Seasonal food focus: Fresh from the garden

Licensees Duncan and Leigh Taylor of the Bluebell in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, have a local approach to sourcing, with all food and drink suppliers located within a 30-mile radius of the pub,

Two years ago, the freehouse took this approach one step further and acquired a quarter-acre plot of land with a view to growing produce for use at the award-winning pub.

The intention was to focus on a consistent supply of quality ingredients for the Bluebell, grown following organic gardening principles. Fringe benefits were the savings made on food bills and a reduction in food miles.

After considerable work stripping back undergrowth, digging organic matter into the soil and putting in raised beds, its was 2008 before the pub reaped the benefits.

Carrots, tomatoes, spinach, parsnips, onions, fennel, lettuce, rhubarb, radish and a small amount of herbs all featured on the menu in that first year, despite the wet summer.

Duncan says: "2009 promises to be much better, with us growing the same as last year, but in larger quantities - as well as broad beans, runner beans, swiss chard, beetroot, jerusalem artichokes, kale, horse radish, peppers, chilli peppers, sorrel, various salad leaves and a huge selection of herbs."

With Duncan and Leigh having been named Newcomers of the Year at The Publican Awards 2008​, the homegrown produce has helped the Bluebell add to its trophy cabinet with awards including Dining Pub of the Year 2008 at the Coventry and Warwickshire Food and Drink Awards.

"It's hard work" says Leigh. "There's always plenty to do to keep up with demand, but the quality is superb and customers really appreciate how fresh it all is - there's nothing tastier than something that's fresh out of the vegetable garden."