With so many wonderful things to
share, this post has a danger of being a long one.
Knowing if that were the case you would probably just
scroll down to the pictures, I've done my best to keep it short (and organised.)
Introduction: The brainchild of veg guru Ken Holland and built by Trunk Reclaimed, the Chefs Pod is an exciting “pop up
restaurant” concept located in Northumberland’s Vallum Farm.
After successful meals cooked at the
pod by esteemed North East chefs Terry
Layboure and David Kennedy, Ken
kindly invited me along for a meal cooked by Chef James Close from The Raby Hunt – the first of a
number of high-profile Michelin starred chefs set to guest.
Ken Holland: or @NorthCountryKen
as he is known on Twitter is a specialist veg grower whose pioneering
techniques and most amazing quality produce has led to his supplying and
working with some of the UK’s finest restaurants and chefs. I know Ken from his
work with Simon Rogan and the guys at L’Enclume.
Trunk Reclaimed: are an eco conscious company who make bespoke furniture, kitchens,
shepherd huts and other commissions from salvaged timber. Their impressive client
list includes Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill, Jimmy’s Farm, The Pipe & Glass
Inn and River Cottage.
When Ken started re-tweeting the
pictures of the of the pod’s construction, I watched with interest as it began
to take shape. Having now seen it in situ at Vallum Farm I think it truly is a
work of art – the attention to detail, including beams from the famous Swan
Hunter shipyard is awe inspiring.
Vallum Farm: owned
by fellow dining companions Peter and Vicky Moffitt, Vallum has been called
“The River Cottage of the North” (by
Luxe Magazine). As well as being working a working cattle and agricultural
farm, the play area, museum fetes, family fun days and wedding
fayres make it a great place to visit.
With an award winning Tea Room, Ice Cream Parlour, deli and farm
shop and the Bywell Fish & Game Smokery all on site make Vallum a great
foodie destination. If that’s not enough they know also have an excellent restaurant onsite
operated by Chef David Kennedy.
James Close - Raby Hunt: although not yet a household name, James Close is an
exciting young cheffing talent, who I’m sure despite his already having
achieved a Michelin star (just a few years after taking up cooking
professionally) has a bright future ahead of him. James is almost entirely self-taught
with limited experience in a professional kitchen prior to his family buying
the Raby Hunt - his ‘remarkable story’ can be read in more detail on the
Critical Couple’s blog (here).
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Fellow diner, Tom Cummings, enjoying the view. |
James’ motto and food philosophy is
“Inspired by simplicity”. Chatting to him throughout the evening it was evident
that quality ingredients and produce is central to his search for
“exceptionalism” – it is this that brought him into contact with Ken.
James’ menus are currently quite
“protein focussed” – the meal he cooked for us using produce from Vallum
highlighted his growing relationship with Ken and his on-going desire to develop
his cuisine and progressive use of vegetables.
The Menu
Credit must go to James and the Raby Hunt team for successfully reproducing his Michelin starred cuisine in such a small and unusual kitchen environment.
The meal started with four
delightfully crafted amuse bouche “Cod
Skin” “BBQ Courgette” “Suckling Pig” and “Ox Tongue”. Each one showcased ingredients grown just yards from
the steps of Chef’s Pod – bronze fennel, baby courgettes, baby turnips and
viola flowers.
“Lindisfarne” –
oyster, leaf, beer.
One great thing about dining in the pod is the proximity to both the outdoors and the chef who answered questions and spoke about his dishes throughout the meal. Taking oysters from along the coast
at Lindisfarne, James slow poached them in their shells for 45 minutes at a low
temperature; a process that allows them to absorb their briny liquor, making
them plump and flavourful. Once removed, they were encased in a
beer batter made with a Lindisfarne ale and set upon an oyster emulsion. From
the farm Ken spoke about the freshly picked “ice plant” – just
one of a number of stunning ingredients available to the chefs at the Pod.
“Fresh Water” – eel,
beet, cherry
I often find savoury dishes with
beetroot and cherry too sweet for my taste, especially when they have components
such as beetroot meringues. James however had managed to balance the flavours
beautifully with the smokiness from the eel and rich duck liver parfait.
Ken also brought in some wonderfully
sweet and vibrant beetroot leaf stems that he had grown in the dark from an
innovative technique based on the largely forgotten method of “clamping”.
“Razor Clam” – pea,
almond, girolles
The razor clam dish was my favourite
of the evening – a splendid collection of flavours and textures. The most
tender finely sliced roundels of razor clam, meaty brown shrimp, girolles,
toasted almonds and the greenery of broad bean leaves, fresh peas, pea shoots,
pea purée and the salty crunch of samphire. Perfection.
“Squab” – artichoke,
peach, pigeon
Strikingly featuring the leg with
tarsus and talons attached, this dish of squab pigeon showcased James’
“Inspired by Simplicity” style. Earthy and gamey flavours from the artichoke,
pigeon and jus, enhanced with the subtle sweetness of the peach.
“Spring Lamb” – rack,
anchovy, kale
The incredible quality of the lamb
again highlighted James’ insistence of only working with the best suppliers and
producers. Another simple pairing with the brittle crunch of barbequed kale
leaves.
“Strawberry” – cream,
vanilla, almond
When the Raby Hunt won its star in 2012,
there were only two chefs in the kitchen, James and Sous Chef Ryan Bunker. They
have since taken on two more chefs, including Maria Guseva. For the dessert
course, James took a well-earned break and chatted to diners whilst Maria and
Ryan took over the pass.
I have already booked in to visit
the Raby Hunt and will be following James’ career as it goes from strength to
strength. Keep and eye on the Chefs Pod
blog for details of when James is next cooking at Vallum (as well as other guest
chefs)... a truly wonderful, unique and memorable experience.

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Thanks for the mention and for your company really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt's a stunning spot up there, glad you got nice weather for it. Looking forward to seeing who's next to cook, a phenomenal standard has been set!
ReplyDelete