Emma Croman
Catherine Whyte rediscovers the joy of cooking outdoors with Surrey specialists The Salt Box...
Fire pits at the ready – barbeque season is nearly upon us and with it the pleasures of al fresco dining. But there’s more to cooking on coals than burgers, corn on the cob and the odd singed sausage.
Those looking to expand their experience of outdoor eating should check out The Salt Box, where chef Christian and his partner Beckie host amazing alfresco events in magical pockets of Surrey woodland. Guests sit around tables under the trees and feast on freshly cooked food.
“People come away saying how much happier and contented they feel,” says Beckie. “That isn’t just because of the good food or the company, it’s also because they have been able to sit outside among the trees for a few hours. The woods are a very calming environment to be in.”
While Christian cooks on his open fire pits, guests are free to chat and check out what he’s cooking – which not only includes meat and vegetables but also breads and puddings. There’s not a burger in sight.
“Our recipes tend to be quite simple as the seasoning comes from the smoke and fire,” says Christian adding that he mostly uses whole cuts of meat for the events. “We will often hang bunches of carrots, or butternut squash or maybe sweet potatoes over the fire which get softened by the smoke. We then chargrill them for a few minutes before adding a drizzle of oil and citrus zest.”
Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible – or foraged. “We are coming to the end of wild garlic season now and Jack by the Hedges, which is a kind of garlic mustard, will soon appear,” says Christian. “We often pickle our foraged herbs so that we get as much use out of them as possible throughout the year.”
There’s a rich feast of outdoor events coming up over the summer (including outdoors seasonal breakfasts, afternoon teas and suppers), most of which take place in a secluded patch of woodland on Priory Farm Estate, Nutfield. However, The Salt Box is also running a supper at the Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Ockley (Jun 5), as well as a Dine between the Vines event at Albury Vineyard over the weekend of Jul 17-18. Early booking is recommended.
Barbecues will never be the same again!
To book a dining experience, cookery course or for more recipe inspiration go to wearethesaltbox.co.uk
