
Growing up we usually spent the Christmas holidays in Cornwall. It was a large windy house on a beach and, on high tides, the sea came up below the cliff and past the windows. We climbed over rocks, collected mussels and went on long walks. At first we did not have a TV, which leads my son to enquire, kindly, whether I was born before or after the Second World War. Later, when we did, a favourite musical film around which we would gather when it made its seasonal reappearance was “Oliver!”
On one level this is a tough story based on a Charles Dickens novel about poverty and survival in Victorian England. On another level, it is also a fun musical with great songs and a lively cast. We would find ourselves singing “Food glorious food, hot sausage and mustard, while we’re in the mood cold jelly and custard… etc. etc.” out on walks. In Oliver’s case such delicious food was purely in the imagination, whereas for most of us memories of lovely food and family gatherings define childhood and celebrations.
Earlier this year I found myself cooking with Mary Berry as part of a programme coming out on the BBC which looks at cooking in Stately Homes; some of the stories and traditions as well as perhaps a few secrets.
Mary has led so many successful cooking programmes with her combination of skill and practicality as well as her charm and repartee in front of the camera. It was an amazing experience and I sometimes have to pinch myself when I realise that Highclere has now been lucky enough to have hosted both Mary Berry as well as Maggie Smith!
Food and cooking is at the heart of each day. I know that what to eat or how much is a matter of concern for many people, whether it is raw, juiced, spiralised, whether it should or should not involve carbohydrates or dairy. Nevertheless, I wonder sometimes what my mother or her mother would think. Running in hungry from walks on the beach it was always the same cry of “what’s for lunch?”, and we took it in turns to choose the puddings from treacle tart, to sponge puddings, rice pudding or apple charlotte. We all feel better if we eat well (but not too well) and all my dogs and horses most definitely really enjoy their food (or fodder) too.

PS you can find recipes and videos here on the blog….
Some weekends I plan a picnic lunch, a prospect which still utterly amazes Luis and Jorge who help us on the banqueting and butling side. They are both from Portugal which is warm and sunny, perfect for picnics rather than my version of March picnics on an English hill with thick coats and warm soup. Nevertheless the tables are covered in linen and at least the clotted cream on the scones will not move in the cold weather.

Scrambled Egg (photo again by David Griffen as with all other food photos here)
The food at Highclere starts well before the table or the kitchen. It begins in fields – either on our own farm or in others. Ultimately, agriculture might be rather scientific these days but, at bottom, it is just about food: food for friends and for the heart, whilst the mechanics of producing it helps create landscapes, in turn, food for the soul. All rather glorious!

Highclere Sheep grazing – views for the soul
This is a wonderful blog Lady Carnarvon Food is at the top of my list as soon as my eyes are open 🙂 seeing your yummy photos & knowing what the Castle Chef cooks makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It was a real privilege to taste Mary Berry’s little cheese and tomato quiches that she made for us when she came to visit us at the castle they were so yummy 🙂
I think you had seconds Paul…
Lady Carnarvon:
I grew up in a Third World country with ties to Great Britain, therefore I grew up knowing, learning and loving a lot of things, British. The famous authors, the musicals and the songs they produced; the food even if we changed the recipes somewhat; to your British Royal Family. I think, it left such an impression on me that I still gravitate to most things British. I still love to read books from your famous authors, some I have read more than twice; I still follow your royal family and read any books I can get my hand on about your history. It is no wonder I found your blog and I am really glad I did, because you bring to me the romanticized view that I have kept of Britain: the beautiful country side, the rolling hills, the beaches and the food which because of my familiarity, I have come to regard as “comfort food”–it makes me happy! I also seek out books set in Victorian England which I find delightful to read. I still love to watch all your British comedies, especially those from an earlier time, as well as the British historical dramas.
One more thing: Regarding your blog, I am very happy that I get to know just enough which helps me keep that romanticized view alive.
Once again, so happy I found your blog and thank you so much for writing it.
Regards,
Bev
Thank you for reading it – I know it is not all rose tinted but I think we still need need rose tinted moments and we do have such a beautiful landscape – it is human in scale
Loving all you are offering us for sharing . . . thank you, Terry Fenwick
Dear Lady Carnarvon ,
I adore anything to do with food, cooking is my passion, and I often cook dinner for 10 or 12 people.
While I will kind of look at a recipe, I usually will do it ‘my way’, adding things as I go along and remembering recipes which my wonderful mother used to make. I just wish I had watched more closely how she made her Dough cake, as everything I look up now is nothing like my mother’s used to taste, or is that just my memory playing tricks?
Regards and wishing you and yours a happy festive season.
Roddy.
I also rather add things as I feel like!
This blog brought back many memories of Cornwall where I lived as a child. Oh those picnics on the beach at the Lizard and St. Ives, the walks along the lanes picking blackberries for a blackberry and apple pie, with clotted cream of course! Walks along the cliff paths with the smell of the seas and the wind whipping up the waves below. Those are memories that carry us wherever we are, the longing to return never goes away.
The sound of the sea, rolling up my jeans and paddling in freezing winter seas – magic!
The ultimate number one on my bucket list would be to visit Highclere and sample one dish, any dish, it would literally be a dream come true. The countryside, the magnificent architecture, family portraits in your home, the wildlife, and meeting you Lady Carnarvon with a cup of your yummy tea is a dream that I would be able to enjoy in my dreams for the rest of my life. You are very much blessed, regards
Hello
Each country has characteristic food features. This is beautiful. Knowing and experiencing the particulars of each country …
Muharrem Shqarri
According to season and climate!
I had a friend who was born in England. She would make us steak and kidney pie and beef with Yorkshire Puddings for the Holidays. I also watched Mary Berry on PBS, The Great Baking Show. Once again thank you for your message.
Wonderful -I was just thinking of making a toad in the hole,I do love Yorkshire pudding!
Dear Lady C,
Just like a Yank to not spell out your name, but I remain respectful just the same.
Had it not been for DA, your cousins across the pond would know nothing about you or your estate. Thank you for the peek into your world and your lovely home. It is especially warming at our Thanksgiving season over here in the lower 48.
Thank you for sharing your lives and your home.
Holly
You are right Downton has given Highclere a “career break” and we are doing our best to peddle !!
Lovely sentiment, Holly – I was thinking the exact same thing!
Thanks
So marvelous!!
Thank You!
Dear Lady,
Your descriptions are delicious.
Having worked most of my life as a cook, I can say that preparing any dish whether appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, or deserts, is an art form. The cook/artist enjoys the preparation as much as the diners enjoy the eating of the art. It seems possible that meal preparation is THE oldest art form.
Bon appétit,
Don Kubicki
It is about sharing and often in art – The Last Supper … equally I enjoy the challenge of what will I cook from what I have given I have not been shopping!
Thank you for another interesting story! And a very timely one at that, this week is all about food here in the US — planning, shopping, prepping, all for the big feast on Thanksgiving! We usually host a big lunch with friends & family but this year we’ll be guests.
I look forward to more of your posts!
I have been invited to a thanksgiving dinner in the past and much enjoyed it..harvest, cooking and friends ..
Thank you for sharing, I always enjoy reading your blog!
Thank you!
Always enjoy your blogs.
We are starting the preparations for Christmas now in Malta. Puddings cakes etc.
Still very mild, rather a change from the weather in Cheshire last month.
I visited Malta in the summer and enjoyed some great food…it was so lovely to sit outside looking across the sea at 10pm at night.
I’m so happy to hear that Mary Berry has included you in her new show, enough that I finally am commenting, although I’ve been reading for the past year. It probably won’t hit the US until much later but I have hopes it will follow in the footsteps of the Great British Baking Show on our BBCAmerica channel. Any chance to see more of your lovely home will make it extra special.
Looking forward to seeing what your holiday traditions will be this year.
Val, San Diego, CA USA
I hope you might enjoy it too and that is why I began the cooking videos on here..just learning from a great lady – Mary!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I was so excited to hear about Mary Berry’s show on country homes. I think that Highclere is so lovely and the perfect venue for this look at England’s stately homes. If I had Mary Berry in my home I would be pinching myself as well! I love her cookery books and I loved to see her on The Great British Baking Show. I am always interested in cooking and food especially during the busy holiday season. I loved the recipes you have in your lovely new book, and I think they are so elegant and special. I can’t go outside to my own field for produce, but I’ll try to replicate your dishes the best I can!! I always love hearing what is cooking at Highclere Castle. (bad pun but intentional!!)
Always Best Wishes,
Ann Catherine Flood
Mary is amazing and very organised. Thank you for your kind comments about “At Home” – I enjoyed creating it – it is a good pun!!!
I grew up near the ocean, Atlantic ocean off Long Island, New York, and can relate to your memories with so many of my own fond memories of strolling by the ocean during the holidays. Although the food I grew up on wasn’t the same, but still, we each have our memories that bring back the joys of childhood. Thank you for this blog post as it has stirred those memories to help make me smile. Now I’m craving some strolling time along the beach, however, I live inland and not near the ocean any more. I think a day trip might be in order. Happy holiday’s to you and everyone at Highclere, may you have a joyous and prosperous 2018 too. Cheers
Nothing better than winter walks on beaches! Just different sides of the Atlantic.
I am in the states and thoroughly enjoy watching The Great British Baking Show. Here’s to hoping I can make a trip across the big pond one day to see all the places I so love watching on the tele.
Thank you for sharing your amazing home and animals with us!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Tucker, chow, fodder, snack, feed, grub, slops, snacks, nourishment, rations, dish, goodies, feast, victuals, sustenance …
All synonyms for food, but each word conjures a different taste or style of food.
And isn’t it amazing the joy we can get from not just tasting our food but from talking and yes, blogging about it – such as in your wonderful blog, above.
“Absolutely delicious!”
Regards,
Jeffery Sewell
Thank you Jeffrey!
Lady Carnarvon,
I love your blog, and enjoy the pictures of the happenings around Highclere Castle, and the history that you so generously share with all of us. I am totally enthralled with Britain and it’s history and couple of years ago we celebrated a Dickens style Christmas dinner. Some foods were a big hit while others not so much, but the experience was appreciated by everyone. The following year we celebrated the other side of the family with a Hawaiian Christmas. I am looking forward to your Christmas blog.
Thank you! You might like my next book!!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I love Mary Berry!! What a great idea, I certainly hope that the show will air in North America.
I also met Luis or was it Jorge? your butler when I visited the tea room in the old brewery/carriage house above the bistro this summer, a younger version of Mr. Carson and certainly much more smiles, but as professional as the Downton Abbey version!
Ah food, good for the soul… With Christmas around the corner, I love to cook all kinds of things that I call confort foods, I have a special recipe of sea salt caramel to put on toasts, croissants or on cake and it has been renamed “heaven” by my sister. I do it only once a year, because it’s just too good!
By the way, when I visited this summer I bought a box of “all butter sea salt caramel biscuit” in your gift shop and I was so disapointed you don’t ship them abroad! I guess it’s a matter of customs, but I was going to give them as gifts this year, because I liked them so much… oh well, I’ll have to go back and bring an extra luggage just for that!
I guess you would agree that food also helps so much in creating a special bond with our animals, it’s certainly the main tool to train them, at least dogs, it works very well for me and my husky.
Meilleures salutations de Montréal (we just got our first snow last week!)!
Chantal Leblanc
I am so glad you enjoyed our biscuits, you are quite correct in that customs will not allow us to ship to the US or Canada. Perhaps you can visit us again and stock up!
Dear Lady Carnarvon, watched your program from Belgium (I am an American married to a Belgian). It was lovely and while watching I thought “that house looks familiar”… Then realised it was Downton Abbey. My husband loves the Uk and adored DA. Thank you for a wonderful insight in to your daily life…and hope you god wonderful holidays..
Cordially,
Jacqueline van Osten -Lambert
Belgium
I liked being able to introduce the team who work here – the laughter and characters, they are very special….!!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I’ve just watched the wonderful programme, made with Mary Berry.
What a beautiful home and national treasure you live in!
I have a real passion for food and history so this was a perfect watch for me.
A big thank you, to you and your family, for sharing your beautiful home.
What kind, warm and genuine people you are.
You have made my evening very special.
Keep up the fantastic work that you do.
Kind regards
Helen
It all sort of came together given I was trying to share the theme of home and cooking with my latest book and then this lovely project came about!
Dear Lady Canarvon,
Wonderful programme this evening with Mary Berry. Many congratulations. So much so we went straight to your website and luckily magaged to buy tickets to your Egyptian event and lunch this Saturday. Looking forward to tasting your cooking in the flesh!!
With very best wishes
Graham & Fernando
Delighted – see you on Saturday!
Wonderful. Really great.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I too enjoyed the programme immensely.
Thank you for sharing your magnificent home, it was a special treat to see the real thing and all the hard work that goes into maintaining such a national treasure.
Best Wishes,
Fawzia
Thank you – it is an amazing house not merely for the stones but because of the people..
Desr Lady Carnarvon,
I loved the Mary Berry programme on Highclere so much that I’ve watched it through twice. And it is now 3am! It’s a fascinating inside view of the beautiful house, and all the wonderful people keeping it going. It must be a tough job, but so worthwhile , and I am sure you wish there were more hours in the day, yet you appeared so calm. One of the most enjoyable programmes I’ve seen, and I shall no doubt be watching it again. I hope to visit on one of your Visitor days, something to look forward to.
Yours sincerely,
Margaret Arnold P.S. Those spaniels were really impressive….
The dogs steal the show!!!! I hope you do do visit us..
DEAR LADY CARNARVON
I LOVE YOUR WRITING.
Thank you
Mmmmm yes, food is glorious! In America, we’re about to have Thanksgiving. I will be stuffing myself with some glorious food! (That means extra time on the treadmill!)
Happy Thanksgiving
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for making the TV programme with Mary Berry. I enjoyed seeing so much more of your estate and being introduced to your household and you are quite correct that Valerie and the dogs stole the show!
There is one remaining bit of Highclere I am very intrigued to see and that is the top floor, the tower and the room on the very top above the front door. There is often reference to 200 rooms in the castle and I’m aware that the top floor would have housed nursery/ servants, but I would love a peek…..any chance of a few photos? We visited Lanhydrock in Cornwall last year and their attics were my highlight. I know, I’m a bit odd, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who’d like a peak!
I think the rooms Highclere up are amazing – I have various plans and am just figuring out how to share…
Hi
I really enjoyed the programme with Mary Berry. I’m interested to know more about the flower gardens. Are all the flowers cut just for the castle or do you sell them to the public?
Regards
Darrell
We sell some plants in the spring and summer but not cut flowers. I hope plants will stay with visitors and remind them of their day here.
Dear Lady Carnarvon
I loved the programme and enjoyed reading your blog, very much. Thank you for sharing all things Highclere. I’m fascinated by all things about grand country houses,( especially the kitchens!). Before I came infirm and wheelchair access became an issue, I used to love wandering around them, taking in the history and atmosphere. I was never lucky enough to visit Highclere, but after watching the programme I wished I’d have made the long trip from Yorkshire, and made Highclere a priority.
It’s good to know, Highclere Castle and estate are in such good hands.
Thank you, for caring and sharing.
This is away of distance sharing I hope!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I really enjoyed Mary Berry’s programme featuring Highclere. It was fascinating to see how you staff such a large property in the modern era. I also very much liked to see your interactions with your staff. It seems such a wonderful place to spend your life, working or otherwise.
May I enquire, as an enthusiast for and collector of English Fine Bone China, who made your new Highclere Castle china?
Kind regards
Jayne Butterworth
I commissioned it from Wedgwood – a great English company!
I have just watched the programme at Highclere with Mary Berry. I thought the real Lady Carnarvon might be slightly snooty and reserved but I was presently surprised. You are very honest and down to earth and I so love your laugh which was so real and not forced. It really cheered me up. I love the way you share a joke with the workers. You are really suited to your situation. Not forgetting your husband of course who was bright and cheerful with a real humility.
Laughter is so helpful … and you right my husband has a strong sense of humility and duty.. and sense of humour!
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Utterly scrumptious viewing yesterday evening! You must be so proud. Thank you for bringing some sunshine to Tunbridge Wells for an hour.
Thank you – I have yet to watch it – although I have a cushion to hide behind if I see myself -prefer watching the others!!
Dear Lady Carnarvan,
We just finished our Thanksgiving feast; a day of cooking and eating and gratitude. Last night I propped up in bed with your newest book (At Home at Highclere) and absolutely loved it. There is such delight in a cookbook that reads like a novel! Beautiful photos, recipes, and history. Thank you for sharing so much with all of us. A labor of love.
God bless your family,
Suzy, from Kansas
Thank you so much – there is a lot in the book isn’t there?
It was you who glittered Lady Canarvon!
I think the laughter and good humour was there..
Dear Lady Carnarvon
We watched Mary Berry’s country show taken at your castle which is beautiful. How lovely to see you and learn about the history of your castle. Would love to meet you in person one day.
You are kind!
Living and working away from the UK for the past 10 years (currently in Dubai) has made me appreciate even more how grateful I am for my childhood in North Devon. I watched the Mary Berry programme yesterday in the hope of inspiration for Christmas cooking and I wasn’t disappointed. I was also hugely thankful for the chance to see your home and rekindle my love for Britain’s historical properties. Absolutely loved this blog and thank you so much for reminding me how grateful I am for all my childhood memories, god and family. Looking forward to reading more.
Thank you ! Mary is so clear and makes you think you can do it doesn’t she?
Living and working away from the UK for the past 10 years (currently in Dubai) has made me appreciate even more how grateful I am for my childhood in North Devon. I watched the Mary Berry programme yesterday in the hope of inspiration for Christmas cooking and I wasn’t disappointed. I was also hugely thankful for the chance to see your home and rekindle my love for Britain’s historical properties. Absolutely loved this blog and thank you so much for reminding me how grateful I am for all my childhood memories, food and family.
I visited Highclere Castle in August this year with my husband. We thoroughly enjoyed our day. It was a lovely day weather wise too and we took full advantage of the grounds. We were so impressed with the whole experience. I have just watched the Mary Berry programme which brought back happy memories of our visit. Her recipes looked lovely too. I’m sure that all the food disappeared very quickly!
Best wishes for the future.
Thank you – the picnic at Heaven’s gate was so cold but we had some warm tomato tarts she had made (I helped!) although I am not sure you ever saw them .. cutting room floor I think. They were very welcome!
Good afternoon Lady Carnarvon,
I have just watched the programme on tv with Mary Berry cooking some of her spectacular culinary delights (as always).
I would just like to say how much I enjoyed the programme,and what a beautiful home you have.As a little girl I always wanted to live in a castle as a princess (like most little girls).I can not wait to hopefully pay a visit next year.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and New Year.
Best wishes.
Thank you – you are very kind and I hope you will indeed visit us!
I visited England (and Scotland) WAY back in the 1980s, and I have some wonderful memories of the food. There was cream tea in Devon, salmon in Edinburgh, tea in London, and pub food in Chester. My friend and I decided to spend an extra day in Chester, partly because of the pub food!
Local food is an important part of experiencing any place. I hope to be able to visit Highclere soon.
Lady Carnarvon, would you be so kind as to tell me what the name of the dish is that is pictured just before the picture of the scrambled eggs? I read every comment and checked the link to your blog but was unable to find a reference to it. IT appears to be a meat dish with onion slices on the top… would also love to know the recipe as well. Thank you!!
Happy new year to you all. I received your latest book for my birthday so very pleased with it, wonderful recipes too. I also have the supplement from Telegraph & made the sage & onion stuffing on Christmas Day, delicious. I love your book about Lady Catherine, such a lovely read. Best wishes Christine Fairclough.
Thank you so much !