harrogate fine dining at the clocktower restaurant

Yorkshire food heroes

July – Spilmans berries - 24 miles

Richard Spilman has been growing strawberries at Church Farm, Sessay since 1970, starting with 2 acres, and gradually increasing to the present 12 acres. Alongside this there are 3 acres of raspberries, as well as blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberries and plums.

All the fruit is grown in a traditional manner, without soil sterilization, and open to the elements. Last year, this posed huge problems with the fruit being picked in the wettest summer the Spilmans can remember. The tracks around the fields were only passable with a tractor and trailer, and wellies and waterproofs were the order of the day. Here's hoping for a drier summer this year!

Besides fruit, Richard and his family grow more conventional crops such as cereals, potatoes and fodder beet, as well as asparagus, a flock of 300 ewes and some beef cattle.

Forthcoming Food Heroes

August 2008: Beef - Cappleside Beef, 40 miles
September 2008: Three C's (Carrots, Cauliflower & Cabbage) - Metcalfe Organics, 14 miles
October 2008: Apples - Ampleforth Abbey Orchard, 37 miles
November 2008: Game - Yorkshire Game Ltd, 38 miles
December 2008: Venison - Holme Farm Venison, 25 miles
January 2009: Cheese - Shepherd's Purse, 27 miles
February 2009: Rhubarb - Moss House Farm, 20 miles

Golf and Dine

Play a round of golf on the new Repton Short Course followed by a two course meal from the Yorkshire menu at Clocktower for just £25 per person

Tee times available from 5.30 - 8pm every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday until 27 August. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 01423 872100.

JULY'S FOOD HERO
Spilman's Berries

See the Food Hero tab for more information.