Visit Lancashire

'Mail by Rail' Exhibition at the Ribble Steam Railway

We recently visited the Ribble Steam Railway, Preston to view the ‘Mail by Rail’ exhibition that has been launched. Put together by the Association of British Philatelic Societies The 'Mail by Rail' Exhibition which was previously on show in Crewe features stamps, first day covers, letters and postcards with railway themes.  

The displays also features how the railways carried letters overnight to many parts of the country and how people used this service. One such letter featured is addressed to Harold MacMillan before he became Prime Minister.

A 'Canoe' Attraction at WWT Martin Mere

On Friday morning Sally and I went to visit WWT Martin Mere for the launch of their brand new attraction, Canoe Safari.

First of all we learnt about all of the new exciting developments that have and will be taking place over the next 12 months at WWT Martin Mere. As well as the Canoe Safari, their new Mereside Cafe has recently opened offering hot and cold food. 

A brand new woodland play area, a den building area, kiosk and England's first composting toilets will also be opening within the next month. Then by next Easter they will also have an adventure area with climbing walls.

Anyway back to the canoes.

Meet the Food Heroes

I was lucky enough to spend one of last week’s spectacularly sunny days in the Ribble Valley with Lancashire Food Hero Tours, who offer organised and bespoke visits to all manner of food producers, with demos and, of course, tastings. 

Our first stop was Gazegill Organic Farm where their belief that their animals should be given the most natural, comfortable and longest life possible even extends to them naming every single one of their 100 cows!

Singing the Dukes Praises

Friday night’s guest evening at Lancaster Duke’s Theatre saw Rebecca Hutchinson as LV in the Rise and Fall of Little Voice steal the show, ably supported by Eithne Browne as Mari Hoff and Keiran Flynn as Ray Say.

As a resident Scarborian I was eager to see how the on stage drama compared with the original Sam Mendes film shot in Yorkshire’s premier seaside resort in 1992.  With Jane Horrocks playing the lead, Michael Caine as Ray Say; Brenda Blethyn as Mari Hoff and Ewan McGregor as Billy, the film had left some lasting memories with me.  

An Absolute Treat

The second of this year’s Lancashire Hotshot evenings took place at the wonderful MJ’s Restaurant in Darwen.

What an absolute treat chef Dominic Taylor cooked up. Not wanting to miss out on any of the tempting delights on offer my guest and I agreed to choose differently and neither of us was disappointed.

Food Glorious Food

The new Hotshots programme kicked off last night (Tues 22 Feb) at the Freemasons in Wisell.  

Sous Chef Matthew Horsfall, took over the kitchen of this newly awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, to deliver a menu that was simply sensational.

Our table selected courses across the menu and therefore had the benefit of seeing every dish; each plate a beautifully presented feast for the eyes before it was even tasted.For those who couldn’t make it this time, here’s the menu:

A Taste for Lancashire Food

So now that the Obsession Food Festival at Northcote has ended for another year, why not visit one of the traditional Lancashire farmers markets where you can pick up fresh ingredients and have a go at your own Obsession dinner party!

Or if you prefer someone else doing the cooking, indulge yourself at one of the Taste Lancashire restaurants.

Well Watered at Obsession

Monday night’s mouth-watering menu at Northcote’s Obsession Food Festival was brought to us by Sat Bains, chef-owner of Nottinghamshire’s only Michelin starred restaurant.

Sat said that of all the festivals he takes part in Obsession is the best and he loves coming to Lancashire and staying at Northcote.

Mandarin in Blackpool reaches 50!

In 1961, Michael opened Mandarin Restaurant above a greengrocer’s shop on Clifton Street in Blackpool....now 50 years on the restaurant is still inviting diners to sample its traditional and authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Taking The Trip to Obsession

Last night, it was the turn of Simon Rogan from the Michelin star L’Enclume Restaurant with Rooms in Cartmel to cook a lavish six course dinner at Northcote’s Obsession Food Festival.

Simon thinks it is “Absolutely brilliant” that he was invited to cook for a night at Obsession 2011, especially since he knows firsthand what an outstanding event it is, being an Obsession diner himself in 2007.