CELEBRITY gardener Alan Titchmarsh was cultivated to open what is, literally, a home-grown cafe.The Island’s High Sheriff entered the last month of his year of office by officially opening the new Garlic Farm Cafe at Mersley.
“Only on the Isle of Wight could you grow your own cafe, as well as growing your own garlic,” he told guests.
He pointed to beams supporting the timber roof of the new cafe, including those made from trees planted a stone’s throw from the new cafe building by Colin Boswell’s father, after he bought the farm in 1958.
Pinned to the timbers were the four Royal Horticultural Society gold medals won by Mr Boswell’s garlic displays. Mr Titchmarsh contrasted those to his single gold.
Mr Titchmarsh highlighted the fact that Wight garlic varieties bred locally now carried the Island’s name across the world.
The Garlic Farm Cafe opened for business several weeks ago, featuring dishes prepared by top Island chef Charlie Bartlett, formerly of the Seaview Hotel.
Craftsmen who created the new cafe, including builders Clive England and Tony Bullock and carpenter Ralph Dore, were among guests at the opening. All have long associations with the Garlic Farm.
Reporter:
richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk