogs and foxhounds

were loaning, artworks that have literally never left their home at

of the local gentry. My particular favourite is ‘An old Shetland

Grimsthorpe before.

pony communing with Driver, a foxhound, with the east front of

Every item has its own environmental, security and transport

Brocklesby Hall in the background’ painted in 1777; I love their

arrangements, my colleague Andrea Martin who is hugely

nose to nose companionship. “We may perhaps agree with his own

62 | GOOD TASTE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

opinion that nature always surpasses art” says Alan Borg “but in terms of painting horses and dogs, Stubbs has no equal”.

Painted by a relative unknown amateur artist William Brown, I think the Louth Panorama is going to be a surprise hit of the show. It was painted from the spire of St James’s church in the mid 19th century and in this year of anniversaries important to note that this spire, always a wonderful reveal moment as you cross the Lincolnshire Wolds is celebrating its own 500th anniversary. It is

Title page: William Brown: Detail from the Louth Panorama.

Courtesy of Louth Town Council Left to right: King’s gauntlet. Private collection; Joseph Wright of Derby: The Letter Writer. Courtesy of Scawby Hall; Detail from Diptych showing Elizabeth Throckmorton and five of her children. Courtesy of Doddington Hall; George Stubbs: An old Shetland Pony communing with Driver, a foxhound. Courtesy of Brocklesby Hall

full of intriguing detail: schoolboys playing in the playground of Louth Grammar School, the unchanged street pattern, the ships in full sail on the coast. I worked in Louth for a year in a far distant 1977 and on close perusal found the office I worked in, looking much as it does now. Painted in oil on wood, by an unknown artist in about 1550, I find the Doddington Hall Diptych also very appealing. On one panel is Robert Throckmorton, but infinitely more charming is the facing panel of his wife Elizabeth with five of their children. The children are both of their time, but as their

little faces peep from around their mother somehow almost modern too – delightful.

We have some oddities too and I think the King’s Champion gauntlet, saddle and shield perhaps come into this category.

The Dymoke family had the right to attend the coronation as the sovereign’s champion, ready to defend the royal title against all challengers. The last occasion when this duty had to be performed was for the coronation of George IV, the Dymoke of the day had to hire a horse and the only one to be found was from a circus, the horse, perhaps somewhat over trained, decided to enter Westminster Hall backwards!

I’m glad to say that Sir Francis Fane (see page 28) will be joining us too and a final favourite to tease you with, is The Letter Writer by Joseph Wright of Derby, 1760-2. He was famous for his paintings of candle-lit scenes, but surely there is a fascinating story waiting to be told about the two characters pictured? Most items in the Exhibition will be at The Collection and the Usher Gallery, with some of the manuscripts at the Cathedral’s Wren Library and the 1225 Magna Carta from the National Archive rubbing shoulders with Lincoln’s 1215 in the new Magna Carta Vault at Lincoln Castle. The Collection and Usher Gallery are free, but groups might want to book onto special ticketed evening openings for an exclusive look at these treasures (for bookings go to historiclincolntrust.org) and now that it is at last off to the printers, with some relief I can safely recommend to you the luscious book that will accompany the Exhibition.

AUTUMN/WINTER 2014 SPRING/SUMMER 2015

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What’s brewing at the Castle?

Lydia Rusling discovers why beer should be on the menu, especially a new Batemans special brew

F

or my dad’s birthday I bought

selection of beers to taste from across the

year London had its first ever Beer Week,

him an evening of beer

country, as well as a good local collection

showcasing over 100 speciality beers. An

tasting; he went along to the

of course! We are very fortunate in

increase in smaller craft breweries has led

Old Palace Hotel set beneath

Lincolnshire to have a variety of different

to an assortment of flavours and the desire

the imposing Lincoln

beers from a range of breweries.

to mix and match with food. Normally the

Cathedral, with my husband, an equally

The growing interest in real ale is not

mainstay of wine lovers, beer tastings and

enthusiastic beer aficionado. The evening,

limited to our own county, the resurgence

pairings with food is gaining momentum.

courtesy of Steep Hill Wines in Lincoln

is seen in our capital with a considerable

There’s also a growing trend in the

was a sell-out event and included a wide

rise in micro-breweries and earlier this

tourism industry for real ale tours. In February this year Off Licence News

‘People are taking a deep interest in the ingredients, provenance and flavour profiles of beers in a movement akin to the wine category in the 1990s and 2000s’ stated that 2015 could see a return to the traditional beers of yesteryear: ‘Beer has become something of a discerning drink and is being seen as a viable and credible pairing for food. People are taking a deep interest in the ingredients, provenance and flavour profiles of beers in a movement akin to the wine category in the 1990s and 2000s.’

Leading this resurgence is our own special 2015 brew for Lincoln Castle courtesy of the county’s premier brewery Batemans, ‘a dark, rich, fulsome and velvety beer that will be traditionally brewed,’ as Mary described in the last issue 64 | GOOD TASTE

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Martin what food he would pair this new Batemans special brew with and he quickly responds, ‘Robin Hood would have drunk this with a meal of venison. Ideally our new beer would complement red meat due to its rich flavour.’

These strong rich flavours are certainly befitting of an equally robust name. Drum roll please...

Law of the Land is the name chosen to aptly match this new Batemans beer. Sales Manager for Batemans, Nathan Wride

The combination of ale, crystal and chocolate malts has been combined with a traditional English hop to add a spicy, peppery character which balances the sweetness of the roasted malt explains, ‘the name was very important to us. Law of the Land is in tune with what Magna Carta set out to achieve. As we are in the 800th anniversary year of Magna Carta we chose a name that resonated with democracy.’

‘As Magna Carta was adopted by the U.S. as its bedrock of democracy and is still revered there today it is especially befitting that the U.S. Military are taking a considerable consignment of this new beer. From RAF Lakenheath, British home Lincoln Castle shop manager Amanda Andrews with Law of the Land

to the U.S. Air Force; the pallets of Law of the Land will be air freighted on military aircraft to Germany to be distributed to US air bases worldwide and as far afield as Okinawa, Japan.

of Good Taste. She had the very enviable

- it’s the UK’s national drink and a good

Although we usually like to keep it local

task of experiencing the brewing process

choice of different beers should be widely

in Good Taste, it’s great to know that this

and meeting Batemans Head Brewer

available in restaurants. Celebrate our beer

Bateman’s beer will present our many

Martin Cullimore.

and forget the wine!’

American connections to the world, just

‘Beer should be the natural

Martin has developed a classic

as the legacy of Lincoln’s Magna Carta

accompaniment to meals,’ states Martin.

medieval type of beer using Flagon,

has today.

He explains that wine is simplistic, beer

a variety of barley that creates strong

Law of the Land will also be available

is more complex. There’s a huge range of

malt. The combination of ale, crystal

closer to home too, throughout

flavours from different malts and a choice

and chocolate malts has been combined

Lincolnshire Co-operatives and judiciously

of over 120 varieties of hops that give beer

with a traditional English hop to add a

in the new shop at Lincoln Castle. I trust

its different characteristics.’

spicy, peppery character which balances

I’ve whetted your appetite sufficiently to go

‘We must have more promotion for beer

the sweetness of the roasted malt. I ask

and buy some of this delicious beer!

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

GOOD TASTE

| 65

RACHEL GREEN

Batemans ale bread

“Brought out a dusky loaf that smelt of home” Audley Court by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

TIP: You can add 200g of cheddar cheese to this mixture and a tsp of English mustard powder.

66 | GOOD TASTE

MAKES 1 LOAF • 2 tsp caster sugar • 10g easy bake yeast • 250ml Batemans ale, warmed to tepid • 100ml warm water • 300g strong white flour • 200g wholemeal flour • 2 tsp salt • 75g butter BEER TOPPING: • 150ml ale • 100g white flour • Handful of oats, to sprinkle In a bowl dissolve the sugar and yeast in the brown ale, then add the water and set aside for 5-6 minutes.

Mix the white and wholemeal flours and the salt and rub in the butter. Add the yeast and beer mixture to the flour and mix well with your hands until the mixture forms a soft dough and the sides of the bowl are clean.

Tip the dough onto a clean, floured work surface and knead for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough becomes a bit dry add a little warm water.

Place the dough in a clean lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth and leave to rise until doubled in size. For the topping, mix the ale with the flour and add a pinch of sugar to form a thick batter.

Tip the dough onto a floured work surface; knead for a further 2 minutes and shape into a ball.

Place the loaf onto a baking tray lined with parchment. Spread the topping over the loaf with a flat bladed knife, cut a cross in the top and sprinkle with the oats. Leave to prove until double in size and preheat the oven to 200°C/Gas 6.

Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is a golden brown colour and the base of the loaf sounds hollow when you tap it.

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

SPRING/SUMMER 2015