So on Monday, I took a very long road trip from Nottingham down to Devon for the River cottage blogger meet up. Driven by my blogging friend and collaborator Catherine Hughes who writes the gorgeous family, homes and garden blog Growing Family
We had been invited to River Cottage for a bloggers Christmas meet up by Foodies 100 and Hibs 100 and we were both a tad excited (it just cried out for selfie)
Arriving at River Cottage we jumped on a tractor to be taken down to the farm, the ride was bumpy and fun and oh the view!
River Cottage is on the Devon / Dorset border near Axminster and is home to an award-winning Cookery School, a state of the art Chefs’ School, unique dining experiences, events and weddings. It is of course really well know for its fabulous TV appearances, cookbooks and local, ethically sourced and seasonal produce.
How lovely the setting is in the beautiful undulating countryside. it made me take a deep breathe and wish with all my heart I lived somewhere just like that!
Our evening was spent tasting the BEST canapes, listening to a cooking demonstration, having a wander around the gorgeous grounds.
The river cottage blogger meet up
We also had a brilliant blogger collaboration session led by the lovely Lindy from Squidgyboo. I love getting together with other bloggers as it can be such an isolating job and talking about how we could work together more and support each other was just great.
Then came the meal.
Oh my goodness. I cannot possibly tell you what we ate in great foodie style detail because 1) there was so much of it and 2) I was too busy eating to listen.
As a vegetarian, I often find my options are rather dull but I have to tell you this was undoubtedly not the case at river cottage!
Wow.
I had poached eggs and rosti, I had celeriac ravioli, and charred romanesco (part broccoli part cauliflower! ) I had a broule pudding with apple that was the best thing I have eaten in years and oh so much more.
The chef explained to us that their menu follows the original ideas they have each given day coupled with what is fresh in their garden. What an absolutely lovely way to cook.
The meal was absolutely outstanding. The venue was pretty as a picture, The company was warm, collaborative, friendly and positive.
I had a rather marvellous time at the river cottage blogger meet up . Thank you River Cottage and Foodies 100!
Click here to find out more about dining events and courses at River Cottage
You might also like my post on How to fry tofu
and you might like my carrot and parsnip fries recipe too
Wow – what an incredible opportunity! Looks like a wonderful time was had. xx