Many of our hotels believe in the power of local ingredients so we thought we'd share a few homegrown treats with you:
Best Western Plus Ullesthorpe Court Hotel & Golf Club, Ullesthorpe
The largest crop grown here is rhubarb, which the sweet chef uses for crumbles, brulee and in meringue roulade. It’s seasonal, so you have to get it while it’s hot.
Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, BW Premier Collection
Hairy bittercress - it is plentiful in the garden. It grows wild in flowerbeds and along the sides of buildings. Most people will pick it and discard it as a weed, but it is perfectly edible and has a great taste. It is used in salads and as a garnish to dishes such as Cumbrian air-dried ham. The chefs are very interested in wild and foraged foods and are always on the lookout.
Best Western Sysonby Knoll Hotel, Melton Mowbray
Honey. This delightful hotel near Melton Mowbray boasts four acres of beautiful gardens running down to the River Eye. The hotel has its own bees which can make in excess of 100lb from a strong hive. This honey is used in the hotel and can even be bought for you to take home with you.