Ale Beef Stew

• 3 fresh or dried bay leaves
• 500g diced stewing beef
• 500ml ale, Guinness or stout
• 2 sticks of celery
• 2 medium onions
• 2 carrots
• Olive oil
• 1 heaped tbsp plain flour
• 1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the dumplings

• 250g self-raising flour
• 125g really cold butter
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper    
• Channel 4