News page 5

Midsummer arrives with the extra frisson of an Ashes series upon us. They are partial to witchety grubs in Australia and apparently insects are going to be the big food story of the future in the UK. 

Thursday June 25th £65 per person

Cheese doesn’t always need to be as the last “port” of call after a wonderful restaurant meal. It can be the inspiration for a spectacular main course too.  

Jeremy Ashpool on Allison Fern BBC Local Radio. Listen here (2hrs 19 mins) About 20 days left to listen.

Capricious spring, a beguiling season for all of us with the promise of light warmer days with magnolia and other tender blooms - fragile and beautiful, but prey to wind and late frost. Winter is past, yet not quite summer for chefs seeking inspiration through incoming ingredients.