REFLECTIONS ON OUR VALUES OF ‘LIVING THOUGHTFULLY, RESPONSIBLY’, WELL PUTTING THEM INTO PRACTICE 

Over the rest of this year and over the Winter months we are planning a series of articles about the importance we attach to our values, summed up as ‘living thoughtfully, responsibly, well’. They have always guided what we do and how we do it.

Time to take stock. We will be exploring what we mean by that.

We think it’s the same as ‘living sustainably’ with the unsung, little mentioned, dimension of the experience of enjoyment and pleasure, not always considered in some of the academic thinking about sustainability, which is a way of living that should come naturally and be enjoyed.  

This first article is an introduction to the series and kicks off with a look at the relationship between what drives us and the concept and practice, throughout the seasons, of ‘sustainability’. 

The basis of our approach is essentially a positive view of life:

• each of us together can make a difference 
• living sustainably may dictate moderation, but it does not require a ‘hairshirt’  
• ‘living sustainably/responsibly’ and ‘living well’ go hand in glove 
• sustainability, though practised with a natural wisdom, or by necessity and fear, if you prefer, in the not-so-distant past, is forward looking, all about optimism, as well as being necessary 
• it’s a wonderful experience 
• the combination of responsibility, balance and pleasure is a powerful and influential one. 

The question is – is this the same thing as living sustainably?

Obviously, the starting point is to say what sustainability means to us – what we think it is. 

Although there are many definitions of ‘sustainability’,  for us the simplest is the best, the most personal, the most directly human, the one that means the most to humanity, wherever and whoever in the World: 

‘sustainability is about our children and our grandchildren, and the world we will leave them’ 

Focusing at the human scale, with thoughts for our children and generations to come, makes the requirements of sustainable living: 

• so obvious
• so uncomplicated
• so completely unavoidable a way of living
• so moral and universal a compass
• so absolutely compelling. 

This underpins and guides all we do here at The Dysart Petersham, in a continuous process of trying, learning, progressing, always aiming to give the most pleasure we can, responsibly, free of guilt.  

When we followed ‘living thoughtfully, responsibly, well’ as our guide from the beginning, we did so naturally and without too much thought about it, certainly then not having ‘sustainability’ as a deliberate notion at the forefront of our minds, though as a way of life it was probably ingrained in us.  

All three elements are important; the third, ‘living well’, in emphasising the fact that it is possible to enjoy living thoughtfully, responsibly, sustainably. 

Why is ‘living well’ important?

Well, it makes a natural and responsible way of living more persuasive, more interesting, doesn’t it? 

This is why it’s integral to our guiding principles and objectives and at the heart of all we do:

• to give pleasure 
• to be uncompromising on quality
• to work with the best of the best, with thoughtfulness and balance 
• to offer great food and wine, prepared for all the senses, sourced and prepared responsibly and with traditional care     
• to provide warm, expansive hospitality and welcome, relaxation and fulfilment   
• to provide a canvas for civilised enjoyment and conversation   
• to draw inspiration from the wonderful place and environment in which we live,  
• communicating the sense of place, here 
• to create out of this a notable and memorable experience.  

Yes, it’s valuable and an inspiration to state simply that living responsibly, pleasure and personal fulfilment go hand in glove.  

This is why underlying all we provide,
do and say is the belief:

• sustainability and respect for tradition, balance, quality, flavour is not just an ethical imperative, but also, a whole way of living pleasurably  
• the journey of life, dining, experiencing place and seasons, responsibly, with joy, reverence and with a heart and mind open wide to nature brings nourishment, pleasure, profound satisfaction, both physically, and spiritually      
• living responsibly and thoughtfully [sustainably] and enjoyment are not just compatible, but indivisible 
• this experience is forward looking and an exciting exploration, here on Earth. 

In our view living thoughtfully, responsibly, well and living sustainably are the same: 

– a thoughtful way of living within the renewable means of the Planet Earth, ensuring renewal, without end

– at the same time gaining fulfilment and pleasure in so many ways.

From our customer comments we seem to be at least communicating pleasure.

We are unceasingly inspired by providing experience, warm hospitality and by engaging all the senses for the enjoyment of sustainability:

Purity – taste – touch – smell – sight
Traditional craft – passion – skill

Classical training and skills

The finest and freshest seasonal ingredients

Respect for the ingredients

From suppliers chosen for their shared values, quality and commitment to ethical husbandry of land and plants and welfare of animals and fish

The creation of our own kitchen garden and orchard planting

Celebration of vegetables and herbs  

Cooked simply, with balance and restraint, to allow the natural flavours to sing

Nothing wasted, natural flavours and textures

Natural, pure, healthy

Grown naturally – no additives – pure cooking methods

Producing culinary joy, combined with responsibility to the Earth