Alresford and Watercress go way back. Wild watercress has been picked and eaten by locals for centuries yet it wasn’t until the introduction of Alresford’s scenic Watercress Line in 1865 that transportation of the farmed crop became possible. Nowadays, the watercress beds around Alresford are still one of the main production areas in the country. The conditions for growing an abundance of watercress are perfect in Alresford, with the pure, mineral-rich spring waters and the mild climate making perfect growing conditions.
Founded in 2001, Cresson Creative was the natural progression for chef-owner Jennifer Laing, who began working with watercress when she opened restaurant Café Cresson in 1995. Many of our recipes feature watercress as an ingredient, building on Alresford's historic links with the famous food. One of our missions is to innovate the versatile ways that this nationally recognised food can be integrated into people's diets. Watercress is so versatile and tasty, yet no-one has championed this wonderful salad crop as Cresson Creative strive to do.
The Alresford Watercress Festival, which takes place in May each year, draws together both the local community and food lovers from far and wide in a celebration of one of the town’s greatest delights.
