37
FOOD
Trencherman's Guide
At the recent launch of the 31st edition
of the Trencherman's Guide - the South
West's original dining guide - Michael
Caines MBE, chair of the Trencherman's
committee, said: 'Many have declared a
new dawn for fine dining in this postCovid
world - and this 31st edition of
the Trencherman's Guide proves it.
"In the South West and across the
rest of the UK, the dining scene is
evolving; there's no question about
it," says Caines, "Browse the pages
of the Trencherman's Guide edition
31 and you'll find, more than ever
before, the diverse ways that chefs
and restaurateurs are extending their
core business to incorporate a variety
of dining experiences that don't
compromise on quality. From woodfired
pizzas served on hotel terraces
to family-friendly beach bars and fish
shacks in pub gardens, authentic South
West dining experiences are reaching
an even greater audience, which is
fantastic for everyone - including the
region's food and drink producers. The
ceremony of multi-course meals and
starched linen still holds huge appeal to
those chasing a real sense of occasion
Sharpham Dairy
A velvety cheese - created by mistake - has been
crowned the South West's best cheese. Sharpham
Cheese's Rushmore was named Taste of the West's
Champion Cheese in their awards ceremony. Sharpham
Rushmore is a combination of 40% goat's milk and 60%
cow's milk is reminiscent of two of its most popular
cheeses - crumbly and delicate Ticklemore goat's cheese
and the semi-hard Rustic cow's cheese, creating a slightly
crumbly but velvety texture. Sharpham Rushmore was
serendipitously created when goat's milk was mistakenly
poured into the same tank as cow's milk. Determined to
avoid waste, it was necessary to make cheese with the
milks that had been mixed. The team of cheesemakers
continued to produce cheese with the mixed milk to
see how it would taste. Delighted with their accidental
invention, Sharpham gauged the public's opinion at
regional shows, before bringing the cheese to market in
November 2022. The full range of goats', cows' and sheeps'
milk cheeses, as well as Sharpham Dairy's new crackers
and chutneys are available from good cheesemongers and
delis, and online. The Rushmore cheese is £5.50 for 230g.
www.sharphamcheese.co.uk
- but it's time to expand our perspective on the definition of the most
exquisite dining experiences."
Trencherman's Guide is an annual epicurean bible for the South West
region. This year's guide, which covers the entire area from Land's End to
the furthest reaches of Dorset and the Cotswolds, features 106 restaurants
that have surpassed the strict Trencherman's entry criteria. This year's
members range from formal restaurants to dining pubs, bistros and bottle
shops.
www.trenchermans-guide.com