Whispers of Fire and a Feast of Discovery – 13th-14th February 2026

**Huge congratulations to Living In Suffolk reader, ZOE BOOTH, who will celebrate Valentine’s in a truly unique way at an idyllic Suffolk farm!**

Zoe and her guest will enjoy an afternoon and evening mastering the art of live-fire cooking with the finest local and estate ingredients held on Valentine’s weekend at Shimpling Park Farm, Bury St Edmunds?

Living In Suffolk magazine had two tickets (worth £270) up for grabs for the The Ember Lounge: Winter Chapter, an event from the UK’s top BBQ and live-fire food team at Smoke and Fire Festival. The Ember Lounge, which runs over Valentine’s weekend, features immersive live-fire dining combined with masterful storytelling.

Tickets are still available for guests who want to enjoy a masterclass under the expert guidance of Master Live Fire Chef Julian Brown. They will unlock the art of cooking over open flames - learning not just how to light and control the fire, but how to command it. Then, immerse yourself in a dramatic hands-on cookery session, preparing estate-reared venison and lamb in a theatrical experience which engages all the senses.

You can also enjoy workshops including the sensational Artisanal Sourdough Baking with Dominic Biddle using flour milled on site. And foragers will enjoy exploring the ancient woods with mushroom and fungi expert, Samuel Keeley, who will uncover why Lion’s Mane is fast becoming a powerhouse ingredient, and reveal details of a mushroom which is genuinely carnivorous!

Your workshop experience concludes with a guided tour of Shimpling Park Farm and its ancient woodland, hosted by owners, John and Alice Pawsey, offering an authentic glimpse into the heart of this extraordinary landscape.

Guests will enjoy the magnificent Candlelit Fire Feast - a four-course fire-cooked feast around long communal tables, from a menu they’ve helped bring to life! Each dish is beautifully paired with curated local wines, handcrafted cocktails, or small-batch craft drinks. Surrounded by candlelight and the warm glow of open flames, the evening becomes more than a meal - it’s a sensory journey celebrating flavour, fire and connection.

As the evening draws to a close, guests can enjoy a warming cocktail or a rich, spiced hot chocolate as they stare into the glowing embers. Before departing, everyone receives a beautifully curated gift bag, featuring a hand-shaped sourdough loaf, a snuff tin of Maldon Salt, Smoke & Fire rub, recipe cards and a special bag of Shimpling Park Farm flour - along with unforgettable memories of a truly unique experience!