ON a dreich evening, what better than the lights of a decent pub, and even more so when that pub offers everything required of a proper sporting pit stop. Charming and unfussy, The Duncombe Arms is the type of establishment all those ‘olde English inns’ yearn to imitate with little…
THERE are some reasons to turn left when you get to Glasgow, and eschew the well-trodden A9 north. Keep driving west, skirt Loch Fyne and keep the coast in sight, up and over the old bridge at Inveraray, and you finally reach a corner of Argyllshire that can lay claim…
This month’s test gun is splendidly different – a Manor & Co 10-bore side-by- side weighing in at 9½lb even with its relatively short 26in barrels. I’ve used the word ‘beast’ to apply to some 12-bores in the past, and it certainly applies here. When you bring the relatively compact,…
Having a pair of side-by-sides to test is a luxury and Michael Yardley, after having a hand in the specification of the guns, takes even more pleasure when he takes them out to put them through their paces. AYA DE LUXE NO 2 SIDE-BY- SIDE This month’s test concerns a…
The Editor spends the night at Hambleton Hall in Rutland, and finds an elegant country house hotel where chef director Aaron Patterson has a passion for game, which is reflected on the menu. Alexandra Henton makes a sporting pit stop at SCHLOSS Roxburghe, somewhere that holds fieldsports and feel-good in…
David Tomlinson takes a look at the state of hazel dormice in the UK, and finds out what is being done to protect them. The country house chicken comes in all shapes and sizes, with eggs from brown in hue to blue; but which breeds are in vogue? Martha Terry…
Eleanor Doughty meets the modern-day chatelaines to find out what life is like running some of Britain’s most historic stately homes, and how they make it work. They may be a little quirky, but when it comes to quintessentially British sports cars, the iconic Morgan is as close to perfection…
As the nights draw in, it is time for suppers of comfort food. This creamy, boozy offering will fill the house with a comforting, rich aroma, says Philippa Davis. Try our creamy pheasant pie with sherry, mushrooms and tarragon. Best served with buttered, peppered leafy greens and an extra helping…
SMITH & TOROK 28-BORE SIDE-BY-SIDE SIDELOCK This review focuses on a pair of Smith & Torok 28-bore side-by-side sidelocks. Weighing a fraction under 6lb each, they are 30in self-opening guns based on the Purdey system made by Alex Torok, whose delightful .410 double we reviewed in the November 2021 issue.…
If elevenses is going to be the food stop of the day, do it in style. Philippa Davis’ heather honey partridge skewers with blue cheese dip can be grilled in the field, hot tapas style. Partridge is fantastically versatile and excellent to experiment with. Partridge spring rolls with plum sauce…
