Definitely a Janus-like feel to the farm this week. We are facing both ways – north and south – frost and warmth – winter and summer…
The immediate experience is of another night of hard frost as we prepare rib-tickling, warming dishes of Hogget, Pork, Coco Beans, and Cuttlefish to counter the cold. On the other hand, we are hosting an exhibition by regular customer Cassandra Wall of her newest collages themed on Mediterranean summer landscapes and titled “The warm South”!
So to the food first – from our friend and local farmer William Spray we have some fantastic Hogget – meat from sheep between 1 and 2 years old. Will’s Hogget, which is a great balance between the tenderness of Lamb and the fuller flavour of Mutton, is from the iconic local sheep – the Cotswold “Lion”. Believed by some to predate the arrival of the Romans, this ancient breed is now listed as “at risk” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Named for its long curly hair and dramatic mane, these “lions” are also known to produce tender, delicious meat. 100% pasture-fed, the meat has been hanging for 10 days and is just about perfect this weekend. So Chops marinated in rosemary, garlic and paprika on tomorrow’s menu and a 12hr Roast Shoulder for Sunday.
Then, onto the walls of the old cafe and the shop where we are hosting an exhibition of new works by Cassandra who has produced some richly coloured, vibrant collages evoking Greek and French summer landscapes. Named for the line from Keats’ Ode to a Nightingale: Oh for a beaker full of the warm South, this small exhibition is a timely reminder of the turn of the seasons and the promise that summer will return. The opening will be on Sunday between 12 and 2 when Cassandra herself will be at the farm to talk about the works and we will be helping her celebrate by offering a free glass of Mulled Wine or Mulled Apple Juice to all visitors. Do come and say hello to Cassandra and perhaps stay for a bite to eat!
Finally, do remember that we have a Christmas Menu available for pre-oder for the whole table between now and the 24th Dec. Also, there are still a couple of tickets left for the next Worton Night – Gastrophysics by Professor Charles Spence on the evening of Saturday 9th December – click here to buy a ticket
The whole team .look forward to welcoming you this weekend.
