The best pork chops with fresh bay salt, crackling & squashed purple potatoes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 kg purple or Desirée potatoes, peeled and halved
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 4 higher-welfare pork chops, skin removed but kept
• extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small handful fresh thyme, leaves picked
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 10 bay leaves
• 285 ml cider
• 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
• 4 tablespoons low fat crème fraîche
• 1 knob butter