2 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
2 celery sticks, trimmed and cut into large pieces
2 onions, finely chopped
2 sprigs thyme
400g tin good-quality plum tomatoes
2 fresh bay leaves
1 tsp crushed black peppercorns
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp flour (seasoned with ½ tsp cayenne pepper)
500g/1lb 2oz diced braising steak
500ml/17fl oz pale ale