Eating
Introducing @Bucksfoodie – Get To Know Me!
Hey there, my names Rachel but I also go by @bucksfoodie! I’m a 22-year-old MA graduate from West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. You may recognise me from this article where I was named as one of ‘Four Fantastic Food Bloggers to Follow’. This is just a little info about me, my account and where it all began! To start, here are a few foodie facts about me:
- I am quite possibly the worst baker I know – you either get gloopy messes or … ‘cakes’ that could be used as building materials.
- I was vegetarian for the majority of my time at university – not necessarily for ethical reasons, but because I couldn’t afford meat!
- My favourite chef ever is Gordon Ramsay. I met him at the BBC Good Food show when I was about 10 and had my first experience of ‘fan-girling’.
- I have always loved (even if my bank account has not!) going out for food.
- I think my favourite meal to go out for is brunch, it’s usually cheaper than a dinner and always gets the day started on a positive note.
I started @bucksfoodie when I moved back home from SW London after finishing my undergraduate degree. I realised that I tended to visit the same few restaurants with my friends, boyfriend and family. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I wanted to branch out a bit and actually explore the foodie scene – especially in High Wycombe and Aylesbury as these were the two places I spent most of my time.
My focus when I started #bucksfoodie was really simple:
- Discover new independent restaurants, bars and cafes.
- Try out these new places & take pictures of the experience.
- Post it online and hope to spread some more awareness of small businesses.
So, I made the account in December 2019 after my boyfriend and I had, what is still, the best Sunday Roast of our lives at The Harrow in Bishopstone. I started posting weekly because I didn’t have the content or budget to post more regularly. Before I made the account I created a back catalogue of other independent restaurants or cafes that I’d been to prior to actually making the account. To start with, there was no pressure to post as not many people were following me and it could stay as a side project/hobby.
The account got left by the wayside for a little while because I was also studying for my MA at this time. But I still took pictures of my food and of the experiences. I’ve always liked having a record of great experiences – my boyfriend says that I’m a hoarder of memories, pictures and memorabilia!
I’m not going to say the ‘C’ word [not Christmas, the other one] but… lockdown played a huge part in getting back into @bucksfoodie and really changing things up. I had bucket loads of time and needed motivation to get through the day, as I think a lot of us did and @bucksfoodie became that for me.
I started with a food challenge that another foodie had created which meant I had to post every day for 30 days, different types of content like my favourite meal, my favourite takeaway, best bake (this was a big throwback to the only cake triumph I’ve ever had!). Not only did it give me a focus it forced me to be creative with food, to think about food in a practical way, and to actually experiment in the kitchen a little bit.
The result was incredible not just for myself and my food journey, but I was also gaining loads of active followers who wanted to chat and to share their experiences with me! It also put me in contact with some great businesses. The best bit was they weren’t just local anymore – I’ve spoken to foodies in New York, in Dubai and even in Australia – the internets amazing for that! I’ve still remained very focussed on presenting local businesses in the Buckinghamshire area though – I think it will always be my main focus, no matter where this account takes me.
It’s become something pretty magical since early April 2020! Most recently I gained over 3000 followers, and later this month I’ll be judging a competition for Eden Shopping Centre! Pinch me please because it doesn’t seem real!
I love creating and posting content, and even if the Instagram algorithm means that my posts don’t get seen immediately, or by as many people, it’s not about the likes or the comments for me. The best thing I’ve gained from being a Food Blogger are the dialogues I’ve had with businesses, restaurants, brands and my followers. I love nothing more than being asked for recommendations, or for a more in-depth discussion on a trip to a restaurant, or food product that I’ve been sent.
I’ve also been able to help brands price their products and market their events which is just incredible and something really unexpected that has come with my blog! It’s like a part-time job at the moment, I feel very busy with @bucksfoodie and it’s given me a fantastic focus, it’s also really helped my relationship with food.
I think a lot of us go through dips and dives in our relationships with food. It can be a toxic, messy and sometimes really uncomfortable topic to talk about, especially when you’re a content creator who is solely posting about food! But, since starting @bucksfoodie, I’ve been encouraged to love, appreciate, and try new foods, which is a really lovely additional bonus to making this account.
Well, I think that just about covers me and my journey with @bucksfoodie so far. The good news is it’s far from over yet!
Feel free to drop me a follow or message on Instagram or Facebook if you’d like to know more about me or bucks-based restaurants/ brands/ coffee shops or businesses!
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.
Deciding on a great Father’s Day experience can be challenging, but this year, why not treat Dad to an escape to the Hertfordshire countryside at Sopwell House? The hotel and spa are pulling out all the stops for Dad, from a sumptuous Sunday roast with beer pairings to a savoury afternoon tea.
Sunday Roast with Beer or Wine Flight
Elevate Dad’s Sunday roast with an optional craft beer from Tring Brewery. From a punchy Raven King IPA to Tring’s smooth Tea Kettle stout, savour every bite with a carefully selected beer to match each course. For those who aren’t as keen on beer, there is also a wine flight option available.
Start as you mean to go on with Spring shaved courgettes or spicy lamb croquettes, followed by the star of the show – a roast with your choice of chicken, beef, or pork, served with fluffy roasties, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and lashings of gravy. End on a sweet note with a choice of summery desserts – think Strawberry bakewell tart and Raspberry crème brûlée – plus an additional cheese course for those opting for the paired menu.
Price: £42 per person for Sunday lunch (£67 per adult including drinks pairing and cheese course).
Father’s Day Afternoon Tea
Adding a savoury twist to the quintessentially British pastime, treat Dad to an afternoon tea with a choice of bubbles or a pint of Pale Ale to complement the experience. Expect bites including quail scotch eggs and roast beef-filled mini-Yorkshire puddings, alongside sandwiches and freshly baked scones.
There is also a selection of sweet treats including a hazelnut praline and chocolate sable, and a coconut, yuzu, and lime macaron, all served with a glass of Taittinger Champagne or a pint of Tring Pale Four beer from the award-winning brewery. A punchy, West Coast IPA style beer, the Tring Pale Four beer is as at home with meats and fish as it is paired alongside sweet treats, making it the perfect accompaniment to Afternoon Tea!
Price: £57 per adult.
Available exclusively on Sunday 16th June, make your Father’s Day one to remember at Sopwell House, with bookings now available at www.sopwellhouse.co.uk.
Top 5 Father’s Day Gift Ideas
To complement your luxurious day out at Sopwell House, here are the top 5 Father’s Day gift ideas that will surely impress any dad:
- Personalised Gifts
- Engraved Wallet: A high-quality leather wallet with a personalised message or initials engraved.
- Custom Photo Book: A photo book filled with cherished memories, perfect for sentimental dads.
- Tech Gadgets
- Smart Home Devices: Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub to help around the house.
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Great for dads who enjoy music, podcasts, or need some quiet time.
- Experience Gifts
- Driving Experience: A track day or driving experience with high-performance cars.
- Cooking Class: For foodie dads, a cooking class with a professional chef can be a memorable experience.
- Eating Out Experience
- Restaurant Voucher: A voucher for a meal at a top-rated restaurant or a local favourite.
- Afternoon Tea: A classic British experience, perfect for a relaxing afternoon with a variety of teas and delicious treats.
- Outdoor Gear
- Camping Equipment: High-quality tents, sleeping bags, or portable grills for adventurous dads.
- Garden Tools: For dads who love gardening, new tools or a garden gadget like a robot lawnmower.
Make this Father’s Day unforgettable with a delightful experience at Sopwell House and a thoughtful gift from our top picks!
Nestled within the historical elegance of Brocket Hall, the renowned Auberge du Lac has proudly announced a new chapter in its storied culinary journey, spearheaded by the illustrious Chef John Barber. Having reopened its doors in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, the restaurant has been infused with a fresh vigour, artfully blending tradition with cutting-edge culinary innovations.
Chef John Barber
Chef John Barber: A Maestro in the Kitchen
Chef Barber’s illustrious career, inspired by his mother’s home cooking, began at UCB College of Food and has spanned the globe, from the prestigious kitchens of the Belfry Hotel to the exotic locales of Thailand and Paris. His tenure at London’s Bar Boulud and the opening of 14 Hills with the D&D Group has seasoned him with an unrivaled expertise, making his tenure at Auberge du Lac a herald of culinary excellence.
Lucy Hawkins: Sustainability at Its Core
The heart of Auberge du Lac’s culinary philosophy is its kitchen garden, tenderly curated by Lucy Hawkins. This garden is not merely a plot of land; it is the cradle of sustainability, employing no-dig methods that enrich local biodiversity and allow for the freshest ingredients to be used directly in the kitchen. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in this verdant sanctuary during the Garden Tour & Lunch events, connecting them intimately with the origins of their meals.
The Auberge Experience: A Symphony of Luxuries
Auberge du Lac doesn’t just stop at fine dining; it offers an immersive ‘Auberge Experience’ package. Priced at £420 per couple, this luxurious offering includes a cozy welcome with Champagne and chocolates, a seven-course tasting menu, an overnight stay in the stately Melbourne Lodge, and a full English breakfast at The Melbourne Club. Each of the lodge’s 16 luxury ensuite bedrooms offers a vista of the Hall, Broadwater Lake, and the golf course, making it an ideal retreat after a gourmet evening.
Access and Convenience
Just a stone’s throw from London, Auberge du Lac offers an escape into the countryside that’s both quick and easy. The journey from central London to the tranquility of Brocket Hall takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a taste of the countryside without straying far from the city’s pulse.
A Forthcoming Review
Stay tuned for an in-depth review of Auberge du Lac, where we will delve deeper into the gastronomic delights and serene ambiance that make this destination a crown jewel of culinary and leisure escapades.
Embrace the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of fine dining and bespoke luxury at Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall, where every visit promises to be more than just a meal—it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of history, taste, and lush landscapes.
