The Lost Gardens of Heligan have teamed up with Woodfired Canteen to offer guests a very special outdoor dining experience. I was lucky to be amongst the first diners to eat in their wonderful new outdoor building, with a magnificent long table and benches made by Heligan craftsmen.
We were welcomed by Kayla, Heligan’s catering manager and made our way to the Italian garden where chefs were busily creating our starter – Early Heligan new potatoes smoked over the wood fire and a cider rarebit to dip for home made crusty bread and Heligan asparagus. This was served with Heligan vodka with rhubarb and ginger.
Foraging expert, Emma Gunn from ‘Never Mind the Burdocks’ gave us a brief talk about her passion for wild food and the foraging walks she leads around Heligan gardens and woods, which can be booked online at nevermindtheburdocks.co.uk.
Soon it was time to assemble around the long table, beautifully decorated with hedgerow flowers. Chef Ben Quinn was busy directing operations at the barbecues and his team looking after us were both helpful and knowledgeable.
Our main course was Heligan sirloin of beef, put lentils and vegetables from their garden, followed by rhubarb and ginger posset, all of which were absolutely delicious.
Ben is obviously passionate about cooking great food from quality ingredients sourced locally. He is one of a growing band of like minded chefs in Cornwall endorsing the wonderful produce available from local farms and how good fresh food tastes.
Heligan have more feast nights planned through the summer. Details can be found on their website heligan.com
I shall certainly be coming back for more ……
You can find out more about Never Mind The Burdocks at nevermindtheburdocks.co.uk and Woodfired Canteen at www.canteencornwall.com
Enjoy a break in Cornwall
If you would like to enjoy a break in Cornwall, we’ve got a range of cottages which sleep 4-12 people – find out more and check availability.
Have you discovered any Cornish food events that you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you on our Facebook page, or tweet @ActionNan