Latest news with #DaylesfordOrganic
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'favourite' tiny village where footballers, movie stars and royals choose to live
The tiny village is home to a number of A-list celebrities and royals - and has become a foodie paradise in recent years. Kingham, a charming village nestled in the heart of Chipping Norton within the Cotswold Hills, has been hailed as the nation's 'favourite' by locals. This idyllic corner of the Great British countryside is a magnet for both A-listers and tourists, drawn to its picturesque cottages and lush greenery. According to popular lifestyle blog Muddy Stilettos, "This is a Cotswolds village that ticks all the boxes – pubs, shop, good schools, and that rarest of things – a train station on the line to London. Oh, and the odd resident A-lister". Catering to fewer than 1000 people, the local amenities include a shop and church, but it's the nearby Daylesford Organic farm shop that truly draws the crowds. This iconic establishment, often referred to as the country's poshest farm shop, is said to be a favourite of Princess Eugenie - and Eddie Redmayne has also been spotted shopping. But it's not just royals who are enticed by the delectable offerings at the farm shop. Kingham has transformed into a foodie paradise in recent years, boasting a range of eateries such as Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit, both renowned for their tantalising dishes. Blur bassist Alex James calls the town home, having moved to his 200-acre farm in 2003. His produce has received widespread praise, with many of his artisan cheeses now stocked in supermarkets nationwide, reports the Express. The former musician also throws a festival every year called Big Feastival, which "brings together music from the UK's biggest artists, Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning street food and an exciting array of family activities". This August revellers will be able to see Nelly Furtado, The Rizzle Kicks and the Wombats hit the stage. Daylesford is also thought to have sparked former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson's venture into farming, with the Diddly Squat Farm, and even catered for ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson during the Covid-19 lockdown. Neighbours to the village, Victoria and David Beckham, pitched up in December 2016. A reputed £.5.5m transformed the grounds into an enchanted garden complete with a pool, an at-home spa, a luxury treehouse and—of course—a football pitch. Ellie Goulding and ex husband Casper Jopling previously lived in the area, having moved to the lush countryside back in 2021. The pair refurbished a lavish £1.3million manor house and restored its historic barn to its original condition before their recent split. The village is steeped in history, with many homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These historic dwellings have been lovingly preserved while also incorporating modern comforts, according to The Sun.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Telegraph
Harassing J D Vance on holiday in the Cotswolds is distinctly un-British
The Cotswolds are up in arms. This is not for the usual reasons to do with new housing developments or solar farms, but simply because J D Vance may be spending his summer holiday there. Rather than being flattered that the US Vice-President should have chosen these isles as the place to spend some of his rare leisure time, or reflecting that good relations with the US are quite important at a time of tariffs, some people are threatening to protest. It will be the biggest thing to have stirred this famously idyllic and generally well-heeled part of England since the Countryside March of 2002. Wait, though: put down the pitchforks. Whatever you think of him, give the man a break. Holidays, especially family ones, should be sacrosanct. Besides, be grateful to Americans – they invented the Cotswolds, now one of the few English regions to be its own internationally recognised brand, in the first place. It should be no surprise, because for the last couple of years the Cotswolds have been promoted in the better sort of American media as the equivalent of the Hamptons. Like the Hamptons, everyone knows what they stand for: luxury rural, with the sort of restaurants – and the sort of prices – you would find in Mayfair. Lord and Lady Bamford's Daylesford Organic started it, selling stratospherically expensive vegetables along with soul-restorative spa treatments and bijou gardening attire. The barn-like spaces are always full. But two hundred years ago, the Cotswolds didn't seem too special to William Cobbett, who called them 'an ugly country' – shallow-soiled, treeless, unpleasingly bumpy. Bad to farm, they were only one grade up from the detested heaths of Surrey. Times have changed since then. We've an eye for the dry-stone walls made, as Cobbett contemptuously put it, of 'brash' – and we know that some of them date from the Neolithic period. If only Cobbett had been taken by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to see coralroot bitter-cress and the bird's-nest orchid in the ancient beechwoods of the Painswick Valley. Smell the wild garlic! Rather than presenting a bald and empty landscape, the round-shouldered, bosomy Cotswolds now seem to embrace visitors – J D Vance and family included – in a maternal warmth. It took artists and writers, often American, to see the beauty. A group of them, including the painter John Singer Sargent and the novelist Henry James, formed a summer colony at Broadway in the 1880s. I have a fondness for Edwin Abbey who had a studio at Fairford, where he painted huge murals for the Boston Public Library on historical themes – the models were posed in costumes sewn by his wife. Unfortunately he went mad. With its old-fashioned villages, their honey-coloured streets dignified by Classical doorcases, their churches still redolent of the wealth of the medieval wool trade, the late Victorian Cotswolds were far from London, not much industrialised and cheap. Farmers might still be seen ploughing with oxen, as they had since the Norman period. To William Morris, it seemed perfection; he called Arlington Row in Bibury 'the most beautiful village in England'. This was followed by a stampede of creatives from the Arts and Crafts Movement, such as the charismatic C R Ashbee, who led a band of East End metalworkers to Chipping Campden in 1902, and Ernest Gimson and the Barnsley brothers who lived at Sapperton. These arty types not only shaped how the Cotswolds look today but also vigorously protected the places that they loved. If Chipping Campden is idyllic, thank the etcher F L Griggs. Visitors who loved the Cotswold landscape have done much to preserve it. Vance is not perhaps a preservationist but readers of his book Hillbilly Elegy will know that Nature is profoundly important to him. Son of a dysfunctional family in Ohio, he was grounded by visits to his grandparents' shack in rural Kentucky. Things could get violent but he loved the stability and roamed the Creek. I would rather meet Vance in a Cotswolds pub than Jeremy Clarkson.
Telegraph
16-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Find cooking a chore? This is how to break out of your food rut
'Just do a list and I'll go shopping,' my husband says, breezily, as I open the fridge door and sigh. Writing the Saturday morning list has become like Groundhog Day. The mental effort involved in trying to meal plan for the week ahead and cater for my three children, including two fussy eaters, has become a chore and a bore. It wasn't always like this. There was a time when I used to love splurging in the local farm shop or, if I was feeling really flush, Daylesford Organic. When we lived in London, I would join the queue at the local butchers or fishmongers and plan a meal around whatever was fresh or in season. I would love nothing more than inviting a few friends round for dinner and getting out my Nigel Slater, Nigella Lawson or Rose Prince cookbook. I'd whizz up Nigella's Coq au Riesling or Rose's Smoky Aubergines, followed by Nigel's Lemon Posset. What went wrong, I wonder. I think it's partly midlife malaise when any enthusiasm I once had has been eclipsed by routine resentment and the daily drudge. And also the fact that life seems to be busier than ever. There are work deadlines, dogs to walk, my eldest's GSCEs, ageing parents, bills – the list seems to grow each year. We got into the habit of my husband, Dom, doing the weekly shop over lockdown and we have more or less stuck with it, but it falls on me to write the list and think about what we are going to eat each week. My husband inevitably forgets a couple of things so I always do a top-up shop (and end up spending twice as much because while he favours Aldi, I'm a sucker for Waitrose). So I decided to take some action and rope in a couple of foodie experts to see where I'm going wrong. Philippa Davis, a private chef who used to work at my favourite restaurant, The River Cafe in London, and now also writes recipes for BBC Food, tells me that I need to think first about preparation and planning and how my kitchen is set up. 'Is your kitchen a nice place to be, and is it well organised?' she asks. I think about the spices cupboard with a jar of coriander leaf from circa 2008 falling out every time I open it and the fact the kitchen is a thoroughfare to the garden and our office. 'It's worth spending a morning or an hour or so sorting out your cupboards and making sure it's easy to find everything, even if that's just putting a rubber band around the pack of lentils so they don't spill out,' Davis tells me. She says I need to think about the emotional experience behind cooking and meal planning. 'Think about how you are approaching and organising the menu plans, shop and the prepping time,' she advises. 'Are you just trying to rush through that moment or is there room to enjoy it?' Step one: Keep a food diary I start by keeping a diary for a week which shows just how bleak and boring things have become. Spag bol on Monday and Tuesday, veg curry on Wednesday and Thursday, fish and chips on Friday. Toasties for lunch on Saturday, chicken fajitas on Saturday evening and roast pork with cauliflower cheese and all the trimmings for Sunday lunch. It's pretty much the same every week with slight variations – chicken curry, chilli con carne or perhaps steak and chips. Step two: Break out of your boring food shop rut and introduce some new dishes Davis, who presented the Amazon Prime series A Taste of Dorset about the county's best food producers, tells me that I can make a number of simple swaps to make our midweek suppers more fun and interesting. She recommends introducing more one-pot dishes as they can be simple and help save time on washing up afterwards. 'I love tray bakes as they can be assembled at any point in the day then popped in the oven when needed. You can also make lots of variations, depending on what vegetables, herbs or protein you add.' Davis recommends chicken thighs with onions, peppers, oregano and a splash of chicken stock/cider or white wine. Or swapping to seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, courgettes, aubergines, cherry tomatoes and adding some herbs in. 'Butter beans, chickpeas and potatoes are also great together,' she says. Kelly Peak used to teach at the Cookery School at Little Portland Street and now runs Peak & The Pantry, which provides recipe kits and ideas. She says I need to stock up on some new key store cupboard ingredients, such as chipotle, curry powder and good quality stock cubes, to have on hand to add some flavour and fun. If you have fussy eaters or have become reliant on shop-bought dishes, then consider making your own version. 'Make fish fingers and get the kids to 'paint' mayonnaise onto the fish so it acts as a sort of glue for the breadcrumbs,' says Peak. I know my 10-year-old daughter would love that. Davis also recommends I aim to shop seasonally and buy some visually appealing fruit and vegetables. 'Seeing a bowl of aubergines and courgettes or even asparagus or purple sprouting broccoli, which are all currently coming into season, with their beautiful rich colours and textures can really help spark some joy,' she says. Step three: Add some zing to your existing hero dishes Peak tells me that introducing some new ingredients or swapping others can help add variety. 'If you're making a chilli con carne, swap out mince for some slow roast beef shins or black beans and sweet potato with chipotle. You can also slow cook it for five to six hours with Mexican chillies and pink onions to really add some depth of flavour,' she says. Davis suggests introducing different sides to go with it. 'Bowls of sour cream, grated cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tortilla chips and some pea guacamole (made from cooked frozen peas, lime juice, green chilli, spring onion, olive oil and fresh coriander) can really add some zing,' she says. Adding some nduja sausage to your spag bol can also help add some unctuous, rich flavour. Davis also recommends changing the pasta. 'Swap spaghetti for gnocchi (shop-bought is fine) or a new fun-shaped pasta. I am a big fan of Conchiglione, which are shaped like large shells.' Alongside swapping out the usual chicken or veg curry for something different such as pork or fish and the boring old rice for naan or chapatis, Davis also recommends introducing different sauces and sides to go with it. 'If you already have the spices out, it's a great time to try something new. This could be dal-spiced pulses like lentils or chickpeas – or a vegetable side dish. Or if that sounds like too much, why not make a quick additional sauce, dip or chutney for variation.' She recommends yogurt sauces with freshly grated ginger, chopped mint and a squeeze of lemon stirred in or a spicy green chutney. 'You can also blend coriander, chilli, garlic, ginger and lemon juice and stir through some finely sliced apple, pears or mango. It might not be that authentic but the flavours work brilliantly together,' she says. My new weekly food menu Swap veg curry for kedgeree Kedgeree has made a comeback, and swapping out boring old veg for some smoked haddock and frozen peas gives a nutritious, easy alternative. Serve with a carrot and coriander salad. Swap chicken fajitas for chicken shawarma Swap out chicken fajitas (which used to be a crowd pleaser in this house, but everyone is now bored of) for an easy shawarma. I love Nadiya Hussain's healthy recipe where you mix all the spices together and marinade over chicken thighs. So quick and easy served with flat breads, yogurt and rainbow slaw. Swap your Sunday roast with all the trimmings for one with Mediterranean salad and salsa verde 'As we creep into warmer weather, putting together a whole roast dinner with all the trimmings can seem an overwhelming task. Once you have your star dish, such as roast chicken or roast pork, why not swap some of the sides for lighter options?' Davis says. Swap your roast potatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired salad to make it a healthier option. 'My favourite includes tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, olive and feta with lemon and extra virgin olive oil. Serve it alongside a potato salad to make the most of the summer produce.' Top tip: introducing a new sauce, such as salsa verde, can also take things up a notch. 'I make mine by mixing finely chopped parsley, capers, garlic and anchovies together with lemon juice, sherry vinegar and extra virgin olive oil,' says Davis. Swap lunch toasties for frittatas 'For a quick lunch, why not make a frittata – a baked omelette – and top it with your favourite cheese and ham along with a few cherry tomatoes, spring onions, herbs and rocket,' Davis says. Top tip: add some gut-friendly kimchi. 'Kimchi is so tangy, crunchy and colourful, it's a must for me,' says Davis. With the help of Davis and Peak, I've created a new family food menu in addition to my zhuzhed up chilli. With their advice and suggestions, I'm feeling much more enthusiastic about cooking again. I might even visit the local fishmonger and get some fresh smoked haddock. When my husband asks me the following week if I've done the shopping list, I already have it to hand. 'Here you go, darling,' I say, with a smile. I've already lined up all the spices for tonight's chicken shawarma. Just call me Nigella. Swap steak and chips for steak with parmesan roast or Greek-style potatoes Sticking with the seasonal veg theme, Davis suggests getting some lovely Jersey Royals rather than boring old chips. 'From April to June, Jersey Royals are in season and glorious when served with nothing more than salted butter and mint, or you could try making parmesan roast potatoes (very trendy on social media right now) or Greek style potatoes, which are roasted with garlic and lemon,' she says.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Carole Bamford Shares Her Guide To Tablescaping And Easter Feasting
Spring Garden Tabletop collection by Daylesford Organic Daylesford Organic Founded by Carole Bamford, Daylesford Organic has long been synonymous with stylish family feasting, and in that spirit, the brand has introduced an elegant new homeware collection, welcome the Spring Garden Tabletop. Spring Garden Tabletop collection by Daylesford Organic Daylesford Organic Designed to bring some chi-chi to a seasonal tablescape, the collection features plates dusted with pollen-like dots and linens embroidered with bees and blooming tulips, each piece channelling the natural beauty of Daylesford's Market Garden. Carole Bamford Martin Morrell To celebrate the launch, and just in time for Easter weekend, Carole has shared her guide to tablescaping and Easter feasting. Spring Garden Tabletop collection by Daylesford Organic Daylesford Organic Spring Garden Tabletop collection by Daylesford Organic Daylesford Organic Spring Garden Tabletop collection by Daylesford Organic Daylesford Organic Heavy Cotton Poplin Midi Shirt Dress by Jil Sander: An easy, elegant cotton dress for spring, this one by Jil Sander is midi in length with sweet buttons down the front, and detailing around the waist. Bamford Meadow Cashmere Wrap by Bamford: Crafted from cashmere, this wrap features oatmeal-toned stripes that pair with a contrast yellow selvedge for a subtle touch of colour, and finished with fringes. Unisex Essential Logo Knit Cardigan Beige by DUNST: A classic cardigan from Korean brand, DUSNT you'll want to wear it all summer, and the style comes in other classic shades of navy, grey, and a bright blue. Dress by Jil Sander, Double Pearl Mini Hoops by Rosa de la Cruz & Wrap by Bamford LUISA VIA ROMA / ROSA DE LA CRUZ / BAMFORD Double Pearl Mini Hoops by Rosa de la Cruz: Gold hoops adorned with clusters of little pearls, these beauties from London-based brand, Rosa de la Cruz, offer a touch of the classic and the contemporary to an outfit. Maysale Beige Suede Kitten Heel Mules by Manolo Blahnik: The Maysale style from Manolo Blahnik is timeless, especially in the soft beige hue with its kitten heels. Indiana Loafer by Paris Texas: For all those running about in the garden, and need a flat, check out the suede loafer style from Italian brand, Paris Texas. The style is available in a host of classic colors as well as leopard print. Lemons and Butterflies Tote by Olympia Le‑Tan®: This French brand doesn't just offer book-inspired clutches, it has a small range of tote bags too, and this one is spring summer-inspired with lemons and butterflies, and comes in a range of sizes. It also screams Amalfi coast, perfect for jaunts to Palazzo Avino this summer.
