As October settles across the hills, the landscape shifts into shades of amber and gold. It’s a month that invites warmth, comfort, and the subtle sweetness of autumn’s bounty. At The Cottage In The Wood, we’re embracing this change by celebrating one of the season’s most beloved fruits: the apple.

This month, our focus is on the exceptional apples from Joanna, a valued member of our reception team. She brings them from her own garden at home, where they’ve ripened to perfection. Crisp, fragrant, and full of the concentrated flavour that only October can bring, these apples are a true celebration of seasonal, locally sourced produce. Their natural sweetness and slight tang make them perfect for both savoury and sweet dishes, shining across our menus.

In the Brasserie, our Apple Crumble with Cinnamon Ice Cream showcases the fruit’s comforting qualities. The apples, gently spiced with cinnamon, pair beautifully with the ice cream, offering a taste of autumn in every bite.

Over in the 1919 Restaurant, apples feature in the Verbena & Pear dessert on the tasting menu. Here, they add freshness and texture, complementing the delicate flavours of the dish while highlighting the season’s best produce.

Back in the Brasserie, apples meet heartier fare in our Pork Chop Schnitzel with Apple and Cabbage. The fruit’s natural acidity and sweetness cut through the richness of the pork, while the cabbage adds earthy depth, an ode to autumnal comfort food that celebrates produce at its peak.

Using apples at this time of year is more than tradition, it’s a celebration of seasonality, locality, and the care of those who grow it. From Joanna’s garden at home to your plate, these apples remind us that the simplest ingredients, when at their peak, are capable of creating extraordinary dishes.

October at The Cottage In The Wood is about warmth, flavour, and the joy of eating with the seasons. With apples taking centre stage, we’re inviting you to taste the richness of autumn.