Farmer 'proud' to supply food for state banquet

The meal was served at St George's Hall inside Windsor Castle

A family-run watercress farm was one of the chosen suppliers for the state banquet laid on for the visit of US president Donald Trump.

Hampshire Watercress panna cotta, with parmesan shortbread and quails egg salad was the starter for the meal at St George's Hall in Windsor Castle.

Rod Noble from Sunbeam Watercress in Romsey supplied the local herb for the dish that fed 160 diners, including King Charles III and the President.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, he said it was "an absolute honour" and he felt "very proud".

His family business is in its third generation after it was founded by Mr Noble's father Ivor in 1934 and is now being run by his son Graham.

Mr Noble said his watercress is still harvested all year round by hand.

"The continuity is brilliant and it's great to see a traditional business just running on in the modern day," Mr Noble said.

On the meal itself Mr Noble described it as "interesting, not something I can say I've ever had".

Rod Noble said he was "proud" to serve the King and the President

The full menu from the state banquet:

• Hampshire Watercress Panna Cotta with Parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad

• Organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes with a thyme and savoury infused jus

• Vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached Victoria plums

Wine:

• Wiston Estate, Cuvée, 2016

• Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, 2018

• Ridge Vineyards, Monte Bello, 2000

• Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve, 1998