For years Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival has been a must in the calendar of every self-respecting foodie in Suffolk. The aim has always been to promote Suffolk as a food destination as well as to shine a light on our many independent producers. This is why the festival now attracts people from all over the country as well as top chefs and food experts.
The fringe events which have popped up in addition to the main event are now legendary; varied, interesting and a great showcase of the talent on offer in Suffolk’s busy food and drink industry.
Fishers are a relatively new addition to the local food and drink scene but are making big waves, both in Suffolk and further afield with their London dry gin with foraged coastal botanicals. Early next year they are set to open their new distillery just a stone’s throw away from The Brudenell Hotel. So it was a fitting location for their fringe event – The Coastal Gin Party.
As well as hosting the evening coastal party; Fishers also had 2 stands at the main Food & Drink Festival at Snape.
On arrival at The Brudenell Hotel we were presented with our ‘gin tokens’ which, rather charmingly, were scallop shells. This is part of their new branding which aims to celebrate Fishers’ links to the Suffolk coast, taking inspiration from Maggie Hambling’s Scallop sculpture on the beach nearby. We headed straight for the bar.
Clearly not wanting to rely on the British weather; all eventualities had been planned for. There were gazebos in case of rain, outdoor heaters and blankets to use when the temperature dropped after sunset. A band started playing while waiting staff swirled through the gathered guests with trays of canapés – it was all beautifully choreographed.
We started with a High Tide cocktail – elderflower, lemon, samphire, mediterranean tonic and, of course, Fishers gin. It was brilliantly refreshing. After a day working at the festival; it was exactly what I needed and with that and the quite spectacular surroundings I felt instantly relaxed.
As I moved on to the negronis the rest of the evening was a pleasant blur of more gin, delicious food, good company and dancing, accompanied by brilliant soundtrack from the band….Oh, and a bit more gin.
Without question the event was a hit for all who attended – guests were relaxed, and convivial, the setting was beautiful and all food and drink was perfect. For me, the biggest success was seeing three ‘Aldeburgh Royalty’ companies working together to create such a winning event. My compliments to Salter and king for the exceptional catering, Platts-Martin Events for organising, Brudenell for hosting (and the stunning venue) and, of course, Fishers Gin for the fabulous cocktails.
The fuzzy head the next day was unneccessary, if I’m honest, but I guess I only have myself to blame for that!