Organic Vegetables
Our market garden is run by Metske Van De Laan, who has been growing organic vegetables for over 20 years. The garden produces a wide range of vegetables and salads, supplies the Bore Place community and guests with a veg box scheme, and provides seasonal ingredients to our kitchen. Other produce is sold to local farm shops, a veg box scheme in London and organic wholesalers. You can also buy the produce every Saturday at the farmer's market in Stoke Newington.
Metske is committed to exploring ways to farm that encourage biodiversity at Bore Place and is evangelical about his craft. Visitors and guests can book tours and talks with him, where he shares his extensive knowledge and passion for organic growing.
Chiddingstone Dairy
Chiddingstone Dairy
Just the other side of Bough Beech Reservoir, Chiddingstone Dairy is a neighbouring family farm producing delicious fresh milk, yoghurt, butter, cream and milkshakes, all available to buy at our Farm Gate. Their free-range cows are raised with a strong commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, and their milk comes in reusable glass bottles, which can be returned and refilled. As a member of the local Farm Cluster, chaired by Bore Place, Chiddingstone Dairy shares our commitment to supporting a thriving local food system. We're delighted to showcase their produce and make it easier for people to enjoy food produced right on their doorstep.
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Yoghurt and Kefir
Happy Belly
Happy Belly Foods was founded in 2009 by Rachna Jhala after she learnt about the benefits of kefir from a neighbour in New York City. Using raw milk from the Bore Place herd, Rachna makes a selection of fermented dairy products at her workshop close to the Bore Place estate. The range includes an array of 'gut-friendly' products including raw milk kefir, sweet coconut raw kefir, yoghurt, labneh (a type of cheese), and ghee. All staying guests at Bore Place are given tasters of Happy Belly kefir and those who are catered for enjoy its yoghurt at breakfast. Happy Belly also supplies ingredients to our kitchen. Happy Belly products can be bought at local farm shops, by ordering directly or from the Bore Place Farm Gate.
Much has been written recently about the human microbiome and the link between our gut and our wider health. Rachna has personally experienced the benefits of improved gut health acquired through drinking kefir and is a great proponent of what it can offer. Rachna runs yoghurt and kefir-making workshops for guests staying at Bore Place as well as part of our community programme of events.
Bore Place Jam
Using fruit grown on-site, Bore Place seasonal jam is produced by our kitchen for catered guests to enjoy at breakfast and for other visitors to buy. Recipes vary depending on what is in season. All ingredients are organically produced.
Honey
We have several beehives at Bore Place, where we gather honey to produce delicious raw honey served to guests as part of breakfast. Visitors can also buy honey at the Farm Gate.