Private Dining Rooms

Overview

Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s River Cottage is far more than a TV set.

At River Cottage HQ we offer private dining and bespoke cookery days based on a working farm set in stunning Devon countryside, less than three hours from London.

The secluded site is accessed by tractor-trailer and offers a really special & inspirational trip away from the office. Our beautifully restored 17th Century farmhouse is the perfect venue where we can create a unique event for you.

Spend the afternoon learning traditional food skills such as bread baking or salami making & in the evening return to watch your personal chef cook your supper using the best seasonal ingredients from our farm and local organic growers.

Relax in front of the fire in winter or stroll through the kitchen garden when the sun shines with a glass of our own Elderflower Sparkling Wine in hand. Enjoy River Cottage at your own pace.

Gill Meller

How long have you been at the restaurant?

7 years.

Which was the first restaurant you worked in?

Henry’s Beard, an organic festival cafe.

What was the last restaurant you went to, apart from your own?

Brawn in Bethnal Green.

Which restaurant is your favourite and why?

A little family run restaurant that I visit in the South of France. It is based on a farm & they make all of their produce.

What or who has been the biggest influence on the way you cook and why?

Hugh & the River Cottage ethos has given me a great understanding of what is quality food.

What is your personal signature dish?
         
Pressed pig’s cheek terrine.

Which other chef(s) do you most admire?

Fergus Henderson, Nigel Slater & Jane Grigson.

What’s the best part of your job?

Eating.

And the worst?

Eating.

What would your last meal be?

Poached eggs on Marmite toast.

Do you have a chef’s shortcut that you can share with us?

Always make pizza dough 24 hours in advance.