Eat, Drink and Be Merry
So on entering the Spirit of Christmas Fair, the first place we came to was the food hall. Healthy chocolate, fine wine, quince gin and toffee vodka were just some of the delightful samples on offer.
Each stall offered generous tasting of their products and I took advantage of this. Joshua had the sweets and I had the wine, gin and cheese.
Typically British
One particular product that really stood out to me in the drink department, was the Gun Dog Gin. The bottles were tall and slim which led me to enquire the recommended way to consume it.
The lovely gentleman enlightened me and recommended to add to champagne. That certainly caught my attention. I asked which one he thought I should try? “All of them” he replied. So off I went on a little Gun Dog Gin taster session trying a sip of each one (without the champagne I might add).
They were all very sweet which is why you would only add a dash to a glass of your favourite champagne or prosecco. My favourite by far was the Quince. I love the British element of the product as well with the union jack incorporated into the label. As well as a great way to add something special to your christmas drinks. these would make great gifts. You can buy their products at their online store.
Healthy Chocolate
Yes, you read it right. This chocolate has “good stuff” in it. You know like Yakult, only it’s chocolate. Now I don’t really need an excuse to indulge in some chocolate, but now I have a reason to eat it everyday.
I didn’t buy any at the show, but I took a leaflet and bought mine later using their online shop. Their packs of 14 are great value for money. They are great stocking fillers, so I ordered a big box of these.
Be A Naked Angel
The Spirit of Christmas was certainly flowing thanks to Naked Wines. After trying a fair few varieties of wine, I ordered a case for myself. The wines are reasonably priced and are made by independent winemakers who are able to produce their wines thanks to the Naked Wines funding scheme. Although you don’t have to join the scheme to purchase a wine at the show, you do get the opportunity to become an ‘Angel’. Since when did drinking wine make me an angel? Just about the same time that chocolate became good for you. Are you starting to see why I love this show?
My favourite was this Australian Chardonnay ‘The Butterfly Effect’ by winemaker Sam Plunkett. For more information on the scheme visit Naked Wines
Main Hall
We spent so much time enjoying the food hall. I met one couple who had just spent £1000 on wine. Clearly veterans of the show, they gave me a tip. In order to get the most from the show, the couple recommended focusing on a couple of items that you need and bypassing the rest. For example, they said they had come to get wine, cheese and a Douro River Cruise.
If I’d have known this before, I would probably have had time to visit the main hall properly. However, as we had already spent alot of time at the Luxury Travel Fair and then in the food hall at the Spirit of Christmas Fair, we were both flagging.
Buy Tickets
Don’t miss the next Spirit of Christmas Fair. Whether you are looking for a serious advantage on your Christmas shopping, or just fancy a day out you can get your tickets here
