The bright green paint job stood out
off the square in Axminster, Ms Tagalong could spot it even in the
pouring rain.
Mr Ideasman had wanted coffee and cake
but being later than eleven they had timed their arrival to pour through
the doorway with the grockles queuing for something to do in the
incessant rain of the Jurassic coast.
As the doors to the canteen opened dead
on midday the wet jackets shunted forward past the table with a
wailing baby.
George the pastry chef had concocted
some interesting cakes. Millionaire’s shortbread, parsnip, apricot
and walnut cake, Eccles cakes and chocolate mousse cake. Mr Ideasman
plumped for an Eccles cake and Ms Tagalong the parsnip cake.
The Eccles cake was the hit of the day;
the best Ms Tagalong had ever tasted, plump currants and caramelised
brown sugar. So good that two more had to be purchased for a later
picnic.
So where were the illustrious duo?
Hands up those who have heard of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall! Thought
so. This is the lower cost option for River Cottage dinners. Set
choices of menu served in the canteen with verve and vigour from
locally sourced produce. The equally famous River Cottage Canteen and Deli.
An old fashioned deli case packed with
all varieties of pies greets you as you enter, with shelves behind
bursting with local beverages, ciders, teas, elderflower, dressings
and oils.
Chris the maître d’hote was
bustling, hurrying, scurrying, putting tables together in the café
part to provide extra canteen seating for the salivating families.
‘Absolutely full, I’m sorry,
there’ll be a half hour to forty-five minute wait.’ Disappointed
faces and dripping people were turfed out into the rain. Mr Ideasman
reckoned they should really have a sign outside saying, ‘Full, come
back in ½ hour!’
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