Mrs Handbag Samples the High Life at Claridge's

A long way from Kilver Court, Mrs Handbag checks in at Claridge's!

Do I look relaxed and spoilt? Having earned our ‘Hotel Expert’ stripes by running our own Michelin starred hotel for 13 years, we really felt that there was little left in the hospitality world to surprise and delight us...but how wrong could we be?  We have dined at Claridge’s many times in the past (Martyn Nail executive chef is a loyal spelt supporter) but I still did not expect to be completely bowled over by the Claridge’s experience. 
From the moment we walked through the door, every member of staff was charming and the service was sublime. Complementary chocolate cake (for our anniversary) arrived on cue, hence the indolent pose with a glass of champagne!  Definitely the ultimate treat experience....

Indulging in Claridge's delicious chocolate cake before Roger took to the stage at Food Rocks!

Elsewhere we spent a hilarious day in Lyme Regis at the ‘Lyme Rocks’ festival. I couldn’t understand why every other person had a guitar case strapped to their back until someone explained that there was going to be a Record Breaking attempt that evening to have the most people (2,500!!) all playing and singing the same song (Buddy Holly – Rave On) at the same time...Nuts or what?
That’s what makes me proud to be British – only here could it happen with such enthusiasm.

Roger had an equally enthusiastic welcome for his Spelt cookery demo (actually, let’s not get too carried away here; he stirred a squid ink speltotto that Mark Hix was making- sounds disgusting, but the audience was fighting to buy tasters when they had finished!).  The marquee was packed and we raised some cash for Bowel Cancer UK and introduced a few more people to our ‘Great British Spelt Recipes’ (have a look if you’re stuck for dinner ideas!)

I have no idea where you'd wear these, but they're mesmerising!

No sooner had we returned than I was off again. First to the Top Drawer trade show, seeking new gift items for the Great House (lots of new goodies for you to look out for) and then straight on to London Fashion Week at Somerset House– again searching out interesting new brands for the Emporium.
A sense of déjà vu on our son Cameron’s Bottletop stand, recalling the hours both Roger and I have spent working at trade fairs in the past, selling Mulberry!

I do hope Santa Cam does the right thing by Mummy this Christmas...

Bottletop’s new enameled range looked absolutely stunning – look out for their new campaign featuring a gorgeous, international super model, (watch this space to find out who)  who generously donated her time to the fashion shoot - I hope Cam brings her home for Christmas...

Mrs Handbag xx