Can you imagine how excited I was to be invited to a friends surprise 40th to be held at River Cottage HQ? Eek!
We were greeted by Craig, who was a delight and looked after us all so well. He brought us endless canapes and drinks, and nothing was too much trouble. And I swear he didn’t stop smiling all day!
He gave us free reign to explore and nosey, and to treat the house as our own. None of us needed telling twice as we grabbed a drink and scurried off in different directions.
Not sure how Richard’s wife Julia, and his Mum Helen arranged for the weather to be so glorious, but it was a perfect spring day.
Gelf, the head chef, didn’t seem fazed in the slightest by the constant interruptions and having cameras directed at him, although I guess he’s kinda used to that. On filming days the kitchen is crammed with people, gear and lights, so it was probably quite chilled just having punters there instead!
It goes without saying that the food was incredible. The starter was delicious nettle gnocchi with poached egg, shaved artichoke and leaves. The gnocchi was a little dense and filling but the flavour was extraordinarily good.
Next up was slow roasted belly pork, with divine salted crackling, roast tatties, wilted greens & ramsons and a gorgeous creamy carrot and butternut squash purée. Big bowls of extra potatoes & crackling were brought too, for those that were still feeling a little peckish!
I forgot to get a pic of pudding as by this point I had given in to the gluttony. Everyone had sticky toffee pudding with an ice cream that I think was marmalade and toffee, but Gelf kindly whipped me up a fresh meringue with rhubarb instead. Light, fragrant and perfect to finish off a big meal.
Handmade truffles & coffee followed and finally, the birthday cake!
And here is the birthday boy, 40 years young! He and his little family are soon to be upping sticks and moving from the South East and buying their very own smallholding down here in Cornwall. They’re house hunting all this week, and having just spoken to him, they think they’ve found ‘the one’!
Happy birthday mate, it was a pleasure to share your big day with you and I can’t wait for you to be back in Cornwall :)
Glamorous Glutton says
Oh I’d love to go to an event at The River Cottage HQ. Even better that it’s for someone you know. I’d be nosing around everywhere! Love that cake. GG
Jane Sarchet says
Amazing huh?! As was HQ, great fun and the attention to detail was immaculate.
Janie x
Mike,aka midas. says
I feel hungery!!!!just reading about it.If Gluttony is a deadly sin?.I’d have committed it too.lol.
What a super experience.!I take it Hugh wasn’t there?.That would have put the “icing on the cake”for me.atb,Mike.
Jane Sarchet says
Mike we were STUFFED! No Hugh sadly, maybe next time :)
Janie x
London Unattached Lifestyle and Travel says
What fun, this is one that is definitely on my wish list!
Jane Sarchet says
Hey Fiona, it was darn good fun!
Janie x
Choclette says
Ooh what a wonderful venue for a fab birthday party BUT how could you forget to photograph the pudding and truffles???
Jane Sarchet says
I’d have just made you even more jealous Choclette, that’s the real reason ;)
Janie x
ManjiriK says
what a fab cake and how I’d like to be at an event at River cottage some time real soon!
Jane Sarchet says
Amazing wasn’t it Manjiri!
Janie x
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
You do have all the fun J and my gosh what a fab cake.
Jane Sarchet says
Totally spoilt huh? :)
Janie x
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
Always love a yurt… reminds me of my trip to Yeo Valley Somerset HQ a couple of years back – that’s your end of the country, have you been?
Jane Sarchet says
Yes, fabulous place isn’t it Sarah? The decor inside is amazing, love it :)
Janie x
Kate says
Looks like a fabulous day! And what an amazing meal (I would have been licking the plate clean!!!)
Jane Sarchet says
It was an absolute feast Kate! Thanks for stopping by :)
Janie x
Heidi Roberts says
What a great looking place – bet you had a great time.
Jane Sarchet says
:)
Janice Pattie (@FarmersgirlCook) says
Wow I’m really jealous, would love to visit River Cottage HQ. thanks for sharing.
Jane Sarchet says
Thanks Janice, it was a great day!
Janie x
Simone says
Love that birthday cake! Although it’s pity it has the wrong brand… Lol.. Just kidding!! Would love to visit the River cottage one day too! You lucky girl!
Jane Sarchet says
Ha! I take it you’re a Canon girl huh Simone?
Janie x
Tina Anand says
Looks like you had a fantastic day out – I’m incredibly jealous!
Sylvia says
What a wonderful surprise! Looks like everyone had fun ;) Lovely place!
Jane Sarchet says
It was a blast Sylvia :)
Janie x
Chloe says
Sounds like a perfect day. I would love to go to River Cottage HQ. I saw Hugh FW in Green Park once, he looked totally blissed out, guess it’s a side effect of living the good life.
Jane Sarchet says
It was a lot of fun Chloe :)
Janie x
Nick @ Bakingbeardy says
Looks great – so many cool places in Cornwall!
Jane Sarchet says
Oh yes (although River Cottage is on the Devon/Dorset border) :)
Janie x