Compliments of chef to farmers

May 6 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

THE popularity of locally produced food will be reflected in this year’s Northumberland County Show. In the past, most sponsorship at the agricultural show has been provided by feed merchants and farm suppliers, but this year new businesses have come on board.

Among those wanting to highlight local produce are Yorkshire Dales Ice cream, Waitrose and the Barrasford Arms pub in Barrasford, near Hexham.

Owner of The Barrasford Arms Tony Binks said: “As a chef, my knowledge, experience and appreciation of meat, up until a few years ago, had been at the carcase stage.

“Now through working locally, through friendships with local farmers and knowledge imparted over the last few years, my appreciation has grown into being selective of different breeds.

“So, I’m now supporting the blackface sheep and the ‘any other pedigree native beef breed’ classes to be more involved at a grass roots level.

“I love the show – it’s a fun day out. I always see lots of my customers.”

Meanwhile, The Queen’s Head at Great Whittington and The Angel Inn in Corbridge, both owned by John Gibson, are first-time sponsors.

Mr Gibson said: “We source locally, we provide local beers, we use a local wine merchant and have local staff.

“Many of our locals are the mainstays of our local farming community. We’re delighted to become more involved with them and the show to push our belief in excellent local produce.”

Ex -solicitor Mr Gibson moved into pub ownership because, as he put it, “I wanted to create my kind of pub, with my type of food”. And his Queen’s Head chef Steven Murray hasn’t far to go when looking for top quality produce or inspiration.

Across the road at East Farm, farmer Tim Oliver raises belted Galloway and Highland cattle – what he describes as “table beef” – and blackface lambs.

The pub is renowned for local dishes such as its trio of Whittington lamb – confit shoulder, roasted rack and seared kidney served with fondant potato and tomato and basil jus.