Towards the end of April we got a visit from the Isofol Executive Committee and their wives (and Anders and Jenny Rabbe brought their three charming children). We had a full program commencing with a visit to the charming village of Castle Combe at the southwest outskirts of the Cotswolds. And we had a lunch at the Manor House at Castle Combe.
The dinner was served at home and we had also invited Stephen Weston (our local vicar) and his daughter (who had her birthday the following day.
On Friday we went to Forde Abbey and its fabulous gardens followed by a lunch at Hix Oyster Bar at Lyme Regis. And in the evening we had a wine tasting at Chris Pipers on the theme of “Undiscovered France”. That was followed by a dinner at the Rusty Pig. The Rusty Pig is a most eccentric restaurant and shop in Ottery with only one table. We had Cured Meats followed by Crab Bisque and Wild Rabbit cooked in Riesling as the main course. And the pudding was Strawberries in Black Pepper! To this Chris Piper had composed a wine menu as exciting and unusual as the menu!
Saturday morning we were met by heavy rain and our walk along the cliffs of Devon had to be cancelled and was replaced by a tour of Knightstone instead followed by lunch at the Mason’s Arms. The afternoon was spent clay pigeon shooting at the Park of Knightstone Manor and we finished off at the Georgian Kitchen of Combe House at Gittisham. We had Marinated Mackerel as a starter and then the traditional Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding (although it wasn’t Sunday) followed by a Malt Chocolate Tart.
On Sunday morning Grenville Gilbert showed us the local church and we all participated in the service at St Mary’s. Jennifer offered a brunch afterwards with Salmon and Eton Mess, and then we sent our guests back to Heathrow and Sweden.
