How heatwaves influenced British food culture, exploring the subversive in trad Germany, and a pudding’s historical link to Somerset

Food news pertaining to Somerset and beyond

Hallo and welcommen to the latest… mein gott, allow me to shake off my thick Jerman haccent — I’ve been eating weisswurst and drinking helles in Munich for the past few days.

But yes, anyway, here we are with this month’s WFJ round up of sorts. Let’s be on with it.

Still not been to Bruton’s Pharmacy? Meg’s review in the Bristol Sauce may or may not give you the kind of nudge you’re looking for. Especially if you’re on that increasingly elusive hunt for a fulfilling dinner for well under £50 a head – “a meal this good for two with drinks at such a price is nothing short of a miracle”.

10% off for WFJ readers signing up to a writing retreat at the rural idyll that is Vallis Farm. Frome-based writer Claire Jefferies (once upon a time the WFJ’s bee correspondent) is hosting a one-day writing retreat in September in Frome. Open to all writers looking for a slow-paced day surrounded by nature to dedicate to their projects. When booking the retreat, just quote “WFJ” in your email for 10% off. Fun fact: Those signing up can also get a £350 introductory discount on my So you want to be a food writer? course until 1st November.

Jude Bliss, one of my students, recently landed her first published piece. It’s important not so much for that, but for who it speaks for — neurodivergent folk who experience difficulty in eating out due to hypersensitivities to glints, clangs, loud music, and so on. Despite the estimate that up to 30% of people suffer some sort of sensory sensitivity, it’s simply not talked about enough. Read more on all that in Tomato Tomato.