Andy Fussel of Fussells Fine Foods has picked four must visit places within 20 minutes of the farm in Rode, Somerset.
Abbots Hill Cookery School
Abbots Hill Cookery School is situated in an idyllic rural spot just south of Yeovil and is owned and run by the wonderful Lesley Waters that everyone knows from that great BBC series, Ready, Steady, Cook! When you want to learn something new and special, or brush up on your own skillset it can only help when your ‘teacher’ is not only an expert, but has passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and a gift for communication. That is exactly what Lesley gives every single one of her cookery school guests. The facilities are superb and there are no airs and graces, so even the most nervous of novices can relax and get stuck in. If she can make me, (a simple farmer usually restricted to making doorstop sandwiches) turn out an amazing dish, then anyone can do it!
Thoughtful Bread
Bath is a beautiful city not far from me, and tucked away down a side street near the famous Bath Theatre Royal is the wonderful and charismatic artisan bread shop, The Thoughtful Bread Company. Owned and run by the Master Baker and writer, Duncan Glendinning, their bread is already something of local legend, as indeed is Duncan himself. His range of bread includes much more than the run of the mill, I have personally enjoyed his beetroot, potato and rosemary, sourdough, rye and flatbreads, and I am particularly fond of the bacon sandwiches they serve in the shop. Duncan also runs bakery courses for the budding bread maker and can accommodate up to nine potential ‘wannabe’ bakers at one time.
The Mill at Rode
The Mill at Rode is a real gem, not only is the setting fantastic, located as it is on the river Frome, the last standing mill building in the area, the food is also terrific.Mark and Hannah have a tightknit team and whether they are feeding a weary traveller or a large wedding party, they ensure that you get great food and helpful, friendly service. Local suppliers are always encouraged and the food ranges from wholesome to adventurous and is always fresh and served with style, so there is something to please everyone.
Whiterow Farm Shop
When Steve and Heather Tucker started their farm shop it was a very modest affair, but word of what they had to offer soon spread. From day one they were committed to delivering quality local food in a no-nonsense way and it was only a matter of months before they began to expand. Now Whiterow Farm Shop offers everything you need in the way of great food and a lot more! In addition to the vegetables, eggs and pork that they produce themselves, they also offer an amazing range of groceries (including lots of local cider!), an in-house butcher, deli and the award winning Scallop Shell fishmongers. They source from the markets on the south coast and they are always happy to help with recipe suggestions and general tales of the sea. If you don’t fancy shopping, you can always admire the pigs, eat in the cafe, enjoy some award winning fish and chips or just sit with a cup of tea while the kids enjoy the play area.