A well-known local chef and food historian was the special guest at a packed evening celebrating the best of Cumbrian food in Keswick.
John Crouch, known to regular listeners of BBC Radio Cumbria, hosted the latest in the series of the Skiddaw Hotel’s Dining Club events.
Held in the hotel’s Brasserie 31, John provided diners with a fascinating background to the evening’s food, all of which had been carefully created by Skiddaw Hotel head chef, Bobby Fillingham, and his team.
The Cumbrian Food Experience Menu featured ingredients from the lakes and bay, and fells and valleys of the county, plus a dessert inspired by the history of the ports of Cumbria.
Over 50 diners were treated to a five-course tasting menu including an amuse bouche of mini Cumberland Sausage Roll followed by Morecambe Bay Shrimps and Brown Crab, Wild Wood Pigeon, Fillet of Arctic Char & Flookburgh Cockles, Three Seasons of Herdwick Lamb, and Cumberland Rum Nicky.
Neels Fereirra, general manager at the Skiddaw Hotel, said: “The event was a great success, and it was fantastic to hear lots of positive comments from guests; including how much Keswick needs evenings like this. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged lots of laughter, and John did a brilliant job keeping everyone engaged.
“John spoke about Cumbria being so well connected with food, covering everything from the place names and unique stories to the history. And it was pretty special for our diners to learn more about the history of the ingredients as they were actually enjoying them in Bobby’s delicious dishes. We all can’t wait for the next event!”
The Skiddaw Hotel launched its Dining Club in January, with the aim of creating a foodie community as well as giving something back to its local and regular customers. Free to join, Dining Club members benefit from year-round special offers, discounts on food, receive a complimentary birthday drink, and get priority access for the calendar of regular foodie events.
Upcoming Dining Club events include British Wild Game Night on Wednesday October 9. Hosted by Bobby, expect a smorgasbord of regal dishes from a special menu including Wild Wood Pigeon, Roasted Venison, and an expertly crafted Pheasant Wellington.
Then November’s Dining Club offering will have a Victorian Christmas theme as locals and visitors get ready to enjoy the fun and festivities of the popular Keswick Victorian Fayre in early December.
