In addition to the demonstrations at the River Cottage Festival there were also various other things going on and we were able to wander round part of their grounds to see the various animals that they have on the farm and the fruit and vegetables that they're growing.
One of the first animals that we met was Blossom the pig. In his latest UK television series, River Cottage Spring, Hugh challenged a group of families from Bristol to grow their own food on allotments in the city. As part of this exercise they also kept chickens and pigs for food. Blossom was one of those pigs and is kept for breeding. She has recently been moved to River Cottage HQ so that she can be introduced to a boar. Talking to one of their farmers I understand that she's been placed on a bit of a diet so that she can slim down a bit before this happens.
There were also a number of piglets being kept at the farm and these will all be used as meat for the chefs at the HQ and their local restaurant. I particularly liked one of the "fun features" that had been added to their enclosure and had to smile at the posh Hunter wellingtons that had been used!
The RIver Cottage kitchen garden was also open for us to wander round.
The sign pretty much says it all and many views of the River Cottage television series will recognise the garden that is located immediately outside the River Cottage farm house.
I was very impressed with the regimented layout of things, but also interested to see that even Hugh's produce doesn't escape from attacks from various sources.
I think Mr C spotted who was responsible for one particular hole though…
Oh my! I love HFW, please, please tell me that it was worth going? Did you see him? Did you eat any food he cooked? I have been waiting for ages to see if anyone went to any of his courses or open days….!!!! I am so excited.
Would you go again and was it worth the money???
Yes did get to see HFW. He was there and signed a book we had bought. Had a brief chat with him as well and he seemed really nice.
He wasn’t there for the whole day but I would say that it was still worth £15 each as all the demonstrations and everything else were so good. I get the impression that each event is different, but the description for each course do try to set expectations about the level of Hugh involvement. I’d definitely go back for something else though – a great day!