Farmer's Feast: The Wheatsheaf Inn Northleach

On a slightly warmer Saturday on the 20th of last month, The Wheatsheaf Inn in Northleach hosted it's Farmer's Feast. The event, which had an afternoon and evening sitting, celebrated all the fantastic produce that The Lucky Onion group get from their suppliers, whilst at the same time raised money for The Duchenne Children’s Trust. We took the opportunity to celebrate our recent good news (see here - eek!) and popped over for the lunchtime feast.

Meandering through the pub to get to the garden, we were greeted with a beautifully decorated marquee; rows of tables set up in a square, centred around giant jungle-like plant pots, hay bales instead of chairs to sit on, country-fied bunting - not the kitsch sort Cath Kidston would approve of - and string lighting to set the mood. The table arrangements were my favourite; hessian runners down the centre, plates, cutlery and glasses all laid out flawlessly, paper bags weighed down with soil showing the menu for lunch, potted herbs instead of flowers, a variety of squashes as centrepieces, and dishes filled with radishes, dolloped with mayo for nibbling on. They'd really gone all out. Not only that, but there was some incredible toe tapping and various musical instrument playing (even behind his head) from Stomping Dave. I defy anyone to watch him work and not have a smile on your face!

The event showcased some of the Cotswolds’ highest quality food and drink heroes; New Wave Seafood, Neal's Yard Dairy, Cotswold Curer, Dolcetti Gelato, Macaroni Farm, Butts Farm, Bobby Beer, Chase Vodka and Bath Ales. The huge amount of food that was included in our £35 ticket price was astonishing, and this generosity was returned by the fact that over the course of the day, and through an auction held in the evening, The Wheatsheaf Inn managed to raise over £12,000 for the charity!

If you've ever been to one of The Lucky Onion establishments, then you'll probably know how good their eats and drinks are (see my review of the opening of 131 The Prom Cheltenham), so it was inevitable that this would be something to remember. The lunch sitting hadn't sold out, which probably worked in our favour as we could spread out a bit; people must have been super squished together in the evening! It was very much a 'community spirit' vibe; sit next to some strangers, chat, share food and enthuse about what a lovely time you're having.

To start, we had huge charcuterie board courtesy of Cotswold Curer, served with cornichons, caper berries, fig and apple chutney, and an abundance of Hobbs House bread with Netherend Butter. I could have easily just stuffed myself full on this, but it was only the beginning.

Next up was the New Wave seafood platter; oysters, smoked salmon and crevettes, with lemon, mayonnaise and the usual garnishes - Tabasco and shallot vinegar. I'm pretty thankful a few people weren't up for oysters.. More for us! 

The main course was a beastly Gloucester Old Spot from Butts Farm; slow roasted, the pig was perfectly tender, with some delicious crispy crackling and a hefty amount of apple sauce to go with it. Large bowls filled with different salads were passed around to add a bit of health to the situation. However, it was definitely a case of eyes bigger than our bellies, as most of us couldn't finish our plates - the chap next to me bagged his leftover pork to take home to his cat!

Thankfully, dessert wasn't too heavy - a 'Seasonal Hedgerow Mess' - like a classic Eton Mess, with whipped cream and tart red berries, but instead of the meringue being bashed up and folded in, long fingers of the stuff protruded out. It did make us all giggle when it arrived at the table.

As if we'd not had enough, out came a cheeseboard with a selection of Neal's Yard Cheese; Stichelton, Stawley, and a soft brie-type variety that I'm not sure of (Tunworth?), served with oatcakes and quince jelly. Phwoar.

Drinks weren't included in the ticket price, so after The Chap polished off a couple of Bobby Beers - a classy local brew - we shared a bottle of Williams Chase Chateau Constantin red wine. It was light and fruity; a great partner to the feast we ate.

This is just a sample of the type of food that The Wheatsheaf serve; I've visited them a few times before, and they're always awesome (go for the Marathon Pudding.. you'll thank me for that). It has that rural retreat in a cutesy Cotswold village thing going on, but with the added bonus of boutiquey bedrooms and interesting interiors. I'm yet to venture over for their Steak Night in the Back Bar, which runs Sunday - Thursday from 6pm; £16 for 3 courses; no reservations, no choice, and a miniscule price to pay!

There's a Film Club in the snug on the last Thursday of every month, which seems very appropriate now that the weather's getting more winter-y (check their Facebook page for up to date info - though heads up, Elf is on the 23rd Dec!).

If this hasn't enticed you to go and visit, then I don't know what will. I shall definitely be keeping my eyes peeled for any future events that they hold, and you should too.