Family phases, they come and go

Accessible things to do in Leicester, a belter of a recipe, and an update on The Hay Barn.

I am sitting in my office writing to you, I have one tween outside taking up some electric fencing posts, and a teen in the kitchen with a friend (unknowingly) serenading me with everything from Abba to songs from Six - a wonderful musical which we saw at The Curve in Leicester last summer, whilst making Beef Bourguignon for their supper. This is life coming full circle after 25 years, Mother tucking away the hours for the business and the children being increasingly independent and contributing. These moments of “real change” hit me with such clarity it can only serve as a reminder to savour every stage of family life. I remember a lot of firsts, there is such emphasis on them, but in so many ways the lasts slipped through my fingers silently as they no longer needed a carry or a bedtime rendition of The Gruffalo. In the same way, you never know the last time you will go for a walk with the special older people in your life, its always worth making memories. With this in mind I have popped a few things below which I hope will inspire you to get out and do something different.

The Curve Leicester

The Curve Theatre Leicester is a really remarkable place to visit if you are staying at Castle Chase, it is a modern theatre and without doubt the most accessible I have ever been in to, the production above was Sister Act - which was phenomenal, and not only do they have completely level access wheelchair seats, but this show was also subtitled. Combined with a visit to the Richard the Third Visitor Centre or The National Space Centre it is a great day out. For those like me who love a bit of industrial heritage, I would point you toward the absolute GEM that is Abbey Pumping Station Museum (next to the space centre) it is under publicised but fascinating. Being one of the countries most multicultural cities the food scene is vibrant, there really is something for everyone from Gelato to Curry, you can find a lot more info on the Visit Leicester site to curate your food choices.

Beef Bourguignon

If your mind is drifting back towards that Beef Bourguignon made with big chunks of our amazing Castle Chase diced stewing steak, you can find the recipe here. I have found browning meat in the air fryer is fantastic, it keeps the hob clean and catches all the lovely juices ready to go back in to the stew. If your beef is well marbled it doesn’t need any fat, and I find about 12 mins is plenty as long as you only brown 250g - 500g at a time depending on the size of your air fryer. If you are looking to speed things up, a mist of vegetable oil round the meat will be just the ticket. If I am in a tearing hurry (not unusual) I only brown half the meat - you still get some of the wonderful deep flavour of caramelisation.

Anything slow cooked really benefits from sitting in the fridge overnight and reheating, or going in to the freezer, so it is a great prep ahead dish that multiplies up really well as a batch cooking option of the highest order. Its a great thing to get friends and family round the table for and make some great memories.

Straight from the oven….. well done E & Z!

If this has got your taste buds going and you would like some stewing steak give Sue a call on 07803 000465 or order via our website here and collect from Home Farm.

The Hay Barn

The Hay Barn is progressing well, with roof trusses up now it really gives a feel for the space. It is going to be 1 generous bedroom, a wet room and an open plan kitchen living area with a vaulted ceiling.

I can’t really explain the feeling that height will give, apart from that I have realised I am going to have to think a lot bigger on the pendant lights for the ceilings than I had anticipated to do the space justice!

The views are fantastic, I really wish there was a first floor, but this video taken at eaves level gives a great feel for how the property sits in the landscape and the site. As ever - apologies for the wobbly camera work!

I am hoping we will be able to offer The Hay Barn for lets from early September, but for now it is open for bookings from mid September.

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