I have spent too many hours on the motorway this year. Sadly none of my journeys took me past Gloucester Services, one of the winners of this years OFM awards. Yes, thats right, a motorway service station. They won our judges vote because of the food they cook and sell to motorists using ingredients from local farms and suppliers. The food is seasonal and made on the premises. Perhaps others will follow, and offer travellers something different from the usual service station fare. Personally, I cant wait.
While we are talking of travelling, our outstanding achievement award goes to Shaun Hill, one of the countrys most talented chefs. Many were relieved when this quiet, gentle cook took the helm in Abergavenny, restoring the famous Walnut Tree Inn to its former glory. Its a trip I have only taken once, and still remember everything I ate. I have admired Shaun Hills cooking for as long as I can remember, and have eaten far too little of it. Time, I think, to get the map out again.
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