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Razor Clams, Delicious Shellfish Sometimes Found In The Scillies
Razor clams are among the Isles of Scilly's most unusual natural treasures. Discover where to spot them, how they're caught and why seafood lovers prize this underrated shellfish.
Martin Hesp
Apr 23, 20254 min read


Private Chef Experiences in Cornwall
Experience one of Cornwall's finest private chefs as Martin Hesp discovers Indulgence Catering, where fresh local seafood, seasonal produce and restaurant-quality cooking are brought straight to your holiday home.
Martin Hesp
Apr 21, 20255 min read


Island Flavours: How the Isles of Scilly Are Becoming a Must-Visit Food and Drink Destination
The Isles of Scilly are fast becoming one of Britain's most exciting food destinations. Discover fresh seafood, artisan producers, island spirits, vineyards and unforgettable local flavours.
Martin Hesp
Apr 3, 20254 min read


A Taste of the Isles of Scilly: Discovering Artisan Food and Drink in the Fortunate Isles
The Isles of Scilly have long been famed for their white sands and turquoise waters, but a new revolution is simmering beneath the surface. Beyond the subtropical landscapes lies a world of passionate producers, from boutique gin distillers to island-born vintners. Join Martin Hesp and photographer Veryan Lammoran as they go island-hopping to uncover the unique flavours, heritage, and characters defining the modern Scillonian palate.
Martin Hesp
Mar 25, 20258 min read


The Vanishing Fisher-Farmer Life of the Isles of Scilly
Meet one of the last traditional fisher-farmers of the Isles of Scilly and discover a remarkable way of life built around fishing, farming, flowers, seaweed and the changing seasons.
Martin Hesp
Mar 24, 202510 min read


What Denmark Can Teach Us About Sustainable Food
While the UK barely scores one-out-of-ten for joined-up food policy, Denmark is serving over a million public meals a day—90% of which are organic—for less than £2 a head. From a symposium at the Danish Embassy in London, Martin Hesp explores the 'Organic Cuisine Label,' the 'industrial pig in the room,' and why education, rather than a 'nanny state,' is the key to fixing a broken food system. Includes an award-winning recipe for traditional Danish pan-fried fish cakes
Martin Hesp
Mar 23, 20255 min read


Unlocking the Ancient Art of Beach Foraging ⭐️⛵️
I have recently been beach-foraging with a couple of well-known Cornish chefs and I will be writing about that adventure in the coming weekend’s newspapers - in the meantime I recall writing another piece about beach foraging a few years ago… Here it is… There are few human pursuits more primeval than scavenging for food on a beach. Our early ancestors spent thousands of years practicing this skill as Homo sapiens began their slow migration out of Africa. In fact, it's reckon
Martin Hesp
Nov 19, 20245 min read


Carbis Bay Hotel Review: Luxury Beachfront Stay Near St Ives
Martin Hesp discovers why Carbis Bay Hotel & Estate has earned an international reputation, from its famous G7 Summit connections to luxurious beachfront lodges, outstanding dining and one of Cornwall's finest coastal settings.
Martin Hesp
Nov 4, 20246 min read


Truffles in the English Countryside
People talk about an “embarrassment or riches” - a state of affairs which is not, for most of us, a phenomenon that occurs very often. But the phrase did come to mind one day recently after I’d arrived home laden with an abundance of edible goodies, some of them foraged from the wild, and other delicious items grown by vegetable gardeners of my acquaintance. There are times when you can only beam at nature’s bounty and admire the treasures which can come out of the soil. Of
Martin Hesp
Aug 26, 20246 min read


Traditional Perry Making: Discover Britain's Forgotten Pear Drink
Perry is one of Britain's oldest and finest drinks. Meet the people behind its remarkable revival and discover why traditional perry deserves to be celebrated alongside the world's greatest wines and ciders.
Martin Hesp
Aug 20, 20248 min read


Wok in the BBQ
The sun has been out and there have been evenings this week when the temperature has remained warm until late, but that’s not the only excuse one needs to enjoy dinner outdoors. Food cooked over an open fire can taste wonderful - indeed, even ordinary things cooked over charcoal will be promoted to another league of deliciousness if you know what you’re doing. And it doesn’t always have to be a case of meat sizzling on a grill - you can introduce pots, pans and woks to the fl
Martin Hesp
Aug 5, 20247 min read


Copenhagen Food: How Nordic Cuisine Changed the City's Food Scene
Has Noma transformed the way Copenhagen eats? Martin Hesp explores the Danish capital's food scene, from a remarkable Noma-inspired burger to magnificent smørrebrød and modern Danish cooking.
Martin Hesp
Jun 10, 20248 min read


Exmoor: All Perfect at Porlock Weir
Porlock Bay is one of the most exquisite jewels on the West Country coast. Join travel writer Martin Hesp as he visits the historic harbour at Porlock Weir, samples fine Portuguese-inspired dining at the Porlock Weir Hotel, shares chef Miguel Tenreiro’s signature prawn rissole recipe, and tackles the dramatic 7-mile circular coastal hike to Culbone—home to England’s smallest parish church.
Martin Hesp
Jun 10, 20248 min read


Afternoon Tea at St Michael's Mount: A Cornish Island Treat
Few afternoon teas can match the magic of dining on an island reached by an ancient causeway. Join me as I discover why St Michael's Mount serves one of Cornwall's finest afternoon teas, complete with breathtaking views and outstanding local produce.
Martin Hesp
May 13, 20245 min read


Hesp Out West - an Introduction
<p class="">The first in the Hesp Out West series</p>
Martin Hesp
Apr 23, 20247 min read


It's Back! Wild Garlic is growing profusely in the West Country hills
<p class="">About the delights of foraging wild garlic, a flavourful herb thriving in England's South West. This short article explores its culinary uses, from homemade pesto to sauces, highlighting renowned chef Mark Hix's insights. You must distinguish safe wild garlic from toxic lookalikes like Lilly of the Valley, ensuring a safe foraging experience. </p>
Martin Hesp
Feb 28, 20244 min read


A Traditional West Country Kind Of Christmas
<p class=""><strong><em>This article nostalgically contrasts traditional West Country Christmas customs with modern celebrations. It reminisces about unique practices like ashen faggot burning, where participants drink and toast to banish spirits; the Mummers’ Play, featuring characters like Father Christmas; and 'guise-dancing' in St Ives, where people wore disguises and danced. It also mentions the belief of master bullocks kneeling at midnight on Christmas Eve and tradesme
Martin Hesp
Dec 30, 20235 min read


Emmental Cheese - Learning About its History and How to Make it
Discover the fascinating history of Emmental cheese in Switzerland, visit the Emmentaler Visitor Centre and learn how the famous holes are created and how this traditional cheese is made.
Martin Hesp
Dec 17, 20239 min read


Hela Bojun Hala - Remarkable Food Stall in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Discover the authentic flavours of Kandy at Hela Bojun Hala, a vibrant hub for traditional Sri Lankan cuisine that empowers local women. This culinary gem offers a sustainable dining experience with organic, locally-sourced ingredients. Relish in organic street food, from spicy curries to sweet treats like Watalappan, all while supporting community-based tourism. Dive into the heart of Sri Lanka’s food culture and savour eco-friendly meals at this cooperative
Martin Hesp
Nov 1, 20235 min read


Enjoying food in the Danish region of Kystlandet
<p class=""><strong><em>Delve into the gastronomic wonders of the Danish region of Kystlandet, located around the town of Horsens in eastern Jutland. A blend of scenic coastal beauty, lush landscapes, and historical depth, the article recounts memorable dining experiences during a British Guild of Travel Writers visit. Highlights include a standout meal at Ji-Mi’s, curated by the talented chef Jimmy Jensen, and traditional homemade dishes at the renowned Dolly’s in Horsens. T
Martin Hesp
Aug 29, 20234 min read
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