The closest I've been to foraging was picking blackberries as a child with my grandad and trying to eat them before I got back home. So when I was invited to experience a six course taster menu and stay at the award winning Tudor Farmhouse Hotel with the bounty of my finds from Foraging in the Forest of Dean, I was up for the challenge!
Nestled between the winding roads of west Gloucestershire sits the most tranquil getaway and I was eager to experience an overnight trip to explore the area with two of my blogging buddies Kym and Mona. We quickly checked into our cosy rooms, eagerly eyeing up the roll top tub, and headed downstairs to meet Raoul van Den Brouke, also known as the Carluccio of the Wye Valley, who led us among the bracken to unearth our edible treasures.
Listening to the tales of Raoul and his grandmother teaching him the craft of foraging from the age of four, I was mesmerised by the most incredible life experiences that our guide had forged. There is something so special about learning in this way. His eyes darting amongst a field of green to identify Wild Sorrel, or rubbing a roadside leaf to release the smell of Garlic Mustard or Jack by the Hedge. We walked, listened and chatted, watching his weathered hands pull at the mud to discover unseen edible delights.
A wave of nostalgia hit me, like being a child all over again, walking with my grandad, listening to stories and learning all the while. Did you know that a Yew Tree is poisonous, the flesh of the berries are fine but the seeds deadly, or the art of making Pine Needle Tree? Yep your Christmas tree is actually packed with five times more vitamin C than an orange and Vitamin A too!
The eagle eyed Raoul could even spot a a black smudge on a lonely bark and introduce us to the Wood Ear Black Fungus, when dried and sliced is a common ingredient to Asian dishes and helps boost the immune system!
When Tatler Magazine describes the food as a 'Culinary Oasis' then you can understand why I was so excited to tuck in! Head Chef, Rob Cox works on a 20 mile menu, where most of the ingredients are sourced withing a 20 mile radius by local produces who are passionate about quality as he is.
I was not disappointed, the dishes were delicious, each bursting with flavour and colour and once dinner had finished I headed up to for a soak in the roll top tub.
After a lazy lie in, I enjoyed a full breakfast before the drive back to Bristol. Who have thought this treat lay north of the city.
Tudor Farmhouse (tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk; 01594 833046) offers group and private foraging courses throughout Autumn. Private courses cost £125 (for 4) including ‘foraged’ lunch. Add 1x nights’ accommodation and dinner from £365 per couple (based on two sharing). Group courses cost just £50 per person with lunch. Add 1x nights’ accommodation and dinner from £150 per person.
*I would like to thank The Tudor Farmhouse Hotel for inviting me for wonderful stay and foraging experience. All words and opinions are my own.
How lovely - This looks like such a relaxing and calming place!
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