I’ve seen the book, I’ve heard about the long list of puddings, I was told it was ‘very English’, I understood it was ‘custard with everything’ but I hadn’t experienced it!

 

You had to be there, and if it ever happens again you must be there!  This is an experience not to be missed – the list of puddings was mouth-watering, but the real thing was even better.

 

We started with a scrumptious first course, beef stew at its very best.  Then we queued in an ‘orderly fashion’ for our first pudding and custard.  (Anyone preferring crème frèche or cream was cordially invited to leave the room!). This was to be a very traditional event.  We feasted on six of the best in the pudding world, including, Sticky toffee, Jam roly poly, Treacle sponge (with

added treacle) Bread and butter pudding so light it was in danger of taking flight, Gentleman’s pudding – now that was interesting, and apparently made mainly of breadcrumbs (with a few extras, like sugar and eggs) and finally a glorious Fruit Crumble.

 

I have to confess that although tempting, the fifth pudding defeated me - but many stalwarts soldiered on, one or two even returning for seconds of their favourites, I must add here that the 90 year old lady on our table, ate all that was put in front of her with great appreciation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Union Jacks and bunting decorated St Mary’s Room which was packed to capacity, and the kitchen hummed with activity – the atmosphere was fantastic, with a delightful glass of desert wine to accompany the puddings,  plus a well stocked bar and bottled water of both the sparkling and still variety on the table, we lacked nothing. Very English music played in the background and Paul told us a little about each pudding as it was served – in short, a perfect evening was had by all, although I strongly suspect that the hard working organizers Paul and Phillipa Martin, Ann and Robert Wivell and Emily Gaussen must have been absolutely exhausted by the time we left St Mary’s Room, which by then looked as though we had never been there.

 

On behalf of everyone who was there, and those who wish they had been there plus the Organ Renovation Fund, I would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to all the people who made the evening possible, we appreciate you very much indeed, and please will you do it again!

 

Liz Etherington