River Cottage HQ day.

Lazy morning around the park, tis a beaut day with all systems a go for our long awaited dining experience at the world famous establishment created by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall . It is located just inside the the Devon Dorset boundary, it is on a need to know basis as very little evidence of its being or signage. We arrive a little after eleven bells, park in the car park which is the check in point and wait for a rudimentary trailer pulled by tractor to escort you to the farmhouse location.

Met and shown to a yurt where we receive arrival beverages along with canapés, all good, we have to be in the barn house at a set time but are welcome to explore the close environs with another arrival drink and canapés. We are able to go into the room / kitchen where many of his program's have been shot, such a simple farm house room but great theatre. Assemble at said time, we all have specific table placement, ours at the end near the kitchen, we are excited.

Andy, the head Chef gives us a detailed review on the courses already had and the more substantial aspects yet to be consumed. As a communicator we hope he is a better cook! A local crab soup come light stew which is heavy on base reduction . It was rich and very well crafted although the next size ladle should have been used, no need to be light on at this point. They sent off two oinkers so we can enjoy their farm labour, generous in portion size the saddle slow roasted overnight with the skin separately blasted, spuds, summer mixed cabbage and heirloom carrots - yum yum. A vanilla panna cotta infused with yogurt, the side of roasted rhubarb and mini doughnuts to top our HQ experience off. Petits Fours with a wander to seek out Hugh, but just where is he. Suggestion is that in his counting house counting all the money. A great time had by all.

The final of Wimbledon is on so we head to the pub and watch the final stages, the joker prevailed over the fed express in five, pity as all and sundry wanted the other to win. Back at the park around seven bells, no rest for the wicked as our activities are starting to bank up. The girls issue instructions and then take the high path along the cliff face over to West Bay and return. We are to transport our camp down to the "beach", set up camp and then blaze the brazier for our scraps barbie later on. Yes it is a tad on the fresh side but we have enough wood and hot rocks to heat anyone within a radius of 50 metres. The locals come and go, we stay until midnight, pack up and head up the hill for the sack. A great day all round.