Keeping our Watercourses clean…talk on 15th May

Essential to good food production is a reliable supply of good quality, unpolluted water. Sadly, this is not always the case for a multiplicity reasons.

Sustainable Ledbury invite you to a talk to find out more about the problems of and solutions for keeping watercourses clean.

Footbridge over The Leadon

A representative of local water company Severn Trent Water will give a talk “Managing our Watercourses” on Thursday 15th May at 6.30 p.m. in the Burgage Hall, Church Lane, Ledbury.

Severn Trent Water are responsible for drainage and wastewater in the Ledbury area.

Come along to find out more, ask your questions or join in the discussion.

Entry will be free with donations requested to cover the cost of the hire of the hall.

Nearest Car Park – St Katherine’s Car Park, access off Bye Street. Public car parks are free after 6pm in Ledbury

The Big Apple invites you to Blossomtime – 4th & 5th May

This popular celebration of our apple growing heritage takes place this year in Putley and Aylton on 4th and 5th May.  Both days there is much going on from 10am to 5pm including:

  • guided walks through the orchards
  • tastings and sales of local perries and ciders
  • local arts and crafts
  • demonstrations and talks
  • pollinator display
  • collaborative art installation

Big Apple Blossomtime 2025

You can find what’s happening and when at the Big Apple website –www.bigapple.org.uk.

Do come and enjoy the flowering of Spring!  Get your entry pass to all this at Putley Parish Hall (Adults £5. Accompanied Children Free)

And how to get to Blossomtime…

Big Apple Blossomtime Map

 

 

 

Two local events happening soon

3 Acres and a Cow – Thursday 24th April

An interesting event in Malvern presents a history of land rights – the root of all food production.  Brief details are in the poster below or go to threeacresandacow.co.uk.

3 acres and a cow

Local Market in Ledbury – Saturday 12th April

Roger and Lynn at The Barn are running a local market this Saturday in St Katherine’s Square outside The Barn, Ledbury. (Just off the High Street)

They have advised us that those present will include Peter Cooks Bread, Jill the Pie Maker, Greggs Pitt cider and perry, Double Trouble dog treats, Andrew King chocolates, Bromyard raw milk and yoghurt, Stephen Bull pastries and the Bowler Hat farmer.  There will also be fruit and veg, flowers and plants plus a blacksmith.

Ledbury Charter Market will also be running on this day under the Market House and in the High Street.

The Pros and Cons of Regenerative Farming

On Monday 27th January, Herefordshire Food Alliance (HFA), Sustainable Ledbury and ourselves joined together to host a showing of the film “Six Inches of Soil”. 

This was followed by a thought-provoking discussion with five local “growers” on the conclusions from the film and the challenges in adopting a more sustainable way of farming.

Cows grazing on grass

Thanks to the many who attended this sell-out event and to HFA for putting together the tasty food featuring local produce from local producers.

A report on the meeting and the outcomes of the discussions can be found at the HFA website at https://herefordshirefoodcharter.org.uk/blog/yet-another-sell-out-on-our-six-inches-of-soil-roadtrip.

You can sign up there to receive regular updates on the Herefordshire food scene and ways you can get more involved.

More about the film “Six Inches of Soil” is available at www.sixinchesofsoil.org/impact-campaign.

Six Inches of Soil

 

Ledbury Celebrates the Ledbury Big Breakfast

Last weekend (Friday 31st January to Sunday 2nd February) breakfasters were out and about to enjoy what was on offer at this year’s Ledbury Big Breakfast.
 
Becoming a “traditional Ledbury event”, we celebrated in winter weather far better than Ledbury has recently experienced.
 
Eggs Benedict at the Seven Stars
Eggs Benedict at the Seven Stars
17 Venues in Ledbury and district took part this time and most venues reported good business – a blessing for the many small businesses joining the event at a difficult time of year.
Dishes on offer for a sit-down breakfast stretched from the full English Breakfast through eggs in many ways, smashed avocado, banana pancakes, purple toast, kippers, Shakshuka and so much more.  What did you enjoy?
 
Dave Waller with the Pinwheel Sausage
Dave Waller with the Pinwheel Sausage
 
Both butchers in town – Gurneys and Wallers – created special breakfast products, and on the Friday, the Country Market served cooked breakfasts at the Burgage Hall.  Local Produce to buy for a breakfast at home also featured at a well-supported Hellens Produce Market on the Saturday, and from our delis in town – Ceci Paolo and Handley Organics.
Ledbury Community Hub added to the celebrations for the first time with a Boozy Brunch and Bingo on Sunday at the Hub.
 
High sheriff and Mayor visit Shell House Kitchen
High sheriff and Mayor visit Shell House Kitchen
The High Sheriff of Herefordshire Patricia Churchward joined the Town Mayor of Ledbury Councillor Stephen Chowns, County Councillor Liz Harvey, local resident Nat Hone, The Town Clerk and members of Ledbury Food Group for breakfast to launch the event.  The High Sheriff and the Mayor then visited a number of businesses taking part.  They also visited the Ledbury Food Bank to learn how this initiative supports those in need in and around Ledbury.
 
Preparing Sandwiches at Blooms
Preparing Sandwiches at Blooms
Our thanks to all the businesses who made this year’s Ledbury Big Breakfast another great success – showing off the quality and variety of Ledbury and district’s local food offering. Thanks too to all who supported the businesses taking part by coming out and finding your breakfast. 
 
Smiles after a busy breakfast at Trumpet Tearoom
Smiles after a busy breakfast at Trumpet Tearoom
Lastly, our apologies to those who were not able to get their first choice on Saturday – sadly there is a limit to capacity in town for this popular event.
 
Your Feedback is welcome at ask@ledburyfoodgroup.com.
  

Full Details of 2025 Ledbury Big Breakfast available   

Join us for Ledbury’s Celebration of Breakfast over the weekend of Friday 31st January, Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February – the 13th Ledbury Big Breakfast

17 local venues in and around Ledbury are taking part on one or more days in this event organised by Ledbury Food Group to celebrate our local food and drink producers and retailers and a healthy breakfast.  The event takes place at cafes, pubs, hotels, butchers and delis in and around Ledbury.

Traditional-Breakfast-at-Trumpet-Tearoom
Traditional Breakfast at Trumpet Tearoom

There is lots of choice from the lightest to the heaviest breakfast showing the ingenuity of our local food venues – check through the listing below for something to sample, savour and enjoy

Visit our butchers – Gurneys and Wallers – to discover their breakfast delights for you to take home and enjoy. 

Our delis will feature a wide range of local produce to take home to make a special breakfast.

The Country Market at St Katherine’s Hall on Friday will have lots of local produce for sale for your breakfast at home, as will Hellens Produce Market at Hellens Manor on Saturday.  Both will be serving breakfasts this year.

Things get very busy on the Saturday morning – if you see something or somewhere you fancy, please book in advance where possible to avoid disappointment.  More places now offer breakfasts on Sunday.

Please note that Janey’s and the New Market Café are not able to participate this year.

See below for full details of what specials are available, where and when – many venues will also offer their normal breakfast menu.  A number offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten free optionsTimes are when breakfasts will be available.

The full listing of special offerings – what, where and when?

Based on information provided by the participants.  Many will also have their usual breakfast offerings available and will be open during their normal hours.

Cafés, Hotels and Pubs 

Blooms Sandwiches

8.00 -12.30 SAT only
Phone: 01531 636555

To Take-away

  • Aussie Breakfast – Egg, bacon, avocado, chilli jam, spinach
  • British Breakfast – Bacon, egg and sausage in soft white or granary bread

Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Corner House Cafe, 1 The Southend

9.45-16.00 FRI, SAT & SUN
Phone 01531 635752   Take-aways.   Bookings

  • Choose from seven different breakfasts in all sizes including with Bubble and Squeak and Vegetarian Options
  • Breakfast sandwiches

Produce from local producers (ask us!)

Vegetarian, Vegan (limited), Gluten Free

The Feathers Hotel, 25 High Street

8.30-10.00 SAT only
Phone: 01531 635266   Bookings

  • Grilled kippers, coarse grain mustard, lemon and parsley butter
  • Devilled white pudding, oyster mushrooms, jalapeno and cheddar crostini
  • Nutella and coconut pancake, vanilla poached strawberries

Produce from: LDA Meats

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

 Handley Organics Café, 5 High St

9.00 – 13.00 FRI & SAT    
Phone: 01531 631136   Take-aways.  Bookings

  • Croissant filled with herbed omelette, Monkland cheese and tomato

Produce from: Overton Farm, Arlingham (eggs), Alex Gooch Baker (Croissants), Monkland Cheese nr Leominster

Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Hellens Manor, Much Marcle, Ledbury HR8 2LY

9.30-11.30 SAT ONLY at our Monthly Produce Market         
Phone: 07980 657901

  • Our special Bacon Rolls featuring local bacon
  • Peter Cooks pastries, croissants, pan au chocolate, cinnamon rolls
  • Tea and Coffee

Produce from: Peter Cooks Bread, Wallers (Butchers), Bakers Dozen, and our regular market stallholders, Tea and Coffee by James Gourmet Coffee

Vegetarian 

Ledbury Community Hub, 8 New Street

11.30 SUN ONLY

Join us for our Boozy Brunch and Bingo – a round of Bingo, a brunchy buffet and a boisterous start to February

Book at www.ledburycommunityhub.org.uk, or just turn up.  £3 buy in.

 Malthouse Café & Gallery, Church Lane

9.30-15.30 FRI & SAT
Phone: 01531 634443   Take-aways Call & Collect Bookings

  • Choose from our range of changing breakfast specials for all tastes

Produce from: LDA Meats, Peter Cooks Bread

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

Scrumpy House @ Weston’s Cider, HR8 2NQ

9.00 – 11.00 FRI, 9.30-11.00 SAT & SUN
Phone: 01531 660626   Bookings

  • Smashed Avocado on granary toast
  • Banana Pancakes with cider syrup
  • Homemade Muesli with mixed berries and yoghurt
  • Full English
  • Smoked salmon with scrambled eggs
  • Poached eggs on toast

Produce from: Neil Powell Butchers, Worcester Produce

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

The Shell House Kitchen, 36 The Homend

10.00-15.00 FRI, SAT & SUN
Phone: 01531 632676   Take-aways Call & Collect.   Bookings

  • Full English
  • Full vegetarian or vegan
  • Eggs Benedict
  • Eggs Royale
  • Eggs Florentine
  • Bacon or Sausage sandwiches

Produce from: Gurneys (Butchers), McNeil’s Smokehouse, Bakers Dozen

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

Breakfast at The Seven Stars
Breakfast at The Seven Stars

Seven Stars, 11 The Homend

9.00-11.00 SAT & SUN

Phone 01531 635800   Bookings

  • Full English
  • Small full English
  • Smashed avocado and smoked salmon
  • Eggs Florentine or Benedict
  • Pancakes
  • Eggs on Toast
  • Sausage or bacon baps

Produce from: LDA Meats and our own farm

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

The Nest at Little Verzons Farm, Hereford Road, HR8 2PZ

9.00-12.00 FRI, SAT & SUN
Phone: 01531 670816    Take-aways.   Bookings

  • Shakshuka – tomatoes, onions, garlic, warming spices topped with a poached egg
  • Pancakes -fluffy pancakes topped with smoked bacon and maple syrup or berries and Chantilly cream

Produce from:  LDA Meat, Worcestershire Produce, Cotswold Dairy, Baker’s Dozen, Peter Cooks Bread and Alex Gooch Bakery.

Local produce available to buy in our shop for your home breakfast

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

Granola-served-by-Izzy-at-the-Nest.
Granola served by Izzy at the Nest.

 Trumpet Corner Tearooms, Trumpet HR8 2RA

9.00–15.00 FRI, SAT & SUN

Phone: 01531 670082 Bookings

  • Purple Toast – discover this dish!
  • Full English breakfast
  • Bacon or sausage sandwiches
  • French toast with maple syrup, bacon or banana
  • Feta fried egg featuring a warmed tortilla and whipped avocado
  • Fresh Pasties

Produce from a number of local producers and suppliers

 Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Delicatessens & Shops

Ceci Paolo, 21 High Street

9.0-1700 FRI & SAT
Phone 01531 632976

Local breakfast produce for your take home breakfast. 

Local products include:

  • Severn and Wye Smokery salmon and other smoked products
  • Three Counties Honey
  • Peter Cooks Bread – bread and pastries,
  • Charles Martell (cheeses),
  • Neal’s Yard Creamery (cheeses and yogurt)
  • Artisan Kitchen Jams and Marmalades
  • Ludlow Porridge and Granola
  • Monmouth Coffee
  • Our own prepared food

Plus Continental cheeses and meats to complement local products

Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

Handley Organics (Shop), 5 High Street

All day FRI & SAT
Phone: 01531 631136

Lots of local produce and ingredients to make a tasty breakfast to take home including cereals, eggs, bakery, dairy etc.

Organic, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free

Butchers

Gurneys Butchers, 21 The Homend

All day – FRI & SAT
Phone: 01531 632526

Try our special – the Gurney’s Breakfast Banger – our creation for the Big Breakfast.

Lots of other locally produced breakfast ingredients for you.

Breakfast Sausages
Breakfast Sausages

David T Waller and Sons, 88 The Homend

All day – FRI & SAT
Phone 01531 632739

We have developed the “Waller’s Breakfast Pinwheel Sausage” for you this year. 

Many locally produced ingredients to complete your breakfast.

Country Market

Burgage Hall, Church Lane
9.00 – 12.00 FRI only

  • Bacon sandwich
  • Smoked salmon, poached egg and muffin
  • Homemade toasted teacakes
  • Homemade sourdough toast

Produce for our breakfasts from: Gurney’s Butchers, Graham Wood (salmon), Country flavours Eggs

AND Local produce for you to take home for a special breakfast (or other meal!) including Graham Wood’s charcuterie

Please support Ledbury Food Bank

 

Find out how at:

 

www.ledburyfoodbank.org

Sustainable Farming Film – “Six Inches of Soil”

Want to know more about “sustainable” farming – see the film “Six Inches of Soil” in Ledbury on 27th January

Come and join us for an evening of learning and discussion at Burgage Hall in Ledbury hosted by the Herefordshire Food Alliance, Sustainable Ledbury and Ledbury Food Group.

Six Inches of Soil

We will be screening the thought-provoking film “Six Inches of Soil”

This will be followed by an engaging Q&A session with local farmers and growers.

This event is a great opportunity to delve into the world of sustainable agriculture and the importance of healthy soil. 

We will also be hearing about the challenges faced by farmers and growers in adopting new management approaches and what support they need on local and national levels.

Ticket includes a light buffet of local food. Teas and coffees also available on the night.

Event Details

When?  Monday 27 January 2025

Time? 6pm – refreshments

           6.30pm – film showing

            8pm – refreshment break

            8.30pm – Questions and Answers

Where? Burgage Hall, Church Lane, Ledbury, HR8 1DW

Parking? Town Centre Public Car Parks – Free after 6pm

Booking?  Admission by Ticket – cost £5 (including refreshments)

Please book in advance at www.ticketsource.co.uk/newleaf or by phone 07851 445412.  There is limited capacity!

More information?  Visit www.sixinchesofsoil.org/impact-campaign.

And lastly…

Helping Others?  We will be collecting donations for Ledbury Food Bank at this event.  Your help will be very much appreciated!

 

Details about this year’s Ledbury Big Breakfast – Friday 31st January and Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd of February – will be available on this website from mid-January