Sunshine, Strawberries & Summer Evenings at the Farm

June has arrived and we’re firmly settling into the rhythm of summer here at Hartley. Before looking ahead, I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Open Farm Day. It’s always one of the highlights of the year for us —...

A note on hospitality, and why it still matters.

There’s been no shortage of stories in the news recently about the pressure hospitality is under. I’m keen not to turn this journal into a depressing list of reasons why — no one needs that at this time of year. But it has got me thinking. Hospitality has always faced...

A Season of Small Joys

January has a habit of arriving with a lot of noise. New rules. New targets. New versions of ourselves we’re apparently supposed to become overnight. If your inbox looks anything like mine, it’s full of big promises and bigger pressure — all delivered at a time of...

The Christmas Traditions We’re Honoured to Be Part Of

I think the C word was first uttered around May this year. Christmas is a huge part of our calendar, and as the saying goes, you’ve got to make hay while the sun shines — though I do often wish our business wasn’t quite so dependent on it. Over the years, we’ve had...

Pumpkins, Progress & a Taste of Autumn

Autumn has well and truly arrived. Despite the inevitable rain and blustery days, I’ve always loved the distinct seasons we get here in England. By the time one is drawing to a close, I’m ready to move on to the next — ready for a change in pace, whatever that might...

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August

August

August has brought with it searing, stifling heat to top off what has been an excellent summer, and we certainly needed it. Not just to put a spring in our step with all the doom and gloom of the...

Tomato & Peach Panzanella

Tomato & Peach Panzanella

This salad has been going down a storm in our pop-up coffee cabin this summer. It's a classic salad, born within Italian households of old as a way to use up stale bread. It's best when tomatoes are...

Chorizo, Omelette & Tomato Bread Brunch

Chorizo, Omelette & Tomato Bread Brunch

This delicious recipe is inspired by a classic Spanish brunch. Serves 1 A slice of sourdough bread A couple of ripe Isle of White tomatoes (delicious at this time of year) Sliced cooking chorizo 1...

Foraged Elderflower Cordial

Foraged Elderflower Cordial

Sunny days are for foraging and right now is all about those fragrant elderflowers that you'll see blooming right now. The large white flat-topped clusters of beauty can be found in most hedgerows...

May

May

If you’ve been up to the farm shop over the last few weeks, you’ll see the calves at Hartley Farm have been the main focus of attention for us on the farm. Our calving season has now finished on the...

The New Normal

The New Normal

We’re almost at the stage where we’ve begun to find some rhythm and dare I say it, routine in our day’s work. Which in recent times, means it is time for another government announcement to shake it...

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