Forage and Cook with Thom Bateman

Get ready for an adventure with professional chef and Great British Menu contestant, Thom Bateman!

This brilliant event marries wild food with professional cooking techniques. On this session, you’ll venture out to learn what to forage in each season, and then Thom Bateman will show you how to transform your wild finds into gourmet dishes.

Any voucher can be used towards this event.

Thom will demonstrate how to use foraged ingredients to create exquisite dishes such as hedgerow sloe chutney, summer cherry compote, English damson preserves, a unique twist on elderflower cordial, homemade apple cider vinegar with crab apples, hawthorn and rosehip ketchup, and a wild mushroom and foraged nut pâté.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The foraging experience will last approximately 5-6 hours, giving you ample time to learn about foraging, explore the area, and enjoy a hands-on cooking workshop.

You will be guided by a Totally Wild professional forager who will teach you about the rules and ethics of foraging. You’ll receive tips on how to confidently identify different plants, including their edible, medicinal, and herbal uses.

The foraging experience will involve a slow-paced walk with frequent stops to discuss and identify various plants, fruits, fungi, seaweeds, and tubers. The species you encounter may vary depending on the location, whether it’s an inland or coastal walk, and the season, but they’ll always be exciting and diverse.

During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to sample an assortment of pre-made wild food items, including syrups, flavored salts, and alcohol infusions. These wild treats will give you a sneak peek into the incredible flavors that nature has to offer.

After the walk, you’ll reconvene by the picturesque canal for an exhilarating cooking session where Thom will truly elevate the experience, showcasing his culinary prowess and adding an extra dash of excitement to your wild food adventure!

After the event, you will receive an email detailing everything you foraged during the day, including harvesting tips, edibility, and the best ways to incorporate these tantalizing ingredients into your everyday meals.

WHAT TO BRING

Suitable clothing for the predicted weather, such as long trousers to protect against nettles and brambles.
Sturdy footwear, preferably closed-toed shoes for off-path exploration.
A drink, as some wild flavors may be strong, and it’s advisable to have water for the day.
Snacks for the foraging walk.
A pad or paper if you wish to take notes.
A blanket or chair for the workshop, as seating options may vary depending on the venue.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Course details, including the specific meeting location and an introduction to your forager, will be sent via email on the Monday before the event. Ensure you check your inbox (and junk folder) for these details. The foraging experience is dependent on seasonal availability, so what you see and eat may vary from season to season and location to location.

Children are welcome, and children under 12 can attend for free with one ticketed adult. While we cannot cater specifically for children, you are welcome to share your portion with them. Be sure to check the venue information for any age restrictions.

You can inform us of any dietary requirements or medical conditions during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. However, we may not be able to cater to severe allergies.

THOM BATEMAN is a renowned professional chef and culinary consultant. He began his career at 18 as head chef of a Latin American restaurant. Thom owns the acclaimed fine dining restaurant, The Flintlock at Cheddleton, and is set to launch Après by Thom Bateman in summer 2024. Known for his innovative approach, Thom offers comprehensive consulting services and hosts private dinners and events.

For more details, visit Thom Bateman’s official website –