Welcome back to a fresh week of Where Ginger Goes! This week’s adventures take us to the heart of local food festivals, gin distilleries, and a lively music festival. Join us as we immerse ourselves in vibrant experiences and delectable delights our team members share. Rain or shine, this weekend was a journey worth savouring.

 

Clitheroe Food Festival

Craig didn’t let a little rain dampen his spirits at the Clitheroe Food Festival. He was determined to explore the stalls, where local businesses showcased their treats. The Gin Fizz mobile bar caught his eye, and he indulged in a cheeky drink while watching the Red Arrows soar overhead. Craig’s curiosity led him to the Lancashire Smokehouse’s fresh and smoked fish range. He capped off his food journey with a visit to DOE Bakehouse, savouring one of their signature

doughnuts.

 

Krystina’s family also ventured out to the Clitheroe Food Festival. Despite the weather, they found themselves immersed in a

world of flavours. At Mr Murray’s Scotch Eggs stall, they indulged in the famous Scotch Eggs, The Bowland Chocolate Company and Sugar Tart Cupcakery brought sweetness to their palates, while a visit to Olive Tree Brasserie treated them to mouthwatering gyros. No food festival is complete without a sweet treat, and Krystina’s family found warmth in the cool snow cones from SNO FRO.

 

Stratford upon Avon

Robyn’s weekend took her to Stratford upon Avon, a town steeped in history. However, she chose to celebrate a different kind of history: the history of gin. The Shakespeare Gin Distillery provided an experience that was both educational and enjoyable. With friends by her side, Robyn crafted her gin, learning about the drink’s intriguing past. The anecdotes shared by Sam and Claire added an extra layer of fun to the process, such as that the saying “bit of Dutch courage” comes from when the Dutch were in a 30 years war with the Spanish, they were drunk on gin for the majority of the time and the English were so impressed that they just headed into battle with no worries at all. As she sipped on her creations,

Robyn couldn’t help but marvel at how a drink with such a rich history could still bring so much joy.

 

Alongside gin-making, Robyn’s group tackled a Game of Thrones and Harry Potter-themed escape room ‘The Chalice of Champions’ at Escape Live. They cracked codes and solved puzzles, completing the challenge and escaping with just over 3 minutes to spare.

 

When Robyn wasn’t lost in the world of gin or escape rooms, she found herself immersed in great food. At The Tavern in Bloom, she and her friends enjoyed a meal crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Robyn’s fish and chips were the epitome of comfort food, evoking memories of seaside adventures. The waffle covered with fresh strawberries and drizzled in chocolate sauce was a sweet indulgence that brought smiles all around. The experience was about more than just food; it was about shared laughter, conversations, and making memories that would last long after the last bite was taken.

 

The Royal Arms, Tockholes

Jenni’s weekend perfectly blended nature’s beauty and heartwarming connections. She wandered through the serene countryside of Darwen, embracing the tranquillity around Roddlesworth reservoir. But it wasn’t just the scenery that made her weekend special. Reuniting with old work friends at The Royal Arms in Tockholes filled her heart with joy. The setting was cosy, and the full English breakfast was a hearty delight. The laughter and shared stories were the true ingredients that made this gathering unforgettable. Jenni found that a walk-in nature and a meal with friends were the simplest yet most rewarding ways to spend her weekend.

 

‘J’ Fest

James had a very different weekend than the rest of the team, he swapped food festivals for a music festival. ‘J Fest’ was a unique celebration of summer, organized by his friend. DJ performances, a bonfire, and fireworks lit up the night, creating an atmosphere of energy and excitement that carried on till the early hours of the morning, making it a night to remember, if they could.

 

Reading

Josh’s weekend took him to Reading.  At Quattro in Caversham, he savoured Italian flavours that delighted his taste buds. The wine lover in him couldn’t resist a visit to Stanlake Wine Estate, where he explored a variety of wine-tasting flights. Each sip was a journey through flavours, a sensorial experience that enriched his appreciation for wine. A classic Sunday lunch at The Bull in Wargrave was the perfect way to unwind after the wine-tasting adventures. And to round it all off, a trip to Wendy’s  and a cup of coffee at H’Artisan was a cosy conclusion to a weekend filled with flavours and exploration.

 

From sizzling food festivals to gin-making adventures and musical celebrations, this weekend had it all. Join us next time as we uncover more exciting tales and flavours in another Where Ginger Goes adventure.