We left the campsite in plenty of time to find River Cottage HQ. We were asked to arrive before 11.45 in the carpark to be taken down to the cottage by tractor. Hugh is most certainly not out to impress his customers on arrival.
The tractor made several trips down to the cottage 64 people attended the lunch. We were shown into a yurt where a glass of raspberry champagne was served.
We were invited to wander freely around the cottage and veg gardens.
We were able to go in the kitchen used in the series.
Canapes were served as we walked around. One highlight for the grandchildren was to see the chefs chasing the pigs back into their pen. They had managed to escape. The Gloucester old spot pig to be seen in my picture being chased by the chef was probably related in some way to the one we ate for lunch.
A starter of wild mushroom soup forraged localy followed by the roast pork with a delicious stuffed apple, a mixture of kale cauliflower and onion from the veg garden, roast potatoes, followed by a chocolate torte and a cream chantilly marbled with pumpkin puree to complement the season. Coffee and petit fours to round off this delicious meal and an experience to remember, a very special gift from my daughter and her husband for my 60th birthday what a wonderful day.
We returned by tractor to the car park where a huge log fire had been lit for those who waited for taxis. We headed off back to Essex this time using the M25 north of London another highlight for me was to pass so closely by Stonehenge.
