FOOD-STUFF
Find a festive feast of foodies events, workshops and farmers’ markets taking place in Surrey this December…
MARY BERRY – FAST CAKES BOOK SIGNING / NOVEMBER 23 / RHS GARDEN WISLEY
The godmother of a good sponge, recipe royalty arrives in Wisley as Mary Berry stops by to sign copies of her latest masterpiece, Fast Cakes. Just in time for Christmas, why not pick up a book, and bake to make friends and influence people.
For more information, visit www.rhs.org.uk
CHRISTMAS FOOD FAIR / NOVEMBER 25 / VILLAGE GREENS FARM SHOP, DORKING
Enjoying foraging amongst fabulous food-stuffs at this Christmas Food Fair found in the heart of the Surrey Hills. Meet local producers and sample some tasty treats including -Christmas cakes, local gin, cheeses, chocolates, and preserves – as you prepare to stock your larder with all the makings of a fine festive feast.
For more information, visit www.vgfarmshop.com
HAMPTON COURT PALACE FESTIVE FAYRE / DECEMBER 7 – 9 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Fervent foodies rejoice! From street-food stalls to seasonal eats, the Festive Fayre is the place to be this December. Gorge upon an array of food and drink from artisan producers and makers, and maybe, just maybe, manage to bring a mince pie or two home to save for later.
For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk
FESTIVE CANAPES & WINE MATCHING EVENING / DECEMBER 7 / THE GUILDFORD INSTITUTE
Holding a seasonal soiree? Learn how to make a range of classic festive canapes, as well as getting tips on serving suggestions and presentation. Follow food with a tasting of six wines to match the canapes.
For more information, visit www.jacquelinewisechef.co.uk
T-OINOS TASTING / DECEMBER 7 / THE VINEKING, EAST MOLESEY
Enjoy some expert tutelage and gain a detailed understanding of the complexities that combine to create the unique T-Oinos wine at this tasting evening.
For more information, visit www.thevineking.com
CONCORDE CHAMPAGNE DAY / DECEMBER 8 / BROOKLANDS MUSEUM, WEYBRIDGE
Live the high life and arrive at Brooklands Museum in the morning for a Bucks Fizz reception, followed by a day learning all about Concorde from those who were part of the process – hosted by Chief Concorde Pilot Captain Mike Bannister, and former stewardess Carol Cornwell. Sip Champagne during your virtual flight, and enjoy a three-course lunch recreated from a Concorde menu.
For more information, visit www.brooklandsmuseum.com
CHRISTMAS TASTING DAY / DECEMBER 9 / ALBURY VINEYARD
Looking for that something special to serve alongside the main meal? Head for Albury Vineyard and sample the fruits of labour produced on site here in Surrey. Tuck into a mince pie and listen to yuletide song sung by the Godalming Community Gospel Choir.
For more information, visit www.alburyvineyard.com
FESTIVE PICKLED AT PILGRIM / DECEMBER 11 / PILGRIM BREWERY, REIGATE
Want to learn something new this Christmas? Check out this awesome pickling workshop taking place in Reigate with the savvy team from The Salt Box. Indulge in the delights of a range of delicious pickles to serve with a festive feast, followed by a two-course lunch.
For more information, visit www.wearethesaltbox.co.uk
CHRISTMAS INDOOR MARKET / DECEMBER 16 / CELLAR MAGNEVAL, WOKING
The delightful Francaise inspired hideaway of Cellar Magneval will transform itself into an indoor festive market for one day only. Perfect for purchasing your party food, enjoying mulled wine, cheese and nibbles, and getting gifts to give for Christmas.
For more information, visit www.cellarmagneval.com
CHRISTMAS MACARONS / DECEMBER 18 / VICTORIA’S KITCHEN, WOKING
Looking to find out how to create the perfect sweet treats? Pop along to this workshop with Victoria’s Kitchen and master the art of making magnificent macarons, as well as learning how to decoratively package them so that you can wow your friends with an edible gift this Christmas.
For more information, visit www.victorias-kitchen.com
CHRISTMAS MARKET / DECEMBER 18 / HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD
To the scenic setting of the setts of Guildford High Street, and the return of this festive farmers’ market. Browse and buy from some of the finest artisan producers in the South-East, supporting local businesses while you shop for presents and goodies.
For more information, visit www.guildford.gov.uk
MINCE PIE MARCH / DECEMBER 22 / TOWN LOCK, WEYBRIDGE
Enjoy a festive march along the old Wey Navigation in this guided walk with the National Trust. Enjoy a circular walk from Town Lock (near Weybridge) past Coxes Mill with a mince pie and mulled wine pit stop at the White Hart along the way before heading back to the Town Lock. Booking is essential.
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
CHRISTMAS AT THE HILTON / DECEMBER 25 – 26 / THE HILTON, COBHAM
Can’t cook, won’t cook? Spend Christmas day at the Hilton and leave all the hard work to someone else for a change. Enjoy an indulgent buffet lunch or brunch with all the trimmings – plus a periodic appearance from Santa bearing gifts for the kids.
For more information visit www.hilton.com/cobham
SHOP LOCAL WITH SILENT POOL DISTILLERS / SILENT POOL DISTILLERY, ALBURY
Looking for a last minute Christmas present? Perhaps you’re looking for something special to drink on the big day? Whatever the reason this season, cut down on your carbon foot print and pop into Silent Pool Distillery’s onsite shop to procure a bottle or two from their award winning product range. Open seven days a week: Monday – Friday (9.30am–5pm), Saturday (10am-6pm)
and Sunday (10am-4pm).
For more information, visit www.silentpooldistillers.com
BREWERY TOUR / HOGS BACK BREWERY, TONGHAM
A certified institution in the local food and drink landscape, hop on board a Hogs Back Brewery tour this December. Learn how they brew their beer, sample some tasty ale, and meet like-minded lovers of the wet stuff.
For more information, visit www.hogsback.co.uk