Food - Farmers Market

Bookham Cheese & Pasta will launch its new sage butter at the Lewes Farmers Market on Saturday, which is ideal “served over piping hot pasta” according to Rob Bookham. Bookham’s is famous locally for its vegetarian Twineham Grange ‘Farmers Hand’ cheese - say it fast enough and it sounds like parmesan. The similarity doesn’t stop there - it tastes a lot like parmesan, only Bookham’s version comes without animal rennet. Last weekend it came second in the Best British Modern Cheese competition, which is praise indeed. Farmer’s Hand uses milk from British, rather than Italian, cows which Rob says is “richer in protein and butterfat” and is sweeter to taste.

Bookham’s also produce and sell fresh pasta and pasta sauces alongside its dairy range. Its filled pasta selection is extensive (my favourite is pecorino and caramelized red onion ravioli) as is their non-filled range, with standards like penne being very popular. Their pasta sauces come in two categories ‘tangy’ and ‘spicy’ and all their products are preservative and additive free. Rob states that his company policy is ‘not to go down the supermarket route’ and to continue to sell his produce in local shops and delis. He especially enjoys the markets. Attending many in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire, he rates Lewes Farmers Market ‘in the top five for turnover, and the number one market for people.’ He adds, “we have lots of loyal customers here and they are the most fun.” KA