BBC Good Food Festival

It seems to be the season for food festival. Kerry and Craig came down to London to come with me to the BBC Good Food Festival this year at Hampton Court. We decided against the VIP tickets this year as they were much more expensive. Thankfully the weather was ok so it didn't bother us.

Enjoying the music.

We got there early

This year they had a circus and some of the working horses they use for the carriage rides. We nearly witnessed a nasty accident as a small kid (about 3) wondered into the area and under the horse. Thankfully the horse trainer grabbed him back (while praying and swearing) before anything nasty happened.

There were plenty of stalls and I got some more Christmas presents but mostly we just ate. A lot. And had a few drinks. It was great.

Sausages!

Spit roast

Tea rooms.

Drinks - actually her first!

Clouds

We did have to duck inside once when the weather threatened and rained a little but the ticket included entry to the Palace so we had a wondered around.

On the Sunday, we went to see the greyhounds. Unfortunately the weather sucked and poured it down. The dogs were not keen on going for a walk in the wet any more than we were. Charlie in particular just stopped at one point refusing to go any further until we got a cuddle (and someone to keep the rain off him). But one of my favourite has just been reserved for her forever home which made me happy. Not sure what kerry and Craig thought about the grey hounds. I didn't take any photos due to the down pour. :(

I spent the rest of the long weekend just chilling out, ready for the next few chaotic weeks at work.

BBC Good Food Festival

This weekend was the BBC Good Food Festival at Hampton Court and I decided to treat myself to a VIP ticket. (I am a member of Her Majesty's Royal Palaces so got into the festival free and a discount on the VIP ticket.)

When I checked in, I was offered a free ticket for a flower arranging class. So why not? (I did get there a little late as finding the white Marque was a bit harder than expected as they were all white!)

My flowers

Demo

I was definitely the odd one out in the class (only one on her own and below 50) but it was something different and the other people were all very lovely. My arrangement turned out ok but it was more of a "randomly stick them in the vase" exercise. I don't think my next career will be flower arranging.
But I did get the flowers to take home. :)

My "arrangement".

 After the class I rushed to the other side of festival for my cooking demo.

Showing a giant steak

Lisa Faulkner

I will admit I randomly picked a chef as without TV, I have lost track of who's who. She cooked a Spanish style steak and potatoes which smelt amazing! And I got a copy of the recipes t=so I will have to try it out at some point.

The best part of having a VIP ticket was somewhere shady to sit down and unlimited Champagne (the real stuff, not Prosecco), plus tea, coffee and soft drinks. And it was near to the pavilion with some great 50s live music.

View from my seat. 

Great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Once cooled and "hydrated", I went to do some shopping. There were loads of options though disappointing on the gluten food side.

However very well stocked on the gin side. :) It was hard to choose. (I did manage to get some little tasting sizes for an at-home gin tasting I am planning.)

So many options.

Followed of course by more Champagne before heading home. It was free and very nice! What is a girl to do? :)

Plus my feet were killing me! I really needed to sit down before the trip home.

Happier feet.

I did spend more money than I should have given I am saving for a holiday but I did managed to get about 30% of my Christmas gifts sorted. As well a few little treats for myself. There was a lovely non-alcoholic gin which tasted amazing, a real artisan gin, and some Garlic Vodka. It sounded odd and a bit disgusting so I had to try it and turns out pretty nice. It's made from sweet roast garlic and would go great in a liqueur coffee. Plus weird enough to be wonderful.

I also found out my only vase is now somewhat less than waterproof so had to make a couple of vases MacGyver style. 

"Summer" day at Hampton Court

A few weekends ago I went over to Hampton Court again. Thanks to the waterloo train works and the Ride London event, my options were limited. Equally it was quiet for the same reasons. 

Great Hall roof

It was summer on and off (it is England after all) but the gardens were much nicer than in the winter.

Sun flowers!

Dramatic sky