Search here for all the latest foodie news in Devon & Cornwall
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Vote for your fave restaurant
Gordon Ramsay’s food magazine show The F Word is looking for The F Word’s Best Local Restaurant. Tell the show about your favourite place to eat, whether it’s a well-known hotspot or a hidden gem, and once you've nominated you'll be able to apply for a seat in The F Word restaurant. Visit the website to give your nomination before midnight on July 17.
www.channel4.com/food/f-word/nominate |
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South West vineyards success
Vineyards from Cornwall, Somerset and Devon are celebrating success at the prestigious International Wine Challenge 2009 and Decanter World Wine Awards 2009.
Camel Valley in Cornwall won gold awards at at the International Wine Challenge and Decanter World Wine Awards on the same day, with a gold medal for their 2007 Bacchus at the former, and a gold medal for their 2005 White Pinot at the latter, as well as a clutch of silver, bronze and highly commended medals at both. ‘We’re not just over the moon - we’re somewhere above Mars!’ said Camel Valley's Bob Lindo (pictured with son Sam).
Two Somerset vineyards are also celebrating. At the Decanter World Wine Awards 2009 Mumfords Vineyard won a bronze medal and a commended, and Oatley Vineyard won two commended awards. Oatly Vineyard also won three commended medals at at the International Wine Challenge 2009.
Finally, Sharpham Vineyard in Devon won two silver and three commended awards at the International Wine Challenge whilst at the Decanter World Wine Awards it was awarded two bronze and a commended medal.
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South West's top pubs announced
Eat Out Magazine has announced its list of Great Britain’s top pubs. Somerset's top pubs were The Queens Arms in Corton Denham, The Helyar Arms in Yeovil and The Lord Poulett Arms in George. Devon's top pubs were The Mason’s Arms in Knowstone, The Jack in the Green at Rockbeare, and The Williams Arms in Braunton. Cornwall's top pubs were Viners in Summercourt and The Gurnard’s Head in Zennor. Judges combined independent press reviews, customer comments, and recognition from regional and national guides together with respected industry accolades to decide on who made the list.
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Tanner brothers celebrate
On July 17 Devon’s favourite TV chef duo, Plymouth’s Tanner brothers, celebrate ten years at Prysten House where they have their successful eponymous restaurant. Chris Tanner told food that the restaurant’s loyal supporters are rushing to book tables to help them celebrate on the night, and reflected on what’s been achieved in the ten years. ‘So much has changed. We’ve gone from a team of four to employing fifty people in two restaurants. There’s been an immense amount of hard work, lots of highs - and a couple of lows. We’re now looking forward to what the next ten years will bring.’
http://www.tannersrestaurant.com |
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Jamie Oliver hearts Cornwall
Jamie Oliver was at Fifteen Cornwall recently to see the latest bunch of enthusiastic young chefs graduate, and made time to speak exclusively to food.
Since 2006 his training programme has been taking Cornish youngsters with few prospects, and giving them a future, and he’s justifiably proud of everyone’s achievements so far. ‘Fifteen to me is about proving that young people who’ve had a bad time in their previous lives can be amazing,’ said Jamie. ‘Now we’re starting to see our graduates becoming head chefs and sous chefs, and having stories written about them for their own food. In this part of the world having generations of good chefs coming through the ranks is so important.’
He talked about the challenges that the restaurant faced at the beginning, and the importance of supporting other local businesses. ‘When we started here people said the business wouldn’t last a year and we wouldn’t be able to maintain standards,’ he said, ‘but the team keep this wonderful business running all year. Winter in Cornwall can be a worry but these guys are proactive and do so much. Neil [exec chef Neil Haydock] and the gang have done an amazing job of finding lots of amazing, quirky producers and investing in people.’
Jamie also sung the praises of Cornish food - though he doesn’t get to enjoy it nearly as much as he’d like. ‘Cornwall is becoming a serious contender for some of the most excellent places to eat out,’ he said. ‘Before things got crazy I used to like to go to Port Isaac, and visit a couple of pubs and have a bit of grub. I know it’s a bit clichéd, but I have fond memories of Cornish homemade jam, scones and clotted cream, honesty boxes and local produce that go back to my childhood.’
http://www.fifteen.net |
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New menus at Olive Tree Restaurant
Nick Brodie, the new head chef at Olive Tree Restaurant in Bath, has completely re-vamped the restaurant’s menus. With dishes such as ceviche of Cornish scallops with grilled wild seabass and samphire salad on the evening menu, and fillet of Bishop Collings pork with dauphinoise potato and roast pork sauce on at lunchtime, he’s taking pains to use some of the best West Country produce available. Visit www.thequeensberry.co.uk for more details.
http://www.thequeensberry.co.uk |
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New Truro Bistro - ooh la la
The French Bistro has opened on New Bridge Street in Truro. It has an antique Parisian atmosphere and serves authentic French bistro dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Book ahead on 01872 223068.
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Relish the opportunity
World-class barista Hugo Hercod of Relish Food and Drink in Wadebridge recently addressed an audience of industry experts at the Café Culture exhibition in London, as Relish is now widely regarded as especially innovative in its field. Relish is also now selling Cornwall company Origin’s new locally-roasted In Season espresso coffee blend.
http://www.relishwadebridge.co.uk |
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Pasty palaver
A debate has ensued after local pie company Chunk of Devon won an award for ‘best Cornish pasty’ in a national competition. The company, based in Ottery St Mary, won the award at the first ever British Pie Awards, but it was later claimed that the criteria had stipulated the pasties should be made in Cornwall. However, it’ll keep its award because there had been an ‘‘honest mistake’’.
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New Tavistock restaurant
Blue Mango restaurant has now opened in Tavistock. It serves contemporary rustic dishes made with produce sourced almost exclusively from the immediate area, Devon and Cornwall; call 01822 617581.
http://www.bluemangobread.com |
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Celeb chef charity bakeoff
Celeb chef Phil Vickery has helped organise a charity baking event, and has written recipes to go alongside.
To support St Dunstan’s, a charity that offers lifelong support to blind ex-service men and women, he is launching the St Dunstan’s Great Cake Bake Challenge during St Dunstan’s week at the end of June. Supporters are encouraged to get involved by persuading friends and family to sponsor your cake-making efforts, organising a bake-off, inviting people to make a donation to sample a slice or two of your cake, or raffling off the fruits of your labour.
Visit the websire for recipes and further information.
http://www.st-dunstans.org.uk/greatcakebake |
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Darts Farm Award
Darts Farm has been given a Lord Mayor’s Award for its Food is Fun teepees at the Exeter Food and Drink Festival. Described as ‘An exceptional and innovative family food and drink experience’!' the Mayor of Exeter visited Darts Farm to present the award.
The teeepees were host to workshops from local producers to the world famous Mary Berry, allowed children and adults to explore the world of food with fun activities, and gave out seeds for visitors to take home and grow into a mini vegetable patch.
http://www.dartsfarm.co.uk |
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2009 UK Barista Championship
Cornish baristas excelled at the UK Barista Championship, with two making the top ten: Tristan Stephenson came third, and Jack Hudspith from Relish came eighth. Londoner Gwilym Davies won, and went on to become World Barista Champion.
http://www.ukbaristachampionship.co.uk |
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Fifteen Cornwall's third birthday
To celebrate Fifteen Cornwall’s third birthday, two-Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines will join the team on May 20 to host an evening of great European-style food. Book on the number below.
Tel. 01637 861000
http://www.fifteencornwall.co.uk |
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Masterchef winner to open restaurant
If you liked the look of this year’s Masterchef winner Mat Follas’ cooking, you’ll be interested to know that he’ll hopefully soon be opening a restaurant just over the Devon border in Dorset.
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Nathan Outlaw Seafood and Grill
Nathan Outlaw (pictured) has taken the food and drinks operations at the St Enodoc Hotel in Rock under his expert wing and will launch the Nathan Outlaw Seafood and Grill at the hotel in June. He’ll continue to run his Michelin-starred Fowey restaurant, but will now also be serving excellent, simple Cornish meat and seafood dishes in a more laid-back style. “The menu will change regularly to make the most of what’s available from local producers,” says Nathan. “It’ll be great to be able to offer people good local produce at pub prices.” Nathan is on BBC2’s Great British Menu at the start of May, so get rooting for him.
Tel. 01208 863394
http://www.enodoc-hotel.co.uk/ |
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New-look Trencherman's Guide launched
The 2009/10 Trencherman’s Guide is now out. Salt Media, the team behind food, created the guide and the new website this year and our editor Jo Rees said, “This long-established guide to the top restaurants in the South West is a must for every foodie’s glove compartment.”
www.trenchermans-guide.com |
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Get your family on the telly
Get your family on the telly with Rachel Allen. If you enjoyed her last series, Bake!, you may like to be one of the families taking part in Rachel’s new series. You must have children over seven and be interested in creating and eating nutritious home-cooked food as a family. Email a family photo by May 24 to family@cactustv.co.uk with the names and ages of your family members, home address, contact number, and reasons why you’d like to be part of the project.
family@cactustv.co.uk
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The River Cottage Canteen
The River Cottage Canteen has opened in Bath. It’s in the same building as Komedia in Westgate Street, and is open for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. The menu reflects its seasonal, local ethos in dishes such as smoked organic rump steak with roasted jerusalem artichockes and Rachel goat’s cheese.
http://www.rivercottage.net/ |
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Picnic in the High Street in Taunton
There will be a huge (and hopefully record-breaking) picnic in the High Street in Taunton on the bank holiday Monday of May 25. The picnic will celebrate the first day of National Family Week, and the organisers behind the week are aiming to break a Guinness World Record of people picnicking in one country at the same time. To join in the party, take your sandwiches to the High Street from 12.30pm on the day.
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Learn from the wine experts
Exeter-based wine writer and broadcaster Susy Atkins, who appears regularly on BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen show and writes for the Sunday Telegraph, has teamed up with highly respected wine expert Angela Mount. The team’ll provide a wide range of events, from talks for serious connoisseurs, to evenings based around great value wines with plenty of tips for beginners.
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Royal Bath & West Show’s cider competition
The final call is going out for entries to the Royal Bath & West Show’s cider competition. The closing date is 13th April, whilst the actual show is on Wednesday 27th-Saturday 30th May, and The Celebrity Judge will be Mark Hix. There is a small prize for the best cider or perry juice made in a community or non-commercial orchard which should attract those who are trying their hand at making cider for the first time. There is also a new International Class and, as last year, for a bit of fun there is a competition for politicians and members of the Parliamentary Cider Group.
Entry forms are available online on the Royal Bath & West Society’s website http://www.bathandwest.com/schedulesandentries/56/ (or telephone Valerie Bath on 01749-822200) and cover classes for cider (farmhouse, bottled and organic) - from which the Supreme Champion is chosen - perry and apple juice, and for the best cider orchard award.
http://www.bathandwest.com/schedulesandentries/56/ |
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Top Team for Barnstaple Restaurant
Chef/proprietor James Duckett of the restaurant James Duckett at the Old Custom House is joined by new restaurant manger Stefano De Raimondo to form a formidable team dedicated to placing north Devon firmly on the gastronomic map of the South West. Stefano comes to Barnstaple from Guernsey where he was, until recently restaurant manager and sommelier at the Michelin starred Restaurant Christophe. At the same time, James is joined in the kitchen by third chef, Raul Hernadez who has come to Barnstaple direct from Madrid in Spain. Raul previously worked as second head chef at the Cruz Blanca Restaurant in Madrid.
oldcustomhouse@tawview.com
Tel. 01271 370123
http://www.theoldcustomhouse.co.uk/ |
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The Cornish Fishmonger lands at doorsteps
Fresh, expertly and sustainably caught fish and shellfish from the crystal clear Cornish waters can now arrive at doorsteps all over the Country within hours, with the launch of The Cornish Fishmonger.
From Falmouth Bay King Scallops, silvery Newlyn Hake and deep blue Padstow Lobsters, to hand picked Cornish Crab meat, River Fowey Mussels and hand sliced Smoked Salmon, The Cornish Fishmonger has fresh fish, shellfish and smoked fish at its fingertips - situated only a pebble’s throw away from some of the best quayside markets in the Country.
The Cornish Fishmonger is launched by Rob Wing, also founder and owner of Wing of St Mawes Fish Merchants in Cornwall, who has been catching, sourcing, cooking, preparing and selling fish in Cornwall for over 25 years.
rob@wingofstmawes.co.uk
Tel. 01726 861666
http://www.thecornishfishmonger.co.uk |
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The Jack in the Green
The Jack in the Green will reopened on February 28, after undergoing an extensive kitchen refurbishment. A quarter of a million quid has been spent creating a new ergonomic cooking area to help the award-winning restaurant reach new heights. “We’ve a lot of talented guys in the kitchen, and so this should make it easier for them to create even better food,” says proprietor Paul Parnell (pictured above). There’s a whole new pastry section, combi ovens and a greener way of working using induction cooking, and Paul and the kitchen team have also come up with some new menu ideas, including ways of providing great value for money with a few lower-priced dishes.
info@jackinthegreen.uk.com
Tel. 01404 822240
http://www.jackinthegreen.uk.com/ |
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Michelin-star success
Three local restaurants are celebrating Michelin-star success. The Dining Room at Whately Manor in Malmesbury has gained its second star for head chef Martin Burge (pictured above). Casamia in Westbury on Trym has been awarded its first Michelin star, with brothers Peter and Jonray Sanchez-Iglesias doing the honours in the kitchen. And The Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe has also received its first star this year.
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Learn to cook at home with Padstow Seafood School
Padstow Seafood School has announced a special five week cookery course to help local food lovers build confidence in the kitchen as ‘eating in’ becomes the new ‘eating out’.
Whether cooking for friends, hosting dinner parties, entertaining guests or simply eating with the family, the Seafood School’s special five-week fish cookery course aims to boost kitchen confidence and promote cooking from scratch at home. The course covers everything from how to clean and fillet a selection of fish to choosing the right wine to accompany your meal.
Head lecturer at the School, Mark Puckey, and his team of chefs have devised this evening course to suit everyone from beginners to aspiring chefs. By taking people back to basics Mark and his team will demystify the world of seafood, covering the groundwork of fish cookery in just five weeks.
A combination of hands-on cookery and chef demonstrations over a five week period will enable students to learn to cook a wide range of courses.
Each week will focus on a different area of food preparation, including: stocks, canapés and starters, main courses, desserts, cheese and wines, equipping students with everything they need to know to create the perfect meal.
The five-week evening course runs from Tuesday 10th March to Tuesday 7th April 2009 and costs £275 per person.
For more information visit the website or contact Padstow Seafood School on the number below.
seafoodschool@rickstein.com
Tel. 01841 533466
http://www.rickstein.com |
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Rick Stein to become landlord of his local pub
St Austell Brewery have announce that Rick Stein is to become the landlord of his local St Austell Brewery pub, the Cornish Arms at St Merryn.
The Cornish Arms is a popular country village local in St Merryn, just two miles from the fishing village of Padstow where Rick has established his successful stable of restaurant and food businesses.
Adam Luck, St Austell Brewery Estate Director, said: “The Brewery is very proud of the Cornish Arms and we are delighted to work with Rick Stein in this traditional Cornish inn. Good food is an ever more important part of any pub's success and it is wonderful news that top chefs are choosing to operate good quality pubs in addition to restaurants and bistros. With Rick's name above the door, we can be sure the Cornish Arms is in good hands.”
Rick Stein is the latest top chef to take on the tenancy of a St Austell Brewery pub after former Michelin starred Paul Ripley, who spent more than ten years as Rick’s head chef, took up the reins at the St Kew Inn, near Wadebridge in October 2008.
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/ |
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Britain's Best Dish 2009
Do you cook an original mouth-watering starter, main course or pudding which you believe is a recipe for success?
Go and pitch your dish to a panel of top chefs and food critics at one of ITVs nationwide auditions. £10,000 cash prize for the winner.
Auditions will be held this spring. Please call or email for more information.
bestdish@itv.com
Tel. 0871 6266222
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Three AA rosettes for The Abbey
The Abbey Restaurant in Penzance has been awarded three AA rosettes, it was announced last week.
Tel. 01736 330680
http://www.abbeyrestaurant.co.uk/ |
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Foodeaze
Foodeaze in Exeter is undergoing a major refurb as part of the plan to develop it as a regional Foodcentre in support of the government’s Change for Life campaign, as endorsed by Jamie Oliver. It is expected to reopen by the end of March.
Tel. 01392 269 590
http://www.foodeaze.co.uk/ |
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Grand New Chef
The Grand Hotel in Torquay has a new chef in the form of Richard Hunt. Devonian Richard has held positions in respected Devon kitchens, as well as those further afield, many at two AA rosette level. Along the way he has collected various trophies and was elected a Masterchef of Great Britain in 2002. Richard intends to continue to bring excellence to the Grand Hotel: “My style of food is based on having one star of the show that will shine through and have the flavour expected in bucket-loads,” he says.
Alan Knight, group operations manager of Richardson Hotels, which includes the Grand said, “We want the Grand to be at the forefront in the renaissance of Torbay as a leading UK resort, and we want our food to be known for its integration with the area. Richard uses high quality local produce, from Ruby Red Devon beef to fresh Brixham fish in his imaginative dishes, and will be a key player in our future plans”.
Tel. 0844 5027587
http://www.grandtorquay.co.uk/ |
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Camel Valley community food project
St Kew Harvest farmshop is at the centre of a new community food project. Camel Valley residents are invited to help grow fruit and veg on the farmshop’s land, either by actually getting stuck in or subscribing, and will then be able to take the produce home to their own kitchens. To get involved call Antonina Brown on the number below.
Tel. 01208 841818
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Taste of the West dining awards
The results of the Taste of the West hospitality and retail awards have been announced. Gold winners in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset include: The Grove Inn in Kings Nympton, The Salty Monk in Sidmouth and Ode in Shaldon (Devon); Victoria Inn in Perranuthnoe, Fifteen Cornwall in Watergate Bay and Lobbs Farm Shop in Heligan (Cornwall); and The Mandeville Arms in Hardington Mandeville, Farrington's Farm Shop in Farrington Gurney and Rumwell Farm Shop in Rumwell in Somerset.
The Grove Inn was also named overall Dining Pub of the South West, and South West Restaurant of the Year was won by Ode in Shaldon.
See the website for full winners' details.
http://www.tasteofthewest.co.uk |
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Top local restuarants named
Eateries in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall have made it onto Restaurant magazine’s first Top UK Restaurants list. Somerset restaurants on the list are The Bath Priory in Bath, The Royal Crescent, also in Bath, and The Castle Hotel in Taunton. Cornish restaurants on the list are Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Fowey, The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Ripley’s in St Merryn, No6 in Padstow and Porthminster Café in St Ives. And those in Devon who made it are Gidleigh Park in Chagford, The Oyster Shack in Bigbury and The New Angel in Dartmouth.
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Local foodies honoured by BBC
Three West Country businesspeople were honoured at Radio 4’s 2008 Food and Farming Awards: Adam’s Fish & Chips on St Martin’s, in the Isles of Scilly, was named Best Takeaway; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall was named BBC Food Personality of the Year; and Mary Mead of Holt Farms in Blagdon was been named Farmer Of The Year.
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Calling north Devon’s fruit and veg growers!
Local Farm Box is a new food box scheme from Edd’s of Braunton that’s launching in February, and it’s looking for local producers who can supply it with fresh produce; you don’t have to be a huge producer to get involved. Call John Ward on the number below, or visit the website after February 2.
Tel. 01271 855999
http://www.localfarmbox.co.uk |
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Michael Caines to work with The Bath Priory
Uber chef Michael Caines MBE has been named executive head chef of The Bath Priory, following the departure of Chris Horridge to Berkshire’s Cliveden House. Caines (pictured), who holds two stars for his cooking at The Bath Priory’s sister hotel Gideligh Park in Devon said, “It is my intention to bring more synergy between Gidleigh Park and The Bath Priory, while retaining their unique appeal and offer.”
Tel. 01225 331922
http://www.thebathpriory.co.uk/ |
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We love local meat
Dartmoor Farmers Association has launched its new meat boxes. Produce comes from native Dartmoor grass-fed livestock, and is available UK-wide; visit the website below to order.
Further good news for meat lovers is that South West beef and lamb could soon get a Protected Geographical Indicator, giving it the same protection as champagne, says Meat South West.
Tel. 0800 756 1396
http://www.dartmoorfarmers.co.uk |
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Market success
St Nicholas Market - home of foodie faves The Bristol Sausage Shop, Trethownan’s Dairy, Pieminister, the fab Treasure Island Sweets and with Taste@StNick’s nearby - has been named the south’s greenest market by the National Markets Traders Federation.
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Masterchef: The Professionals is back!
BBC2's Masterchef: The Professionals is back for a second series, searching for the best young professional chefs in the country who dream of cooking at the highest level and want to experience Michelin standard cooking.
The competition will be judged by Michel Roux Jnr and Gregg Wallace and aims to uncover a new talent. It is a fantastic opportunity for any ambitious chef with passion and creativity.
To apply:
• You must be aged 20 or above on February 1st 2009
• You must be resident of the UK (inc Northern Ireland and Channel Islands).
• You need to have worked for at least 2 years as a chef in a professional kitchen and/or have the necessary qualifications (i.e. passed your NVQ level 3, or your 706/1 and 706/2 or equivalent. In Ireland you must have NTCB Certificate in Professional Cookery)
If you know anyone who fits the bill or fancy having a go yourself, please apply by visiting the website or call the number below.
Tel. 0871 210 8882
http://www.masterchef.tv |
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Green England Awards Winners 2008
A1 Fruiterers in North Cornwall won runner up in the category of Best Green Company. They are suppliers of Fair Trade, Organic, vegan and vegetarian groceries and produce, supporting local producers and have a range of Cornish products as well as Fair Trade products from around the world.
Tel. 01840 212424
http://www.a1fruiterers.co.uk/ |
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Stuck for gift ideas?
Falmouth Bay Oysters has Christmas all wrapped up. Get fresh Falmouth Bay wild native oysters delivered to your door by mail order with a 24 hour delivery service. Perfect as a gift to a friend or relation. All native oysters are packed in fresh seaweed and in attractive French style wooden punnets with full instructions for opening and storage.
info@falmouthoysters.co.uk
Tel. 01326 316600
http://www.falmouthoysters.co.uk/ |
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Winter madness – your room for FREE!
Why not get away from it all for a couple of days before Christmas at Watergate Bay. If you stay for one or more nights Sunday – Thursday during December you'll get your room for FREE when you stay in the Coach House or Hotel house rooms. You just have to pay for dinner each evening (three course dinner in the Brasserie) and breakfast each morning. Offer valid until 18th December.
Watergate Bay is a stunning location and perfect setting, with a two mile stretch of beautiful beach and coast line as far as the eye can see all just a few steps from The Hotel.
Prices start from £39.95 per person (based on two sharing) and reduced tariffs are available for children.
For further information visit the website or call the number below.
Tel. 01637 860543
http://www.watergatebay.co.uk |
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Luxury Christmas shopping
The Queensberry Hotel is offering a luxury Christmas shopping break throughout November and December to encourage visitors to make the most of Bath’s Christmas market as well as its wealth of independent shops and boutiques. Guests can stay from Sunday–Thursday in a deluxe double room including a chilled half bottle of champagne placed in the room for arrival, three course dinner at The Olive Tree and English breakfast for just £250 per night for two guests – a saving of £100.
The Queensberry Hotel is the perfect base to explore the Bath Christmas Market, one of the UK’s most popular festive gift markets and Christmas events in the UK. The Christmas Market, now in its eighth year, is just weeks away and multi award winning The Queensberry Hotel, in Russel Street, is making preparations to welcome its Christmas visitors. Hotel owner, Laurence Beere said: “With an estimated 200,000 people expected to visit the Bath Christmas Market this year it’s important to start planning your accommodation now to avoid disappointment. The Christmas Market is growing in popularity year on year and as the hotel is situated in the heart of the city; we pride ourselves on providing a magical retreat for visitors who, after the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, can return to The Queensberry and relax in front of a log fire.”
Tel. 01225 447928
http://www.thequeensberry.co.uk/ |
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Mason's Arms makes UK's top 100
Restaurant Magazine has included the Masons Arms at Knowstone, north Devon in its list of the 100 best places to eat in the UK. The group was compiled by a panel of judges made up of chefs, restaurateurs and food critics, who were asked to vote for their top five restaurants, explained Restaurant editor Paul Wootton.
"This is a fantastic achievement for us, and I am absolutely delighted to be flying the flag for North Devon." said Mark Dodson, chef and owner of the Michelin starred restaurant within the 13th century pub. "To be included in such a star studded list after only three years in the business is wonderful." adds Mark’s wife Sarah who runs the front of house at the restaurant .
Other Devon restaurants that are featured in the top 100 are Gidleigh Park, Chagford, The New Angel, Dartmouth, Combe House Hotel, Gittisham and The Oyster Shack at Bigbury.
Tel. 01398 341231.
http://www.masonsarmsdevon.co.uk/ |
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Newly-expanded Lilicos
The newly-expanded Lilicos in Barnstaple is now open. Chris and Wanda Smith have added the building next door to the tapas lounge and bar, and created a larger lunch menu, new patisserie and champagne bar, and a choice of eating areas with sophisticated but laid-back décor.
Tel. 01271 372933
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Beautiful desserts
Scott Paton of The Jack in the Green has won the 2008/09 International Pastry Chefs’ Dessert Competition; get your fill of Scott’s beautiful desserts while you can, as the pub will be closed for a refurb during January and February.
info@jackinthegreen.uk.com
Tel. 01404 822240
http://www.jackinthegreen.uk.com/ |
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My Heart of Cornwall loyalty card
Shoppers in Camborne, Pool and Redruth will be rewarded for buying locally if they join up to the first project of its kind in the country. From January 2009 residents who use local shops and businesses and the My Heart of Cornwall loyalty card could earn around £50-£60 a month.
http://www.cprregeneration.co.uk |
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National Award for the Boston Tea Party
Hot on the heels of Boston Tea Party’s recent success at the ‘Best Beverage Experience Awards 2008’ comes another national award this time for ‘Best Small Branded UK Coffee Chain 2008’ presented at the prestigious ‘European Coffee Symposium’.
The Boston Tea Party is one of the West Country’s best known and popular independent cafés with coffee houses in Barnstaple, Bristol, Bath, Exeter and Honiton. It is famous for its coffee and tea and has established a well deserved reputation for creating delicious and affordable meals with an emphasis on using local and ethical suppliers. To date over 80% of its suppliers are based in the West Country. The Boston Tea Party uses only organic West Country milk and its coffee is imported and freshly roasted by local importers and coffee specialities D J Miles - helping them stay true to their aim of sourcing local producers and ethical products whenever possible.
admin@bostonteaparty.co.uk
Tel. 0117 929 3939
http://www.bostonteaparty.co.uk/ |
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Otterton Mill opens on Friday and Saturday nights
The move to open the Mill’s restaurant on Friday and Saturday evenings follows demand from the Mill’s day-time customers who share a passion for great food using the freshest local and seasonal produce. Game-meats are at the heart of the evening menu, alongside other meat, fish and vegetarian choices.
To celebrate the restaurant’s evening opening on Fridays and Saturdays, there are a number of offers running to the end November which include a complimentary bottle of house wine to accompany the meal for parties of four or more people.
Tel. 01395 567041
http://www.ottertonmill.com |
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Bath Oliver
A branch of Jamie Oliver’s restaurant chain, Jamie’s Italian, opened in Bath on October 6. Subtly dominating the city’s new-look Milsom Place complex, the restaurant specialises in authentic, rustic Italian fare in cheerful, informal surroundings. “I love Bath; it’s the prettiest city ever,” Oliver told food. “I can relax here and enjoy myself; it’s my aim to translate those feelings to my diners.”
Tel. 01225 510051
http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian |
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Calling all local foodies!
If you're a talented cook looking for a big break, passionate about your local food and eager to learn from top chefs, TV wants you! Taste The Nation, a new ITV show, is looking for contestants to represent their county in its national cookery knock-out competition. Contestants must be available for filming on the occasional day between November 2008 and February 2009. If you want to take part, call or email to register your details.
You must be 16 years or older to apply or call. Calls cost 10p from BT landlines. call from other networks may be higher and from mobiles will be considerably more. Lines close at midday on October 31. Calls made after closing time may will not be counted but may still be charged. ITV cannot guarantee that all applicants will be called back. Terms and conditions at itv.com/terms.
tastethenation@itv.com
09011 986986
http://www.itv.com |
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Cornwall has a world-class barista!
Hugo Hercod of Relish in Wadebridge came 10th out of 52 at the World Barista Championships in Copenhagen recently.
01208 814214
http://www.relishfoodanddrink.co.uk/ |
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Von Essen Chef of the Year Competition
This year’s Von Essen Chef of the Year competition has been won by Dan Moon, head chef at Homewood Park. He was pitched against five other chefs in the final, and impressed the judges by making the best main course and pudding from mystery box of ingredients that included rabbit, lemon sole, and chocolate.
01225 723731
http://www.homewoodpark.co.uk/ |
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Eat Out Magazine's list in Devon
Four Devon restaurants have been included in Eat Out Magazine’s list of the top 100 restaurants in the UK; congrats to Ode in Shaldon, The Room in The Elephant in Torquay, The New Angel in Dartmouth, and Tanners in Plymouth - where are the rest though?
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Eat Out Magazine's list in Cornwall
Two Cornish restaurants have been included in Eat Out Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Restaurants in the UK; congrats to The Abbey in Penzance, and Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Fowey.
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New chef to run Olive Tree Restaurant
The Olive Tree in Bath has announced the appointment of new award-winning Head Chef, Paul Burrows. Paul who previously worked at The Residence, will oversee the running of the Olive Tree restaurant as well as the food and beverage aspect throughout the Queensberry Hotel.
Commenting on his appointment Paul said, “I’m really excited about my move to Olive Tree Restaurant. I passionately believe people want good service and to try something different to what they would ordinarily have at home. I am a firm believer in having ‘balance’ between the menu and each individual plate, whilst creating dishes that appeal to all the senses.” Laurence Beere, owner of The Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant adds, “The arrival of Paul Burrows, our new head chef will, further enhance the reputation of the hotel and restaurant. Paul is passionate about food and always goes that extra mile to provide customers with a really fantastic dining experience.”
reservations@thequeensberry.co.uk
Tel. 01225 447 928
http://www.thequeensberry.co.uk |
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St Austell Brewery launch menus in braille
St Austell Brewery is launching menus in braille in its pubs and hotels to help blind and partially sighted customers ordering food and drinks.
The menus are being launched in the Brewery’s 30 managed houses, a move that has won praise from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). As well as having menus in braille, all staff are trained to assist blind and partially sighted diners by reading out menus, including the specials board.
The first St Austell Brewery pubs and hotels to launch menus in Braille are:
The Atlantic Inn, Isles of Scilly
The Central Inn, Newquay
The Copley Arms, Hessenford
The Cornish Arms, St Merryn
The Fort Inn, Newquay
The Harbour Inn, Porthleven
The Holmbush Inn, St Austell
The Lifeboat Inn, St Ives
The Lugger Inn, Polruan
The Norway Inn, Perranarworthal
The Old Custom House, Padstow
The Oystercatcher, Polzeath
The Port William, Trebarwith Strand
The St Austell Visitor Centre, St Austell
The Ten Tors, Kingsteignton
The Weavers, Bodmin
The White Hart Hotel, St Austell
All other managed houses will receive Braille menus in the coming months.
Tel. 0845 24111224
http://www.staustellbrewery.co.uk/ |
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DJ Miles online
If you've been out and about in the South West this Summer, the chances are you will have come across DJ Miles & Co Ltd. Supplying fine tea and quality coffee since 1888 has been their aim, and now they are on the world wide web too. Their new website is packed full of Miles' classics, like the Original and West Country blend teas and Mr Miles Blend coffee, plus loads more unusual teas, ancillaries, gifts, cafetieres and much more. It's a haven for tea, coffee and hot chocolate lovers, or if you are on the lookout for an unusual gift.
info@djmiles.co.uk
0800 387948
http://www.djmiles.co.uk |
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Salty sourcing trip
The latest recruits from Fifteen Cornwall enjoyed some fresh sea air away from Watergate Bay when they visited the Cornish Sea Salt Company on the Lizard Peninsula to see how the high quality salt, used in their restaurant is produced.
Eleven apprentice chefs were given a tour of the production facility at Pol Gwarra, Porthkerris, by company founder and Managing Director Tony Fraser. During their visit the apprentices saw how up to 15,000 litres of sea water an hour is extracted just eight metres from the sea into a state-of-the-art energy efficient production unit. After passing through filtration, concentration and steam evaporation stages the sea water becomes a concentrated saline solution which is slowly evaporated in open vats to produce large flakes of sea salt that are soft enough to crumble by hand.
Within just a few months of starting, the commercial production is already gaining a buzz amongst food circles in the UK and Tony was pleased to see such enthusiasm for his product from the Fifteen Cornwall apprentices, “It was great to see that the group of chefs were really interested in what we do here. We talked about how many years ago salt was made in Cornwall for preserving pilchards and showed them how we’ve resurrected an ancient process with twenty-first century technology.”
0845 337 5277
http://www.cornishseasalt.co.uk/ |
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Jamie’s Italian
Jamie’s Italian is looking to turn into a widespread high street brand, and is opening for business in Bath this September, following the Oxford opening, which was pretty well received, and ahead of Kingston, Brighton and Cambridge. The concept is about high quality, affordable Italian food seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menus are pure rustic Italian with dishes such as “hot fingers” crispy lamb chops – proper grilled lamb chops served with dressed salad greens and Italian mint sauce, and Italian pear chocolate and almond tart served with orange crème fraiche. Check it out on Milsom Street, no bookings taken.
http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/ |
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Roll out the red carpet
Marshfield Farm Ice cream from Bath is celebrating winning a prestigious Great Taste Award, often referred to as the Oscars of the food industry. The family-run artisan ice cream producer has been presented with a much-desired three star Great Taste Award for its new flavour of ice cream - clotted cream with blackcurrants. It also entered another two products which both won a two star gold award: clotted cream ice cream and its diabetic vanilla.
The Great Taste Awards is organised by the Guild of Fine Food. For more on Marshfield, read our recent ice cream round up here.
enquiries@marshfield-icecream.co.uk
Tel. 01225 891221
http://www.marshfield-icecream.co.uk/ |
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Lessons to be learned at Slow Food summer market
It’s back to school for the monthly Slow Food Devon market at Topsham as young pupils from Topsham School will be selling some of the produce from their Sensory Garden and Allotment Patch for the first time. As part of their curriculum they have been growing beans, courgettes, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, radishes and peas, which they will sell on a regular basis from their own stall at the market.
All the money earned by the pupils will go towards the next stage of the school’s Allotment Patch scheme.
Slow Food Market, Matthew’s Hall, Topsham, Devon, Sunday July 20, 11am-3pm.
info@slowfooddevon.co.uk
Tel. 07708 371862
http://www.slowfood.com |
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Calling young chefs!
Do you know an aspiring chef aged between 11 and 16 who would like the opportunity to cook in the kitchen of a well-known restaurant? If so, get them to point their school in the direction of the Quality Standard beef mince Young Chef Challenge 2008.
Schools need to register with the competition organisers by July 21, then they're encouraged to help their students create original recipes using Quality Standard beef mince, which must be submitted with a photograph of the finished dish. The best entries will be invited to regional cook-off finals judged by James Martin and a panel of experts. There are also great prizes for the runners-up.
For lesson plans and an entry pack email visit the website, email, or write to Quality Standard beef mince Young Chef Challenge, 26 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1PQ.
QSMyoungchefchallenge@goodrelations.co.uk
http://www.meatandeducation.com |
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The Barbican Kitchen
Plymouth’s favourite chefs James and Chris Tanner have reopened their restaurant The Barbican Kitchen at the Plymouth Gin building, after the unfortunate kitchen fire in February. They’ve also got a fab new ice cream recipe book out and are happy to sign copies at the Barbican Kitchen, with some of the proceeds going to charity.
Tel. 01752 604448
http://www.barbicankitchen.com/ |
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Dartmouth Apprentice
Dartmouth Apprentice, an Italian restaurant with a social conscience is opening on July 26. Serving a fusion of Devon and Italian food in a refurbished church, it will be a training restaurant - similar to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen - providing career and lifestyle development for local people.
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The Seahorse Restaurant
Mitch Tonks’ The Seahorse Restaurant has some of the UK’s top chefs doing guest chef spots this summer. Mark Hix is sold out in July, but there’s still space for Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver of London’s St John restaurant, in September.
Tel. 01803 835147
http://www.seahorserestaurant.co.uk/ |
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Enjoy England Awards
Fifteen Cornwall recently won gold at this year’s Enjoy England Awards, scooping the top award in the ‘Taste of England’ category for its excellent service, customer care, food sourcing and environmental policies.
Tel. 01637 861000
http://www.fifteencornwall.co.uk/ |
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'Local' beef
In a recent investigation 20% of West Country pubs and restaurants were found to be selling beef as ‘local’ when it actually originated abroad. If you’re worried when eating out, ask restaurant staff where the meat comes from - they should be able to give you details.
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New top-notch organic bakery
North Somerset has just got a top-notch organic bakery. Winnie’s Bakeries at Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea have long been big on making bread in the traditional and natural way, but now there’s a new little sister company, Brinkton Bakehouse, making organic bread, including the yummy fig and aniseed, and roasted hazelnut and raisin speciality loaves. Look out for the new sourdoughs, rye breads and house loaf, ‘The Brinkton’, which is packed with seeds, and which will be in the bakery soon.
http://www.brinkton.com |
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Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to Bristol’s Farmers’ Market which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. It was the first weekly farmers’ market to be established in the UK and ten of the original traders at the very first farmers’ market are still trading today.
http://www.bristolfarmersmarket.org/ |
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Sharpham Park Shop
The much-anticipated Sharpham Park Shop and Kilver Court Gardens will open this summer. Everything in the shop will come from within a fifty mile radius and of course there’ll be the full range of Sharpham Park’s own top-quality produce. Visit the website below for more details.
http://www.sharphampark.com |
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The Green Table
Celeb chef Lesley Waters has just launched The Green Table, a new food concept to Devon, which is a sort of posh meals on wheels for foodies. She’ll be trialling it in the Salcombe area in July and August, so if you are interested in giving it a try then call the number below or visit the website.
Tel. 01548 560850
http://www.thegreentable.co.uk |
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Children lead the way on 5 a day
One in three parents admit that their children know more than they do about 5 A DAY and nutrition.
A new report released for the Department of Health's 5 A DAY campaign shows that although parents understand the importance of getting their 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day, many are still confused about what counts towards that target, with one in three admitting that their children know more than they do about 5 A DAY and nutrition.
1 in 2 parents don't realise that any vegetables they include in homemade food such as spaghetti bolognaise can count towards their five a day, and that of their children. 95% of mums and dads also didn't know that chips cannot be counted towards the 5 a day target.
While 91% of parents know that fresh fruit and veg counts, and 78% are aware that frozen fruit and veg counts, 4 in 10 parents don't realise that canned fruit and veg counts too.
It looks as though there's some clearing up to do on the 5 a day issue, and so celebrity mum Melinda Messenger offers parents the clarity they need in a new government video.
http://www.dh.gov.uk |
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Roskilly's creates historic ice cream for Tregothn
Roskilly’s – one of Cornwall’s leading makers of ice cream and fudge – has teamed up with Tregothnan Estate to create a brand new Ice cream.
The new Kea Plum and Vanilla ice cream uses fruit from the historic plum orchards on Tregothnan’s Cornish estate and has been combined with Roskilly’s organic milk and ice cream expertise to create the unique new flavour, which will be sold on the Estate.
Jonathon Jones from Tregothnan says: “The Kea Plum orchard is over 300 years old and is the only one of its kind in the world. We have worked hard over the years to bring the orchards back to life and we want to ensure its future is preserved. One way of doing that is to make sure the rare fruit produced is used wisely and now that the trees are producing more plums, we decided to expand into ice cream."
Tel. 01326 280479
http://www.roskillys.co.uk/ |
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Riverford Sidmouth
Riverford Farm Shop has just opened a branch at Sidmouth. Check it out for the fresh meat counter, outside fresh fruit and vegetable area, deli counter and dairy, wine selection, local fruit juices, dry goods, chocolate, and much, much more.
Sidmouth Garden Centre, Stowford, Sidmouth EX10 0NA.
Tel. 01803 762571
http://www.riverfordfarmshop.co.uk/ |
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Latte lover
An expert coffee-maker from Cornish fair-trade coffee company Origin has just won the UK Latte Art Championship at this week’s Caffe Culture Exhibition at London Olympia.
Phil Gevaux, Origin’s highly experienced Barista Trainer, beat entrants from throughout the UK and earned the right as the UK Latte Art Champion to represent the UK in the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe World Latte Art Championships in Copenhagen at the end of June.
Tel. 01326 340320
http://www.origincoffee.co.uk/ |
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Allium knows its onions
Allium in Fairford, Gloucestershire is the winner of the Which? Good Food Guide – South West Restaurant of the Year award. Allium will feature in the 2009 edition of The Good Food Guide and will now compete with nine other regional winners for the Restaurant of the Year award, which will be presented at a ceremony on 17 June 2008 at the British Museum.
Tel. 01285 712200
http://www.allium.uk.net/ |
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