Organic Vegetables
Our market garden is an independent commercial business that employs several people over the growing season (April – November). It 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.
Bore Place Cheese
Blackwoods Cheese Company
Blackwoods Cheese Company creates artisan soft cow’s cheese on-site at Bore Place, using organic milk from our own dairy herd. Each cheese is handmade with minimal intervention, allowing the natural flavours to shine.
You can find Blackwoods Cheese at their stall in Borough Market, as well as in independent farm shops, delis, and cheese shops. Visitors to Bore Place can also purchase their cheese directly from the Farm Gate and enjoy guided cheese tastings for a truly unique experience.
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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 the fruit grown on-site, our visiting regular students make Bore Place seasonal jam for catered guests to enjoy at breakfast and for other visitors to buy. Recipes vary depending on what is in season. Young people harvest the fruit, make the jam and then bottle it, developing a variety of skills. All ingredients are organically-produced.
Honey
We have a number of beehives at Bore Place from which honey is gathered to produce delicious raw honey that is offered to guests as part of their breakfast. Visitors can also buy honey on-site.