Its the final countdown

The temperature, whilst never achieving any dizzying heights this summer, has taken a decided turn down the thermometer. Yesterday morning saw a light frost on the yew hedges (which are currently undergoing their annual trim). The sky was as azure as it could be and the light perfectly dappled through the trees. I love the early morning light at this time of the year and in Spring, so took the opportunity to have a walk round the garden and take some photographs. I have over the years taken so many pictures of Renishaw Hall and Gardens, when I look through them they bring back such lovely memories.

Last weekend we hosted a 50th Wedding Anniversary lunch for Guy and Doris. Guy has been a volunteer here ever since the doors were first opened and has many a tale to tell. Guy very kindly gave us a bottle of his homemade wine which was delicious. He and Sir Reresby used to trade bottles annually and Lady Sitwell even once suggested it could be sold in the shop it was so nice. Guy enters his wine into Froggatt Show and regularly gets placed. If you ever see a drop of Watson's Winery I recommend it to you. Pictured is the table set with Dame Edith watching over proceedings, anyone got a birthday or anniversary they'd like to celebrate with us just get in touch - gallerycaterers@hotmail.co.uk

It's the time of year when there is a glut of lovely homegrown fruit and veg, this last fortnight I have been making runner bean chutney which I think is quite yummy. I've also made some runner bean piccalilli which I shall subject Adrian to over the winter, as I said there's a lot of them around and he did once mention he liked piccalilli!

Yorkshire parkin, that's a cake that brings back loads of childhood memories for me. I remember my mum baking it, generally around Halloween, it was sticky and dark and delicious. As the weather has cooled I thought it would make a nice warming addition to the cake range so a slightly less sticky version is adorning the cake stands and selling well. Could become a regular feature next year. I might subject Adrian to gluten free testing on it. He always says he's in charge of quality control!

Anyway, it's our penultimate weekend and as always it is very sad. This weekend and next all our lovely regular customers appear to say goodbye and wish us Merry Christmas. I'm often asked what I do over the winter - housework should be the answer. There is a need to reclaim the house from the spiders who have slowly moved in over the summer. This year I've asked the question back of those people whose faces we see at the same time on the same day each week - one or two have asked for our address!! Do sign up to the blog by email and we'll be in touch over the winter. You never know we might just open up one Sunday morning - by invitation only of course!

Take care all, do call and see us before the 30th September.

Lou & Adrian

Caution: Man at work

What a lovely month August has been, unless my memory is failing me it seemed to be pretty much wall to wall sunshine. Here's hoping the lovely weather continues well into October. The heavy rain early in the season has done wonders for the garden although its not all good news, my pear tree hasn't got a single fruit on it which I am assuming is due to the rain. I do so love pear and chocolate sponge too. Oh well, there's always next year.

As with all small businesses, it tends to be the case that everyone has to muck in and just do what needs doing. Of course there are certain jobs that we just leave to Adrian mainly cooking (best plan all round) and emptying the bins at the end of the day, conversely there are jobs that Adrian leaves to the rest of us however, I caught him the other day definitely doing one of 'our' jobs, perhaps he is a 'new' man after all despite his years!

Its hard to believe we've only got 3 weekends left of the season. I had a customer wish me 'Happy Christmas' as she left yesterday in case she didn't see me again. How lovely, but makes you realise how quickly time passes, and nudge nudge, you've only got 3 weekends left to visit.

Over the winter break, I hope to develop a full website for the cafe, I'll have the blog on there, recipes and information for individual visitors and groups and goodness only knows what else. Once it is up and running I'll post the address here. So, as the saying goes, watch this space.

Bye for now.
Lou x

Supermarket Tarts

Tuesday evening saw Morrisons closing at 6.00pm to reopen on Thursday morning at 7.00am. Shoppers in Christmas proportions were out and about panic buying and stocking up on those essentials you can't manage one day without - joints of beef and lamb mainly I think.  I couldn't face it "I'm off to Sainsbury" I tell Adrian. "Sainsbury, but we're a Morrisons family", he replies. "I've got a voucher" I mutter. That afternoon Adrian announces he needs Champagne for work but can't face Morrisons. "Go to Tesco" says I, "I've got a voucher". Adrian returns brandishing Champagne, rib-eye steaks and a jolly nice bottle of red wine. "All this for £20" he crows. Yesterday morning I received my nectar rewards from Saisnbury, "You're a bit of a supermarket tart really aren't you" Adrian said as he snatched the vouchers from my hands. Talking of tarts, he does say the sweetest things.

Chocolate Brownie Slice hit the cake stands this week but didn't hang around long enough to be photographed, although I did make another on Friday evening for Dave K (Head Gardener) and his missus oh, and his Lordship of course. Think it might become a regular feature next season along with my mate Dave's gluten free honeycake which is simply to die for. Anyway, back to the here and now I'm wishing my life away.

Adrian on a recent day off

We only have 4 weekends left of this season, I do not know where this year has gone. We've had a good season in spite of the weather, thanks as much as anything to our regular customers. We are very grateful for your patronage particularly when we see so many business premises up for sale and to let. The garden also has benefited from all the rain we've had and is looking lush and lovely. It has to be said though we are very ready for a rest and starting to have some thoughts about a holiday.

Do come and see us before the end of the season, hopefully we're going to have an Indian summer and September will be glorious.

Take care all.
Lou x