Donington Food and Drink Festival

Well, it really has been a heavenly week-end. On Saturday we were up bright and early to head off to the Donington Food and Drink Festival. We decided to do this instead of the Good Food show at the NEC. I am SO glad we did, the tickets were much cheaper, the parking was free and it was so much easier to get too. We were there before 10am so had to queue outside for a short while before they opened the doors. Once inside the crowds dispersed and we were able to amble about looking at the various stalls. It wasn’t as big as the Good Food Show, but I liked the atmosphere better. There were plenty of stalls to look around, so we got to sample all kinds of beer, wine, vodka and whiskey – as well as champagne with real gold flecks in it!! How posh is that! Of course there was food, the usual cheeses, cakes, sausages etc. We really didn’t need to eat lunch, it was a lovely way to spend the day! There were also a few stalls selling gifts….but shucks….no free samples at these.

One of the highlights of the day was the cookery demo’s, we saw 4 over the course of the day, 2 by Rachel Green who was very entertaining, one by someone who’s name I can’t remember and one with Paul Hollywood….woo hoo, he’s adorable. He’s obviously a very popular guy as there were real crowds for his demo’s!!! I’ve never actually watched The Great British Bake off but I think I may well do so next year. We stayed till about 4pm before deciding to head home. We drove home thru the most beautiful sunset, the perfect end to the day.  When we got home and I spoke to my mother on the phone, she was quick to fill me in on all the scandals involving Paul Hollywood – bless her!!

The next food festival is at Hardwick Hall in June, and I am looking forward to it already. I see the beginnings of the perfect birthday week end forming! And for sure we’ll be back at Donington next year.