FARNCOMBE ESTATE’S BLOG
Top 5 Hangouts on the Hillside
From cosy eateries to day trips to distilleries, there is plenty to do and see in the Cotswolds. read more
Food for Thought
This National Hospitality Day join our #FoodForThought campaign to give back to your hospitality heroes. read more
Ask Aurelie
To celebrate National Pet Month, we're super lucky to have been able to catch up (virtually, of course!) with the super talented pooch (and human) photographer and content creator behind Marcel aka Le Corgi, Aurelie Four. read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: National Garlic Day
This week dynamic Dormy duo, Kathyrn Bash and Matthieu Blanchard, are back with another head (Chef) to head (Chef) challenge, making your tastebuds tingle and mouths water with their delicious recipes. For this challenge they're celebrating National Garlic Day with two recipes you will just c-love. read more
The Ski’s The Limit
Farncombe Estate is excited to announce future plans to bring a taste of the snowy slopes of Courchevel to the Cotswolds, with the launch of a giant ski slope within its leafy grounds. read more
Bash’s Hot Cross Yums
Well it just wouldn't be Easter without a batch of beautiful buns, so our Bash is back and showing you how to make her sultana and syrup laden hot cross yums just in time for this weekend's celebrations. read more
Whisky on the Chocs
Our fab Foxhill Chef, John, is back and this time he is getting us all in the spirit for International Whisky Day with his homemade, melt in the mouth whisky truffles. read more
David’s Dish Development: Shrimp
As the countdown to our re-opening draws closer our fab Head Chef, David Hall, is back in the kitchen working hard on some new, fantastic fishy dishes. That's where you guys come in, we want to know what you want on our new lunch menu. read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Something on a Stick
This week dynamic Dormy duo, Kathyrn Bash and Matthieu Blanchard, are back with another head (Chef) to head (Chef) challenge, making your tastebuds tingle and mouths water with their delicious recipes. For this challenge they're celebrating Something on a Stick Day with some bite sized balls of bliss. read more
David’s Dish Development: Mackerel
As the countdown to our re-opening draws closer our fab Head Chef, David Hall, is back in the kitchen working hard on some new, fantastic fishy dishes. That's where you guys come in, we want to know what you want on our new lunch menu. For the next three weeks David will be putting two dishes head to head, and asking for your vote on which one is of-fish-ically the best. The winner, will be appear on our lunch menu and can be enjoyed when you next come to visit us. Double win right?! read more
St Paddy’s Day Pud
This week you guys have the luck of the Irish, because Bash is back and to celebrate St Paddy's Day she will be showing you how to make this melt in the middle, super chocolatey pud. read more
David’s Dish Development
As the countdown to our re-opening draws closer our fab Head Chef, David Hall, is back in the kitchen working hard on some new, fantastic fishy dishes. That's where you guys come in, we want to know what you want on our new lunch menu. For the next three weeks David will be putting two dishes head to head, and asking for your vote on which one is of-fish-ically the best. The winner, will be appear on our lunch menu and can be enjoyed when you next come to visit us. Double win right?! read more
Mother’s Day Macarons
Because nothing beats homemade treats, Bash is back and will be showing you how to make melt in the mouth macarons, the perfect Mother's Day gift. read more
Raising the Chocolate Bar
To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day fab Foxhill Chef, John Broughton, went on a social media search for a local business in need of some TLC (tender loving chocolate). Now, he will be sharing his choccie know-how with you all, showing how you can make these sweet treats at home. read more
British Pie Week with Rich Thorpe
For one pie and one pie only, Rich is back. To celebrate British Pie Week, our fab Head Chef, Rich Thorpe, is back and serving up a storm in the kitchen with his Chicken and Chorizo Pie. read more
Matthieu’s Wonderful Welsh Cakes
To celebrate St David's Day, Matthieu will be showing us all how to make the zest of the zest orange and chocolate Welsh cakes from scratch. read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Haddock Challenge
This week dynamic Dormy duo, Kathyrn Bash and Matthieu Blanchard, are back with another head (Chef) to head (Chef) challenge, they will be making your tastebuds tingle and mouths water with their delicious recipes. For this challenge their dishes must be based around the fish-tastic haddock, but whose recipe will leave you hooked for more? read more
National Dog Biscuit Day
To celebrate #NationalDogBiscuitDay, we have teamed up with a very good fur friend, who knows a thing or two about pooch perfect biccies. Marcel Le Corgi and his fantastic poppa, Pierre Le Chef, have been busy in the kitchen, whipping up scrummy salmon surprises and are going to share with you how to make them from scratch! read more
Ellie and Taylor’s Steak Supper
This week dynamic Dormy duo, Ellie and Taylor, are back and showing you how to whip up some super tasty, healthy recipes at home. Say hello to their sensational steak supper, sirloin steak jam-packed with lean, green veggies and a side of punchy Romesco sauce. read more
Prawn to be Wild
Our Head Chef, David Hall, is back with another Fry-day night fish special. This week, he will have your tastebuds hooked with his Japanese-inspired prawns served in hearty, sesame seed infused bread and a tangy, ponzu dip. Of-fish-ically delicious! read more
Ellie and Taylor’s Veggie Frittata
Sick of soggy sandwiches and the same old salads and want to try something new and healthy for lunch? Well Dormy duo, Ellie and Taylor, have got you covered, with their quick, easy and oh-so-cheesy veggie frittata. read more
Reflexology with Rachael
Sit back, put your feet up and get ready to give your tootsies some much-needed TLC, because our reflexology guru, Rachael, is here to give her top toe tips for relaxing with reflexology. read more
Ellie and Taylor’s Brekkie Belter
Kick-start your day with a brekkie belter courtesy of Dormy duo, Ellie and Taylor, their peanut butter and banana protein shake, teamed with perfectly poached eggs and avo on rye, is packed with protein and superfoods that will help fuel you for the day ahead. read more
Sleep Tight with Leaf Envy
We all know that deep, quality sleep is vital for our wellbeing but it is something that remains out of reach for many of us. It is no secret that a relaxing getaway is one way to leave our stresses behind, but with holidays and trips away not possible at the moment, we’ve teamed up Leaf Envy to give you some top tips for a great night’s sleep at home. read more
David’s Hearty Hake Kiev
Our Head Chef, David Hall, is back with another Fry-day night fish special. This week, he will have your tastebuds hooked with his Hake Kiev served with a sensationally salty seaweed aioli. read more
No Scrubs Pamper Night
Now more than ever it's really important that we make self-care and wellbeing a priority, and what better place to start than with a pamper night with a group of gals with a whole lot of spa-rkle and know-how...our fabulous spa team of course! read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Rhubarb Challenge
This week dynamic Dormy duo, Kathyrn Bash and Matthieu Blanchard, are back with another head (Chef) to head (Chef) challenge, they will be making your tastebuds tingle and mouths water with their delicious recipes. For this challenge their dishes must be based around the ruby red veggie, rhubarb. But who are you rooting for this week? read more
David’s Tastebud Tingling Tempura Cod
Our Head Chef, David Hall, is back with another Fry-day night fish special. This week, he will have your tastebuds hooked with his tasty tempura cod, served with a tangy tartare sauce. read more
Rich’s Treacle Tart
This week, we're giving into temptation and tucking into Rich's treacle tart. Encased in sweet, crumbly pastry, oozing with runny treacle and served with a hearty dollop of clotted cream, this pud is enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Chicken Challenge
This week dynamic Dormy duo, Kathyrn Bash and Matthieu Blanchard, are back with another head (Chef) to head (Chef) challenge, and will be making our tastebuds tingle and our mouths water with their delicious recipes. For this challenge their dishes must be based around the core ingredient chicken, but who will be your clucky victor? read more
David’s Fish-tastic Fritto Misto
Our Head Chef, David Hall, is back with another Fry-day night fish special. This week, he will have your tastebuds hooked with his fish-tastic recipe for fritto misto, tangy miso mayonnaise and togarashi spice. Yummy. read more
Rich’s Fantastically Fruity Crumble
This week, we're waving goodbye to the January diet and our willpower is well and truly...crumbling...for another of Rich's proper puds. He will be showing you how to make his fantastically fruity crumble, filled to the brim with apples and rhubarb and topped with golden brown oats, this classic British dessert has our mouths watering and our tastebuds tingling. read more
Rich’s Sticky Toffee Pudding
To celebrate #NationalStickyToffeePuddingDay Rich is back and sharing his recipe for the ultimate British pud. Our spoons are poised and our tastebuds are tingling ready to try this gooey, sticky toffee treat. read more
Burns Night Belter
Fantastic food, friends and a few drams of whisky, why it's Burns Night of course, a celebration of Scotland's most famous Bard and literary genius, Robert Burns. That is why Dormy duo, Ellie and Taylor, are back and showing you how to make Haggis Arancini, a modern twist on a traditional meal. read more
David’s Fantastically Firey Calamari
Our Head Chef, David Hall, is back with another Fry-day night fish special. This week, he will have your tastebuds hooked with his fish-tastic recipe for calamari complete with a fantastically firey Sriracha mayo dip. Yummy. read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Carrot Challenge
The Dormy Head to Head is back, and with a New Year brings new challenges set by tough cookie, Culinary Director, Martin Burge. This week's challenge is worth its weight in gold (wait for it) Head Chef's, Kathryn Bash and Matthieu Blanchard, will have to create delicious dishes using the humble...carrot! Who will win? You decide! read more
David’s Fish Fry-days
This year our fab Head Chef, David Hall, is back and this time he is spicing up our Friday night suppers with some fish-tastic recipes. This week, he will be showing you how to make shrimply the best, Spanish gambas! read more
No-so-dry January Bread and Butter Pud
This January, our willpower is falling at the wayside, in favour of Rich's proper puds. This week we're desserting...the January diet for a hearty helping of Rich's not-so-dry January whisky bread and butter pudding, with a dollop of ice cream (sorry, not even a little bit sorry). Enjoy! read more
Plant Power
Last year, we spent more time (than ever!) indoors meaning that many of us have become new parents, plant parents that is. From cacti to aloe vera, these leafy lovelies have become a home staple, so this National Houseplant Week we have teamed up with the amazing Leaf Envy to find out more about these green machines and their benefits beyond just beauty. read more
Christmas with Rosanna Falconer
From decking your halls to perfecting the party playlist, we're super excited to have sat down (virtually, of course) with the fabulous Rosanna Falconer. With over a decade of experience in fashion firmly under her (super stylish) belt, she has been busy answering all your Christmas Q&As helping us all dazzle our dinner guests and avoid any festive faux pas. read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Mushroom Challenge
In this week's Head to Head Dormy dynamic duo, Kathryn Bash and Mathieu Blanchard, will be getting your tastebuds tingling with two flavoursome recipes using the humble mushroom. It's going to be a tough round, we don't know about you, but we certainly don't see mushroom for improvement in these delicious dishes... read more
David’s Monkfish KFC Fakeaway
This week Head Chef, David Hall, is taking on the Colonel and swapping his little ones Friday night takeaway for a fishy fakeaway. But will they opt for Daddy's tasty, deep-fried monkfish with fennel coleslaw, or stick with their original recipe, finger-licking fav. read more
Rich’s Spiced Apple Pie
Crisp apples, dusted with cinnamon and enclosed in a buttery pastry, nothing beats a classic apple pie. Served with a scoop of vanilla icecream or a squirt of whipped cream (or both), this dessert is the perfect winter warmer and our firm festive fav. Show us how it's done Rich... read more
Rich’s Game Changer Pie
This week Rich is changing the game and showing you how to create his delicious Red Wine and Vension Pie. This seasonal savoury pie makes the perfect winter warmer, enjoy! read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Egg Challenge
For the next couple of weeks Dormy dynamic duo, Kathryn Bash and Mathieu Blanchard, will be going head (Chef) to head (Chef) in a culinary challenge guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling. read more
David’s Lobster Burger Fakeaway
It's no easy feat keeping the kids fed and watered, let alone on a Friday night when the "T" word is often the hot topic of conversation before you've even hit the school run. That is why, our fab Head Chef, David Hall, is on a mission to create perfect, fakeaway alternatives. read more
The Perfect Pork Pie
This week Rich will be showing us how to make a proper pub-classic, pork pie! Enjoy this perfect pie hot or cold, as a light lunch or savoury snack, and of course our serving suggestion includes pairing it with the other pub-classic…the pint! read more
Bash vs. Blanchard: Onion Challenge
For the next couple of weeks Dormy dynamic duo, Kathryn Bash and Mathieu Blanchard, will be going head (Chef) to head (Chef) in a culinary challenge guaranteed to get your tastebuds tingling. read more
Sweetie (Potato) Pie
Rich is back, cooking up a storm from home and for the next couple of weeks will be sharing his recipes for the perfect, seasonal pies. Starting this week with his vegan-friendly curried sweet potato, lentil and cauliflower pie. read more
Bash’s Bonfire Cake
Guys, Fawkes at the ready because our fabulous Head Chef, Kathryn Bash, is back and this time with the perfect recipe to fire up your family and friends ready for Bonfire Night. Bursting with flavour and spiced with cockle warming ginger, Bash will be showing you step-by-step how to make her Parkin Cake. read more
#SupportLocal
So 2020 has thrown a few spanners in the works. That is why throughout the whole month of August we're giving a social salute to all of our amazing local businesses... oh and give you some great places to explore too. read more
Bash’s Strawberry and Tarragon Cookies
To celebrate National Cookie Day Bash is back and has whipped up a batch of her warm strawberry and tarragon cookies. Act fast because these baked beauties are so good that they will be tarra-gone as soon as they're out of the oven... that's just the way these cookies crumble!?! read more
Perfecting Al Fresco Dining with Rosanna Falconer
Warmer days and lighter nights can only mean one thing, British summertime has crept up on us without us even knowing it. That is why this week we're super excited to have had the chance to sit down (virtually of course) with the phenominal Rosanna Falconer, to talk all things al fresco dining. read more
Bash’s Sourdough from Scratch
This week we have a recipe you will just loaf. Bash is back and this time she is showing us the secrets behind making perfect sourdough from scratch. Ready, bready, bake! read more
Ellie and Taylor’s Smokin’ Sushi
It's International Sushi Day so Ellie and Taylor are back, ready to rock and sushi roll with a delicious recipe for avocado and smoked salmon sushi infused with pink ginger. Yummy. read more
John’s Foxhill Fudge
It's National Fudge Day so John is back and showing you all how to achieve confectionary perfection with his recipe for melt in the mouth Foxhill fudge. Yum. read more
Mathieu’s Hearty Onion Soup
Move over cream of tomato there's another soup in town. As normal British summertime weather, grey and cloudy, resumes we thought what better time to share Mathieu's recipe for hearty onion soup. Simply delicious. read more
Bash’s Jam-tastic Doughnuts
It's National Doughnut Day, so we couldn't miss the opportunity to share Bash's jamtastic doughnuts! Golden brown, dusted with vanilla sugar and filled to the brim with fresh strawberry jam, these treats are enough to satisfy any sweet tooth. read more
Rich’s Garlic and Truffle Baked Wigmore
It's National Cheese Day so Rich is back with a lipsmackingly Gouda recipe. Get your tastebuds tingling with his delicious baked garlic and truffle Wigmore sharer, complete with warm, homemade flatbread. read more
National Rosé Day
It's National Rosé Day on Saturday 13th June, to celebrate we have teamed up with Corney and Barrow for something really, really grape. We will be welcoming the pioneer of pink and Owner of Château la Tour de l'Evêque, Régine Sumeire and her nephew, Pierre-François de Bernardi, to our social media for a food and wine masterclass. Chateau la Tour De l'Eveque, Regine Sumeire along with her nephew, Pierre Francois, General Manger of the vineyard to our Instagram channel for a cooking and wine masterclass. read more
David’s BBQ Spatchcock Chicken
It's National BBQ week, so David is back and this week he is showing you how to make delicious BBQ honey glazed spatchcock chicken, served with seasonal chargrilled asaparagus, lemon dressing and a summertime-BBQ-staple potato salad. read more
Ellie and Taylor’s Wild Garlic Pesto
Stirred into pasta, dolloped on salads or drizzled on fish, we're struggling to think what doesn't go perfectly with pesto. Dynamic Dormy duo, Ellie and Taylor, put their own twist on this vibrant green sauce making it a quick and easy recipe that will impress the whole family, even the little ones! read more
Ellie and Taylor’s Asparagus Starter
Perfectly paired with poached egg, parmesan aioli and flavoursome nettle pesto, Ellie and Taylor's recipe is ideal for a sensational starter or light lunch, making the most of seasonal produce. read more
David’s BBQ Sea Bream
This week David is playing homage to our Feasting on the Deck recipes with his seriously yummy, fishy feast of BBQ sea bream stuffed with fennel and dill. read more
Rich’s Chocolate and Banana Cake
Send your tastebuds tingling with Rich's twist on a classic banana bread, with his chocolate and banana cake. Packed with rich chocolate, chopped walnuts and a hint of cinnamon this cake makes the perfect teatime treat teamed with a cuppa. read more
David’s Oh My Cod-Cakes
Oh my cod, do we have a recipe for you. Rustle up a fishy feast with David's delicious fish cake recipe. Coated in breadcrumbs with a creamy, gooey camembert centre David's fish cakes make the perfect lunch or dinner (or breakfast we won't judge), perfect for satisfying hungry tums. read more
Mama Bash’s Tea Bread
To celebrate #nationalteaday we’re going to let you in on a little secret…Mama Bash’s tea bread recipe! We will be revealing her top PG tips on how to make the perfect slice of brew-tea-ful bread to accompany that all-important cuppa. read more
Rich’s Beef Burgers
What is that? Is that a glimpse of the British summertime we can see in the distance? Which can only mean one thing, it's time to dust off the deckchairs, dig out the parasole (yes and remove those cobwebs) and have a BBQ. read more
David’s Fakeaway Pizza
Make the most of your leftovers and bring a taste of Italy to the dinner table with Head Chef David Hall's fakeaway pizza, the perfect Friday night treat. read more
Harvey’s Orchard Fizz
Normally seen shaking things up behind the bar, Harvey, Bar Manager at The Fish has agreed to share his top tips for easy-to-make-at-home cocktails, starting with a salute to sunshine a refreshing Orchard Fizz. read more
David’s Spring Minestrone Soup
Put a spring in your soup with The Fish Hotel's Head Chef David Hall’s Spring Minestrone Soup recipe, perfect for using up leftovers to make a hearty and healthy lunch. read more
Ellie and Taylor’s Cumin Granola
If the Easter weekend has left you (like us) feeling full to the brim with hot cross buns, lamb and well...chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate, Dormy House chefs Ellie and Taylor have the perfect, immune-boosting breakfast for you. read more
John’s Easter Eggs
From warm hot cross buns filled with sweet, strawberry jam to copious amounts of chocolate, we’re excited to hop, skip and...eat our way into the Easter weekend. We're starting the celebrations with a recipe from Foxhill's John Broughton and his beautifully hand-painted Easter eggs. read more
Bash’s Raspberry Pavlova
A light fruity center encased in crisp meringue and delicate whipped cream, Kathryn "Bash's" Raspberry Pavlova is the perfect sweet salute to British summertime. read more
Rich’s Risotto
Bring the taste of Italy to the dinner table this week with Rich’s Mushroom and Truffle Risotto. This hearty rice dish is perfect for feeding hungry tums and is quick and easy to prepare. read more
The Life of Pie
To celebrate #BritishPieWeek we headed to Foxhill Manor to get Head Chef, Richard Thorpe’s step by step guide to the perfect pie. read more
Say Hello to Winter in the Cotswolds
From whizzing around English heritage sites on e-bikes to adrenaline pumping husky rides, the Cotswolds are full of hidden gems making it the perfect place to hibernate this winter. read more
Ginger panna cotta
It’s that special time of the month again where our chefs share with you another one of their indulgent recipes. This month, it's a summery ginger panna cotta served with fresh English Strawberries. read more
Jon’s Oat & Pecan Biscuits
It’s that special time of the month again where our chefs share with you another one of their indulgent recipes. This month, it's Jon's oat & pecan biscuits. Eat them cold or warm, with a mug of tea or a cup of hot chocolate - There is no wrong way to devour this delicious treat! read more
Chocolate Crémeux
Some chefs can be a bit tight-lipped when it comes to spilling their kitchen secrets, but Martin’s a generous sort, so we’re sure he won’t mind a jot that we’ve pinched the recipe from the Dormy kitchen and are sharing it here… read more
Martin Burge joins Farncombe
Martin has been appointed culinary director of the estate following his departure from Whatley Manor after a 13 year tenure in which he held two … read more
New Garden Room Tasting Menu
Following the appointment in July of Sam Bowser as Head Chef at Dormy House in the Cotswolds, Sam has worked closely with Culinary Director … read more
Dormy House crowned Hotel of the Year
Farncombe Estate is delighted to announce that the Dormy House Hotel & Spa has won Country House Hotel of the Year and overall Hotel of the … read more
How to pick the perfect wedding venue
Excluding, of course, your choice of spouse, the venue you decide to get married at is one of the first and most important decisions to make when … read more
Things you won’t know about Cheltenham Races
Dating back to the early 1800s, Cheltenham Festival and Races are known to many across the whole of Britain. But let’s go back to 1815 where the … read more
The post Bank Holiday guide to the rest of the week
Somewhere in our heads, we all have a fantasy of how the bank holiday will pan out. Our three-day break will unfold in a … read more
Recipe of the month – Moules Mariníere
Since it opened a couple of months back, The Fish Hotel’s new restaurant, Hook, has proven quite a hit, if we do say so ourselves. Painstakingly … read more
5 rules to break at Foxhill Manor
Rules are, of course, essential to the functioning of a civilised society. They keep things fair, they prevent and settle disputes; they stop us … read more
Hotel for dogs – in praise of the pooch
Most interspecies partnerships involve an element of give and take: rhinos and tickbirds; cleaner fish and potato cod; crocodiles and those … read more
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Broadway
Worcestershire
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