Thursday 11 May 2023.

Thursday 11 May 2023...7pm to 10.15pm... FORTNUM & MASON FOOD AND DRINK AWARDS at Fortnum & Mason, The Royal Exchange, Bank, London EC3. This was the 11h anniversary of these awards, and i have been to most of them. Used to be held at their iconic Piccadilly home but now held here to help promote their new store that opened a couple of years ago. Fortnum & Mason celebrate discovering and championing the achievements of the UK’s writers, editors, publishers, photographers and broadcasters who encourage us to enjoy, explore, experiment and discover more about food and drink through their work. For over three centuries Fortnum & Mason has remained an essential destination in Piccadilly. Visit their website for a list of winners which were handed out from 7.40pm to 8.10pm.. The awards were hosted by ANGELA HARTNETT and ANDI OLIVER. Over 300 guests here in and around their stunning oval marble bar in the centre of the room. American actor STANLEY TUCCI was here, as he has brought out cookery books. Around a dozen well known celebrity chefs/critics to food and drinks here including... MARY BERRY, Both the THE HAIRY BIKERS, MATT TARBUTT ( BBC1 Saturday Morning Kitchen Presenter) , GRACE DENT (The Guardian food critic) ,JAY RAYNER, MARK HIX, JAMES MARTIN, RICK STEIN. Lots of great staff fussing over the guests, by topping up drinks without us having to go to the bar etc. Complimentary Fortnum & Mason champers, gin cocktails, wines, beers and yummy Fortnum & Mason canapés including their famous Scotch Eggs and Oysters. For desserts , it was a strawberry trifle. All guests got a goodie bag with three nice Fortnums food items inside...Peruvian ground coffee, brown sauce and breakfast marmalade. An excellent event. ---------------------------------- ---------------------------------- Wednesday 10 May 2023....7pm to 10pm... I LOVE CAMPBELL - private view - 180 The Strand, London WC2. A huge event as must be 500 guests in this massive space, that has many different areas. In the studios basement , the black photographer Campbell Addy has cool images of black folks. Upstairs is the party , and where the DJ is playing modern r n b tunes for this 50/50 black/white crowd. We found an area with nice comfy sofas ,which was a handy base. Lots of complimentary drinks and food, as five different cocktails, sparking wines, wines, beers, a large buffet table of cheeses, hams, breads, veg and various desserts including custard doughnuts. A really good lively event. The photos are on display from 11 May to 04 June 2023.

Posted 11th May 2023