Welcome, Fellow Wanderer!
Whether you’ve landed here by careful navigation or happy accident, I’m delighted you’ve pulled up a chair at Willoughton Wanderer. This blog is a hearty stew of musings, mouthfuls, and misadventures — seasoned liberally with pub lunches, café curiosities, restaurant rambles, and the occasional home-cooked concoction.
I make no claim to be a food critic — just a keen eater with a curious fork and an eye for atmosphere. Everything you’ll read here is entirely my own opinion, served up hot (or occasionally lukewarm, depending on the service). Expect honest reflections, a few light-hearted grumbles, and maybe the odd culinary surprise worth recreating at home.
If that sounds like your cup of tea (or pint of bitter), feel free to follow along by hitting the subscribe button at the bottom of the page.
Thanks again for popping by — now, let’s tuck in.
Thai-Style Mackerel: A Lesson in Zing, Heat… and Over-Marinating
A bright, zingy Thai-style mackerel dish that tasted fantastic even if my over-marinated fish fell apart in the pan. A honest, home-cooking adventure full of lime, chilli and a few lessons learned along the way.
Black Garlic Meatball Rice Bowl with Mustard & Fennel: A Wanderer’s Weekend Lunch Worth Repeating
A quick and flavour-packed weekend lunch: crispy German meatball pieces glazed in black garlic ketchup, toasted mustard and fennel seeds, and dried parsley, served over fluffy rice. Simple ingredients, big umami depth.
Lovely meal, warm welcome, and a small mix-up handled with good humour
We enjoyed a warm welcome and a delicious lunch at The Woodyard in Bakewell, complete with generous portions, great service, and a minor mix-up that only added to the charm. A relaxed riverside spot perfect for a tasty bite in the Peak District — and definitely a place we’ll return to.
The Willoughton Wanderer 