On Sunday we had the pleasure of going to the first ever Four Shires Festival at the beautiful Whitbourne Hall, Worcestershire. Situated in the house and grounds of this wonderful country home the festival featured a wealth of food, drink, arts and crafts from local providers in Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
We reached Whitbourne at lunch time and enjoyed a delicious pork roll with stuffing, apple sauce and gravy before settling on the lawn for a cold beer and soaking up the sun (and the views).
There was a nice selection of stalls at the event and plenty to persuade you to open your purse. We got a couple of bottles of cider from Pips Cider, some beautiful Spanish-style sausages from Harvey’s Meats Limited and chocolate and walnut brownies from Drake’s (Cakes, Edible gifts, Kitchenalia). Unfortunately I can’t find a website for Drake’s, which is a shame – the brownies never made it home because they were so delicious they demanded to be eaten on the spot.
We also managed to find what could possibly be the best pickled onions ever! They are made by Whites at the Rose and Crown in Tenbury Wells. I think we’ll have to pay them a visit soon as the jar is nearly empty because James has been eating them like they’re sweets…
I also want to mention The Cottage Herbery, whose stall was delightful. They displayed a lovely variety of unusual edible plants, with clear signage and explanation of their uses. I particularly liked the cooks herb pot which contained herbs you regularly use in cooking in a pot suitable for putting by your back door, all labelled clearly with little wooden forks. This would make a great ’starter kit’ for anyone interested in using fresh herbs in their cooking.
All-in-all a successful foodie haul and a great afternoon out.
