Looking back at his life at River Cottage Hugh discovers that he has learnt a set of rules - or principles - to grow by, to cook by and even to live by. This series distils the River Cottage experience into six main principles for living Hugh's simple life: being thrifty (nose-to-tail eating), making the most of the wild larder, getting the best of what is local and seasonal, celebrating food with friends and neighbours, growing your own fruit and veg, and killing for the pot.

Season 5 Episode 1 - Episode 1

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has outgrown the old River Cottage and now owns a 44 Acre farm in Dorset. To improve the economy of the new farm Hugh realizes he needs to branch out into further business ideas. But first he needs a viable location. Air Date : 1st-Oct-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 2 - Episode 2

Hugh has finally located a suitable property and begins transforming the site into a going concern. His first challenge is to prepare one of the buildings to open for a special Valentine's Day dinner for 30 couples in just two weeks. Air Date : 8th-Oct-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 3 - Episode 3

In this episode Hugh has to deal with impending birth of piglets. He solve the problem of no toilets for the new restaurant and finally tests some new soup receipts at the Bristol Farmers market. Air Date : 15th-Oct-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 4 - Episode 4

The year has moved to April. With the seasonal spring vegetables coming into their own, Hugh decides to set up a special seasonal dinner for 40 paying customers. Air Date : 22nd-Oct-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 5 - Episode 5

The year is moving to late spring and the lambing has gone very well. Hugh attempts to win the Blossom Picnic Festival. Finally he decides to learn a bit about traditional English bread making. Air Date : 29th-Oct-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 6 - Episode 6

River Cottage HQ restaurant has been open for a month and things are going well. Hugh agrees to host a wedding feast for over a 100 guests, using nothing but produce grown on his farm. Air Date : 5th-Nov-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 7 - Episode 7

Summer is now if full swing. Hugh inspired by an excellent crop of tomatoes decides to conduct a tomato festival at River Cottage HQ in an attempt to make money from the over-supply of produce. Air Date : 12th-Nov-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 8 - Episode 8

Moving into Autumn Hugh decides to enter competitions promoted by the local bee keeping society. He also decides to try and reignite interest in offal by preparing tripe for the local farmers market. Air Date : 19th-Nov-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 9 - Episode 9

Hugh takes up pottery skills to learn how to make clay pots designed for cooking chickens. He also goes in search of mushrooms from the air and finally he arranges for his ewes to be serviced. Air Date : 26th-Nov-2004  Read More

Season 5 Episode 10 - Episode 10: A River Cottage Christmas Feast

Hugh ends the year with a medieval feast including 10 birds within a bird. He also takes his staff to a Christmas party hunting and then cooking squid freshly caught that day. Air Date : 3rd-Dec-2004  Read More