The Time of Abundance: Celebrating Nature at Its Most Generous
As the wheel of the seasons turns, there is a fleeting yet powerful moment when the land gives more than at any other time of year. Known as the Time of Abundance in Oldstead, this period, stretching from May through September, marks the height of natural plenty, when our kitchen garden blooms, hedgerows are rich with wild ingredients and every harvest feels like a celebration.
At this time, cooking becomes less about invention and more about instinct; a response to what is ready, ripe and gathered at its peak.
What is The Time of Abundance?
The Time of Abundance is defined by nature’s generosity, following Tommy Banks’ three growing groups rather than the traditional four seasons. After the restraint of winter and the tentative growth of early spring, the land moves into full expression. Fruits, vegetables, herbs and wild plants grow in harmony, creating a landscape that is as vibrant as it is nourishing.
In Oldstead, our kitchen gardens become the heart of the season, producing everything from tender greens and heritage vegetables to fragrant herbs and edible flowers. Beyond the garden, the hedgerows lining our farm fields and beyond offer an ever-changing larder of foraged ingredients – berries, blossoms and wild leaves that bring depth and character to the table.
This is a season of immediacy. Ingredients are best enjoyed freshly picked, often finding their way from soil to plate within hours.
A Seasonal Approach To Cooking
During the Time of Abundance, the role of the kitchen shifts. Rather than relying on preservation or stored ingredients, cooking is guided by what is available in the moment.
Under the guidance of Tommy Banks, this philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land. Dishes are shaped by daily harvests, with menus evolving constantly to reflect the changing landscape.
Flavour takes precedence through simplicity:
- Light handling of ingredients to preserve freshness
- Minimal intervention to highlight natural taste
- Thoughtful combinations that reflect the season
The Role of Foraging
Foraging plays a vital role in defining the Time of Abundance. Hedgerows, woodlands and fields become an extension of the kitchen garden, offering unique and often overlooked ingredients.
Wild garlic, elderflower, sweet woodruff and meadowsweet add layers of flavour that cannot be cultivated in the same way. These ingredients bring a sense of place to every dish, grounding the dining experience in the surrounding landscape.
Foraging also encourages a more mindful way of cooking — one that values seasonality and a closer relationship with nature.
Bring Abundance To Your Table
The Time of Abundance is both fleeting and unforgettable. It is a reminder of what the land can offer when nurtured with care and patience.
From garden to plate, every ingredient in our Time of Abundance Collection tells a story of growth and vitality. And in that story lies the essence of the season, inspired by all that we do here in Oldstead.
The Core Menu
Celebrate the essence of the season with our Core Menu – a carefully considered expression of the garden at its peak. Rooted in simplicity and guided by what’s freshest each day, it offers a true taste of abundance.
The Signature Menu
For a deeper journey into the season, our Signature Menu showcases the full creativity of our kitchen. Thoughtfully crafted and ever-evolving, each dish reflects the richness, colour and vitality of the land in full flow.
The Vegetarian Signature Menu
A celebration of the garden in its purest form, our Vegetarian Signature Menu places seasonal produce centre stage. Each dish is led by what’s thriving, from vegetables to delicate herbs and foraged elements, thoughtfully composed to showcase the depth and vibrancy of the season.
The Dinner Party Menu
Bring the spirit of abundance to your own celebration. Our Dinner Party feast is designed for sharing – generous, seasonal and perfect for gathering friends and family around something truly special.
