Artisanal delights in the Forest of Dean
When you visit the Forest of Dean you expect spectacular views, unbelievable walking trails and the unfathomable beauty of nature. But dig a little deeper and you’ll unearth a taste sensation of Forest of Dean food…
View this post on InstagramThe Forest Deli
Cornish Yarg, Comte, Burrow Mump, Mayhill Green, Idle Hour. Curious? These are just some of the cheeses you can get your hands on at award-winning Forest Deli. Their cheese counter is filled to the brim with your everyday favourites and some more unusual choices.
If you’re not sure what you’ll prefer, book on for a cheese tasting experience and learn about what’s on offer. The owners are passionate about their cheese and Simon will teach you how they’re made. You’ll also learn what drinks pair best with each flavour. You must try some of the local varieties while you’re here. Hereford Hop is made in Gloucestershire and is encrusted with toasted hops, Harefield is the local answer to Parmesan while the more unusually named Slack-ma-Girdle is a soft cheese with a buttery taste. If you don’t get through as many cheeses as you’d like, sign up for a cheese box subscription to be delivered to your door!
It’s not just cheese gracing the shelves of Forest Deli, you can pick up everything you’d need for a picnic, a romantic homecooked meal or just the essentials for filling up your store cupboard. A firm favourite, your taste exploration of the Forest of Dean hasn’t begun until you stop by this fantastic deli.
Severn Cider
If you’re a serious cider drinker, you must visit the home of award-winning Severn Cider. The cider mill is set within 4 acres of heritage orchards overlooking the River Severn. When you arrive you’ll get a wonderfully warm welcome from the owners.
Severn Cider focus on doing everything as well as they can. Using the best and freshest apples and pears and their own wild yeasts their products are of unbelievably high quality. Starting from the blossoming trees and finishing with the fresh pint in front of you everything is done locally. They pay special attention to all of the details making sure the fruit is sorted by hand. When you visit you can try a few of their ciders before having a pint or two in the orchard. A range of still and sparkling from dry to sweet is on offer so you’re sure to find something that you love!
When you visit you can also pick up a range of local produce including honey, cheese, chilli oil and Severn Valley vinegar. It’s such a charming location that you’ll find yourselves returning for another visit very soon.
The Chocolate Bar
Got a sweet tooth? The Chocolate Bar in Lydney will be heaven for you! Everything at their Taurus Crafts shop is made by hand and they have been inspired by traditional techniques. All of the caramel chocolates are made following a technique used in France in the 1600s.
Today they create delicious flavours you’ve come to expect alongside some to suit more unusual tastes. Try raspberry and chilli or peanut butter and jelly! You can even get your hands on a ‘box of boar’, tasty chocolates shaped like the boar that the Forest of Dean is known for. They’ve won several awards and when you visit you might see some of the chocolates in the making. It’s not just about the chocolate here though, there are several other ways to ruin your diet with cakes, marshmallows, Florentines, the list goes on. Stop off for a hot drink and a slice of cake before shopping their irresistible range.
While at Taurus Crafts, pop into the gift shop and explore the range of independent designers and makers who work here.
Tudor Farmhouse
Described in Tatler magazine as a ‘culinary oasis’, who are we to disagree? Their head chef is committed to sharing the best seasonal food on offer with most of their produce coming from within a 20-mile area.
The award-winning restaurant is right in the heart of the Forest of Dean and their menu is full of dishes inspired by the area. Visit for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or a spectacular Sunday roast. You’ll taste Herefordshire beef, wild mushrooms, smoked haddock and Welsh rarebit. Alongside the menu is an array of wines to perfectly accompany your meal, including some local favourites. If you’re visiting for a special occasion, book their Garden Room which seats 20 for a more intimate gathering where you can really have a feast.
There’s more to Tudor Farmhouse than first meets the eye. If you want to learn more about the local produce these lands offer, join a foraging trip or meet the locals on a wildlife safari. Don’t worry, you’ll be well fed back at Tudor Farmhouse afterwards.
Severn and Wye Smokery
Seafood is on the menu at the Severn and Wye Smokery and there’s more than enough to fill your larder. On-site is a restaurant, café, food hall, fish market, gift shop and smokery. Everything you could need to get a real taste of what’s on offer.
In the food hall the aisles are filled with smoked salmon, pates, gravadlax, and more to get your imagination of what to make for dinner running wild. If you just can’t wait, head to the restaurant and taste some of the freshest flavours around. It’s a relaxed space where whole fish is barbecued and scallops are expertly seared. From breakfast through to dinner the menu has an array of culinary delights and the catch of the day is a must.
Don’t worry if you’re not a big seafood fan, there are plenty of other flavours on offer and you can always explore the gift shop or just get some coffee and cake.
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