Vainglorious Twelfth

As reported in Shooting Times a couple of weeks ago, this year the grouse season is proving anything but glorious after a cold spring and summer reduced bird numbers, resulting in many shoots cancelling grouse bookings this year.

Shooting Times understands that a London private club where grouse has been regularly served for almost a century has told its members that the terrible spring weather has had a disastrous effect on the grouse season. This means that no birds are available in any numbers and if they are, the menu price will have to be very high.  The restaurant is offering a grouse dish but it features rapid frozen grouse from last season.

London’s Rules restaurant specialises in game and is giving a similar warning message to its clientele, stating: “We, at Rules, are excited as the start of the new Game Season fast approaches.  Sadly the Grouse Season may not be as good as in previous years and Birds may be limited in supply.  As the premier Game Restaurant, we will do all we can to obtain as many Birds as possible to satisfy our discerning Guests.  However, to avoid disappointment, we suggest calling the Restaurant in advance of your reservation to obtain the most up to date information on availability.”

Shooting UK contacted The Harwood Arms in Fulham, a restaurant that describes itself as: “committed to serving seasonal game.” However a spokesperson said on the phone that there was “no grouse on the menu currently” and that they were “not sure when they would be serving any.”