Beef bourguignon

INGREDIENTS

• 1.5kg/3lb5oz chuck beef or braising steak
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large carrot
• 1 large onion
• 2 sticks celery
• 2 bottles red burgundy wine
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 head garlic
• 4 bay leaves
• 50g/2oz unsalted butter
• 225g/8oz whole piece of smoked bacon or pancetta
• 450g/1lb shallots
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 375g/12oz chestnut mushrooms
• 290ml/½ pint fresh beef stock
• 5 tbsp brandy
• freshly chopped flatleaf parsley