River Cottage

We expect you heard the disappointing news about the fire here at River Cottage HQ on Tuesday evening.

We're devastated to lose one of our buildings, but we're just happy that no one was hurt.

Our animals are getting on with life as normal, and our team are in positive mood. Life goes on at River Cottage, starting today.

We have been overwhelmed with messages of support. Our Facebook and Twitter pages went into overdrive once the news broke and for that we'd like to say a huge thank you. We're truly touched.

With that amazing good will and backing, and with the help of local businesses, our fantastic team are already turning things around.

Today's a new day, and it's clear that despite the dramatic scenes of 36 hours ago, the beautiful 65-acre site at Park Farm is largely unaffected.

"The commercial kitchen we've lost is only bricks and mortar," said host Steve Lamb.

"River Cottage is built around the spirit of the people," he added.

"It's apparent we're moving to the next stage very quickly and everything is gathering momentum. Our spirit will never die."

As the dust settles it's clear we've only lost a commercial kitchen and our courses and events will be getting back to normal in next to no time.

"Together with my team I am already designing the new kitchen," said head chef Gill Meller.

"Before you know it we'll be cooking the kind of quality food you'd expect from my expert team of River Cottage chefs," he added.

"Produce continues to arrive at Park Farm. We even have a beef animal returning from the abattoir in the next day or so, so life goes on."

Today we're finalising details of the next steps. Tonight we'll be announcing a date, in the not-too-distant future, by which our calendar of courses and events will return to normal.

As usual our Cookery School courses, days courses and evening events are available to book onto via our website.

Our first visitor day of the year, Get Growing in Spring, featuring Steve, Gill and the team off the telly goes ahead as usual next month.

We celebrate the growing season across the whole farm at our popular weekender, and this year's no different. The loss of our commercial kitchen will not affect this year's event. Tickets are still available. Adults £14.50 and under-12s go free.