High-quality local produce, perfectly paired with excellent wines and a classy yet laid-back atmosphere. What more could you want on a Friday night? Actually, nothing at all, if this first ‘Meet the Producer’ event from the Ideal Collection is anything to go by.
We were recently treated to an excellent three-course dinner, which was also superb value for money at £35; at The Boathouse Swanwick.
The star of the show on this occasion? Wild Hampshire meat from Test Valley Venison. This was brilliantly showcased through a thoughtfully curated menu from executive chef Matt Whitfield, who took different cuts of venison and turned them into dishes that really celebrated the textures and flavours of this lean and versatile meat. Read to the end of this article for our full review.
The good news is that, over the next few months, Ideal Collection is hosting a series of exclusive ‘Meet the Producer’ suppers featuring other local produce at some of their Hampshire venues. I’d highly recommend booking yourself onto one.
Based on our experience the cooking will be creative, the atmosphere warm, and the value for money seriously good. What I particularly love about this concept is that it places ultra-fresh local produce at its centre, and you have the opportunity to get to know the people behind the cooking and the ingredients. Perfect for a date night or a relaxed evening with family or foodie friends.
Upcoming events:
– Fri 5 Dec: Hampshire Cheese Fondue at The Bugle Hamble
– Fri 27 Feb: Two and One Olive Oil at Two and One Olive Oil, The Boathouse Swanwick
– Fri 27 Mar: Chalkstream Trout at Chalk Stream, Kimbridge Barn (Romsey)
To learn more and book, head over to the Events page at: https://www.idealcollection.co.uk/events/meet-the-producer-venison/
And here’s our review of their first event at The Boathouse Swanwick.
Things kicked off with a Haunch Carpaccio, delicate slices of rare venison served with Old Winchester cheese, ribbons of celeriac, and a dollop of salsa verde and rose harissa. The back leg meat was thinly sliced and melt-in-the-mouth tender, made even better with a crisp Albariño white wine from Galicia.
The main course was a real feast. In a playful nod to those classic duo of lamb recipes, the plate featured attractive slices of Venison Wellington, paired with a rich and comforting venison shoulder Shepherd’s Pie, with lashings of juniper berry jus. This course was matched with an unusual wine that really worked, a light and juicy Greek red from the Manolesakis Estate in Macedonia (we had to have a second glass).
The final course was a deliciously old-school sticky treacle pudding with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce, served with Pedro Ximénez; perhaps the ultimate pudding wine, and a perfect choice.
The pairing wines were priced between £7.50 and £8.50 a glass, with a full drinks and wine list also available (including English fizz).
During the evening, Paul Mason shared how Hampshire currently has record numbers of wild deer. For the last two years, his small family-run business has been helping manage the population sustainably and they’ve been harvesting, processing and supplying 100% local wild venison to homes and restaurants across the area. It’s a lean, low-cholesterol and high-vitamin meat that chef Matt showcased beautifully.
If you can’t make any of the upcoming events, why not drop by The Boathouse Swanwick another time? Set right on the river Hamble by Swanwick Marina, it’s a gorgeous, easy-going spot; especially on Friday evenings when a DJ spins low-key Balearic Boathouse beats, adding a soulful vibe.
Or if you fancy trying out your cooking skills with local venison at home, head over to Test Valley Venison to place your order.
