Tastes of Lincolnshire Self Catering Winner 2011/12

Last Thursday evening we attended the Lincolnshire Food & Drink Awards 2012 at the brand new Doubletree by Hilton, Lincoln. We’ve been very lucky to be Highly Commended in the awards for two years running in 2009 and 2010 and were once again nominated in the Tastes of Lincolnshire Self Catering Category.

After a delicious 3-course meal of locally sourced produce including Cote Hill Blue cheese salad, roasted Lincoln Red Beef and a divine Chocolate tart to finish we eagerly awaited to hear the results for each of the award categories!

We were delighted to be announced as winners of our category, Tastes of Lincolnshire Self Catering of the Year 2011. After two years of being Highly Commended it was great to take the winning spot!

In order to achieve this award we maintain our commitment to the Tastes of Lincolnshire programme as members by featuring locally sourced produce in our self catering holiday cottages. Each cottage is stocked with a welcome hamper for all weekly breaks filled with a selection of the freshest local goods from some of Lincolnshire’s finest producers. A tempting selection of goodies are included in each hamper featuring Mountains Sausages from Boston, Myers or Pocklington’s Plum Loaf, Marmalade made especially for our farm, locally baked bread, Batemans beer, butter and milk.

As we are a working farm we also aim to include seasonal produce in our hampers including calabrese (from mid August to the end of October) and potatoes (from mid July to March). You can’t get fewer air miles than this!

We are a short distance from a range of other Tastes of Lincolnshire members including our local pub, The Wheatsheaf which is just a short walk away. Abbey Parks Farm Shop at East Heckington is an excellent spot for homemade cakes, coffee and bistro-style meals as well as their speciality Abbey Parks Asparagus which is supplied to top London restaurants. In Boston town centre you’ll find Mountains Boston Sausage, who also sell their delicious herby Lincolnshire sausages at London’s Borough Market. Archie Hardwick in Dolpin Lane is a lovely little deli and coffee shop selling a fantastic range of Lincolnshire cheeses. Batemans Brewery at Wainfleet is a great day out for all the family and a chance to sample some locally brewed beer.

If you are taking a weekend or midweek break at Elms Farm Cottages why not treat yourself to a Tastes of Lincolnshire Welcome Hamper for £18.00? It’s a great way to sample a feast of tasty local goodies – as well as a pleasant relief to not have to go shopping when you arrive! Just ask Carol for more details when you book your break.