Whistle stop tours are always my itinerary style whilst visiting the U.K, so many places to go, people to see..but I love it !

My week just gone, was spent doing all that I love, working with food, networking with like-minded people, visiting friends, eating, drinking and not much sleeping .

First port of call, Warwickshire where my dear friend Caroline of Pink Jelly Marketing, hosted my first few days of stay.  We visited the breathtaking Compton Verney, for a night of inspirational talks, held by the Federation of Small Businesses – the highlight of the night for me, was the amusing and uplifting presentation given by Mask – arade, the business the Dragons Den poo poo’d that now is flying high, and their celebrity masks are gracing many a party, event, function & worldwide stage . Generously we were given masks to take home, which became a talking point of my week, and created family parties that would be talked about for many a year to come.

I was dined in style at The Arden Hotel in Stratford, the decor was divine,  along with my favourite tipple ‘Sancerre’ the food was amazing – my taste-buds were well and truly tickled, Scallops to start and pork belly to follow to finish a fragipane & fig tart – Delicioso.  We had the most attentive waitress, who to kept us entertained without being intrusive.

El Greco, the new Greek restaurant in Stratford -upon- Avon was enjoyed on a very chilly night, Flare the owner was gregarious and welcoming, here we enjoyed a vast meze and wonderful Mediterranean  flavours – A fabulous location for  a private party too, and the loos were spectacular 😉

The main event for me was the working part of my trip, at The BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham, it was so good to be amongst so many ‘Foodies’ producers, chefs & celebrities.  My home was on the Gower Cottage Brownies stand, hectic, manic sometimes but great fun, brownies to die for.  I was alongside Tim Kinnaird (masterchef) and his beautiful Macarons & more .  The most delectable macarons of all shades & flavours artfully displayed and presented.  Aching feet and backs were soothed by foodie trades & tipples a many, thank-goodness I wasn’t driving 😉

I was given a Masterchef cook book to add to my collection, signed by all Masterchefs & celebs, which will be pride of place on my shelf. I also had chance to Tweetup with fellow Supperclubber Kerstins Kitchen .

Work over – Friends & family time, 2 Christmas dinners, sprouts a plenty, girly get together, dancing on the ceiling, no kidding , cinema for the final Twilight , hair of the dog most days – Laughs, little sleep and a very early morning flight home – Fabulous.

Now back to reality and preparing for my final Supperclub of the season tomorrow, Buche Noel baked and shopping done just (forgot today was bank holiday !)

Looking forward to getting organised for (C) still going into a panic when I say the word, oh & a lie in at the week-end to try to catch up on my beauty sleep, boy it’s needed.