Heat the slow cooker up on the high setting. If you have a slow cooker with an inner section that's compatible with the hob, begin heating it up over a medium high heat. If not, heat up a large saucepan on the hob instead. Add the oil. Once hot add in the onions. Stir to coat in the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes so they begin to soften a bit.

Next add in the carrot & parsnip. Stir. Cook for a further minute then add in the cubed beef pieces. Fry for a minute then put in the flour. Mix together to coat the beef chunks. As they begin to brown a little season generously with black pepper & a good pinch of salt. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Now add the dried thyme and bay leaves plus the chopped potatoes and the pearl barley. Pour in the beef stock and add a few dashes of Worcester sauce, also add the gravy granules. Stir everything together to incorporate. Cook on high for 1 hour then turn down to low and leave bubbling away for 3-4 hours until the beef is fall apart tender and the potatoes & pearl barley are cooked through. Right at the end before serving add in the peas as they don't take long to cook at all. Enjoy! :)