Star Bruno cooks up a storm

Owner Phil Jellis said: “Bruno came on the Friday to start prepping and I butchered all the meat for him, including our own free range Saddleback pork and hand-reared grass-fed Dexter beef.

“On Saturday it was all hands on deck as Bruno’s wife Catherine and various friends helped with the rest of the prepping.

“We also transformed the shop with a banquetting table down the middle to seat 30.”

He added: “Bruno did all the cooking in our little kitchen and there was no effing and blinding. He’s the complete opposite of Gordon Ramsay, just a really nice, friendly and helpful person.

“He said the evening wasn’t about his cooking, it was about showcasing what we do and it went exactly as I hoped. I did a little talk about the animals we rear and people said they’d learned something and they really enjoyed it.”

Starters comprised charcuterie with pate, brawn and smoked bacon, accompanied by bread from Jo’s Loaves in Offley. This was followed by local asparagus from Scroupts Farm with Wade Hill Farm sheep’s cheese and pesto made from nettles from Phil’s garden.

The main event was short rib and silverside beef with rhubarb crumble as a grand finale.

Bruno said afterwards: “Phil and Charlie’s dedication to do things the right way should be supported and I do.”