Eating seasonally is something that I've written about many times before, and I have been advocating this way of cooking for many years. So when I come across businesses that have similar values, it's lovely to be able to share them with others. The chefs at Colwall Park Hotel and The Malvern in Worcestershire not only choose seasonal products, they go one step further and choose to forage for ingredients in the local area. Keep an eye out in the journal over the next few weeks as we'll be featuring a recipe for honey roasted chestnuts, and hawthorn berry jelly. In the mean time, Head Chef Steve Rimmer shares a bit more about the ethos behind his food choices...

At The Malvern restaurant we create a lot of our dishes based on seasonal products, not only is it economical but eating seasonally has health benefits too; foods in season contain the nutrients, minerals and trace elements that our bodies need at particular times of year. For example we will use Worcester wild garlic & asparagus between March and May when it’s just come into season and is at its peak, whilst the Herefordshire berries are very delicious from July to October.

When we come to seasons my favourites have to be Autumn and Winter. This is the time of year I like cooking heartier food such as slow cooked blade of Herefordshire beef with balsamic shallots, roast root vegetables and a rich red wine sauce. The Autumn Winter vegetables such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash are great and go well as purées with fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. You will always find beetroot on the menu as that’s one of my favourite ingredients to use and I love to put it with goats cheese. Give it a go this season!

If you'd like the chance to experience seasonal food at its finest, the lovely folk at Colwall Park are offering you the chance to win a 1 night stay including dinner and breakfast for 2 people. The Malvern Hills surrounding the hotel provide the perfect opportunity to wander in the countryside and escape the norm for a short time. And if you're worried about leaving your four-legged friend at home there's no need - the hotel is dog friendly, with a 'paw wash' station and even doggie ale in the bar!

For your chance to win, just head over to our crowdfunding campaign for Creative Countryside magazine and select the 'Seasonal Package' (£35), which includes a printed copy of issue 1, an enamel mug, organic dark chocolate and tea and a recycled cotton check blanket. There are only 35 of these packages available, so it could easily be you that wins the stay!

Foraged Feasts & Time to Escape