News
Retired Dairy Cow Meat
We've been working on a very exciting project, Fazendeiros. It's something we plan to have on the menu in 2020, but since we're so excited about it, we thought that this week we'd share a sneak peek with you.
The Origins of Retired Dairy Cow Meat
In late 2018, we spoke with our suppliers here in the UK about how we can change the fate of a dairy cow. For years, dairy cows have faced an inglorious end in the mincer, destined for low grade processed foods when their milking lives finish. We want to bring a change to this in the UK, and we're going to tell you how.Around 10 years ago, farmers from the Basque Country in Northern Spain started turning these 'low quality' cows into prime cuts of beef, for the good of our palates, as well as the planet.
Decades ago, it used to be standard practice to eat older animals. It was known that the longer an animal lives on a good diet, the more intense the flavour of the meat would be. Unfortunately, supermarkets have changed consumer patterns, and have driven demand for cheap meat from intensely farmed cattle. This cattle is fattened quickly and slaughtered young, sometimes at only 15 months. Even as recently as the late 90s, cattle over 30 months old was banned from the food chain, but thankfully those times are in the past.
In early 2016, the UK started to discover this new style of beef coming from Spain, and it only took a short period of time for farmers here to start replicating their methods. It made sense, with the UK having the biggest dairy industry in Europe.
How is it Produced?
Despite seeming like a common sense move, it isn't easy to turn hard-working diary cows into premium beef. They need to be 'finished' with a grazing period, so they can recover from the exhausting milk production process (which can last for around 10 years), and fatten up. Their diet needs to be modified for at least 18 months to enhance the meat's flavour. Implementing this process will be key for the future of the dairy farmers, as it's adding value to meat that previously had none.Why We're Bringing it to our Menu
We have already tried out early tests of this special meat, and the results are incredible. Due to the diet provided over the last 18 months, the meat has a beautiful marbling of fat that creates a very intense flavour, with a delicate tenderness making it melt in your mouth.We're extremely happy with it, and we believe that these cows deserve to be put to better use than low quality mince.
Keep your eyes peeled, because we will be letting you know early next year when this meat will be introduced into our Food Menu as a Butcher's Choice.
Our Executive Chef Fran Martinez pieced together a fantastic recipe using this meat, but also let us in on how he created some delicious ways to complement meat to truly enhance its flavours.
What do you think about this, Fazendeiros? We'd love to hear your thoughts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or in the comments below.
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Tables of up to 10 guests can be booked straight from our website (9 for Fazenda Birmingham and Edinburgh).For larger tables please contact [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] and our Reception Teams will be happy to help with your enquiry.
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Our dress code is “elegant smart casual”. We do not require gentlemen to wear jacket and tie, however, we do not permit sportswear (gym wear) or beachwear.Children
We welcome children of all ages and believe we provide a great atmosphere for families to enjoy the restaurant experience. In the evening if guests wish to make a reservation with children under the age of 8 please do so for no later than 6pm (reservation durations vary depending on the number of guests so please note the reservation cannot go beyond 8pm). When making a reservation please count children in the total number of guests and let us know if you need a high chair or space for a pram/pushchair.
Please note: We politely request that children are always supervised and remain seated at the table to allow our teams and other guests to move around the restaurant safely and maintain physical distance.
Lastly, please note that children under 16 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult to dine.Cancellations & Deposits
We might require card details for some reservations. Your card will not be charged upon booking and your details will be securely processed by Stripe.If you no longer wish to keep your reservation, please let us know with as much notice as possible. Should you cancel your reservation or reduce the booking size less than 24 hours before your reservation date and time, a charge of £10.00 per guest will be processed.
Halal Selection
Halal reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance.Allergens
The team at Fazenda take food safety very seriously and particularly so when it concerns allergens in food. On our website you can view allergen information on our Menu page. When visiting us you'll have access to it via our menus and also on our Market Table.Smoking
In line with legislation passed in 2007 Fazenda is a no-smoking restaurant. We do not allow e-cigarettes inside either.Pets & Guide Dogs
Animals are not accepted unless assisting guests with additional needs.Photography
Guests are allowed to take photos and videos for personal use inside the private dining room, gardens and on the terrace. At the moment we are not able to accommodate any photography requests for professional or educational purposes until further notice.FAQs
**What are your opening days and times? **
To view each restaurant opening times please click on Locations and choose your local Fazenda.Are you accepting walk-ins?
We are now accepting walk-ins once again.How can I make a reservation?
You can make a reservation via our website or by contacting your local Fazenda by clicking on Locations.Do I need to pay a deposit for my reservation?
We might require card details for some reservations. Your card will not be charged upon booking and your details will be securely processed by Stripe.If you no longer wish to keep your reservation, please let us know with as much notice as possible. Should you cancel your reservation or reduce the booking size less than 24 hours before your reservation date and time, a charge of £10.00 per guest will be processed.
Can I have drinks at the bar?
Absolutely, and reservations are not needed in advance for our bar areas.Are Christmas reservations available?
They are indeed, via our reservations page.