An Edible Voyage

June 2021 When researching my Northern Ireland trip, I had no doubt I'd come across many a food and coffee place to add to my 'to try' list in Belfast, but I fully expected that once I was out in the 'wilds' of my campsite, any food and drink excitement would be limited by my (lack of) camping stove creativity.  To my delight, I was proved wrong.  Unexpectedly, the seaside town of Ballycastle harbours Ursa Minor, a sourdough bakery and treasure trove of local produce.  Sourdough loaves and seasonally flavoured buns and baked goods fill the window, whilst the rest of the shop bursts with locally made preserves and condiments in all manner of exciting flavours - lemon and fennel, strawberries preserved in acacia honey and rayu (Japanese chilli oil) jumped out at me, alongside delicious kombucha and all sorts of other delights. Sit in and enjoy a quality coffee - they offer all the espresso based staples, or take your haul down to the beach for a gourmet picnic. Find U...

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.