Good afternoon everybody,
This week we added some British charcuterie to our selection for the first time in a number of years. Enjoyed by the team at the Neal’s Yard Open Day earlier this month, the Longhorn Bresaola and Juniper Coppa both come from the Knepp Estate in Sussex. Knepp is home to a rewilding project that has been running for more than 20 years. Based on the work of Dutch ecologist Dr Frans Vera, owners Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell no longer farm the land in any conventional sense but instead have “let nature take its course.” Their free-roaming herds of cattle, pigs and deer help to shape the land, with their grazing, rootling, debarking and seed dispersal all working to create the unique habitats on the estate. Living freely and eating a wild, naturally-varied diet, also means they produce meat that’s healthier and richer in flavour.
Elsewhere in the cheese fridge, we welcome some younger profile Comté from producer La fruitière de la Reverotte. Based in the Loray river basin, the grazing area for the cows is populated with nearly 130 different species of plant, including the beautiful ‘wood forget-me-not.’ Flora from this area makes up the bulk of the cows’ diet and contributes to the expressive flavours of the cheese. This week’s batch has citrus and hazelnut notes alongside a soft and creamy texture.
On the pastry counter apricots take centre stage. Half a poached apricot sits atop a sunshine yellow custard for our bun special this week and at the weekend they will be paired with an almond frangipane galette made with organic Guara almonds from Andalusia. The swiss roll also returns for the week with a tart mix of summer berries folded through some fresh cream, and with Maddie on the coffee machine at Covered Market we have a little walnut financier as the perfect companion to an iced latte.
Stay cool and we look forward to welcoming you this week.
The Hamblin Team
21st June 2026 Flora & Fauna