Herding Hill’s gourmet treat
Last updated 10:14, Friday, 11 July 2008
A TASTE of the Channel Islands came to Tynedale when a top chef displayed his culinary talents at one of the region’s newest eateries.
Guernsey chef Kevin Gauvain has been working with Debbie and Charles Rayson of the Herding Hill Rare Breeds Restaurant and Farm Shop near Haltwhistle.
Together they organised a series of mouth-watering gourmet nights for North-East food lovers and Roman Wall visitors.
The events at the restaurant, which has its own herd of rare breed cattle grazing just outside its doors, combined the best of Guernsey cuisine with that of Northumberland in an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Debbie said: “Charles has been trained by Kevin Gauvain and attended courses with Michelin star chef Steve Smith, formerly of Seaham Hall Hotel.
“We offer – as much as we can – locally sourced and prepared food of the highest quality at Herding Hill, whether it is for a lunch stop, Sunday lunch, a simple snack or for one of our gourmet nights.
“We use only the very best of ingredients – from field to plate.”
Charles and Debbie make or source almost everything from Herding Hill – not just the delicious Dexter rare breed beef and home-made bread, but also their own recipe ice cream.
The gourmet events were notable for the subtle merging of some Channel Island ingredients, such as crab and Guernsey cream, with some of Charles and Debbie’s specialities including their rare breed beef.
Among the satisfied customers were Steve and Judith Reed, of Corbridge.
“We managed to get a table for what turned out to be a night that even Henry VIII would have long remembered – both for its amazingly high quality and also for its sheer abundance,” said Steve
“Even the wine we had on arrival was produced using locally grown and picked elderflowers.
“ And the night was made extra special by Kevin Gauvain explaining to the guests about his choice of ingredients and how it was to be presented.”
More gourmet nights at Herding Hill are planned and anyone wishing to reserve their places or find out more should contact Debbie or Charles Rayon on (01434) 320668.
picture shows Debbie and Charles Rayson at Herding Hill with rare breed cattle in the background. Top chef Kevin Gauvain is on the right of picture.
