Honeysuckle Hampers - foodie heaven.

Hello chaps! Myself and my ever expanding tummy are very pleased to report that I was invited along with the food photography team at MJOFOTO Food and Commercial Photography to Honeysuckle Hampers. http://www.honeysucklehampers.co.uk/

Honeysuckle Hampers in Northamptonshire is a wonderful secret haven of the best locally produced foodie deliciousness, available in one beautiful hamper -  and delivered to your door – so your butler is free to get on with those chores he’s been skimping on recently. (Jeeves, don’t think I haven’t noticed!)

Honeysuckle Hampers is a traditional family run business offering that personal touch in everything that they do. Just a few months in to their foodie adventure, Honeysuckle’s Esmee says that she knew she was on the right track when she couldn’t get into her dining room for towers of packed Hampers, ready for to be sent on their merry way bringing deliciousness and joy to a very lucky corporate. 

Having recently celebrated their first birthday, Honeysuckle Hampers is going from strength to strength, actively supporting the county’s amazing artisans.

And it doesn’t end there; the chaps at Honeysuckle are looking to expand their offering, so you will be a thoroughly spoiled foodie, and just in time for Christmas! Christmas is a magical and tasty foodie time, but even more so at Honeysuckle where they have 10% off pre-ordered Christmas Hampers and bespoke corporate Hampers available to show your customers and clients exactly how much you appreciate them…hmmm, what to get the worlds laziest butler. I’m not sure he deserves one.

But I do! Put me down for a Christmas Hamper please! Extra bananas.

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk

The Plump Partridge

Hello chaps!

As the summer draws to a close and Autumn sneaks up on us from behind with its’ chill winds and trees full of fire, may I suggest that you seek refuge in The Plump Partridge? I popped in with the Food Photography team from MJOFOTO recently.  It’s a simply beautiful little café on the Market Square in Northampton, offering tempting treats and steaming coffee (and tea for those in lesser need of a caffeine boost) as well as a warming meal that will brighten the dullest, drabbest of grey days.

The Plump Partridge is owned and run by father and daughter team Justin and Fay Partridge, who bring a wealth of creativity and flare along with many years of foodie experience to their corner of the market square. The menu is , of course, full of all manner of deliciousness, but highly recommended are the 70% Ecuadorian Hot Chocolate (Fay recommends you enjoy it with a hummus flat bread) and a Finding Nemo Pizza, Justin takes his with a flat white coffee.

The Plump Partridge (@plump_partridge or www.theplumppartride.com) has a comfortingly rustic and traditional feel, and the team love getting to know the regulars. You need look no further for a warm welcome and a good meal than The Plump Partridge.

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk

You are cordially invited

MJOFOTO Food & Commercial Photography invite you to give your products and/or staff to get the star treatment with your own professional mini photoshoot in their pop up studio.

On Monday 19^th September, 2016

At Brampton Grange, Sandy Lane, Chapel Brampton. NN6 8AD

Slots will be available for 30 minutes (£50) or 60 minutes (£100) on a first come first served basis and will be strictly limited.

MJOFOTO can have a food stylist and development chef on hand if needed and can provide props on request. Please feel free to bring your own!

RSVP to secure your place now! (Deposit required)

Populate your website or marketing material with professional images at affordable prices!

The Smoke Pit #CowPigChicken

Hello chaps. 

I have recently accompanied the team at MJOFOTO Food & Commercial Photography for a real foodie treat to The Smoke Pit in Northampton.

For those of you that haven’t yet made it to the Smoke Pit – I’ll fill you in on the deliciousness that you’re missing out on, albeit non banana deliciousness…

The Smoke Pit – so named because of the chosen, BBQ style method of cooking – is a family owned and run urban eatery in the centre of Northampton, tucked away in The Ridings and located in housed in an old bakery. The chaps in the kitchen are nothing short of culinary wizards using different ‘flavoured’ smoke daily and utilising all kinds of local deliciousness on their mouth watering menu. 

Naturally, I am far too refined to actually dribble, but between you and me, Jeeves’s blazer was nothing short of a disgrace when the shoot wrapped up.

Supporting no less than twenty lovely local foodie based businesses, the Smoke Pit have a not so secret desire to expand the empire to another lucky town and to work their magic on the foodie there. 

They are also open to filling any other gaps in the foodie scene. (We are being spoilt now!) 

The chaps at The Smoke Pit recommend the hangar steak and the short ribs – I recommend your butler books you a table as soon as possible. This is the kind of food you don’t want your social circle to find out you haven’t tried yet! http://www.cowpigchicken.co.uk/

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk

Brampton Grange - Create your own fairy tale

Hello chaps! 

I’ve been travelling this summer but the lure of an appointment with the sheer loveliness of Brampton Grange was more than enough to bring me back home.

The chaps at Brampton Grange (http://bramptongrange.co.uk/) really are sitting on a hidden Northamptonshire jewel. You could be forgiven for driving right by, if you didn’t know the delights that awaited you on the other side of those automatic gates: 25 acres of beautiful Northamptonshire countryside, once part of the Althorpe Estate is now an elegant and inviting venue, befitting of the most note worth wedding, or indeed corporate event.

Brampton Grange is unlike any other wedding venue I have come across. It’s small but experienced and dedicated team are more flexible than an Olympic gymnast and are on hand to make your wedding truly ‘yours’. There is no set formula here, to be strictly adhered to like so many other venues. On the contrary, brides and grooms to be are encouraged to settle in, make it home and create a fairy tale – their way.

Hot on the tails of MJOFOTO’s Food and Commercial photographers, I made a beeline straight for the kitchen and was thrilled to find that the catering at Brampton Grange is probably a couple of notches above ‘top’. The chaps in the kitchen offer a standard menu and a bespoke menu –of course, I was more than willing to try both, but it’s the bespoke that really caught my eye.  Well, it would, wouldn’t it!

Starter

Pork and caramelised onion ballotine, with home-made pickles, carrot ketchup and crispy berries.

Main Course

Sirloin steak, accompanied by wild mushroom stroganoff and potato croquette

Dessert

Peanut butter mousse with shortbread crumb, white chocolate and mango shards

If that isn’t enough to make a chap want to get married, I don’t know what is… but in the absence of a bride and being a gentleman in possession of the finest taste around, I am considering hiring out the top notch, eight bed-roomed country house accommodation and having the chef on hand, simply for the weekend. I may even invite a few pals and make something of a party of it around the outdoor pool…

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk

Sauls - The Diamond of Spratton

Hello chaps!

I took a couple of the guys from MJOFOTO Food and Commercial Photography to meet the chaps at Sauls of Spratton recently.

Between you and me, it was my way of giving them a little nudge to provide better quality staff meals. I’m hopeful that it may have worked if the looks on their faces were anything to go by.

We photographed a small selection of the local produce on offer in the village butchers, and the chaps were kind enough to give us a few things to try. The first thing I noticed, was the distinct lack of air. 

Do you know what I mean? Let me elaborate. You know, when your butler has been skiving and has simply visited the nearest food retailing establishment to purchase your lunch? And you know, when you bite into that sausage roll for example, it goes; pastry, (normally dry and sticks to the roof of your mouth) AIR, very small bit of sausage type meat? Are you with me?

Now, what would you say if I told you that no such thing exists in Sauls? I’ll elaborate once more. Flaky, golden pastry followed immediately by a well seasoned hunk of locally produced delicious sausage meat. Do you see what I mean? No air!

The diamond pie, which of course I may have tried before since Sauls did supply the Queen with one, (slightly bigger than the one we sampled, granted) is no ordinary pork pie chaps. This is a little pot of deliciousness encased in golden pastry with a chicken and meat filling that is simply to die for. I don’t mind telling you that I’ve never been over keen on the run of the mill pork pies. Sticky pastry, a mountain of jelly, AIR, small cube of pork – no, not for me I’m afraid. The diamond pie was not without the jelly, however it was minimal and again, without the un necessary addition of the free air! I have already ordered another. It was that good!

If you are currently between butlers, fear not, as Sauls have a website and a shop facility including free local delivery at www.saulsofspratton.co.uk  

I can’t promise there will be any pie left by then, mind you.

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo.

www.mjofoto.co.uk

Friars Farm

Hello chaps!

I have recently visited Friar’s Farm ( www.friars-farm.com) in Northampton with MJOFOTO Food & Commercial Photography, in the latest instalment of my summer of foodie fun.

The chaps at Friars Farm are a fine foodie example of what can be achieved with a bit of elbow grease. These fine fellows started out a few years back with an inherited plot of land with the unexpected addition of twenty years worth of fly tipping added in to the bargain. With determination by the spade full, the site was cleared and became a fully fledged small holding, housing livestock and produce.

Friars Farm  not only ‘grow their own’  to be made in to a variety of award winning chutneys, jams and sauces, but they also have a hand in most of the foodie goings on in Northamptonshire and take a pride in helping foodie fledglings to find their feet and spread their wings.

They are instrumental in many of the food fares including the Northampton Town Show and are also the proud suppliers to many fine Northamptonshire foodie establishments. I may have to extend my tour, just to make sure they are properly positioned on the shelves…

Start the car Jeeves..!

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk

Banana daiquiri anyone?

Good morning chaps! This week I have been on a chauffeur driven weekend away. No, unfortunately not the banana daiquiri on a white sandy beach kind of get away, but rather a ‘stock image’ kind of weekend with MJOFOTO Food and Commercial Photography.

Not so exciting you may think? Well, again my good fellow, I’m afraid you’re labouring under a misapprehension: Not only were the chaps at John Mower good enough to host myself and a team of photographers, but also took me to the local drinking establishment, where, indeed, they serve banana daiquiris!

The stock images of which I speak are, of course, destined for the eyes of the most refined clients in the world of food, including stores such as Harrods. (In hind sight, I’m sure I remember seeing some of the exotic loveliness on the shelves the last time I popped in for a few essentials.)

My friends at John Mower also supply some of the best celebrity chefs and restaurants with their wares, facilitating some of their best culinary creations. Unfortunately, my visit didn’t extend to being able to try these amazing delights this time around – can you believe they don’t have a butler!? Who doesn’t have a butler these days?

Staffing issues aside, I rather enjoyed my trip to John Mower (http://www.johnmower.co.uk/) and look forward to working with them again soon. I wonder who makes their tea with no butler to speak of..?

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo.

www.mjofoto.co.uk

Foodie for thought

Hello chaps!

I was musing just the other day, how important good product images are - particularly food images.

Not to get too technical on you, but food images in particular have a massive impact on perception of taste - which in turn has a huge impact on buying decisions. They do, in fact, increase consumption rates by around 45%. Yes, I'm a monkey on the know, you know!

Of course, I know how tight funds can be when the trust fund has run dry and the family silver has all been sold ( I only blog to keep the bananas coming in,) and I know that cash can, indeed, flow in the wrong direction for many a small business. However, sales equals survival:

So, my suggestion to the chaps of MJOFOTO Food & Commercial Photography was this - how about we hold a pop up studio for the day in the wonderful town of Northampton for all the lovely foodie (and drinkie) chaps. We could hire a top notch Town Centre location and invite all the wonderful foodies in to have their wares professionally photographed. I've suggested dividing the day(s) up into half an hour and one hour slots at £50 and £100 respectively. (I'd suggest the longer slot where props would need to be arranged)

We can make it as simple or as complicated as it needs to be. We can have a food stylist and development chef on hand too, if it helps. We also have a lovely graphic designer 'on the inside' if need be.

Please do let my people know your thoughts foodies and we'll go on your nod.

UPDATE! Book your space now with a DM


19th Sept at Brampton Grange, Chapel Brampton, Northampton - POPUP STUDIO. First come first served. Place will be limited to allow us to do our job properly! Deposit required at time of booking.

Waders and rubber gloves

Hello chaps!

Once again, I’ve been on my chauffer driven travels on behalf of Mjofoto. This time to sample the delights of St Helens and to visit the good chaps of Aquasource.

Aquasource are just the kind of fellows you need to know if you happen to be a carp sort of a person. Not only do they know as much as there is to know when it comes to taking the very best care of your scaly companions, but they are also suppliers of just the kind of equipment that will keep them in tip top condition.

The mission that Mjofoto chose to accept, was to photograph a selection of rather top notch machinery, equipment and products that are destined to appear on Aquasource’s new website. The last time I had someone else check, it wasn’t up and running yet, but if you’re a carp fan, feel free to keep an eye out, if you don’t yet employ a maid for such things. (https://aquasourceuk.co.uk/)

I am partial to an ornamental pond myself and will be sure to mention the chaps at Aquasource to my butler. .. Although, it is rather amusing watching him in waders and rubber gloves…

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk

Gentleman of refined taste seeks ladies of adventurous spirit

Hello chaps!

Todays adventures with Mjofoto saw me visiting my pals down at The Beer Garage.

You should think of The Beer Garage as the beacon of light on your journey through the treacherous world of beer. A lighthouse, if you will, to steer you in the right direction towards your perfect beer. And Laura, Lady Beer herself, as a friend and confident along the way. A tour guide of the highest standard.

She tells me there is a beer for everyone, and of course my reply was banana shaped – Laura immediately pointed me towards a caramel flavoured beer from Hawaii called ‘Big Wave’. Food matching is something of a passion at The Beer Garage and Laura has a suggestion for every occasion. I, of course, will give my butler her number and never again expect to be served miss matched or ill-judged beer with my meal. (Jeeves –take note!)

The Beer Garage are particularly keen on encouraging the ladies of adventurous spirit to take the Beer Journey, open minded and ready to try something new. Remember - there is a beer for everybody – somewhere. And it is quite possible that it is residing in The Beer Garage right now! There is a huge array of ‘girly’ beers on the market, from fruity beer to earl grey infused beer. If you’re not sure, Laura is always on hand. Even if you think you know what you want – I’d still recommend running it past the chaps at The Beer Garage. They may just know something you don’t. (I suspect MI5 connections, but I can’t be sure)

The Beer Garage are based in Northampton. They supply local restaurants and can also deliver directly to the public, so there really is no excuse not to dive into beer, girly or not! Simply inform you butler of the expected delivery date, and have him on hand to take your beverages directly to your refrigeration unit.

You can find The Beer Garage at http://www.thebeergarage.co.uk/

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Mojo (gentleman of refined taste and mainly monkey heritage) and/or MJOFOTO Food and Commercial Photography, can not be held responsible for any hangover(s) you may suffer as a result (directly or indirectly) of reading this blog or visiting the above web address.

Thank you.

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk

Monkey of mystery

Hello chaps!

Just call me Mojo – International Monkey of Mystery!

I have just accompanied a crack team of food and commercial photographers from Mjofoto down to leafy Surrey on a top secret mission: To photograph new food offerings and charismatic chefs in action, rendezvousing at the HQ of one of the world’s largest firms.

Being a gentleman of refined taste, I can tell you that the scrumptious output from that kitchen was to die for. And the food images leaving the editing team were nothing short of fine art. Just a shame that they haven’t yet learnt to make them taste as good as they look.  (Sorry about the bite marks – you can’t blame a chap for trying.)

I will have my people schedule the release of taster images, just as soon as we have the green light from mission control.

Until then chaps, this mission is classified. On a need to know basis. I’m running out of spy quotes!

This blog will self destruct in 5, 4, 3, 2…

You might want to stuff bananas in your ears!

Tally ho chaps!

Mojo

www.mjofoto.co.uk  

My Grumbling Tummy

Good morning chaps! Mojo here.

In light of the marvellous goings on at Northampton Town Show this weekend, and being rather influenced by my grumbly tummy, I am hunting for lovely local foodies to feature in my blog spot.

Now, of course, we all know that the way to a gentleman’s heart is through his (in my case, ever expanding) tummy, and as a refined gentleman of impeccable taste, I know that Northamptonshire has some of the very best artisan producers of fabulous food and delectable drinks. And I think it’s high time I shared their loveliness with others that will appreciate them.

I, of course, am no stranger to a well manned dinner party, and can tell you with absolute certainty that locally produced deliciousness goes down rather well. I am yet to find a local banana grower mind you.

Not only is Northamptonshire blessed with amazing food producers, but also wonderful restaurants, gastro pubs, café’s and bistros of every possible ilk,  as well as the foodie heroes that teach these amazing skills to the rest of us mere mortals. Now, whilst it is my mission in life to never eat a dull meal, try as I might, I’m not sure I will get to visit every one of them – though a chap does struggle on, trying to…I feel it is my duty.

So, in conclusion chaps, of today’s short but meaningful ramblings, if you and your business are of the foodie persuasion and would like to feature in my blog spot – please do drop me a line. (Just a comment on the post is all that is required.)

I must be off, it’s almost time for my elevenses and I’m sure I saw some banana bread in the kitchen.

Tally ho, chaps!

Mojo.

Introductions

Hello Chaps, Mojo here,

I’ll be taking over the blog spot at MJOFOTO where the food photography really is top banana, and the commercial photography is pretty darn good too!

So then, by way of an introduction I’ll tell you a bit about myself. Don’t worry I’ll spare you the rather expansive (and if I do say so myself, rather impressive) family tree.

I’m a very British sort of a chap. I most definitely would not describe myself as a ‘cheeky chimp’ as I’m sure I once heard someone mutter – but rather a refined gentleman of mainly monkey heritage.

I’m afraid to say that, very occasionally, despite my very best efforts, a rather less refined and much more mischievous strand of my DNA shines through and I find myself in a spot of bother. Nothing I can’t manage though…with my connections.

Since starting work with the team at MJOFOTO – I have if I do say so myself, become an invaluable member of the team and have developed quiet the ‘photographers’ eye’. But then, it’s all just a matter of taste really.

I have already been an integral part of food photography shoots and look forward to sharing my experiences with you in future blog spots. For now though, I’ve been seconded to the marketing department to help with the new look website.

Tally ho chaps! I must go!