Although it is spring still, and it has been known to snow at this time of year, yesterday it was summer. It was fantastic. The fresh greens of spring are still here, albeit darkening with time. The sun was so warm and bright. I took a walk and was assaulted by smells reminiscent of the pine woods on the Croatian island of Losinj.

If yesterday had been a meal it would have been:

Starters:
The finest buttery french onion soup with just the right amount of red wine, sprinkled with finely grated mature Gruyère cheese.

Main course:
A fresh ploughmans lunch, eye-watering, extra mature, Blue Stilton, crisp Webb’s Wonderful salad leaves, bright red radishes and pungent red onions with a large dollop of ‘Branston pickle’ on the side (and more in the pot), and fresh crusty bread with fresh, creamy, hand churned butter.

Dessert:
The most perfect creme brule topped with a crisp layer of caramelised sugar on a soft layer of egg custard served with fresh, tangy wild raspberries and a dollop of exquisite lemon sorbet.

Or
A large portion of home made “Spotted Dick” with lashings of thick creamy custard.

Or
Both of the above.

Drinks:
A bottle of the finest German Weissbier and a bottle of Kriek.

Finished off with:
A caffe-latte made with rich aromatic coffee beans and full cream Guernsey cow milk and raw cane molasses sugar.