Toss the beef in the flour and season with salt and pepper.
Heat the butter or dripping in a heavy pan and brown the beef well on all sides.
Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same pan cook the onion, carrot and celery for about 6–8 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and tomato purée and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the red wine and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let it reduce slightly.
Return the beef to the pot and add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf and thyme.
Simmer gently for about 1½ hours, until the beef is tender.
Add the mushrooms and cook for another 15–20 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Add a splash of lemon juice if you want to brighten the flavour.
Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve with good bread or toast.
