Over the years, the pastoral charm and relative tranquility of the Cotswolds has attracted its share of celebrities looking for an escape from London amongst them Alex James (Blur) turned Cheesemaker.
A welcome addition to the local scene is Thyme at Southrop, a cooking school that aims to satisfy the growing appetite for food knowledge, not destruction.
Part of the larger restoration of the Southrop Manor Estate, the food school is the anchor of the project which will also include an herb and vegetable garden, private cottages and space for local businesses.
Its driving idea is owner Caryn Hibbert's "absolute love of the naturally beautiful
surroundings and the fertile countryside, her joy in entertaining and
her desire to create an enterprise with local relevance, taking
advantage of Gloucestershire's rich agricultural and culinary
traditions."
She would like Thyme at Southrop "to tell the whole story of food, its journey from
source to production, through to preparation and finally to the
pleasure of serving, eating and drinking. Bringing this objective to
life will be a team of visiting chefs and experts, working hand in hand
with the in-house chefs, as well as the local producers, craftspeople,
foragers and growers in the vicinity."
Amongst the first slate of visiting chefs, I noticed Jose Pizarro which we featured recently as well as Gontran Cherrier who brings back sensuality to bread making.
We will interview Gontran in the coming weeks.
Even without taking a class there, I could see myself taking in the moment on the terrace.
Ah! but for a peaceful moment…