In the heart of East Sussex lies a secluded dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a unique and hands-on approach to food. Niki Cottrell shares her adventure as she embarks on a journey to the UK’s most remote gastropub, where she foraged for her own dinner, in an article originally published on The Independent.
Growing up in the expansive Arizona desert, foraging was not a familiar concept to Niki. Accustomed to arid landscapes adorned with saguaro cactuses, her move to the greenery of the UK sparked a curiosity within her. Given the chance to explore the English countryside and learn the art of foraging, she eagerly embraced the opportunity.
Her excursion began with a train ride from London followed by a short taxi journey to Hunt Gather Cook location in Ashdown Forest. Surrounded by fellow campers, she arrived just in time for a delightful dinner and drinks. The aim of Hunter Gather Cook is to equip people with the skills to thrive as modern-day hunter-gatherers, fostering a deeper connection to nature through food experiences in the great outdoors.
The venue exuded a sense of harmony with its surroundings. With open shed doors showcasing the breathtaking scenery outside, a crackling fire indoors, and tables adorned with candles and blankets, Niki felt instantly at ease. The space was divided between dining tables and a bustling kitchen where chefs prepared a communal meal for the guests to enjoy together.
Throughout the evening, guests engaged in various activities such as sharpening sticks for s’mores, nailing trout to wood planks for fire cooking, and indulging in a sumptuous first course of oysters with chilli lemongrass vinaigrette. As the night unfolded, each dish brought new flavours and stories to the table, creating a memorable dining experience under the open sky.
The night concluded with campfire songs and melted s’mores, followed by a restful night’s sleep in tents under the starlit sky. The next morning dawned with the aroma of bacon sizzling on an open fire, setting the stage for a day of foraging. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the group explored edible plants and herbs, learning about their uses and characteristics along the way.
Their journey culminated at The Foragers Arms, the UK’s most remote pop-up gastropub, where they put their foraged finds to use in crafting a communal meal. From cooking flatbreads over the fire to savouring dishes infused with wild herbs, the experience offered a unique blend of nature, camaraderie, and culinary exploration.
Embracing the beauty of the outdoors and the camaraderie of newfound friends, Niki found a sense of fulfilment in her foraging and camping escapade. The adventure with Hunter Gather Cook redefined her connection to nature and her appreciation for quality food in a setting that felt both familiar and extraordinary.