Our Ethos on Food

Food is a really important part of what we do here at Gayles, although it tends to sit quietly alongside the rest of the retreat. We see food as an important part of life, with a real impact on how we feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. When we are trying to gather ourselves, slow down, and recover, being properly nourished matters.

We understand that food is also a personal thing, and we are more than happy to adapt where needed, doing our best to accommodate individual requirements. The menu is predominantly vegetarian, but we are happy to cater for vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs wherever possible.

Much of the food comes directly from the garden. It is grown using agroecological methods, without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers, and with a focus on soil health and biodiversity. We try to work with nature rather than against it.

There is also something in the freshness itself. Food that has come straight from the garden, grown in living soil and carefully tended, tends to feel different. The flavours are clearer, and the body often responds in a steadier way. Energy levels can feel more even, without the same peaks and drops that can come from more processed food.

The food changes through the year. What is served depends on what is growing and what is ready. In colder months, the meals tend to be more substantial and grounding, while in warmer weather they become lighter and fresher.

Derry brings that produce into the kitchen, drawing on many years of experience. A lot of thought and care goes into the meals. They are homemade, carefully prepared, and designed to be properly nourishing. Other than breakfast, one meal each day is usually more filling, with the other a little lighter, but both are intended to sustain you. Consideration is also given to how the meals sit alongside the rest of the practice, whether you are returning from a walk or preparing for yoga.

It is also one of the aspects of the retreat that people tend to comment on afterwards, and something we take a great deal of pride in.

We were looking through some of our Google reviews recently, and a few comments stood out:

“Derry’s food was exceptional.”

“Amazing food from Derry.”

“Delicious home-cooked meals with ingredients grown in the garden.”

“The food is delicious and nutritious.”

“The amazing food, bursting with fresh, delicious flavours.”

“Excellent food and very accommodating when it comes to food allergies and preferences.”

“Derry’s food was so delicious. It is amazing how many flavours you can taste when you eat in silence.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

‍What kind of food is served on the retreat?
The food is predominantly vegetarian, seasonal, and homemade. Much of it comes directly from the garden, with meals prepared using fresh ingredients and a good deal of care. The cooking takes inspiration from a range of traditions, including South Asian, Italian, French, and English, depending on the time of year and what is available. Meals are usually served in a relaxed, shared way, more like a home-cooked table or buffet, where you can take what you need and eat at your own pace.

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Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We are happy to cater for vegan, gluten-free, or other dietary needs where possible. We ask that you let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

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Is the food grown on site?
Much of it is. A large proportion of the vegetables come from the garden at Gayles, grown using ecological methods without pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. What is not grown on site is carefully sourced, with a focus on quality and responsible production.

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Will I get enough to eat?
Yes. Meals are designed to be properly nourishing and sustaining. Other than breakfast, one meal each day is usually more substantial, with the other a little lighter, but both are intended to leave you feeling satisfied. We also tend to cook more than enough, so there is always plenty available.

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What is a typical day of food like?
We provide three meals a day. Breakfast offers a few options, while lunch and dinner are freshly prepared using seasonal ingredients. Fresh fruit, tea, and coffee are always available in the kitchen area of the accommodation.

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Does the menu change?
Yes. The menu changes throughout the year, depending on what is growing in the garden and what suits the season.

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Is this a vegetarian retreat?
The retreat is not exclusively about vegetarianism, but all meals provided are vegetarian. This tends to support the overall pace and feel of the retreat. We also take care to ensure meals are well balanced, including enough protein to properly nourish and sustain you.

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