TV viewers will be able to catch a glimpse of the Watercress Line tomorrow (Friday).
The heritage railway will appear on the popular show Jamie & Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast on Channel 4.
The ‘watercress’ episode sees chef, Jamie Oliver and celebrity farmer and industry ambassador, Jimmy Doughty visit The Watercress Company at its Drayton Farm base and Mid Hants Railway’s Watercress Line.
Jamie and Jimmy met The Watercress Company’s James Harper, where the foodie friends were keen to learn about the health benefits of watercress but also take part in some of the more strange and unique processes employed by watercress growers.
Whilst in Alresford, Jamie and Jimmy also visit the Watercress Line in recognition of its past vital role carrying tonnes of watercress from the Hampshire countryside to the fresh markets of London in its Victorian heyday.
The episode sees Jamie cooking in Alresford station’s West Country Buffet and Jimmy was delighted to have the opportunity to ride on a steam locomotive too.
Kat Thomas, events manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome Jamie and Jimmy to Alresford station and bring the heritage of the watercress links to the railway, into the show.”
The Watercress Company’s James Harper said: “Jamie and Jimmy were great fun. They were really interested in the health benefits we discussed and were fascinated by the unusual processes associated with growing watercress, happy to give anything a go, and of course, Jamie obliges with a recipe demo alongside the beds, ensuring the freshest watercress is used."
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