The positively groaning cheeseboard completes the festive feast. While British cheese has formerly been the poor relation of its continental cousins, the choice and variety of traditional and artisan cheeses…
THE FIELD
Winter solstice traditions: a bleak but beautiful mid winter
The days are shortening and darkness has descended – midwinter is more certainly bleak. But the colour brought by the winter solstice traditions, expertly adopted into our culture by the…
Christmas tree farming: o, Christmas tree
The tradition of decorating a tree for Christmas goes back to the Victorian times. But the techniques behind Christmas tree farming are decidely modern, discovers Graham Downing. There is no…
Beretta 694 12-bore
Michael Yardley is impressed by the new Beretta 694 12-bore, first and foremost a clay-breaking machine but could also be brought out for high birds. For more from the 69…
Coronation pheasant with clementines and toasted almonds
Add pheasant to your festive spread to use up any braces lurking in the freezer, while also introducing new people to game. Philippa Davis’ coronation pheasant with clementines and toasted…
Audi A4 Avant 40 TDI quattro
The Audi A4 has come a long way in 25 years. Charlie Flindt is impressed by the new Audi A4 Avant TDI quattro, though restrained in its styling, it reeks…
Slow cooked roe haunch: game for a festive spread
If you have a house full of guests this Christmas, use it as a chance to introduce the uninitiated to game. Philippa Davis’ slow cooked roe haunch makes a festive…
A Christmas Carol: a Dickens of a Christmas
Shocked by the effect of the Industrial Revolution on working children, Charles Dickens planned to write a political pamphlet. Instead he published A Christmas Carol, with a festive blueprint that…
Debbie Harris, sporting artist
Her atmospheric oil paintings have attracted a legion of admirers, but for Debbie Harris it all began with a love for dogs and hunting, as Janet Menzies discovers. For more…
Game, ale and chestnut stew
Feed the festive crowd with game this Christmas. Philippa Davis’ game, ale and chestnut stew with cranberry and stilton dumplings can be kept warm while you nip out to the…