Burley Manor goes hyper-local as head chef unveils new 15-mile menu
JAMIE OLIVER made famous the concept of the 15-minute meal. Now Burley Manor in the New Forest has come up with its own twist – the 15-mile menu.
The brainchild of executive head chef Ben Johnson, the selection of lunch dishes has been created using core ingredients sourced from no further than 15 miles.
Working with local suppliers, the kitchen team has produced the ultra-local offering which was launched with the aim of supporting local businesses, minimising food miles, and creating a unique taste.
Ben explained: “Along with the whole team at Burley Manor, I strive to support local businesses and show our commitment to sustainability.
“Our new 15-mile menu is created depending on what is available at the time of year, within a 15-mile radius or less, straight from land to plate.
“The menu is true to the seasons and will vary depending on what our supplier provides for us, influenced by the south of England.”
Despite being local, the food remains influenced by Burley Manor’s characteristic Mediterranean take on cuisine.
Meat-eating and vegetarian diners can even see precisely from where their meals were assembled, thanks to an ingredients map provided with each menu.
Contributors include New Forest Honey from Ipley, Beaulieu; S&J Shellfish in Lymington; and New Forest Wild & Exotic Mushrooms.
New Milton provides produce from artisan bakery Bread Port. Meat is from animals grazed on the New Forest via Swallowfields Farm in Bramshaw, run by a fourth-generation farmer.
Rainbow trout comes from sustainable farms on the River Test and River Itchen, and locally grown vegetables from Harvest Fine Foods, based in Totton. One of the most distant suppliers is Premier Fish based in Downton, near Salisbury.
The goat’s cheese on the cheese board hails from Lyburn Farm, which has a small herd on the edge of the New Forest in Landford.
The 15-mile menu at Burley Manor, off Ringwood Road, Burley, is priced at £20 per person for two courses and £25 per person for three courses.
To find out more go to www.burleymanor.com.
