Join us for Friday Night at River Cottage for a dining experience unlike any other.
Our evening events are a celebration of the River Cottage ethos where the food, location and atmosphere take centre stage. You will be treated to delicious dishes from the River Cottage kitchen whilst enjoying the familiar surroundings from the River Cottage TV series.
Your Evening
Arrive at River Cottage: You will be met by members of the River Cottage team before getting on the tractor and trailer for the journey down to River Cottage HQ.
Welcome & canapés: Your host for the evening will greet you with a seasonal welcome drink and canapés will be served. You will have the opportunity to have a look around and soak up the atmosphere.
Chef’s introduction: Once seated the chef will introduce the menu and talk about the dishes being served. You will learn about the food, our philosophy, its provenance and how it has been prepared.
The main event: You will enjoy further canapés at the table, before tucking into a four course menu made using the very best local and seasonal ingredients. The menu is decided on the day depending on what produce is at its very best. We do of course cater for any dietary requirements and you will be prompted to give us these when booking.
Petit fours and coffee: A wonderful evening is rounded off with coffee and petit fours. At this stage the tractor will be available to take you back to the car park when you are ready.
Example Menu
Canapés -
Chorizo and egg mayo on crostini; fennel tops
Locally smoked salmon with herb crème fresh on blinis
Pickled ox tongue; mustard and gherkins
Air-dried ham, chilli and parsley croquettes
Fresh brown crab; winter leaves, fresh baked breads, garlic mayo
Five-root and bacon soup with Cheddar and parsley
Spiced confit pork belly; roast loin; crackling, creamy mash, buttered carrots, pak choi with garlic, ginger and soy
Apple-on-the-bottom crème brulee; lemon shortbread
Coffee, Petits fours
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Time: 7.30pm to 11.00pm
Wine / Drink: We have a licensed bar serving the finest selection of local and organic wines.
Accomodation: If you need local accommodation please click here.
Age: The minimum age on this event is 10 years of age, Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult, we put these guideline in place for the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all our guests.
Cancellation and Transfers: Please make sure you have read our cancellation policy before booking.
Private Dining: If you would like to enjoy River Cottage HQ in a more private setting our beautiful 17th Century farmhouse is the perfect space.
Please note: Hugh will not be attending this event
*Bonfire Night special: This evening will be a celebration of the traditions around bonfire night. We will have a fire (weather permiting) however, due to the livestock on the farm we are unable to have fireworks.
Keep me informed
Saturday Night at River Cottage
Voucher Friday Night at River Cottage
Private Dining at River Cottage
"The food was incredible, as was the service and atmosphere, it was definitely a night to remember. We went home very happy and full, and have recommended to all our family and friends..."
Added on by River Cottage Reviews II
"Excellent, best lamb I ever had...value for money, the no corkage is a very good idea. We enjoyed the evening very much, it was a good balance of fun and education. I liked the tractor ride, I liked the information about the menu, where everything was sourced. The shared tables breaks down the formality of the atmosphere and make it a lot more fun. A lot of thought has gone into making RC different to a restaurant. Those involved should be rather proud of themselves."
Added on by River Cottage Reviews
"The food was amazing! Exactly the quality I thought it would be and there was plenty of it, no one left going hungry! I thought the staff were one of the major highlights of the night - from the girl that greeted us when we got off the trailer to the waiters, everyone was so welcoming, so nice and so happy to help. They also all seemed really genuinely interested in being there and passionate about it which enhanced everything about the night"
Added on by River Cottage Reviews I
Just the most enjoyable evening! Tremendous food in a thoroughly relaxed atmosphere, and all provided by a team who ooze enthusiasm & knowledge. Surpassed our expectations, and we can't wait for our next visit.
Added on by user739418
I poped up friday the 21/10/11 for the evening at River Cottage and it was a sensation, I had a unforgetable experiance which i want again and again. Thank you very much! Craig O'Brian
Added on by rivercottagereviewsV
Thought it was perfect. Very informal which made the whole evening extremely special and relaxing. The chef was really interesting and obviously passionate about his food. Nothing was too much trouble. Like home from home. - Jane Short
Added on by rivercottageIII
Sadly we found this event didn't tick all the boxes. the food was disappointing and the lamb was certainly not at all flavoursome. Average starters and pud that all could have been improved on. The communal tables are a great idea (as long as you aren't sat by the door blasting cold air everytime someone nips to the loo). However, having to walk back up the hill after dinner because the tractor had a flat tyre didn't add to the enjoyment. It could have been fixed while we were eating?!? An ok experience that was NOT value for money. If you are in the area go to the wild garlic at Beaminster instead.
Added on by user743348
The evening was perfect in every way - it started with a glass of champagne and a canape and a chance to look around the farm and then we all sat down and the chef explained what was being served and I have to say he was very passionate about the place which was lovely to hear. The food that was served was amazing and the lamb we had was perfect and very flavoursome. The extras you receive I think make it very good value for money - as well as the main courses you had champagne, canape's, cheese and biscuits, fresh bread, coffee and the most divine fudge as well as water on the tables and the drink they sold was good value too! I sat by the door and even though I feel the cold it was a nice relief when the door was opened as it gave a little bit of fresh air and was by no means cold even though it wasnt really warm weather at all. I would say to eat here and to give The Wild Garlic a try as both are extremely good venues.
Added on by melenieg
The staff, the weather and the location made this a night that we very much enjoyed and will remember for a long time. From the moment we arrived in our taxi at the car park we were made to feel welcome and the potential awkwardness of being together with many people we did not know was skillfully nullified by the welcome we received. Drinks and canapes were very well received and a chance to nosy about the farm before dinner was also good fun. The chef gave an enthusiastic description of the food and even though all of the bits he described failed to be served (crispy potato and confit pigeon legs) the food was well presented and superbly served by a team working efficiently and very hard. At the end of the night we felt full and relaxed with a delicious bottle of Penzance Elderflower sparkler and some cider consumed at a reasonable price too. I would recommend the experience and you may get to meet someone interesting on your table too.
Added on by user742249
Obviously it was more expensive than a normal meal in a restaurant but considering the overall experience we had I think it was exceptional value for money.- Darren Seamark
Added on by rivercottagereviews4
