🌼 Fresh Gatherings & Reyt Good Fodder This May at The Lovely Cow Shed 🐄✨
May has arrived at Forty Acre Farm and with it comes longer days, softer evenings and plenty of reasons to gather together. As weddings, celebrations and summer events begin to fill the calendar, we’re focusing on what we love most — relaxed hospitality, generous food and creating special moments for people to enjoy.
This month is all about cosy gatherings, beautiful catering, creative experiences and taking a little time to slow down and savour the season.
🍽️ May – Your Events Made Beautiful
Spring and summer celebrations are now in full swing, and we’re busy helping create memorable events filled with comforting food, beautiful presentation and warm hospitality.
Whether you’re planning an intimate family gathering or a larger celebration, we believe great food should feel generous, relaxed and thoughtfully prepared.
Think beautifully simple canapés, fresh seasonal dishes bursting with flavour, hearty sharing platters and of course something sweet to finish — because cake is always essential 🍰
We cater for:
- 💍 Weddings & family celebrations
- 🌿 Funerals & celebration of life gatherings
- 🎈 Birthdays, baby showers & special occasions
- 🏢 Corporate events & team get-togethers
- 🍽️ Bespoke menus, relaxed buffets & private dining
Thoughtfully prepared food, served with warmth, and designed around you and your table.
📅 Now taking bookings for 2026
✨ Workshops – A More Relaxed Way to Create
Our workshops have evolved into something even more personal and relaxed. Rather than fixed dates, workshops are now available as private bookings — simply gather your friends, family or team, choose what you’d like to create, and we’ll take care of the rest.
It’s all about enjoying the experience at your own pace, with good company, creativity around the table and plenty of relaxed conversation along the way.
Whether it’s botanical casting, wreath making, macramé, foraging or seasonal crafting, we love helping people create something special together.
🧺 Father’s Day Ploughman’s Platters
Collection only – Sunday 21st June from 11am at The Granary
Our rustic Father’s Day Ploughman’s Platters are back — packed with hearty farmhouse favourites and perfect for sharing.
Each platter includes:
- Premium pork pie
- Pork, haggis, apple & real ale sausage roll
- Home cooked ham off the bone
- Carron Lodge cheese selection
- Homemade frittata
- Hand cut crisps, chutney & pickles
- Fresh fruit, tomatoes & seasonal extras
£40 per platter – generously feeds 2–4 people
Perfect for an easy Father’s Day celebration at home, in the garden or out on a picnic.
🎶 American Independence Day Supper Club
We’re also excited for our upcoming American Independence Day themed Supper Club with Tino at The Lovely Cow Shed.
Expect fantastic food, a lively atmosphere and live entertainment from Alice Newby as we go all out with an American-inspired evening.
Perfect for couples, friends and anyone who loves great food, music and themed events.
Date: Saturday 4th July 2026
Please note: this event is currently full, but do contact us about future supper clubs and events.
🌱 What to Forage in May
Foraging season is one of our favourite parts of spring. Right now the countryside is full of little treasures — from lilac and sticky weed to bright yellow dandelions.
As always, remember to forage responsibly, know exactly what you’re gathering, and leave plenty behind for nature.
🍯 Recipe of the Month – Simple Dandelion Honey
You’ll need:
- 2 packed cups of fresh dandelion petals
- 2 cups water
- 1 sliced lemon
- 2 cups sugar
Simply simmer the petals, water and lemon for 30 minutes, strain, then return the liquid to the pan with sugar until thick and golden. Delicious on toast, pancakes or stirred into tea.
If you’d like to learn more, foraging workshops are available for small groups.
📚 Book Club Corner
Our book clubs continue to be one of the cosiest highlights of the month — full of comforting food, thoughtful discussion and the kind of conversations only good books can spark.
📖 The Granary Book Club
Last month we read The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, which scored an impressive 4.5/5. The magical elements definitely divided opinion — some absolutely loved them, others were a little less convinced — but it sparked brilliant conversation throughout the evening.
Comfort food included:
- 🥧 Cheese & onion pie
- 🍚 Rice pudding
Next up: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
📖 The Lovely Readers
Our Lovely Readers have just finished The Nightingale, which led to some truly heartfelt discussion. Emotional, powerful and unforgettable, it’s one of those books that stayed with everyone long after the final page.
Both book clubs are currently full, but please get in touch if you’d like to join the waiting list.
🏡 Hidden Fell Escapes – Shepherd’s Hut Stays
Our Shepherd’s Huts at Hidden Fell Escapes are now open for bookings from 1st May.
If you’re looking for a peaceful countryside getaway surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect chance to relax, unwind and enjoy the Lancashire countryside.
💛 Thank You
Thank you, as always, for supporting The Lovely Cow Shed — whether you join us for workshops, book clubs, catering, events or simply follow along online.
We’re incredibly grateful for every booking, every message and every person who continues to support our little business.
With love,
Annie x
The Lovely Cow Shed Team
