Romsey

A Romsey Watercress Farm Steals the Show at the State Banquet

A Romsey Watercress Farm Steals the Show at the State Banquet

Rod Noble could hardly believe his luck when he heard the news. His family-run watercress farm in Romsey had been picked to provide the fresh greens for the starter at a state banquet honouring US President Donald Trump.

The event took place on 17 September 2025 at Windsor Castle, where 160 guests, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and the Trumps, gathered in the grand St George’s Hall.

Noble, who runs Sunbeam Watercress with his family, described the moment as a huge honour. “It’s fantastic to see Hampshire watercress showcased on such a prestigious occasion,” he said, his voice carrying a mix of pride and disbelief.

The dish in question was a Hampshire watercress panna cotta, paired with parmesan shortbread and a quail egg salad. Written in French on the menu as “Panna Cotta de Cresson et Oeufs de Caille sur Sable de Parmesan,” it kicked off a meal that blended British flair with subtle nods to the visitors.

The main course followed with organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes and a thyme and savoury jus, before guests savoured a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet and poached Victoria plums.

With 1,452 pieces of cutlery laid out along a 155-foot table, the evening hummed with formality, from the clink of crystal to speeches laced with diplomacy.

For Noble, this was more than a one-off. Sunbeam Watercress sits on the banks of Hampshire’s chalk streams, where the cool, clear waters nurture the peppery leaves that have defined the region for generations.

Romsey, with its market-town vibe and ties to Broadlands Estate, has long been a hub for this crop. Watercress beds here date back centuries, and the area hosts the annual Alresford Watercress Festival to celebrate it.

Natasha Dochniak, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare, pointed out how the choice spotlights the county’s food heritage. “It really underlines the quality of our produce, from chalk stream trout to watercress,” she noted.

The guest list added extra sparkle. Alongside the royals and Trumps sat figures like Rupert Murdoch, Tim Cook of Apple, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Back in Romsey, the story has locals buzzing. Visitors to the town, perhaps strolling the Test Valley or popping into the markets, might spot Sunbeam’s stalls or tour the beds themselves. It’s a reminder that behind the castle glamour lies everyday grit, like Noble’s hands tending those streams.

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