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The Ultimate West Country No-Cook Summer Feast: From High-Brix Tomatoes to Artisan Charcuterie
Discover the best no-cook summer food guide: high-Brix Isle of Wight tomatoes, crisp organic cucumbers, sweet Ramiro peppers, peppery radishes, and West Country artisan cheeses and charcuterie.
Martin Hesp
3 days ago7 min read


6 Great Circular Pub Walks in Somerset: Coastal Hikes, Quantock Ridges & Historic Country Inns
From the coastal slopes of Exmoor to the high ridge paths of the Quantock Hills, explore 6 of the best circular pub walks in Somerset - featuring historic inns, ancient hill forts, and cozy fireside stops.
Martin Hesp
Jul 306 min read


Al Fresco Perfection: The Secret to the Ultimate Westcountry Picnic C
Ditch the soggy sandwiches and industrial pork pies. Discover the anatomy of a perfect picnic spot, six hidden locations across Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, and simple Mediterranean-inspired dishes that elevate outdoor dining into a civilised triumph.
Martin Hesp
Jul 197 min read


Discovering the Best English Tea-Gardens: A Unique British Tradition
There is nothing quite like the unique British tradition of the English tea garden. From hidden coastal gems to quiet sanctuaries tucked behind historic ruins, we explore the very best spots to enjoy an authentic cream tea in the fresh air.
Martin Hesp
May 10, 20256 min read


The British Cheese Renaissance: Passion, Pasture, and Craftsmanship
Britain is home to some of the finest artisan cheesemakers in the world. From clothbound Cheddars to rich, hand-crafted specialty cheeses, explore the passion, soil health, and traditional techniques driving the British cheese renaissance.
Martin Hesp
Jun 10, 20206 min read


Tamarisk Farm
An essay recalling a fascinating trip to a wonderful organic farm on the Dorset coast
Martin Hesp
Jun 9, 20206 min read


Authentic Food Markets: From Exmoor to Sarawak & Beyond
From bidding for livestock high on Exmoor to dodging mob chases in Martinique and sampling mysterious street-food delicacies in Sarawak, travel writer Martin Hesp celebrates the sights, smells, and vital human interaction of traditional food markets around the world.
Martin Hesp
Jun 6, 20207 min read


St George’s Mushrooms: The Magic of May Foraging in the West Country
Most people associate wild mushroom foraging with crisp autumn afternoons, but May brings one of the culinary calendar's finest prizes: St George’s mushroom. Martin Hesp explores the meadows and chalk downs of the West Country in search of Calocybe gambosa—a firm, fragrant spring fungus that arrives around St George’s Day.
Martin Hesp
May 25, 20207 min read


Guide to Wood-Fired Cooking: Mastering the Outdoor Flame
There is nothing quite like the flavor of food cooked over a live wood fire. Martin Hesp explores the ancient art of wood-fired cooking, from selecting the right logs to managing outdoor heat.
Martin Hesp
Apr 25, 20206 min read


Artisan Cheese and Climate Change: An Interview with Mary Quicke of Quicke’s Cheddar
How does climate change threaten traditional cheese? In this exclusive interview, Mary Quicke of Quicke's Cheddar discusses sustainable dairy farming, pasture health, and the future of Devon food.
Martin Hesp
Apr 13, 20207 min read


The Return of the Shrub: How to Make and Drink Traditional Fruit Cordials
From coastal Cornish smugglers to the world's trendiest craft cocktail bars, Martin Hesp explores the fascinating history of the fruit shrub—and shares how to make this ultimate vinegar-infused drink at home.
Martin Hesp
Apr 3, 20205 min read


The Magic of Artisan Baking: Making Your Own Sourdough Bread
Discover the ancient, slow-food magic of baking your own sourdough. From nurturing a wild yeast starter to folding local West Country stoneground dough, Martin Hesp explores why traditional baking is worth the time.
Martin Hesp
Apr 2, 20209 min read


Foraging Wild Food in Estuaries: The Salt-Marsh Larder
From Michelin-starred kitchens to the mudflats of the River Teign, join Martin Hesp and expert chef David Beazley as they brave the winter elements to uncover the rich culinary bounty of estuary foraging.
Martin Hesp
Mar 31, 20206 min read


Wild Food Foraging: Field to Plate Secrets from the Experts
A journey into the hedgerows and salt marshes with professional foragers and executive chefs to uncover the flavours, safety rules, and culinary magic of Britain's wild food larder.
Martin Hesp
Mar 26, 20209 min read


Importance of Local Grown Food
Fresh local food tastes better, supports British farmers and helps protect the countryside we all enjoy. Discover why buying seasonal produce from farm shops, markets and local producers benefits your health, your community and the environment.
Martin Hesp
Mar 25, 20207 min read
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