Eating
Four Fantastic Food Bloggers to follow: October 2020
The Home Counties is home to some of the finest places to eat in the UK. It is also home to some of the best up-and-coming food bloggers who are pushing food envy to new levels. 2020 has been a unique year and if there is one thing that we as a nation have done right this year, it would be appreciating good food.
We have handpicked four fabulous food bloggers who are worth following. From amazing recipes to insider knowledge of the finest places to dine, these foodies need to be on your feed.
Major_Bites – instagram.com/major_bites/
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
This is so tricky it’s unbelievable 😅. If I wanted a takeaway sandwich, it would be @chillibs for their amazing grilled sandwiches. If I had to pick the most amazing fried chicken that looks like it should be in a fine dining restaurant the way it’s served, it would be @chicken_george_jnr. For awesome pub food with roast dinners that are to die for, I would pick @thevichitchin and finally for something baked and naughty, @puddingstop. I’m addicted to there cinnamon buns and their raspberry and white chocolate blondies… oh and their cronuts.
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
This question is as old as time… pasta or pizza 🙈. I’m fully in love with pasta for the varieties of sauces and shapes etc… who doesn’t love a big carb hug with handfuls of cheese and truffle shavings? 🤤 @oldskoolpantry do a proper spaghetti carbonara which is to die for with lots of Parmesan, chunky fresh black pepper and lots of bacon. I equally love a Pizza and it would have to be made by my mentor Adam from @peddlingpizzas who inspired me to start making my own pizzas.
3. Favourite drink?
My go-to in the morning is an Espresso. I do like other coffees too but have had less milky ones of late. @chianaturallyhealthy do an amazing turmeric coconut latte. I love a strong full-bodied red wine such as a Malbec or a Plavic Male from Croatia. Beer and cider is good but I’m a sucker for cocktails especially an Espresso Martini 👌🏼.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
My most recent cookbook was Simply Novelli by @jean_christophe_novelli which I got while I was at Jean Christophe Novelli cookery school.
5. Which food blogger would you recommend following?
@fat.Sam.eats is the king of food porn especially breakfast yolk porn. @artusbbq is a wizard with a bbq as you can imagine. @lickyplate for absolutely everything including good food-related puns.
Lydeatsfood – instagram.com/lydeatsfood
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
Bedford is blessed with so many good restaurants that it’s impossible to choose just one! FatCap Smokehouse is always top of my list, real-deal American bbq cooked low n slow to perfection! Bridges Espresso Bar are the new kids on the Bedford foodie scene and they’re already a firm favourite of mine!
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
I haven’t met a cuisine I don’t like yet! Italian food is my favourite, especially my Nonna’s cooking. When I go out to eat, I love street food markets as it means I don’t have to choose one type of food and can eat everything!!
3. Favourite drink?
I’m most partial to a glass of bubbly but can’t say no to a proper Mojito! For a non-alcoholic beverage, I always go for a Diet Coke.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
My favourite cookbook is practically a family heirloom! It is a copy of Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management that belonged to my Great Nonna. She was given it when she first moved to England and it is over 100 years old. For a more contemporary cookbook, Ottolenghi is always a winner!
Make sure to check out my fellow Bedford foodie @teesfusiontable who makes the most amazing food.
Daniel_JohnEats – instagram.com/daniel_johneats
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
One of my favourite places in St Albans has to be Tabure. The food is always great and the restaurant always has a good atmosphere. Love trying lots of dishes.
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
This is a hard one but I would say Italian food is my favourite. Though I love brunch food. This is something I make a lot of. Avocado on toast with poached eggs is always a good idea.
3. Favourite drink?
Espresso Martini or a G&T. Rhubarb and ginger gin is is my current favourite flavour.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
When I was last in Berlin I visited a restaurant called House of Small Wonder. Fusion cuisine offering Japanese and European dishes. I brought the Recipes & Stories cookbook and have enjoyed using it a lot.
5. Which food blogger would you recommend following?
So many food bloggers who have amazing content. I would recommend @eat.like.a.foodie who’s home cooking is inspired by their travels.
My_Rude_Food – instagram.com/myrudefood
1. What’s your favourite place to eat?
We’re spoilt for choice locally, there are so many gorgeous eateries. In St Albans, I particularly like L’italiano or Lussmanns. But we’ve also got the Alford Arms down the road which is reliably wonderful and if I want steak then I love Prime in Chandlers Cross. I’m not great at choosing just one.
2. Favourite meal/type of food?
Oh dear, I’m already spotting a theme. It’s so tough to choose, I particularly love cooking whole foods from scratch & tend to borrow flavours from around the world depending on my mood. I love a charcuterie board especially at home in front of a fire. On balance I would probably pick Italian food if forced. But I adore Asian food and British obviously.
3. Favourite drink?
What I drink most is water. But if we’re talking alcoholic I love anything with lychee or pear maybe a Bellini or a martini & I’m partial to a glass of Malbec. But probably my favourite is fresh mint tea.
4. Most recent/ favourite recipe book bought?
I’ve got so many but I don’t really follow recipes, I’ve been cooking for over 30 years. I love The flavour thesaurus by Niki Segnit. For inspiration, I probably reach for one my Nigel Slaters or Claudia Roden.
5. Which food blogger would you recommend following?
@90foodie @thefierywhisk & @johnwmacdonald are all really good for inspiration & very friendly.
Four Fantastic Food Bloggers to Follow – September
Each and every month, we will be featuring four new food bloggers to follow. If you are a food blogger and would like to be featured. follow us on Instagram and drop us a DM. Read ‘September’s Four Fantastic Food Bloggers to Follow‘.
Join the #lunchNbloggers movement
Prepare for a magical New Year’s Eve at Tewinbury’s exquisite Tythe Barn, where rustic charm meets understated luxury. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mimram Valley in Hertfordshire, this exclusive celebration promises an evening of indulgence, joy, and unforgettable memories.
The Perfect Celebration
The festivities begin with a sparkling Champagne reception, accompanied by an array of exquisite canapés. Guests will then be treated to a carefully curated four-course meal, perfectly paired with fine wine to tantalise the taste buds. The evening continues with live entertainment, providing the ideal soundtrack to dance your way into 2025 with loved ones.
As the clock approaches midnight, toast to the New Year in the enchanting ambience of Tythe Barn, a space renowned for its blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. With its exposed wooden beams and festive decor, this venue offers an intimate yet vibrant setting for a truly memorable night.
About Tewinbury
Tewinbury is not just a venue; it is an experience. Located in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, this 700-acre estate provides a tranquil escape just a short journey from the hustle and bustle of London. Only 30 minutes by train from King’s Cross, Tewinbury feels a world away with its idyllic surroundings and refined country charm.
The estate is renowned for its farm-to-table dining, luxury lodges, and bespoke experiences, making it a sought-after destination for both celebrations and retreats. Tythe Barn itself is a jewel in Tewinbury’s crown, offering a beautiful setting steeped in history and brimming with character.
Whether you are a local or travelling in from further afield, Tewinbury provides the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories this New Year’s Eve.
Event Details
- Date: 31st December 2024
- Venue: Tythe Barn, Tewinbury, Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL6 0JB
- Tickets: £165 per person (includes Champagne reception, canapés, four-course meal, wine, and entertainment)
- Time: Evening
Make Your Booking
Tickets are limited for this exclusive event, so secure your place early to avoid disappointment. Book online at tewinbury.co.uk/event/new-years-eve-at-tythe-barn or contact the team directly at 01438 717793 or reservations@tewinbury.co.uk.
Henley-based, WH Brakspear & Sons, is delighted to announce that it is currently purchasing the freehold interest in The George Public House, a beautiful, 16th century, Grade II listed inn located in centre of the idyllic Bedfordshire village of Maulden.
The George was taken over by Maulden villagers, Julian and Emma Smith, in 2011. The couple bought and completely refurbished the then derelict pub whilst sensitively renovating its many original architectural features using local contractors, Kingshall Estates UK Ltd.
Departing owner, Emma Smith says,” The pub was a wreck when we bought it, but we replaced everything from the plumbing, electrics and the layout, built a new carpark and created a two-bed flat for a tenant. We then commissioned talented Birmingham-based, pub interior designers, Spencer Swinden, to create contemporary and cosy spaces to drink, eat and stay to a high spec.”
Now a thriving community hub, The George has a light and airy public bar, restaurant with 120 covers, a private function room seating 18-24 and seven, boutique-style, en-suite guest rooms housed in cottage style accommodation overlooking its landscaped beer garden with an attractive dining terrace, and currently has planning permission to build five additional bedrooms.
Tom Davies, Brakspear CEO commented, “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of The George at Maulden. It will be a fantastic addition to our estate. We don’t have many pubs in Bedfordshire, so we are really excited to be there, especially with the proposed Universal Studios development so close by.”
Having run the pub since 2016, Julian and Emma are leaving the pub in really good shape. “It’s been an amazing journey, particularly as we had no previous experience in hospitality when we started out.” says Emma. “We’ve absolutely loved every minute of our time at The George, but Julian and I are now ready to move on to our next adventure, which we’re currently deciding on. “The tenants will just be able to just jump straight in and run it with a wonderful, enthusiastic team of 40 staff ready to support them,” says Emma Smith.
“Our vision is to retain The George as a community hub whilst also offering a wonderful place to relax, stay and dine if visiting from further afield,” says Brakspear’s Business Development director, Gerard Winder. “Brakspear is now looking for a new tenant with experience of the area and who can fit in to a local pub with a loyal following and a strong background in food and beverage to be able to operate a quality informal operation on a tenancy agreement”.
The George lies eight miles south of Bedford and 13 miles from Luton. The market town of Ampthill is 2 miles away. Surrounded by the ancient Maulden Wood and halfway along the Greensand Ridge Walk, the area is a popular tourist destination with Centre Parcs, Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Abbey Deer Park and Woburn Golf Club close by. The proposed Universal Studios site is three miles away. The nearest train station is Flitwick with direct mainline services to London St Pancras.
The George Inn, 6 George St, Maulden, Bedford MK45 2DF, https://www.thegeorgemaulden.com
Milton Keynes’ much-anticipated landmark visitor destination, Unity Place, has now opened all of its remaining facilities and is officially fully open. Located directly opposite MK Station Square, Unity Place is more than just a venue; it’s a vibrant community hub set to redefine the urban experience in the heart of the city.
A Culinary Haven: Diverse Dining Options Under One Roof
Unity Place offers an unparalleled shopping and dining experience. At the heart of this destination is the Urban Food Market, featuring an eclectic mix of street food vendors that cater to every palate. Here, you can indulge in rustic Italian delights at Raffaele Pizza, savor Taiwanese rice boxes and bao buns from Bian Dang, or enjoy the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine at Cantina Carnitas. For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Dipna Anand’s Kitchen & Bar is a must-visit. Celebrity chef Dipna Anand brings authentic Punjabi and South Indian cuisine to your table, with signature dishes such as tandoori lamb chops, paneer tikka, and lamb shish.
Convenience Meets Quality: Shopping Essentials at Unity Place
Unity Place isn’t just about food. It’s designed to cater to all your needs under one roof. The Corner Store offers everyday essentials, while Baker’s Room tempts with freshly made bread, pastries, cakes, and coffee. Even grooming is covered, thanks to the high-end barbershop ROK, perfect for a stylish fresh trim.
Work and Play at Unity Place: The Ideal Balance
For those blending work and leisure, Unity Place provides an innovative solution. Partnering with co-working provider x+why, it offers flexible working spaces perfect for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The ground floor houses the public Santander Work Café, which includes co-working desks, bookable meeting rooms, and a branch for everyday banking needs. With over 60,000 sq. ft. of contemporary office space, Unity Place ensures a productive environment with breakout spaces, private offices, enterprise suites, and mission rooms.
Sip and Savor at Unity Place: A Destination for Drinks
Unity Place is also a haven for those who enjoy a good drink. The rooftop bar, Unity Sky Lounge, offers stunning panoramic views of the city alongside a fantastic selection of food and beverages. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or starting your evening, this is the perfect spot to relax. Additionally, Dipna Anand’s bar provides a cozy atmosphere for a pre-dinner cocktail or mocktail, while the fully stocked Unity Bar boasts an extensive drinks list to satisfy any preference.
Why Visit Unity Place?
Unity Place is more than just a visitor destination; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why you should make it your next stop:
- Variety: With a wide range of dining options, there’s something for everyone.
- Convenience: Everything you need, from food to shopping to workspaces, is available under one roof.
- Community: It’s a vibrant hub that fosters community and connection.
- Quality: High-end amenities ensure a premium experience.
- Scenery: Enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop bar.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Unity Place is set to become a cornerstone of Milton Keynes. Come and experience it for yourself – the future of urban living is here.
