Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage opens in ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

The latest opening of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage brand is hoping to create a stampede at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

The Bedfordshire zoo's catering partner Levy UK has worked with River Cottage to create the new River Cottage Kitchen and Deli.

Feeding time at the zoo will feature a menu showcasing seasonal ingredients, with dishes including roast spiced cauliflower, split peas and crisp onions; baked lamb meatballs with pickled lemon and yogurt; and hazelnut pavlova with roasted apples and custard.

Fearnley-Whittingstall said: "We are delighted to be collaborating with ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and it's been a real pleasure to develop our River Cottage menu for the zoo's visitors. Among other delights, we are serving up venison ragù with Quicke's mature cheddar macaroni. We're also going big on seasonal veg, with side-dishes like beetroot caponata, roast carrot, orange and dill salad and wood-fired roast potato chips with rosemary salt. Please join us and feast well in good conscience."

Whipsnade Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals of 187 species and welcomes more than half a million visitors each year.

Kathryn England, ZSL Head of Commercial said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with River Cottage.

"The new River Cottage Kitchen and Deli brings delicious award-winning dining options to our visitors, who can enjoy a remarkable view of the Chiltern Hills on one side while overlooking our incredible herd of white rhinos on the other. Underpinned by our shared ethos and commitment to ethically-produced food, it is a truly unique dining experience and the perfect addition to a day exploring the UK's largest zoo."

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Plymouth River Cottage closed >>

Fire damages café at London Zoo >>

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