Welcome to our little corner of the world at The Braywood, where the stories behind our ingredients are as important as the dishes we create. Here, we celebrate not just food, but the people and places that bring it to life. One of our most cherished relationships is with Vicars Game, a family-run firm that has been providing top-notch English meat and game since 1886. Just 12 miles from us in heart of Reading, Vicars Game has built a reputation for excellence that has endured through generations, now flourishing under the guidance of the Yattendon Estate.
Head Chef Sam Brennan, has worked with Vicars Game for many years, weaving a tapestry of flavours at both The Woodspeen and The Sparsholt. It’s a relationship steeped in trust and a shared passion for quality. At The Braywood we’re committed to sustainability and traceability, and our collaboration with Vicars Game is a perfect example of how these principles come to life on the plate.
What sets Vicars Game apart is their unwavering commitment to sourcing local, high-quality animals. This means that the pheasant, partridge, rabbit, hare, and deer we serve are not just ingredients; they are a reflection of the rich landscape that surrounds us. Each bite carries a story, a sense of place that you can taste. It’s the kind of connection that brings joy to our cooking and warmth to our dining room.
A particular delight in our relationship is the beautifully aged beef from Vicars Game. Their unique approach to aging enhances the natural flavours, turning each cut into a tender morsel of joy. Sam has partnered closely with Vicars Game to carefully curate our menu, ensuring we showcase the best of what they offer. The crossbreed cows yield a flavour that dances on the palate, a testament to their dedication and craftsmanship. It’s this kind of attention to detail that reflects our ethos at The Braywood—where quality always comes first.
But our culinary adventures with Vicars Game don’t end there. We are excited to delve into their remarkable game and poultry selections, each one promising to bring something special to our menu. This willingness to explore and innovate fits perfectly with our vision for The Braywood, where we strive to blend creativity with the finest ingredients.
Our unwavering commitment to exceptional produce is rooted in relationships like the one we have with Vicars Game. By working closely with talented suppliers, we ensure that the dishes we serve not only highlight the best of our local area but also embody our dedication to sustainability and ethical sourcing. We take immense pride in knowing where our food comes from and how it was raised, allowing us to create a menu that delights the senses and respects the land.
As we reflect on our journey, the relationship with Vicars Game stands as a testament to our origins at The Braywood. With every dish, we honour the tradition of excellence and sustainability that they embody. Join us as we continue to celebrate remarkable ingredients and create dining experiences that linger long after the last bite.
If you know of a fantastic local supplier or producer, we’d love to hear from you! While we’ve cultivated some incredible partnerships, there’s always room for more exceptional personalities and outstanding produce. Your recommendations could help us discover new gems to enhance our menu and further our commitment to quality and sustainability. If you have someone in mind, do reach out to us on Instagram @TheBraywood.
So, how about it? Pop in and let’s raise a glass to the richness of our local community and the journey of growth we share together—perhaps with a little bit of lunch?
