Mother, Maiden, Crone

Ferment / 30th January, 2014

Crones… the triple Goddess of Ciders. There’s really nothing quite like it (well, Mrs Forte may tiebreak it with Burrow Hill, but that’s another story), this megalithic brew really does the job. An organic pagan Norfolk beast crafted from the finest apples of albion.

It’s a crusty, clean your teeth, cleanse your gut …More»

American Hustle – Hustle & Hype ?

Flicks / 19th January, 2014

So, is there any substance in a yarn about an FBI agent and two con-artists trying to pull off a bigger con on bigger fish who live on Capitol Hill?

Well yes.

The narrative is based very loosely on ‘a sting op’ that took place in the late 1970’s, but at the start …More»

In Search of the Black Swan

Furrow / 3rd January, 2014

The sun is out, fresh air beckons, what shall we do then? “Let’s go and find that Black Swan you keep talking about Dad” says my daughter, “OK, it’s always there… honest” I say with some hesitation.

With the edible remnants of Christmas past packed in the bag we find ourselves heading for the …More»

Henry V – Inspirational Leadership

Front Row / 2nd January, 2014

Hell this is an overworked term, ‘Leadership’, but having been fortunate enough to attend an inspirational delivery on this art form by Phyllida Hancock I was left in no doubt about the powers again of an instructor and torch bearer to illuminate pathways that are sometimes hidden or obscured.

The …More»

A Dark Mild December

Ferment / 27th December, 2013

As the last log took to the grate on Boxing Day, I fumbled in the sideboard for something to warm the soul.

Goodbye Gangster Granny, hello Elgoods Cherry Stout.

This strong little Dark Mild is like bottled Christmas, doubled up from its baby brother Black Dog, it really packs a ballsy dark chocolate driven …More»

The Spirit of Christmas…

Fuse / 20th December, 2013

I found this note written by my daughter which sums up rather neatly requests, reward and concern for others in the season of goodwill. Merry Christmas to one and all.  Click on note to read. 

God Rest You ‘Merry’ Gentlemen

Ferment / 20th December, 2013

Ale + Carols = Christmas.

A Carol Service at the local Pub, what a splendid idea. Visit the Holbrook Swan just before Christmas each year and you’ll be greeted with a crowd of rowdy revellers… family and friends, dogs and drunkards (in the nicest sense), preachers and players, and those …More»

Christmas Howlers & Highlights

Fuse / 19th December, 2013

What has driven me nuts in the run up to Christmas (not that I watch a lot of TV ) but it is everywhere, is the John Lewis sickeningly saccharined ‘Watership Down’ TV advert that apparently cost £7million to produce accompanied by, painful to the ears, Lily Allen cover song, Somewhere Only We …More»

The British Larder

Feast / 13th December, 2013

No Rush…

A treat in store but you need time to enjoy Le Lunch as flavours bustle and muster in the mouth and like a good wine need to be savoured! I enjoyed a starter of Trout gravalax followed by roasted Blaxhall Venison loin , Venison shoulder croquette butternut squash and bacon. Yum yum.  My companions were …More»