Inspiration, bite-size news, reviews & great stuff to do
ARUNDEL IN BLOOM
Be uplifted by the sight of swathes of brightly coloured tulips swaying in the breeze, set against the grandeur of Arundel Castle and its gardens. The West Sussex landmark’s annual Tulip Festival will showcase a staggering 100,000-plus flowers and runs from April to early May (dependent on when the tulips bloom – check the website and/or social media before visiting). Throw in lunch at The Pig hotel on the South Downs, where the ‘25-mile menu’ champions local produce, and you have the recipe for a wonderful spring day out. From £14, arundelcastle.org; @arundelcastleuk
DUST OFF THE CAKE STAND…
The Big Lunch campaign encourages communities to come together to eat, share and raise money for local causes. Take part on 6-8 May – the bank holiday coronation weekend – or throughout June. Look out for street party recipe ideas in next month’s issue, and meanwhile visit coronationbiglunch.com.
You’ll find posters, recipes and activity ideas to plan a knees-up with your neighbours, plus a themed pack if you want to mark the coronation.
Hello spring!
April is a fabulous month for new-season produce. Say a big hello to the first asparagus (see our cover feature on p18), plus early jersey royals, watercress, radishes, field-grown rhubarb, lettuce and salad leaves, soft herbs and spinach, radishes, spring onions and wild garlic (see p70 for how to preserve the bounty).
And the last hurrah: cauliflower, forced rhubarb and purple sprouting broccoli.
PUB OF THE MONTH
THE SILVER CUP, HARPENDEN, HERTFORDSHIRE thesilvercup.co.uk
PUBBY CREDS At the foot of Harpenden Common, this ‘contemporary public house’ was revamped by new local owners in 2020. It’s now split into an upmarket restaurant and laid-back bar (plus four guest rooms upstairs).
THE FOOD Dishes are clever, but there’s nothing pretentious about the food or service. Treat yourself to the seven-course set menu (£70) and enjoy snacks like duck egg gribiche and mains such as Cornish plaice with brill, artichoke, confit lemon and caviar. On a budget? The Sunday roast is £36 for two courses – or just share some tempting bar snacks.
THE BOOZE Classic cocktails, a vast gin selection and balanced wine list: it’s worth trying their expert recommendations.
THE WALK The common is steps away – and Harpenden is bursting with bakeries and things to do. Visit neighbouring St Albans for the food market and Roman ruins.
SCHOOL’S OUT!
1 The Easter holidays are here: hatch some plans, at home or away.
2FIND AN OPEN FARM DAY FOR
