Thursday May 14, 2009

End of the line

You may well have heard of Charles Clover’s excellent and eye-opening book, The End of The Line (Ebury), which deals with the far-reaching effects of over-fishing in our seas. The book has now been made into a film, under the same title. Using Clover’s superb research and some stunning cinematography, it brings home the point, perhaps with even greater impact than the book, that we cannot continue fishing in the way we do. It is simply unsustainable – so much so that some scientists predict a total collapse of pretty much all our fish stocks within the next 40 years. I can’t call The End of The Line easy viewing – I found it shocking, in fact -  but it is compelling, and essential for anyone who cares about the state of our oceans. The good news is that the film is not merely a tolling bell – Clover offers genuine, practical solutions which could turn the tide.

The End of The Line is launched on June 8 (World Ocean’s Day) – go to endoftheline.com for screening details or to buy the book click here

Thanks, Hugh.

Hello from the new Bath Canteen

River Cottage Canteen Bath has now been trading for 6 weeks and despite our fair share of the teething troubles any new restaurant has to deal with, things so far are going very well. Thank you to all of you folks who have eaten here and thanks especially to those who have taken the time to write in our visitors book. Keep coming back!

We are fortunate enough to already have some strong favourites on the lunch menu. For the first 4 weeks, you couldn't seem to get enough of our lovingly oak-smoked Cornish kippers, but now I have put Hand-picked Dorset crab on the menu and everyone is raving about that instead! Well don't worry, I won't take either of them off the menu for a while yet.

If you haven't tried our breakfasts, give them a whirl. I think that every item, from the Trealey Farm black pudding to the Sydling bacon and sausages are the best that money can buy. The textures and flavours are just great.

Hope you continue to enjoy what we are doing, and being mindful of the credit crunch we have a great two course lunch for a tenner available.

Gideon Hitchin, Head Chef, Bath Canteen

New series alert!!! - 3rd of June.... Channel 4

Summer’s here at River Cottage and we're celebrating with some typical knees ups and ho downs; from a sheep shearing party to a Strawberry Fair. As well as putting a tasty bite into the credit crunch by turning humble leftovers into star ingredients, entering a fiercely competitive fishing challenge and campaigning to stop 250,000 calves from being shot at birth..

Check our website for more details soon...

Bespoke Events at River Cottage HQ

As you may know, we can tailor any of our existing courses and events to suit you. If you are looking to organise a particularly special event this summer, we currently have one private day left with Hugh this year. Previous private events we have organised include a day of cookery demonstrations with Hugh and the team. Experiences included bakery, preserving and butchery – a truly unique River Cottage day! If you are interested in discussing ideas for an event, please email us or call us on 01297 630 313 or click here for details.

Axminster Local Produce Store & Canteen

At the Local Produce Store and Canteen in Axminster we’re having a bit of a makeover, we’ve moved things around in the Store and given it a fresh new look which has created more space for our Canteen customers. We hope you’ll come and see the changes for yourself soon and take advantage of our special web offer.

Landshare launch...

Anticipation grows as the Landshare campaign prepares to be officially launched on 3rd June. The site has been up for some time collecting interest, possible matches, offers of help and great tips. Check out www.channel4.com/landshare for more information and to register. It will also feature in the next River Cottage series.

Free Range Review

Due to the success of last months competition, we're giving away the complete River Cottage Handbook Series - Once again, all you have to do to be entered into our draw is to review a foodie place on www.freerangereview.com during May - it's free to enter and you may even discover a local food gem!

Thanks and well done to Timbo, last months winner!