Skip to content Skip to navigation


Behind the Scenes at River Cottage

Last week, the Milk & More team had the pleasure of visiting River Cottage to meet with Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his wonderful team for a day of hands-on cooking, insightful discussions, and a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic farm. Take a sneak peek into the day below.

Arrival at River Cottage

River Cottage HQ is set on an organic farm nestled in a breathtaking valley on the Dorset/ Devon border, reflecting Hugh’s unwavering commitment to sustainable farming. We began our day with a scenic drive through the countryside, leading to the charming cottage which consists of an award-winning sustainable cookery school, restaurant, café, shop, and accommodation. On arrival, we were greeted warmly by Hugh, who chatted to us over coffee about River Cottage’s philosophy.

Behind the scenes
After our chat, we were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of River Cottage, where we explored the gorgeous walled farmhouse garden and polytunnels, admiring the fresh ingredients and learning more about veg growing and harvesting. We also discussed the importance of sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, composting, and organic pest control – all of which contribute to the farm’s rich biodiversity!

 

Cooking at River Cottage Farm


Cooking up a storm
A real highlight of the day was getting hands-on in the River Cottage kitchen, where we cooked up a storm using sustainably farmed seasonal produce. Guided by Hugh and his expert team, we whipped up a tasty tangy slaw with zesty dressing followed by a mouthwatering cheesecake using a medley of fruit picked from the River Cottage gardens. As soon as the cooking finished, we sat down with Hugh and the team to enjoy our fantastic feast.

A conversation with Hugh
Our insightful day in the South West culminated in an intimate sit-down with Hugh in the stunning grounds of River Cottage, where we discussed his vision for a sustainable food future and how we can continue to play an important role in that. Of course, we also delved into his love of the milk round, and shared belief that it’s a legacy that deserves protecting. Our partnership with Hugh and the team has been instrumental so far in delivering high-quality, sustainable produce, and we’re excited for all the plans we’ve got in the pipeline!

Want to experience a taste of River Cottage? The farm's delicious organic yoghurts and kefirs are packed with tasty, gut-loving goodness — making them the perfect base for nourishing, energising breakfasts. Add your favourites to your order here and your local milkman or woman will bring them to you on their next round!

 

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall at River Cottage Farm