Quick Summary
FOOD TRAVEL: NEW ENGLAND - A food writer heads to New England, meets a man whose ancestors come from the same townland she grew up in and visits an orchard to taste a vivid cranberry liqueur. This episode offers UK television fans a quick overview at a glance, blending personal history with culinary entertainment and delivering programme highlights for British TV, BBC Two Northern Ireland HD programming and UK viewers alike.
About This Program
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW THE FOOD WRITER HEADS TO NEW ENGLAND – A fresh episode of the beloved culinary travel series sees our intrepid food writer journey across the Atlantic to the historic towns and rolling orchards of New England. In this compelling episode she discovers a surprising personal link: a man whose ancestors hail from the very townland where she grew up in Ireland. The narrative weaves together family history, regional food traditions and a visit to a picturesque orchard where she samples a handcrafted cranberry liqueur. This episode forms part of a larger series that blends documentary storytelling with the warmth of a food‑driven travelogue, offering UK viewers a unique blend of heritage, taste and emotion. WHAT TO EXPECT VIEWERS can anticipate an in‑depth exploration of New England’s culinary landscape, beginning with a heartfelt reunion that reveals how migration patterns have intertwined Irish and American histories. The episode moves from the cosy kitchen of the local host, where traditional Irish recipes are re‑imagined with New England ingredients, to an expansive orchard in the autumnal countryside. Here the food writer learns the craft of cranberry harvesting and joins the orchard owner in creating a small‑batch cranberry liqueur, complete with tasting notes that highlight the balance of tartness and sweet oak. Interspersed with lush cinematography, the programme offers full details of each dish, the provenance of the produce, and the cultural stories that give them meaning. KEY FEATURES THIS EPISODE STANDS OUT THROUGH ITS PERSONAL STORY‑arc, REUNITING THE FOOD WRITER WITH HER ANCESTRAL ROOTS, which adds an emotional depth rarely seen in standard food documentaries. The cast includes the charismatic orchard owner, local historians, and the food writer herself, whose warm narration guides the audience. Production values are high, with cinematic aerial shots of the New England coastline, close‑up macro photography of the cranberries, and a soundtrack that blends Celtic motifs with New England folk tunes. The series continues to deliver the hallmark of British TV quality – meticulous research, authentic voices, and a polished visual style that elevates it beyond mere entertainment. WHY WATCH FOR UK VIEWERS SEEKING A RICH, CULTURALLY RELEVANT EXPERIENCE, THIS EPISODE OFFERS BOTH EDUCATION AND ESCAPE. It showcases the interconnectedness of British and American culinary traditions, making it a perfect fit for those who love documentary‑style entertainment that also informs. The episode provides a comprehensive guide to seasonal eating, sustainable orchard practices, and the art of crafting liqueurs – knowledge that can be applied in any British kitchen. Moreover, the personal narrative resonates with anyone interested in genealogy and the ways food can bridge generations, delivering an in‑depth review of heritage that is both relatable and inspiring. BBC Two Northern Ireland HD PROGRAMMING CONTEXT THE FOOD WRITER HEADS TO NEW ENGLAND FITS SEAMLESSLY INTO BBC Two Northern Ireland HD PROGRAMMING, SITTING ALONGSIDE OTHER HIGH‑QUALITY FOOD AND TRAVEL SERIES THAT HAVE BECOME STAPLES OF BRITISH TV. As part of the channel’s commitment to delivering diverse, high‑calibre entertainment, this episode adds a fresh perspective to the existing slate of documentaries, dramas and lifestyle shows. It offers UK viewers a well‑rounded addition to the television guide, promising a full, in‑depth look at transatlantic food culture that aligns with the channel’s reputation for thoughtful, expertly produced content.
Paula McIntyre's Hamely Kitchen USA broadcasts on BBC Two Northern Ireland at 5:30pm, Saturday, 20 September 2025. (Subtitles, repeat)