This week’s What’s eating William Murray sees our team exploring some of the country’s newest food hall hotspots and going from field to fork in the hunt for the perfect pumpkin.
Pumpkin picking
No longer is it acceptable to pick up a Halloween pumpkin from your local supermarket, oh no, our Instagram feeds have been back-to-back shots of foodies frolicking in fields of October’s favourite root vegetable for the last fortnight. So, if you can’t beat ‘em…drag the kids down to your nearest pumpkin patch.
Many local farms and garden centres are putting on special pumpkin picking activities during half term and Halloween weekend as Sarah discovered at her nearest Planters Garden Centre in Staffordshire. She says: “There’s something so wholesome about being out in the fresh air hunting for the perfect pumpkin then carving it together. Pumpkin soup is definitely on our lunch list for the next week and then, after a month’s obsession, we’ll all inevitably forget all about them until next October rolls around!”.”
Getting social in Epsom
The trend for food halls is showing no sign of slowing down as they begin to pop up in towns and cities across the country. Surrey is the latest county to get its own food hall hub in the guise of Epsom Social.
Danae popped along to see what the first food hall in Surrey had to offer. She says: “I was excited to try a new spot and see if it lived up to some of my favourite food halls in London. We tried a delicious Venezuelan platter and some oozy cheesy arancini. Can confirm that Epsom Social has a great vibe with delicious food choices, occasional live music and a fun place to hang out for the evening!”
Vaux-pops
Keeping with the food hall theme, a few of the team headed down to the newest site from boutique food hall group Market Place London, under the arches right next to Vauxhall station.
We were spoiled for choice from the large selection of small, independent brands but settled on Sri Lankan spot Karapincha who lured us in with their delicious tasters so we couldn’t resist but get a full portion of the authentic Kothu Roti (chopped Sri Lankan roti bread stir fried with egg, vegetables and flavoured with a blend of Sri Lankan curries). We’ll definitely be going back to try some of the other delicious options on offer.
P.S. Thinking about trying out the new McDonalds McCrispy? Liz says not to bother…
“So, I tried the new McCrispy at the weekend – the first new permanent chicken burger the company has launched in 15 years. Described as a ‘game changer’ I’d have to agree with the general consensus: it’s not. More exciting would have been a new permanent plant-based option or an alternative to fries. I’m crying out for a vegan/dairy-free Mcflurry or milkshake. But beyond that, it’s also a lesson for marketers when it comes to making big claims that can’t live up to the taste test.”