Going on holiday to central England... would love to visit a working grain mill while we're there!

We're going on Holiday to Central England in May. We (okay, I) would love to find working grain mills to see the flour being ground, then have a few bags sent home. We're staying in the Cotswold region, just south of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Does anyone have ideas for places to visit which fit this desire? Also, any bakers in the region? I am doing research myself, and any ideas/leads are well welcomed. Merci un mille fois! Jean-Paul

Hello Jean Paul

There is also a working steam powered mill at Upper Canada Village near Cornwall in Ontario, CA. I submit this since you state your are doing research.

Tom

very interesting!

This isn't much of a specific lead, but it may help. More than ten years ago, I was in Warwickshire, staying at a rather posh time share. Nearby, there was a restored, working water-powered grain mill; the 18th century building itself was worth it, but the mill pond and setting were worthy of Claude Lorraine. They also held craft demos by a blacksmith (wonderful iron creations for sale, like ornate toasting forks), a bodger (wood turner using a bent sapling for power) and so on. Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the mill or closest village, but the description might jog someone's memory.

Hi Again Jean Paul

Here's a link that has all the water powered grain mills etc., in the UK.

Tom

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_watermills_in_the_United_Kingdom

clicked on it and found ' mill green, mill and museum' with flours, garden fowers, cream teas and scones! thanks

Hello again Jean Paul:

re: clicked on it and found' .....Surely you found more than what you state in your recent blog. I hit the site again to double check and under the contents found every mill in every county or shire in the UK.

Tom

Great link Tom, you do have to scroll right down the wiki page to get to the list of mills (at first glance there is no list, just a big white space) but they are there! Oh and yes there they are in the contents list by county in the side bar. Always meant to go on a grand tour of mills one of these years... thanks!

Can someone find a monistery in Italy with a nonfunctioning bakery that would like to have restored???

Who would like to go with me ??

you might want to post your own blog so that it comes up where everyone sees it, rather than being imbedded in part of a blog which almost no-one can see

Take a look at the following website: get ready to drool, you foodies, err breadies! !

http://www.shipton-mill.com/flour-direct-shop

Try this place, I used to use their flour before emigrating to Spain. Lovely mill to visit and not too far from Stratford. The 'Contacts' tab shows how to get there and phone numbers etc.

http://www.bacheldremill.co.uk/

If you visit let me know what you think.

Kevin