Feasting in Midsomer!

THAME is one of the most frequently used locations for the popular TV series Midsomer Murders with over 20 filming locations in the town. Midsomer fans flock to Thame to see where different episodes were filmed. As well as viewing Midsomer venues, visitors can now look forward to enjoying a feast of Midsomer food and drink too.

Two new Midsomer-related products are being launched by The Deli at No. 5, the Thame delicatessen ‘celebrating great British produce with a great British lifestyle’. The Deli at No. 5 specialises in cheeses, pickles, wine, charcuterie and other foods sourced from around the UK. On Monday, the ‘deli’s’ owners, Hannah Jones and Joe Bastin, launched Barnaby Blue Cheese (named after DCI Barnaby in the TV series) and in the new year, they’ll be launching Midsomer Gin.

Other Midsomer foods available in Thame are the popular Barnaby Buns and newly launched Midsomer Chocolate Lollipops from Rumsey’s Chocolaterie. Local businesses are planning other Midsomer products, including Midsomer Ale, for launch in 2019.

Hannah Jones, co-owner of The Deli at No. 5 said: ‘We’re delighted to be adopting the Midsomer theme with our new cheese and gin, both specially produced for us by artisan businesses. We hope they appeal to Midsomer fans in the area as well as visitors from overseas: they’ll make murderously good gifts for anyone who watches Midsomer Murders.”

Becky Reid, Market Town Coordinator at Thame Town Council, added: “Millions watch Midsomer Murders in the UK and worldwide – it’s one of our biggest TV exports. People want to come and visit the beautiful towns and villages of Midsomer, such as Thame. While here, they spend money in our shops, restaurants, pubs, and hotels – which is good for the town and its economy.”

This month also sees the end of a highly successful second season of Midsomer guided Walking Tours of Thame, following their début last year. Tony Long, coordinator for the tour guides, who are all members of Thame Players, said: “Interest is growing and the tours are ever more popular, with nearly twice as many going on the tours this year, compared to last year. The more people coming on the tours, the more funds we can donate from ticket sales to deserving causes including the Mayor’s Charities and Thame Museum.”

Tony continued: “This autumn, we also began a collaborative Midsomer venture with Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway, combining a Sunday afternoon walking tour of Thame with a steam trip from Chinnor including cream tea while on board. All three dates in September and October sold out, and we’re planning to run these Sunday events once a month between April and October next year.”