THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
If you’re going to get out of the city and spend some time in the glorious English countryside – and why wouldn’t you? - then what better way to enjoy it than sitting at a long table, with new friends, under a canvas roof, in a magical three-acre 18th century walled garden, being served gorgeous, fresh, locally sourced food and unique garden-inspired cocktails?
We couldn’t think of a better way, so we went the Pythouse way!
That's what’s on offer at Pythouse Kitchen Garden, a hidden gem secreted away in South Wiltshire, near Salisbury and the ancient Saxon hillfort town of Shaftesbury.
Your friendly and effusive host is Piers Milburn, the owner of Kitchen Garden Co & Sprigster Drinks (that’s where the cocktails come in – Sprigster is a non-alcoholic infusion of Hops, Fennel, Rhubarb, Ginger and Apple that blends beautifully with tonic or sparkling wines).
Piers' genius idea is the ‘Garden Gathering,’ where like minded individuals can share a chat, the view, the warm ambience, and of course good food. The menu is inspired by the historic garden, always suited to the season, and his partner in crime is Head Chef Darren Broom, "Master of food, fire and foraging," who takes those ingredients and serves them up in ways that express the locality and history of the produce in a way that not many can. The French call it terroir. We call it yummy.
In a fixed menu (with alternatives available for veggie diners), a starter of Celeriac Carpaccio with Watercress, Smoked Spring Onion Vinaigrette and Old Winchester Cheddar was followed by the tastiest Beechwood Farm Lamb with Honey Fermented Garlic, Rosemary and Wild Leek.
If the weather is inclement you can eat in the beautiful conservatory overlooking the garden, which is also open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday.
We didn’t want to leave – and it was feasible not to. You can even stay in Pythouse Garden, in a bijoux glamping village, tucked away in the secluded orchard.
There are two more special suppers this year, a Garden Gathering on Thursday September 8, and ‘Eat the Equinox’ on Saturday September 17.
