Love Your Farm

Farms need people especially at the moment. Have you ever thought that you would like to work on a farm? Maybe run one yourself one day?

Future Farmers

Farmers are looking for more workers, so if fancy ditching the laptop and getting your hands dirty then read on.. We will match you up with a farming business that is looking for help. You will spend the day learning how the farm works and getting involved. We will cover the cost of your travel to and from the farm and you will be provided with lunch. You will need to be prepared to work a full day standing and of course to get muddy! The date will be determined by the farm to fit in with suitable work. You probably won't get to drive a tractor; just to avoid any disappointment.

To apply for one of a limited number of places please email [email protected] with 'Future Farmer' as the subject of your email and tell us:

1. Your name
2. Your post code (to help us match you to your nearest suitable farm)
3. Type of farming that most interests you (e.g. fruit, vegetable, livestock, dairy etc.)
4. If you have plans for a rural food business of your own and are looking for premises or land to farm then let us know.

Hearty food for February

Now is the time for winter food to brace yourself against the cold and the wet. Time for dishes like Mushroom & Leek Pasta, Irish Lamb Stew or Beef Stifado. Why not try this Potato & Cheese Soup made extra special with Yukon Gold potatoes from The Potato Shop.

Don't forget February also has Shrove Tuesday and Valentine's Day to be celebrated.

In season this month

Winter veg abound, you can find beetroot, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, celery, celeriac, cauliflower, carrots, chard, claytonia, fennel, herbs, Jerusalem artichokes, kale, leeks, marrows, pak choi, parsnips, potatoes, peppers, purple sprouting broccoli, red, green & white cabbage, radishes, spinach, spring onions, turnips, Tuscan kale, garlic, squash and pumpkins. Apples and pears are still available.

Look out for early tulips and daffodils to brighten things up.

#RealBreadWeek

It is Real Bread Week from the 17th to 25th of February. Promoted by the The Real Bread Campaign, Real Bread Week has achieved international success in promoting traditionally made loaves.

There are bakeries at our markets producing wonderful breads. You can find sourdoughs, traditional French, Italian, Ukrainian, Lithuanian & German loaves, spelt, rye & ancient grains, babka, challah, sweet brioches and more.

Most markets have two or more bakers offering a wide range of Real Bread. Look out for: Artisan Foods, Astons Bakehouse, Bread Bread, Celtic Bakers, Karaway Bakery, Kubabka, Levain Bakery, Olivier's Bakery, Sean's Loaf, The Dusty Knuckle and The Flour Station.

Date Night Hamper Competition

Its Valentine's Day on the 14th so....

We are using Valentine's Day as an excuse to offer 2 'date night' hampers as prizes this month. All you need for a romantic meal for two, and something for breakfast the next morning!

1. English sparkling wine from Montgomery Vinyard
2. Starter - Smoked trout, bread for toast, fresh herbs & sour cream
3. Main - Free range chicken, pasta, mushroom, tarragon, cream.
4. Pud - Tiramisu
5. Breakfast - Bacon & eggs, toast, marmalade

If any item listed is not available we will endeavour to substitute it with something similar.

Head to our Insta or FaceBook pages where details of the draw will be posted soon, the draw will close for entries on the 18th February. You must be able to collect your hamper from one of our weekend markets.