Anjula Devi visits the Rankin’s Allotment

Like many of us, due to Covid-19, I’ve been coming up with ways to meet close friends in a safe and stimulating environment.

Recently I visited my friends Alison and Tony on their allotment in North Manchester. I’m a huge fan of growing my own vegetables and I am on the waiting list for an allotment of my own.

I was beaming from ear to ear whilst catching up with them both. I’ve not seen them since the last match at Manchester United. They are husband and wife, as well as being two talented chefs who now also know how to create delicious Punjabi cuisine.

A Day at the Rankin’s Allotment from Anjula devi on Vimeo.

They told me why their allotment is so important to them. First and foremost, they simply love growing their own fruits and vegetables, particularly vegetables, some of which can’t easily be sourced in supermarkets. Alison told me the allotment has played a part in keeping them both physically and mentally strong in these unprecedented times.

I asked them both how hard it was to keep the allotment in tip-top shape. They both told me it was a great workout and, for them, more enjoyable than going to the gym. The fresh air is a big factor.

They love the diversity of people they meet at the allotment and feel that they have invested in building some great community spirit.

As I watched and learned from Alison and Tony, there seemed to be plenty of opportunity to be creative on the allotment. Tony pulled together a makeshift table as we decided which vegetables to pull from the soil and cook.

We also talked about how much money you save growing on your own allotment, but Alison was quick to point out that, whilst the whole experience is very enjoyable, it’s also hard work and you have to pour a lot of love into the things you grow.

They had a small portable gas stove and I brought some herbs and spices. We cooked with an array of the amazing vegetables from their allotment. I can honestly say that vegetables never tasted so good. There is no waste and they taste better than supermarket vegetables.

As we started to cook and the aromas wafted across the broader allotment, there was a genuine buzz of interest amongst the other allotment owners. I could really feel the communal spirit that Alison had mentioned earlier. People came across to ask about our food and offered to contribute any vegetables, should we need them.

I took away so much from a really enjoyable day, which was also very educational. It takes real knowledge and skill to grow a range of such tasty vegetables! I was especially impressed with the broad beans, which were really tender, and the tomatoes were to die for. In fact, everything we plucked from the soil was delicious. 

Next time I visit Alison and Tony, I plan to cook with their homegrown horseradish. It’s soooooo fiery – a bit like me at times (LOL)!

Check out Alison and Tony’s website here https://arcatering.co.uk

Follow Anjula on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/anjuladevi/?hl=en