Charlotte's Basket

A taste of Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast for St Patrick's Day

Ballintoy this Tuesday afternoon (no fileter!)

I returned overnight from a great trip to Northern Ireland’s beautiful North Coast and have been busy visiting a range of producers and restaurants in the area. Given that it’s St. Patrick’s Day today, I thought I’d share some recommendations for lovely products to try that I liked. All of which are available to order online.

• North Coast Smokehouse’s amazing hot smoked salmon, trout, pulse and pepper are all fantastic. Ruairidh Morrison processes the whole Glenarm organic salmon from start to finish, creating a mouthwateringly rich hot smoked fish. Truly delicious.

• Broighter Gold rapeseed oils are very special and well-balanced.

• Causeway Coffee produce some lovely blends that have achieved great success in a number of awards. They do a brilliant online coffee subscription.

• Broughgammon Farm sells an exceptional range of their own ethical and sustainably produced meats, both fresh and cured. They really do rear their animals and produce their products without compromise. Try the rose veal or goat for something a bit different, but outstandingly good. Do check out co-owner Becky Cole’s book, The Garden Apothecary, too.

• Basalt Distillery are producing an absolutely excellent Giants Basalt Rock Gin. They’re really talented and one to watch, so get a bottle while you can.

• I’ve told you about Irish Black Butter before, but it really is a complete taste sensation, if you have not tried it. I used it on crèpe-style pancakes on Pancake Day. It’d be amazing with baked ham, too.

• Lír whiskey from the Glens of Antrim distillery is really fantastic. I’m a big fan.

• Corndale Farm charcuterie is just excellent. I’m especially fond of their chorizo, breasola, lomo and n’duja. They’re al exceptional.

• Devil’s Churn Campfire Salted Caramel Sauce is fantastic. It won the top Gold award at Irish food awards Blas na h’Éireann, which is quite something.

Whatever you’re up to this weekend, I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead.