New venture A Table Outside is bringing a wholesome new meaning to the term ‘dining out’, says Catherine Whyte
An exciting new concept in al fresco dining by the name of A Table Outside is about to hit the streets, or rather the gardens, of Surrey.
Starting this month, the venture will be setting up its long table in farms, vineyards and estates throughout the county. These farm-to-table dining experiences are already massive in the US, says founder Bernadette Keane, who points me in the direction of Outstanding in the Field’s Instagram account (the US company run by ‘surfer, self-taught chef and the godfather of farm to table dining’ Jim Denevan). The pictures are indeed, as she suggests, ‘a thing of beauty’. The long tables arc along stunning beaches, while others nestle under woodland canopies.
“In this era of fast, cheap or processed food, we often don’t know where our food comes from,” says Bernadette. “That’s why the idea of connecting people with those who grow our food is so compelling. We get to listen to their stories about what drives them to be farmers (which let’s face it, is bloody hard work), and to hear the passion in their voices when they talk about their produce. Then everyone gets to taste the freshness and full flavour of food that’s literally just been plucked from the field.”
Bernadette has teamed up with MasterChef quarter finalist and former owner of Britten’s in Guildford, Dan Britten to create menus. It’s the perfect collaboration – as he now runs his own regular pop-up farm-to-table events through his own ‘restaurant of no abode’ via Brittenforfood.com
Dan says: “I’m a big fan of reducing how far food has to travel, so the concept of A Table Outside really appealed to me. It’s exciting being able to use ingredients grown at the venue where I’m cooking. I get to pick the produce in the morning and cook it later in the day. That’s great.”
The first event will take place at the Birtley Estate in Bramley near Guildford on May 5 where guests also get a private view of the Surrey Hills Sculpture Garden. The second is at High Clandon Estate vineyard on June 9. And yes, there are Plan B locations on-site should the British weather fail to play ball.
At the first sitting, guests will enjoy drinks and canapés followed by a four-course meal with wine pairings. Dishes include: black pudding and Birtley Estate rabbit scotch egg; braised breast of Bramley lamb served with wild garlic salsa; roasted aubergine, charred spring onions and cumin yoghurt; and for dessert – almond cake or Birtley Estate honey syrup and rhubarb compote.
In addition, each guest is encouraged to bring a plate that means something to them from which to eat – as a springboard for conversation.
“I feel as though we’re losing that sense of real-life connection as we hide behind screens more and more,” says Bernadette. “I see each A Table Outside event as an opportunity to build and strengthen our community.”
Initially, the table will seat around 30 people, but Bernadette has ambitions to feed a lot more, just like her fellow foodies across the pond.
Tickets: £130; early bird £97. To book and see the menus in full visit: atableoutside.com
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