As autumn paints the Ashdown Forest in shades of gold and amber, our kitchens are getting ready to savour the season through unforgettable dining experiences. In the elegant Anderida Restaurant, warming dishes crafted from the finest local produce capture the comforting flavours of autumn. Meanwhile, The Brasserie offers a relaxed setting with golden views of the forest, the perfect backdrop for leisurely lunches or sunset suppers. We catch up with Executive Head Chef Andrew, who shares his inspiration and insights as he prepares to showcase the very best of seasonal dining this autumn at Ashdown Park Hotel.
Which seasonal ingredient are you most excited to showcase this autumn, and why?
I love using game at this time of year. There is so much variety, each bird has their own distinct flavour.
Can you tell us about a new autumn dish on the menu, that you are particularly proud of?
We're adding a pheasant dish, which is accompanied by bacon jam, parsnip puree, a lovely mushroom arancini, and a rich game jus. This dish says everything about Autumn, with all the ingredients bang on season.
How do you incorporate local and sustainable produce in your autumn menu?
I have a great relationship with our local suppliers, and use them as much as possible. The burgers in our Forest Brasserie come from Tablehurst Farm in Forest Row, and we get game and venison from Faye Game near Crowborough, just 10 minutes down the road.
Are there any traditional autumn flavours or dishes that you've reimagined with a modern twist?
Jams are most popular at this time of year, but rather than the traditional fruit flavours, we have created our very own smoked bacon jam this year, perfectly blending sweet & salty flavours. It's so good!
What wine pairings do you recommend with your new autumn dishes?
My recommendation with the pheasant dish would be a medium-bodied Pinot Noir, Syrah, or even a Chinati. These pair really well with the lean meat.
For guests looking to create some autumn flavours at home, do you have a simple seasonal cooking tip or ingredients to recommend?
Keeping it simple is key, but sourcing really top ingredients is the way to a tasty dish. Pick your own apples and blackberries to create a gorgeous crumble (of course loading it with steaming hot custard!)