The Aardvark Blog

Food, Food, Food
6/07/2014

On more than one occasion I have been asked what business a bookshop has in starting and running a food fair. Whilst the origins of the fair are now somewhat lost in time - neither Carolyn Chesshire the fair's co-founder, nor I can remember who first had the idea - the factors behind the decision are all too clear.

This is quite simply the best area in the country for the production and cooking of food. Witness last night, when we went out to dinner at the Lion in Leintwardine ( one of several superb establishments within five minutes drive of the bookshop. Our starters and aperitifs were consumed on a table overlooking the river Teme and the ancient stone bridge that crosses the river at Leintwardine, just as other bridges have done back to Roman Times when Leintwardine was an important stop on Watling St between Dover and Wroxeter  ( just south of Shrewsbury ). Starters were delicious fried asparagus with a dipping source; I had fish pie for mains, and we ended with strawberry flan. The whole washed down with a fantastic bottle of Alsace Riesling. Dinner for 3 including service, just under £100. Not bad value for the quality of food we enjoyed. And as they say in the adverts, the setting was priceless.

So if you are reading this, why not come and stay in Mortimer Country, in the middle of the Marches on the ancient border between England and Wales. There are lots of fantastic places to stay, lots of cultural activities, friendly people, and best of all the best food you will find anywhere!