Clodagh McKenna: I relax in our little Irish pub — It’s called the Cork Arms, of course!
Clodagh McKenna and her husband Harry Herbert live with their dogs, Alfie and Norry, pigs, chickens, cows, ducks and, according to the farm’s Instagram, 25,000 bees
A day of cooking in Clodagh McKenna’s kitchen, with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and homemade cookies fresh from the oven, sounds like the stuff of dreams.
This is exactly what the Cork native is offering from her London home, with just a few guests per sitting at her intimate summer cooking and dining experience. “I only take six people, so that it keeps it special,” she says.
“We start off the day in my kitchen where I demonstrate a three-course menu, then it's upstairs to my living room for bubbles and food bites.”
On the menu for the day is pickled beetroot and whipped lemony ricotta; rosemary Clodagh bread; pan-fried sea bass with slow-cooked tomato, olive and herb broth; olive, lemon and rosemary roasties; and strawberry and rosewater pavlova.
“Everyone gathers around my dining table to enjoy the three-course lunch and matching wine. I love meeting everyone and it's such a special day. Most people come on their own, and within a few hours have new friends,” she says.
It all sounds mouthwatering — but for McKenna, her guilty pleasure when it comes to food is none other than a bag of our own Tayto crisps.
In fact, the chef says that something nobody knows about her is that she cries on the plane every time she leaves Ireland.
McKenna and her husband Harry Herbert — the son of former racing manager to Queen Elizabeth, Lord 'Porchey' Porchester — live on the 100-acre Broadspear property in Hampshire with their dogs, Alfie and Norry, pigs, chickens, cows, ducks and, according to the farm’s Instagram, 25,000 bees.
I never sit down. I try and do a Peloton ride most mornings and I walk the dogs when I am at the farm. I really want to start pilates, [so I’ve] got to make the time for that.
Yes, I love routine. It keeps me calm. When I am at our farm, I start the day by feeding all the animals. Then, I make two coffees and bring them to bed for me and my husband and we do a 10-minute meditation. Then, I pick greens from the vegetable garden and make us a juice. I have a cold shower and I am ready for the day.
I eat so many greens from the garden — for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Worrying about family. I think the same goes for all of us.
In our little Irish pub in our woods (it’s private). It’s called the Cork Arms, of course! When I am there, I feel so removed from reality.
A big bowl of fresh crab, soda bread and a pint of Guinness in a pub in West Cork.
Aidan O’Brien, Roger Federer, and Katie Taylor
The roses that are growing in our garden at the moment.
Last week. I cry all the time. I am very soppy.
To get my bloods tested every year. Prevention is the only way.
I work too hard… but that’s also what I like about myself.
Yes.
My husband, Harry [Herbert] — the light in my life.
Rory O’Connell, Louise Fennell, Cillian Murphy, Imelda May, Bob Geldof and Jeanne Marine, and my husband.
Yes. We work so hard on making our farm sustainable. We plant new trees every year and care for the existing ones. We eat mainly from our farm.
“Life is not a dress rehearsal.” It reminds me to live everyday as best I can.
Can I have two? Our farm and West Cork.
To be healthy and happy. What else does one need in life?
For more on Clodagh McKenna’s cookery dates, go to clodaghmckenna.com/cookery-days
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
