A Dream Day at River Cottage HQ
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After you’ve been looking forward to something for so long, then it comes, and goes, then you say something like “ooh, this time last week/month/year…”. That. That’s how I feel, writing up this post today! This time last week, I was at River Cottage HQ, in Axminster, on the Devon/Dorset border, and it’s somewhere that I have wanted to visit for many years now. I’ll explain why…
I’ve been watching the TV series, River Cottage, presented by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, since the very beginning, with Escape to River Cottage. I’ve got pretty much all of the recipe books, and DVDs of the television shows, which I never tire of watching. I think it’s because the lifestyle seems so relaxed, friendly, and back to basics, and I’ve since longed to live an idyllic life in Dorset – for me, it’s the perfect blend of countryside and the sea.
Steve and I chose Bridport, Dorset, as the location of our first family holiday together in 2006, because of our love of River Cottage! Just being in the same part of the world that Hugh would showcase on his television shows, was a wonderful thing, and we have enjoyed several more holidays in the region since then.
I have also had the pleasure of meeting the man himself, not once, but twice, at Taste of London events! To say I (we – the husband and I!) are fans, is an understatement… so I hope this will help you to understand that being one of the selected bloggers to attend Blog Camp River Cottage, was like a dream come true for me (and Steve was insanely jealous!).
The event was organised by the team at Foodies100, an index of the top UK food blogs (which I’m no longer part of because I don’t blog about food enough any more – boo!) and Tots100, an index of the top UK parent blogs (of which I am still a part of – yay!) and was attended by around 50 food, lifestyle, and parent bloggers.
It was a day to get cooking with River Cottage’s Group Head Chef, Gill Meller in the kitchen (making soda bread and butter), receive some food styling and photography tips from Lucy (Capture By Lucy), tour the gardens with Head Gardener, Will Livingstone, as well as enjoy a delicious lunch, prepared by the River Cottage chefs. On top of that, a chance to get together with other bloggers (always a great thing), take lots of photographs (I ended up with 500!), and come away inspired, as I always do when I attend blogger events.
Now, don’t panic, even though my posts are always photo heavy, I’m not going to be including 500 photos here! In fact, by the time I went through them all, deleted duplicates, crappy, totally missed the focus, or poorly composed photos, I’ve ended up with 250 of them… and even then, I’m not going to share ALL the photos! I’ll pop them into a photo album on my Facebook page, where you can take a look at them all.
My day started early-ish, leaving the hotel that I stayed in the night before, for the 15 minute or so drive to Axminster. I have a fear of being late for things, and always arrive super early. In this case, about 45 minutes early! It was nice to be out in the early morning fresh air, and take in my surroundings. It’ll be a while before I’m back down in this part of England again, so I wanted to make the most of it. I also wanted to try and calm my nerves, as anxiety was starting to flow, especially when I saw other bloggers arriving, and not recognising anyone. My strategy to cope, was to stay in my car for as long as possible, and only step out when it was time to make our way down to the farm.
The tractor and trailer then pulled up to transport us River Cottage, so I braved getting out of the car. Fortunately, as I did, Grace, from Eats Amazing, excitedly said hello, and it was a relief to see someone that I have met before! Soon, more familiar faces appeared, and any anxiety that I had, started to melt away. I also struck up a conversation with Sara-Jayne from Keep Up With The Jones Family, who I haven’t met before, but know loves Disney as much as I do – so we had lots to talk about, and we laughed at the relief at not sounding bonkers, as we chatted about one of our favourite places in the world!
Everyone was given a name sticker, with different colours – we would all be split into three smaller groups to attend the various sessions during the day. (I liked that it was done this way, as it was a chance to talk to other bloggers that I hadn’t met before.) You could sense the excitement in the air, as the tractor made its bumpy journey down the hill, and as we stepped down, out of the trailer, we were led to a yurt (or is it a bell tent?), for a brief introduction about our day at River Cottage HQ. With hay bales to sit on, and a roaring log fire in the centre of the tent, it was all very cosy!
Charly Dove
October 6, 2015 @ 1:26 pm
Oh wow Michelle what a post! Absolutely adore all the photos and it sounds like you had the most incredible day. What a fantastic experience. We must get over there and have a nose, it’s so my kind of place!
Julie's Family Kitchen
October 5, 2015 @ 3:38 pm
Wow, you’ve really captured the feel for the day with your brilliant photos.
beautykinguk
October 3, 2015 @ 1:54 pm
This looks and sounds absolutely amazing, I am totally jealous!
Gemma Allen
October 3, 2015 @ 1:21 pm
I sooo want to visit here! Very jealous! A cookery course here is on my bucket list!
mummyslittlemonkey
October 2, 2015 @ 11:45 pm
Fantastic day! I’m jealous of it all – the flowers, the food, the company, the location… need I go on?! ;) x
Ickle Pickle
October 2, 2015 @ 9:05 pm
Wow what an amazing day. I have to admit I have only ever caught a bit of the show here and there! Your photos are simply stunning. Kaz x
Teresa Bowen
October 2, 2015 @ 4:01 pm
It sounds as though you had an amazing day, I’m totally green with envy. I would happily have eaten that merigue for you as I love anything aniseed flavoured.
Katie
October 2, 2015 @ 11:56 am
Looks like you had an amazing day, I am totally jealous as I love the programme too x
Zena's Suitcase
October 2, 2015 @ 11:23 am
It looks like an amazing day. I am just a little bit jealous that you all got to go. I would have really enjoyed the experience even though I’m not a great cook. Your pictures are amazing!
fritha strickland
October 2, 2015 @ 11:12 am
the food you made looks amazing! we have a river cottage canteen in Bristol and ate there as a wedding gift last year, it was brill! x
Joanne Dewberry
October 2, 2015 @ 9:49 am
Looks like you all had a fab day! River Cottage looks like a photographers dream!
Alex Pearce
October 2, 2015 @ 8:04 am
Wow, wow, wow!! Your photos are amazing! What an amazing experience! I know a few people who would be extremely jealous of your day out! X
Blue Bear Wood
October 1, 2015 @ 9:52 pm
Oh my goodness you photo’s are gorgeous and I am so utterly green with envy. I watched all the instagram photo’s. It looks and sounds like a magical day out and I’m very keen to go on one of the cookery courses!
Anne
October 1, 2015 @ 9:29 pm
I took about 160 photos, don’t feel so bad now compared to your 500 :D Am jealous you got to meet HFW twice before, would have been awesome to have met on the day..another time I hope! I can’t believe a whole week has passed since visiting, was the same as you looking forward to it for so long..and now.. oh nothing hmm, a bit deflated lol!
Sandra Conway
October 1, 2015 @ 8:50 pm
OMG you lucky duck this looks amazing, sounds like one fab bloggers day out, that rivioli sounds yum and the food photography session is a food bloggers dream
Agata @BarkTime
October 1, 2015 @ 7:54 pm
Wish I could be there. It sounds like such a wonderful event!
Kacie
October 1, 2015 @ 3:56 pm
I am so jealous! I would love to visit River Cottage and meet Hugh!
Odd Socks and Lollipops
October 1, 2015 @ 1:54 pm
Oh wow!! This looks amazing. So many wonderful photos – what an amazing experience!
Sarah Golding
October 1, 2015 @ 12:10 pm
Wow no wonder you were so excited to go, it looks beautiful and a great bloggers day! The coffee infused ice cream sounds yummy
Beautyqueenuk
October 1, 2015 @ 12:02 pm
Wow, totally green with envy. What an amazing day, I absolutely love River Cottage x
Ness
October 1, 2015 @ 7:12 am
I so wanted to go on this! I was following the day on social media. It really does look like it was the dream day in the dream location.
Kara
October 1, 2015 @ 6:44 am
Was lovely to see you, albeit very briefly – too much fun stuff to do that we didn’t have time to network. Your pics are fab xx
Sally Akins
October 1, 2015 @ 6:19 am
I’m so envious of everyone who got to go to that Blogcamp – I’ve been a huge fan of River Cottage and HFW since the start as well. Looks like it was an amazing day
Serena Reidy
September 30, 2015 @ 11:17 pm
I’ve eaten at River Cottage in Axminster and they do some lovely food. I like your photos!
Emma Tustian
September 30, 2015 @ 11:08 pm
It looks like a wonderful day. Love all your photos – makes me feel like I was really there. I keep meaning to try making butter and haven’t got round to doing it.
sarah Lea
September 30, 2015 @ 11:00 pm
Rive cottage looks and sounds AMAZING! Those pastries also look amazing, all the food does! I’m glad you and Steve had a fab day. And yes I am forever saying ‘This time last week/month or year….’ xx
Happy Homebird
September 30, 2015 @ 10:32 pm
Lovely autumn feel to your pictures, dreamy as is the food. So jealous, I’d love to go. The bread in particular has made me very hungry now.
Ordinary Cycling Girl
September 30, 2015 @ 10:17 pm
My super slow broadband speed in my little village has really struggled to load all your lovely images so I’ve not seen them all but it sounds like you had a wonderful experience. The River Cottage cookbooks are firm favourites in our house.
Michelle Ordever
October 1, 2015 @ 1:24 pm
I can imagine – I’m sorry! I forget that not all have got a good broadband connection >_< I take it for granted! The River Cottage cookbooks are fab – some of my favourites.
Bex @ The Mummy Adventure
September 30, 2015 @ 9:20 pm
So many gorgeous photos and I love your food styling. It sounds like a dream day
raine_hp
September 30, 2015 @ 8:22 pm
Hope it’s not rude of me to say this but more than the post I was absolutely loving the photos! They told the story themselves without the need of words. Still it sounds like you had a great time and a memorable experience.
Michelle Ordever
October 1, 2015 @ 1:28 pm
Thank you :) I always put photos in, in the hope that they will tell a story, without having to read a word – I’m glad that it worked!
You Baby Me Mummy
September 30, 2015 @ 7:42 pm
I am so pleased you were picked to go to this event. How amazing that you love River cottage so much and got to spend time there. Wonderful photos huni and I am so glad you had a fabby time xxx
JuggleMum, Nadine Hill
September 30, 2015 @ 7:17 pm
Ooh lucky girl! What a fantastic day out and you’ll never forget it! This is one of the things I love about blogging, that we are fortunate enough to get access to things like this. Great post!
clairecly
September 30, 2015 @ 7:17 pm
Wow! Sounds like a great day. Your photos are amazing :) x
Kelila Jade Fuller
September 30, 2015 @ 7:10 pm
Sounds like you and Steve had a great day out. The pictures are brilliant, I must say I wish you did put all of them in LOL. It’s ok i’ll take a look on Facebook. I’ve never been to one of these events, sounds good!
Mellissa Williams
September 30, 2015 @ 6:36 pm
Looks like you had a great time, I am so jealous ;) Fabulous photos too. I love watching Hugh’s cookery programmes on tv
Jen Walshaw
September 30, 2015 @ 6:35 pm
It is not often I get envious about blogger events, but this is one of those times that I am green with envy. I am so glad that you had a great day out
PrettyLusciousThings
September 30, 2015 @ 6:05 pm
OMG! Your trip looks amazing and that food looks to die for. Totally jealous.
Vikki Holness
September 30, 2015 @ 3:45 pm
WOW – i am SO jealous, what an amazing opportunity. I didn’t attend the event myself but feel like i’m reliving the day through your eyes reading this post and going through your gorgeous photos xxx
mummy M
September 30, 2015 @ 3:02 pm
Sounds like an amazing day out. I like the sound of the four day course too! :-)
Stephanie Robinson
September 30, 2015 @ 2:46 pm
Wow – it looks absolutely gorgeous. I’m a HFW fan too but have never made it to RC HQ. I have been to the Axminster canteen which isn’t so bad really considering I live in London :)
Jennypaulin
September 30, 2015 @ 2:25 pm
wow what an array go gorgeous photos Michelle – and you never said what a huge fan you were when we were chatting! So glad you got to go being such a fan (and what shame for your hubby lol!). Lovely to have chatted to you xx
Michelle Ordever
October 1, 2015 @ 1:28 pm
Thanks Jenny! I kept it on the downlow as didn’t want to appear too damn cheesy!!!!!! But yes, I’m a little bit in love with River Cottage! Lovely chatting to you, hope to be able to see you again! xx
Erica Price
September 30, 2015 @ 2:23 pm
I have been thinking just the same myself today as I wrote my own post up – this time last week I was…. It was lovely to meet you then and like you I am a big fan of Hugh and River Cottage. It was an amazing day. Loving all your photos.
BavarianSojourn
September 30, 2015 @ 2:12 pm
Your pictures are gorgeous! What a fantastic opportunity, and what a beautiful place! (:
Sewing Bee Fabrics
September 30, 2015 @ 1:24 pm
Looks like you had an amazing time. I’ve thought about making butter before. Did you get to try it? Did it taste any better than shop bought?
Michelle Ordever
October 1, 2015 @ 1:26 pm
It really is so easy – I’ll put the recipe up soon! We did get to bring it home, so we’ve been enjoying it all week! And yes, I think it did taste better – homemade stuff always does!
Wild & Grizzly
September 30, 2015 @ 12:49 pm
Soo good and sounds like such a great day. Iwas supoosed to attend and wasn’t able to which was gutting but I’m loving seeing the day through people’s blogs and yes Lucy is lovely isn’t she :) x
Aly
September 30, 2015 @ 12:26 pm
What an amazing opportunity! I am a big River Cottage fan too and this looks like the most wonderful day ever.I long to have my own little smallholding producing my own fruit and veg for the family, I’m truly inspire by your beautiful photos Michelle.
Nutritious Deliciousness
September 30, 2015 @ 12:21 pm
an fab day from start to finish, so lucky with the sunshine too and the food, amazing!! Lovely to meet you x
Sarah Bailey
September 30, 2015 @ 11:35 am
Wow what an absolutely amazing looking place – I don’t think I would ever want to leave ;) x
Jane Duckworth
September 30, 2015 @ 11:11 am
Wow, I’m super jealous of your amazing looking day at River Cottage – you lucky girl! I can certainly understand your excitement and joy and you’ve captured it beautifully in this lovely round-up!
Cass@TheDiaryofaFrugalFamily
September 30, 2015 @ 9:47 am
What a lovely day it looks like – I would have loved to have joined you all but it’s just a bit too far from me x x
sonya
September 30, 2015 @ 9:47 am
So much gorgeous!! My social media was full of amazing pics on the day – and yours are fabulous too! Well jel, as the kids would say!
The Two Darlings
September 30, 2015 @ 9:00 am
Oh my word your pictures are absolutely AMMMMAAAZING!!! I just lost myself in that post, honestly, I’m sitting at a desk in Ireland and I genuinely felt like I’d been transported away to the south of England! Looks like it was such a brilliant day out, brilliant to combine cooking and butter making with the photography side of the things too. Lovely post, lovely x
Tori Gabriel
September 30, 2015 @ 8:57 am
Looks like a brilliant day! I’m always early for everything too. X