Jane Brook Interview
Jane Brook started Orton Farmers' Market in May 2000 in a tiny fellside village, with just a small start-up grant of £250. Now described as the 'very best foodie day out in Cumbria' it attracts customers from all over the North West who return each month for the tremendous quality and variety of produce and the enjoyable atmosphere. In June 2002, Orton Farmers' Market became the first in the country to achieve accreditation as an authentic farmers' market. Since then, Jane has also been instrumental in setting up a 'satellite' farmers' market at Pooley Bridge on the shores of Ullswater, in May 2003.
What is your most memorable childhood 'food' memory?
My mother's completely unsurpassable liver, onions and mash, which we had every Saturday and I adored.
What's your favourite food or ingredient 'on your doorstep'?
The handmade chocolates from Kennedy's Fine Chocolates. David and Alison Kennedy, with a small team of local people, make all the chocolates from the very finest ingredients on their premises in the centre of Orton village. You can sit in the coffee shop and watch the production through a glass wall. A great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!
What is your favourite food secret?
People assume that because I run a farmers' market I must be a real foodie, so my biggest food secret (until now) is that I don’t have much time to cook! It's a busy life when you're running a farmers' market.
What food would you travel for (within the UK)?
A proper Devon cream tea.
What is your favourite seasonal food?
Local strawberries. They only have a very short season in Cumbria but taste like strawberries should.
What is your favourite local food shop?
I have to say Orton Farmers' Market! It's on my doorstep. It has live music to entertain the shoppers and keep their spirits up even in the snow and rain. It sells just about everything and I really enjoy a good chat with the farmers and local food producers who always have plenty of time for the customers, no matter how busy it gets.
What is your favourite eating place?
My brother's house. He and his wife are both great cooks.
What is your favourite UK pub?
The Queen's Head at Tirril (near Pooley Bridge). They have a microbrewery to brew their own fabulous beer. Roaring fire, real ale, great food, friendly staff, unpretentious atmosphere. And comfy rooms to stay in if you overdo it at one of their beer festivals. A great place to go when you've been on a long walk across the nearby fells.
What is your favourite dish or recipe?
One of my favourites things to do is to pop a pork chop under the grill and have it with two slices of bread. Of course, if the pork chop comes from Stoneyhead Farm's Gloucester old spot pigs and the bread comes from Broughton Village Bakery and the butter comes from Cream of Cumbria - then it's a feast.
Name an inspirational food person? Why?
Listening to Derek Cooper on the BBC Radio 4 Food Programme. I'm always drooling over his descriptions of the fantastic food he gets to taste. The programme always reminds me of the importance and benefits of promoting - and eating - good quality local food.