The Morrow family have been farming the land at Streamvale Farm on the edge of Belfast since 1730 so it is fair to say they have deep roots in the land and are very much at the heart of the local community. For a farm to remain vibrant for almost 3 centuries, generational farming is a living legacy.
As with everything in this year of Covid-19 lockdown, we will be celebrating our Dad’s a little bit differently, but no doubt we will all adapt to make the day special and a little bit more unique. As the food and drink purveyors across Lisburn & Castlereagh continue to find new ways to use their expertise and talents with a different service offering, there is something for all tastes and all budgets to give your Dad a surprise this Father’s Day. So whether it’s a family gathering, a meal for two, a box of cakes on the doorstep, or a ticket to a virtual Whiskey Tasting event, there is bound to be something to whet his appetite and show him you appreciate him for just being Dad.
This week on our food and drink journal blog, we spoke to Rosie McNeill from Rosie McNeill Cakes.
It’s unusual to come across a place which sits in-between two major cities, but still has an identity and a character all of its own. Castlereagh is one such place. Not many will know the history of Castlereagh, so allow me to give you a brief insight. One name that is synonymous in this area is Conn O’Neill, a member of a minor branch of the powerful Ulster Gaelic noble family. Conn McBrien O’Neill succeeded his cousin, Sir Conn McNeill Og O’Neill, in the lordship of upper Clandeboye in 1589. The fort of Castlereagh, and territory from Belfast to a few miles from Portaferry, passed into his possession under English law.
Chef Stephen Jeffers has come up with a novel way of bringing his Forestside Cookery School to your home during the Covid19 lockdown with a virtual cooking product. Chef Jeffers at Home launched in early May, exceeding all expectations by selling out in a few hours. We spoke to Chef Jeffers as he opened-up sales for their first ‘cook-along’ box to get the lowdown on the inspiration and ethos behind this new initiative, what we can expect in the weeks to come, and most importantly – what are we going to be cooking!
