Hundreds join local chef's online cookery group

Profiteroles were one of the most recent recipes posted by chef David Simpson.

Like many others in the catering and hospitality industry, Dobbins Inn chef David Simpson has been unable to go to work since lockdown began last month.

The local man established a public Facebook page, 'Home cooking recipes isolating chef', with content including recipes and cookery tutorials.

The page has already welcomed over 500 new members since going live at the beginning of April.

Many of the dishes aim to use ingredients which are easily sourced, with a number of gluten free recipes including scones, sticky toffee pudding and Victoria sponge.

Member are also encouraged to contribute with photographs of their own home-baked dishes.

Posting on the page on April 20, David wrote: "Cant believe 4 weeks at home we are all learning new ways of living, and trying to stay positive and considerate, trying to find new things to fill our days. I have enjoyed baking at home; breads, pastries, cakes and sharing recipes with family and friends."

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.