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| The New Forest Breakfast |
The New Forest Breakfast made from locally produced foods, by local
farmers, marketed by Forest Friendly Farming, Tourism South East,
and supported by LEADER+ and funded by Europe, NFDC and SEEDA.
But what’s it all about? And perhaps, more importantly,
is it any good?
These questions and more; filled our minds as we crossed the
forest on our way to Carey’s Manor Hotel, in Brockenhurst,
to sample the New Forest Breakfast being launched there.
Master Chef of Great Britain, and Executive Chef Carey’s
Manor, David Ryan, who designed the dish said, “I wanted
to look further than just producing a breakfast that incorporated
the best products from the New Forest.
When we were working with the suppliers it soon became clear
that we all wanted to eliminate preservatives, reduce the
fat content of the food on the plate and produce a high quality
meal that was simple to produce and serve.”
With the recent scare concerning Sudan 1, it certainly appealed
to us.
Time has been a factor in creating the New Forest Breakfast.
Martyn Evans, Forest friendly farming Local Produce Co-ordinator,
reflected that in saying: “It has taken twelve months
to pull this initiative together. We have had to recreate
a supply chain that has been eroded over the last couple
of decades by modern buying practices.
Many of our producers are returning to farming or increasing
production with the knowledge that they have a market for their
top quality locally sourced produce.
The added benefit is that it reduces food miles and of course
produces far superior produce which is completely traceable
and creating sustainable farming on the New Forest”.
This is an important consideration for the consumer who has
an interest in where the food on their plates comes from, and
that it is in the best of all condition.
Roger Budden, Head of Development and Rural Regeneration, Tourism
South East, added that,” It is vital for the sustainability
of the forest farming community that we reconnect tourism
with the local economy.
Our aim is to create modern and long-term opportunities for
the local community designed to keep farmers farming on the forest.
This is the first step in making the New Forest Breakfast an established
part of Forest life.
It is part of a raft of initiatives designed to encourage a
local economy where producers are able to develop a sustainable
operation by selling their products straight to businesses
in the forest.”
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| Cllr Mel Kendal, Leader of New Forest District Council |
So that’s what they had to say, but what does the New
Forest Breakfast contain?
Sausage, bacon, egg, muffin, tomato and mushrooms – is
your mouth watering at the sound of that? It should be!
Mel Kendal, leader of New Forest District Council agrees.
“The proof is in the taste – it is absolutely delicious.” The
people around the breakfast table at Carey’s Manor
Hotel, tucked in with gusto!
The verdict?
“Superb”, “very tasty”, “excellent” – “YUMMY!” and
a whole host of comments full of praise – but if you don’t
believe me – look at the pictures which speak for themselves!
Better still,
go and buy the ingredients at participating shops and collection
points –
Sunnyfields Organics in Totton, Charford Farm Foods in Bremore,
Owls Barn Organic Foods in Sopley or Hazel Copse Farm Shop in
Beaulieu.
You may
be sat there wondering, “Well that’s all
very good, but what about the cost, I can go to the local supermarket
and buy my breakfast”.
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| A good breakfast starts with fine local produce sourced in the New Forest |
Yes, you can, and some of you will, but those who do, will
be missing out on the sheer pleasure of the taste and texture
of a quality product.
Think about
when someone is on holiday, or it’s the weekend,
or you just want to indulge your tastebuds, what a wonderful
way to start the day – eating quality local produce, boosting
the local economy, and most importantly, enjoying the best meal
of the day!
Tell your
friends, family and visitors to the area all about the New
Forest Breakfast, as many of the B&Bs and hotels
in the area will also be serving up the delicious New Forest
Breakfasts. |
