What’s on the Spring Menu at River Cottage
One of our guests once said that the best thing about the seasons is that they change, which means our dining at River Cottage is always evolving. We couldn’t agree more—a new season brings fresh opportunities to showcase seasonal vegetables, meats and fruits. Today, we’re talking about Spring dining, and the key this season is that everything is just a little bit brighter and more colourful.
What can you expect to see at River Cottage in Spring? While we can’t guarantee specific dishes (since everything is created on the day, making each experience unique), we can offer a sneak peek of what’s to come. Keep reading!
A Fresh Start
As winter fades away, River Cottage comes alive with the sights and smells of Spring. The farm is blooming with new life, and this energy is reflected in every dish. Expect vibrant colours, wild greens, and the season’s best produce making their way onto the menu. From late February onwards, wild garlic, magnolia, and sea beet appear in dishes, adding fresh, seasonal flavours. And of course, asparagus and rhubarb are back—two Spring favourites that bring brightness and character to every meal.
A Chef’s Passion for Spring Ingredients
For Chiara, our Head Chef, Spring is the season she looks forward to most. “There’s nothing like the first radishes of the season—bright, spicy, and refreshing,” she shares. These early vegetables, along with tender asparagus, will take pride of place on the menu. Asparagus is often barbecued and paired with smoked butter hollandaise, a personal favourite.
Rhubarb also makes a key appearance, featured in both sweet and savoury dishes, think classic crumbles, tangy chutneys, and condiments that perfectly complement meaty mains.
The Spring Dining Atmosphere
What makes Spring dining at River Cottage so special? It’s not just the food… It’s the whole experience. With warmer, longer days, dining on the farm takes on an entirely new energy. Guests can wander the grounds, soaking in the sights of the re-awakening kitchen garden, lively animals, and the abundance of fresh, edible plants. The surrounding nature becomes an integral part of the meal, making every dish a true reflection of the season, the land, and the moment.
The Transition from Comfort Food to Fresh and Light
As the weather warms, our menus evolve from hearty, comforting dishes to lighter, fresher offerings. Think fish ceviches, grilled meats and vegetables, and refreshing desserts featuring homemade ice creams and sorbets. Spring is all about freshness, with produce often harvested just before the dishes are served, ensuring that every bite reflects the best of the season.
Special Spring Traditions at River Cottage
One of the joys of Spring dining at River Cottage is the seasonal traditions that come with it. The farm’s mutton, now perfectly aged, becomes the star of many main courses, paired with vibrant green vegetables and fragrant herbs from the garden. These dishes showcase the very best of what’s growing on the farm, bringing a real sense of place to the dining table. It’s true farm-to-table dining at its finest. You can also experience Spring dining through our River Cottage courses, or even enjoy it at our Kitchen & Store, where you can reserve a table via OpenTable.
A True Taste of Spring
At River Cottage, the environment is key to the dining experience. Our dishes reflect the time of year, with produce harvested on the day it’s served. “I always say that just by looking at one of our dishes, you should be able to tell you’re at River Cottage in that specific season,” Chiara explains. This close connection between food and place is what makes every dining experience unique.
Spring dining here is about more than just food—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates the season, the land, and the joy of eating fresh, locally grown produce.
