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Getting children to try new food can be a challenge -  especially when they already have their favourites.

But changing how and where you serve food can make all the difference.

A simple picnic, done well, can encourage kids to be more adventurous at mealtimes.

Here are a few down-to-earth ways to make it work - without blowing the weekly shop.

Try a Mini Taster Picnic

Rather than packing one big sandwich, offer a small selection of picnic-style tasters.

Children often prefer finger food and variety.

Include a few of our tasty offerings like:

* Slices of pork pie

* Pastrami or ham

* Cooked chipolatas or sausage rolls

* Crackers or toast with a little dab of our pate

* Wedges of Scotch Egg

* Cheese, fruit or cucumber sticks

* Go wild and add a small spoon of chutney for dipping

Giving kids the chance to choose what to try, rather than serving it all together,

can go a long way.

Get Them Involved

Even the smallest job - choosing items, helping to wrap sandwiches, even choosing the blanket and the spot, can make a child more interested in the food they're about to eat.

We all know "Going on a bear hunt", make it an adventure!

Keep It Simple

Picnicking on a budget is so doable with us.

Pair one or two special items - like our handmade pork pie or Scotch egg - with fruit, cheese, or bits you already have at home.  Batch-cook muffins or sausage rolls and freeze them to save time later.

You can find proper, locally made picnic staples here:

* Shop picnic favourites : https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/bakery

Tell Us Your Tips

Do your kids have favourite picnic foods?  Have they tried pate or Scotch eggs yet?

Let us know in the comments below - or tag us in your next picnic photo: #TheCountryVictualler

Ready to Plan?

* Call us: 01777 874700

* Email: sales@thecountryvictualler.co.uk

* Visit:  www.thecountryvictualler.co.uk

And if you want more ideas and offers - don't forget to sign up to our newsletter:

https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/newletter-subscription

#picnicinstyle #familypicnic #fussyeaters #kidsfoodideas #picniconabudget #mums.net #britishfood #handmadefood #localproduce #kidfriendlyfood #parents #nottinghamshirefood

If you're looking to make someone's day extra special ( and delicious ), our Personalised Pork Pie Hamper is causing quite a stir -and for good readon!

Whether it's a milestine birthday, a surprise for Dad, or a thank-you gift for your foodie friend, this best selling hamper delivers British charm and mouthwatering flavour in every bite.

What Makes It So Special?

At The Country Victualler, we're proud to be known for our handcrafted, free-range pork pies - and this one takes centre stage. Our Personalised Pork Pie Hamper is more than a gift; it's a truly unique experience, lovingly made in Nottinghamshire and delivered nationwide.

Inside the Hamper:

* A handcrafted pork pie with your personalised message baked into the crust

* Choose your preferred weight - starting at a generous 2Ib

*  Carefully presented in our exclusive cooler bag - practical and premium

Made for Celebrations - and Delivered to Their Door

Customers are raving about it- it's becoming the go-to choice for:

* Birthday surprises

* Anniversaries & thank-yous

* Just-because treats for pie lovers

And The Best Part?

We offer nationwide delivery, so no matter where they are, they'll receive a freshly made, perfectly chilled pork pie hamper right to their doorstep.

" I ordered my dad the pork pie hamper for his birthday, and he absolutley loved it! it was quick and straightforward to order and arrived on his birthday ".

Customise It Your Way

We believe gifting should feel personal. That's why you can choose your own pastry lettering, " HAPPY BIRTHDAY", " CHEERS", or something a little cheeky ( we've seen it all! ).

Add a complementary message at checkout, select your size and we'll take care of the rest.

* ORDER YOURS TODAY

This is one gift they'll never forget - and you'll never regret ordering.

* Click here to order - https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/personalised-fathers-day-pork-pie-hamper

* FROM JUST £45!!

What Would You Put on Your Pork Pie?

Got a fun idea for a message? Or maybe you've already received one of our hampers?

* Drop your message ideas and thoughts in the comments below - we love hearing from you!

* Stay in the Know

Want first dibs on seasonal hampers, new launches and exclusive offers?

* Subscribe to our newsletter here - https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/newletter-subscription

* Questions? Give us a ring on 01777 874700 - our friendly team is here to help.

#personalisedgifts #porkpiehampers #britishfoodgifts #birthdayhampers #handmadeinnottinghamshire #thecoutnryvictualler #foodiegifts #hampers #porkpie #hampersfor him #hampersfordad #alloccasionhampers #giftideasuk

In today's food landscape, provenance, sustainability, and transparency aren't just trends - they're non-negotiables.

Consumers are looking beyond the label.

They want to know where their food comes from, how it's made and who made it.

At The Country Victualler,  we proudly champion Nottinghamshire food -

not only because it tastes exceptional, but because it delivers everything modern customers care about:

local sourcing, consciousness and traceable quality.

The Power of Local: A Real Taste of Nottinghamshire

Supporting local Nottinghamshire producers is about more than community spirit - it's a smart, sustainable choice. When you choose local:

* You reduce food miles, cutting carbon emissions

* You support artisan producers and traditional techniques

* You invest in the local economy

From our signature county, Nottinghamshire, award-winning sausages made with Southwell Bramley apples to our commitment to nose-to-tail butchery, we make food that tells a story - and that story matters to your customers.

Local Food with a Transparent Supply Chain

Today's consumer demands authenticity. They want honest food with traceable origins - and that's where local sourcing shines. Unlike mass-market suppliers, our short, transparent supply chains allow us to guarantee:

* Ingredient traceability

* Ethical sourcing

* Quality British produce from known farms and producers

Our commitment to local provenance means your customers get more than a meal - they get a meaningful connection to the food they eat.

Helping Food Businesses Meet Modern Demands

If you're in the food industry, you know the pressure. Whether you're a retailer, caterer, deli or farm shop, you're expected to deliver:

* Sustainable and eco-friendly food options

* Allergen-safe, Natasha's law-compliant labelling

* Retail-ready, small-batch artisan products

* Local and traceable provenance

We offer tailored wholesale, white label and our own-labelled solutions that make it easier for your business to meet these expectations without sacrificing authenticity or quality.

Food That Builds Community

Food isn't just fuel. It's culture, identity and community. By choosing to stock and serve Nottinghamshire produce, you're not only cutting down the carbon footprint, you're:

* Preserving local food heritage

* Supporting family-run farms and producers

* Giving your customers a real story behind every bite

With over 40 years experience in artisan food production, we've seen how resilient, innovative and inspiring the Nottinghamshire food scene can be - and we're proud to be a part of it.

Join the local Movement

Ready to give your customers something to connect with?

Whether you need award-winning British pies, premium cooked meats, or custom-label products, we're here to help you champion and grow your business sustainably.

*Partner with The Country Victualler - where Nottinghamshire food traditions meet modern values.

* Call us: 01777 874700

* Email: sales@thecountryvictuller.co.uk

* learn more: https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/

As a business, what's important to you? Post your comments below!

#nottinghamshirefood #supportlocalnottinghamshire #sustainablefood #britishprovenance #foodtraceability #natashaslaw #ecofriendlyfood #farmshopsuppliers #localfoodmovement #artisanbritishfood #localbusinesssupoort #ukheritage #farmtoforkuk #robinhood 

Grazing platters are everywhere right now - and for good reason.

They're relaxed, generous and full of personality.

Whether it's a family picnic, birthday buffet, garden party or a casual Friday night in, a well-crafted platter turns food into an experience.

At The Country Victualler, we make it easy to serve something special.

Our handcrafted range is packed with rich flavours, artisan ingredients and award-winning British produce - ready to turn your table into a feast.

Platter Ideas Using Our Favourites

Here's how to build your perfect spread with a few of our most-loved products:

Alderton Marmalade Sliced Glazed Ham - Sweet, savoury and beautifully balanced. Fold slices for a stunning centrepiece.

Our Own-Recipe Pastrami - A bold, peppery layer to contrast creamy cheeses and crunchy pickles.

Gala Pork Pie or Gold Award-Winning Pork Pies - Slice into wedges or serve whole for a rustic, hearty touch. Always a talking point!

Handmade Pate - Serve with crusty bread or crackers and a good chutney for a classic deli feel.

Sausage Rolls, Quiches & Savoury Bites - Easy to slice and share - perfect warm or at room temperature.

Make It Yours - A Tip for the Table

Mix textures and colours! Add fresh fruit, nuts, olives, pickles or edible flowers for that "wow" factor.

Think of your board like a canvas - our produce brings the flavour, you bring your flair.

Let's Make It a Moment

Whether you're hosting two or twenty, our handmade, ready-to-serve food brings warmth and flavour to any occasion.

No fuss, no stress - just real food made with care.

Made using British meat, including Packington Free Range Pork

No minimum order - order just what you need

Nationwide delivery

Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal tips and offers https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/newletter-subscription

Shop now https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/

Have a question?  Call us on 01777 874 700

Don't just take our word for it! Read our customer testimonials https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/thecountryvictualler.co.uk

#grazingtable #britishcharcuterie #picnicseason #porkpielovers #hamlovers #sausagerolls #artisanfood #coutnryvictualler #poshpicnics #weekendvibes #familyentertaining #britishmade #nottinghamshirefood #madewithcare #foodthatbringspeopletogether

Let's face it - Dads are notoriously hard to buy for.

Ask what they want for Father's Day and you'll likely get a shrug or a vague mention of something obscure from the tool shed.

That's why we love the idea of keeping it simple this year - with good food, great company and something he can really enjoy ( and maybe not to have to share): a proper, traditional pork pie.

It's the kind of gift that doesn't need a big speech or a fancy bow. It's hearty, nostalgic and made for quiet moments -

whether he's fishing by the lake, tinkering in his shed, or just enjoying a cold drink and his favourite show.

Not Just Any Pie

This isn't just lunch—this is a pie that's earned a nod from the Guild of Fine Foods.

Handcrafted with free-range Packington pork, traditional recipes, and a proper hot water crust, it's everything Dad loves about real food.

And the best part?

You can personalise it with a message baked right into the crust - "DAD", "HAPPY FATHERS DAY",

or something more uniquely him.  AND it's easy for you, with just one click for nationwide delivery!

A Customer Favourite

" Just a little note to say how absolutely delighted I was with my recent Father's Day hamper purchase. The parcel arrived on time, beautifully packaged with recyclable materials containing produce of a very high quality which was deliciously enjoyed yesterday. With picnics being the new going out, we are sure to be using those reusable cool bags throughout the summer... thank you Team Country Victualler - keep up the fabulous work. "

That's the kind of feedback we love to hear - because it means the gift did exactly what is should: bring joy.

Ways Dad Can Enjoy It

Whether you're going for a full hamper or just the pork pie, it's a versatile, ready-to-enjoy treat. Here are a few perfect pairings:

On a quiet fishing trip, with a flask of tea and a jar of pickle

Tucked into his golf bag for a mid-round snack

In the shed, no cutlery required - just peace and pie

By the campfire, rustic and ready to eat

Watching the match, pint in hand, slice on a plate

Wherever he is, it goes with him. And tastes like a little thank-you.

Want to Make It a Hamper? Even Better.

Upgrade to our Personalised Father's Day Pork Pie Hamper, packed in a reusable cooler bag and filled with thoughtful extras:

Your choice of local ales or Merlot

A jar of artisan pickle or chutney

Your personalised message baked into the pie crust

An optional handwritten card - you bring the sentiment, we'll do the scribbing

Make His Day Extra Special - Order the Father's Day Hamper

Limited availability - our personalised pies are handmade to order.

 https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/personalised-fathers-day-pork-pie-hamper

P.S.

Got a question? We're here to help - just give us a ring on 01777 874700

Want to stay in the loop for future hampers and seasonal gifts?

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to hear about what's cooking.

https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/newletter-subscription

And if you know someone else who's stuck on what to get Dad this year, why not share this post with them? After all, nothing says " I love you, Dad " quite like pie.

#FathersDayGift #PersonalisedGifts #BritishTradition #PorkPieLove #MadeInBritain #GourmetGifts #FoodGiftsForDad #PicnicSeason #FishingTripEats #NostalgicFood #EmotionalGifting #CountryLiving #ArtisanButchery #TraditionalFood #CountryVictualler #FoodieFavourites #HampersOnInstagram #GiftIdeasForHim #SupportLocalMakers #FoodInfluencerFavourites 

When you think of wedding cakes, towering layers of sponge and fondant might come to mind. But for food-loving couples looking to surprise their guests and serve something truly memorable, there's a new ( and savoury ) showstopper in town:

The Country Victualler Pork Pie Wedding Cake.

At The Country Victualler. We've been crafting these handmade, tailor-made pork pie stacks for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and all kinds of celebrations.

They're rustic, rich in flavour and designed to reflect your unique taste.

A Customer Story We Can't Help But Share

One of our recent wedding customers shared this gem with us:

" I managed to get part of the port pie and game pie, but the gannets we had invited devoured the chicken and ham before I got a look in... The most common discussion, aside from ' Why did it take you 30 years to do this?' was when is the next port pie event?' My new wife even changed her Facebook profile pic to the pork pie stack. Enough said."

Stories like this remind us why we love what we do.

When your food becomes the centrepiece of someone's celebrations—and even their profile picture—it means the world.

Why Choose a Pork Pie cake?

Handmade with care, using traditional methods and premium British ingredients.

Completely customisable - choose your pie flavours and weights

Beautifully presented and delivered chilled in our exclusive cooler bags

Nationwide delivery

Ideal for rustic weddings, country venues and foodie couples who want something unforgettable

Ready to Build Yours?

Start designing your own Pork Pie Wedding or Celebration Cake right here:

https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/pork-pie-wedding-and-celebration-cakes-build-your-own

Want to explore more of what we do?

https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/

Never miss a pie: Subscribe to our newsletter

 https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/newletter-subscription

Got a question?

Call us: 01777 874700

Join the conversation

Have one of our pork pie cakes featured in your celebrations?

Share your photos and tag us - we'd love to see!

#PorkPieCkae #WeddingFood #CustomerStories #WeddingInspo #AlternativeWeddingCake #RusticWeddingIdeas #TailorMadeFood #HandMadeInTheUk #EatBritish #AwardWinning #SupportLocalMakers #FoodInfluencer ~WeddingInfluencer

Trying to eat cleaner?

You're not alone.

With more people cutting down on sugar and carbs, high-protein meals are leading the way - and we're here for it. Whether you're smashing your fitness goals, fuelling a busy lifestyle or just want proper food with no added junk, we've got you covered.

At The Country Victualler, we believe good food starts with great ingredients. Our meats are:

* High-protein

* Hormone- & antibiotic-free

* British & free-range pork

Why Protein Matters

* No added sugar, no unnecessary carbs

Because eating well shouldn't mean compromising on flavour or ethics.

Protein helps you:

Stay full for longer

Build and maintain muscle ( very important during the menopause )

Keep energy steady ( no sugar crashes )

And when it's clean, high-welfare British meat, you're fuelling your body the right way.

Try This: Quick Pork & Veg Stir Fry

Ready in 15 mins - meal prep or midweek winner.

Ingredients:

The Country Victualler Pork Strips https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/pork-strips

Bell peppers, brocolli, onions

Garlic, olive oil, soy sauce

Salt & pepper to taste

How To:

Sear pork in hot oil until golden.

Remove pork, stir-fry veggies.

Add pork back in with soy, season to taste.

Serve hot or portion into prep boxes.

Pro Tip: Double batch it and freeze for later.

We Deliver To Your Door

Nationwide, chilled and ready to cook or freeze. Explore our bestselling Supreme Protein Muscle Builder Meat Box https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/supreme-protein-muscle-builder-meatbox

Perfect for meal preppers, families or fitness ethusiasts. 

We Want To See Your Creations!

Got a favourite way to use our products?

Snap a pic, tag us @thecountryvictualler or use #CountryVictuallerRecipes

Prefer email? Share your recipes at sales@thecountryvictualler.co.uk

We love seeing how you're making our produce part of your day.

Join Our Newsletter Community

Get new product drops, exclusive offers and tasty tips straight to your inbox.

Subscribe here: https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/newletter-subscription

Call us: 01777 874700.

We're a friendly, knowledgeable bunch with 40+ years of experience.

 #protein #menopausefood #keto #proteinpack #proteinlean #britishmeat #freerangepork #redtractor #packingtonpork #meatpack #meatbox

 As the long weekend approaches, it's the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy great food -

Whether you're heading out for a picnic, grilling in the garden or relaxing at home with something hearty and satisfying.

At The Country Victualler, we believe your downtime deserves food that's made with care.

That's why everything from our BBQ Meatboxes to our fresh bakery bakes is made to order and delivered nationwide.

Fun Fact:

The world's largest BBQ took place in Turkey in 2017, cooking over 33,000 pounds of meat! That's one serious grill session.

Ever tried cooking fruit on the BBQ?

Pineapple, peaches or even watermelon caramelise beautifully over the flames - a simple, surprising twist to round out your meal. 

Our Top Picks for the Weekend:

BBQ Meatboxes: https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/butchery-meat-boxes

Bakery Favourites: https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/bakery

Summertime BBQ selection: https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/summertime-bbqs

Whether it's steak on the grill or sausage rolls in the sunshine, make this weekend one to remember _ with good food and great company.

Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal ideas & offers: https://thecountryvictualler.co.uk/newletter-subscription

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecountryvictualler/

Call us on 01777 874700 to order or ask a question.

#bankholidayweekend #BBQseason #TheCountryVictualler #Foodiefavourites #Freshandlocal #Seasonalflavours # grilltips

It's Great British Beef Week, and here at The Country Victualler. We're all about celebrating the things that matter: local farmers, proper butchery and delicious, naturally raised British beef.

We have been proudly independent for over 40 years, and we're still here - because we care about doing things the right way. That means knowing where our food comes from, keeping traditions alive and supporting the incredible people who raise the animals we're proud to put on your plates.

Why We Love British Beef

British beef really is something special. It's:

Grass-fed and locally sourced

Free from hormones and antibiotics

Raised with care, right here in the UK

And when animals are raised well, the beef isn't just tastier -  it's better for your health too.  Think natural Omega-3s, iron and vitamin-rich protein that fuels your body the way nature intended.

A Proud Heritage

We're not just a butcher - we're a team of passionate food lovers who believe in craft, flavour and supporting small-scale farming. From our kitchen to yours, we're here to share the very best of British food heritage, one small-batch cut at a time.

Taste the Difference

To mark Great British Beef Week, we're showcasing our NEW Steak Connoisseur's Meatbox - a juicy line-up of proper British steaks.

Try it for yourself:

thecountryvictualler.co.uk/steak-connoisseurs-meatbox

Perfect for steak lovers, foodies, BBQ nights or thoughtful gifts. (Trust us - you'll taste the difference).

Fancy Working With Us?

If you run a restaurant, deli, hotel or just love great food, we'd love to chat.

We supply quality, responsibly sourced British beef and more to people who care about where their food comes from.

Call us: 01777 874700

Email: sales@maloneys.net

#GreatBritishBeefWeek #BritishBeef #SupportLocalFarming #TheCountryVcitualler #GrassFedBeef #EatBritish #SmallBatchButchery #ProperFoodDoneRight