August at The Hampstead Butcher & Providore

The last few weeks of the summer holidays are a time for memorable meals with the people we love. Before we know it the schools will be back and the thought of alfresco dining will be a distant memory. So, on that cheery note, let’s seize the day (and maybe the bbq tongs too)!

Read on for our guide of how to eat your way through the hottest month.

Hot Hot Hot! Why Not Grill, Swill and Chill?

Warm weather lends itself to a more informal dining experience. But this doesn’t mean skimping on flavour. We like to fall back on the basics during the holiday season - smoky barbecued sausages with grilled veg, chicken kebab skewers or a good old burger (with Wilkins and Sons Ketchup, of course!).

We’re thinking along similar, unfussy lines when it comes to salads; grilled Halloumi is delicious on a bed of giant couscous and beef tomatoes, for example. Or this hearty Mediterranean salad with butter beans, capers and feta. These can be served in a big ‘help yourself’ bowl, and both deserve liberal amounts of high quality olive oil.

Swilling-wise, for the meat dishes look no further than Altolandon Malbec from the Valencian hills, and for the salads simply pick up a Picpoul de Pinet!

Location, Location, Location

With meat provenance is everything, that’s why we source only the finest East Anglian beef from farms in Norfolk. The cattle are pasture grazed and lead a stress-free life roaming the countryside. Their meat is hung on the bone for optimal tenderness and flavour, and then the dry aging process continues in our shops. This prime rib of beef is aged for a further 24 days on site. It rewards a similarly patient approach at home; to get the best results we advise a lengthy cook on a low temperature. But trust us, it’ll be worth the wait! Try this recipe for a Garlic Crusted Rib of Beef to put it to the test yourself.

Too Warm for a Roast? Never!

As we are in Britain, Sundays mean hearty food, whatever the weather. And on this note may we recommend our glorious Lamb Shoulder, or Beef Brisket for the perfect unseasonal Sunday dinner. Or if you want Hampstead Butcher quality without having to rustle it up yourself, may we direct you towards our friends at the following fine establishments: The Duke of Hamilton, The Clifton, The William or The Alliance. All of whom serve our meat beautifully and are mighty fine pubs in their own right!

Until Next Time

From all of us here at The Hampstead Butcher and Providore, goodbye and enjoy what’s left of the summer.