An Edible Voyage

April 2021 I can't remember how on earth I originally came across this place, but I'm so glad that I did.  A real hidden gem, unassumingly tucked away in a residential street behind Stoke Newington High Street.  With it's conservative shop front it would be easy to miss, but whatever you do, don't miss it!  The compact inside has a buzzy neighbourhood vibe, and outside is a lovely, sheltered courtyard. Has Bean coffee is expertly crafted, whether as a pour over or espresso based beverage, and they've taken milk alternatives up a notch with their own home made almond milk. The food is always exceptional - one of those places where you know that whatever you choose will be well executed.  Unusual combinations of bang in season produce means the menu is never dull, whilst keeping things simple enough to really showcase the flavours of quality produce. The French toast is my go to option - thick slices of chewy, tangy Little Bread Pedlar sourdough, usually served with s...

July 2020 For a fish lover, Pinney's in Orford is a little slice of heaven.  Here they have smokehouses, smoking fish that is sustainable caught, and landed at Butley Creek, a stones throw from the shop.  Stock up on a whole range of smoked fish, pates and accompaniments, there's a fresh fish counter too.  I highly recommend the smoked mackerel.  Ready to eat, it has a distinctive smoky flavour, a rich texture, and a subtle sweetness, making a delicious on the go snack, gourmet picnic or al fresco feast served with colourful salads. Find Pinney's down by Butley Creek in Orford.  They also sell oysters.

July 2020 I have a weak spot for cheese.  So when I heard that Fen Farm dairy have a 24 hour, yes you heard right!, self-service shop, I realised I was entering dangerous territory.  Raw milk from their  Montbeliarde cows is used to make artisan cheese and the most incredible cultured butter I have ever tasted - it's so good that I could probably eat it on it's own...but I'll resist! I had heard many people, all over the country talking about Fen Farm's Baron Bigod cheese, and wondered how a cheese from a small dairy in rural Suffolk has become so well known.  Now I know.  It's exquisite.  Britain's first unpasteurised brie will give any French brie a run for it's money with it's distinctive flavour - earthy, creamy and utterly moorish.  Also well worth a mention is the St Jude's cheese with it's strong flavour and fluffy, mousse-like texture. I never knew butter could have so much flavour until I tried the Bungay raw butter.  The  UK...

June 2020 Bakey and chocolaterie, can you get a better combination?!  Nestled in amongst the historical buildings of the picturesque, coastal village of Orford in Suffolk is Pump Street Bakery.  The counter bursts with both sourdough and yeasted bread, baguettes, baked goods and pastries, as well as their own made chocolate.   I arrived at opening time to find there was already a long queue and I quickly found out why.  Having devoured the Bear Claw - flaky, perfectly laminated pastry filled with gooey, nutty almond paste, and a great flat white, I queued up for round 2! The highlight was the pillowy doughnut filled with sweet but refreshing rhubarb jam.  It really was like eating the most delicious cloud. The chocolate selection is as equally exciting, with beans sourced from all over the world.  My all time favourite bar is the 72% Solomon Islands which really tastes of baked banana.  I'm also very excited to try th...

June 2020 I can't say that I've ever had Tibetan food before and it seems I've been missing out! Yeshi grew up in rural Tibet and has brought over the flavours of his native cuisine to excite the taste buds of Oxford with Taste of Tibet.  Hearty and a little spicy, his dishes are real soul food.  The vegan feast is definitely not an understatement with 3 curries, rice and a momo jam packed in to the foil container - it seemed a never-ending meal of flavour.  A mild spinach and chickpea curry, and Tibetan dahl ss balanced by the spicy potato and pea curry, and people flock from miles around for their highly acclaimed momos - dumplings filled with vegetables and steamed to create 2-bite sized balls of deliciousness.   Bread is my weakness and generally one of my most enjoyed parts of any cuisine so I had to try a Tibetan flat bread.  I was expecting it to be similar to a naan bread but it was much denser, good for scooping up a mouthful of curry. Ta...

June 2020 On Iffley Road there sits an unassuming cafe; one that I had never noticed.  I searched it out after a friend mentioned the delicious food, excellent coffee, and lovely light, airy setting with a garden out the back.  It's now my favourite breakfast in Oxford.  A short menu means that every dish is executed to an exceptional standard.  I love the concept of Eton mess pancakes with crunchy meringue shards and mint syrup, and sourdough French toast with elderflower custard and roasted gooseberries sounds heavenly.   My favourite dish so far is the Full Silvie.  Not usually a huge fan of the Full English, I was a little sceptical, but it turned out to be one of my all time best breakfasts.  Sausage meat wrapped in bacon, and cheddar and greens toasted loaf both looked heavy going but were actually deliciously light, and the fennel seed roasted tomatoes and mushrooms added a whole new flavour dimension.  I believe it's the sign ...