As 2011 draws to a close and 2012 beckons, so much has happened over the last 6 months it’s time for some reflection.
I’ve hosted 10 events at Chez Shamwari, a combination of afternoon teas and lunches. These all seem to have gone extremely well given the feedback I received from all my lovely guests. I was also fortunate enough to be featured in the local press and for that article to be repeated in Yorkshire Living magazine.
I always new it would be hard work and is a challenge whilst also in a full time job. However, I’ve so enjoyed the experience and as long that remains the case and my waiting lists continue to grow, I see no reason to stop!
With the launch of Chez Shamwari I’ve been introduced to all the other secret supper clubs and tea rooms in the West Yorkshire area too. I have had the pleasure of visiting:
Café Nouveau At Home – this was my very first experience of a secret tea room and I went along with a curious mind as I had decided I wanted to do this ‘secret thing’ myself and wanted to see it all working in reality. Not only was the tea & cake excellent (A Proper British Tea Party), M-C was so kind and patient with all my questions about the practicalities and offered many hints & tips to get me on my way. Thanks M-C!
My Secret Tea Room – if M-C provided help with the practicalities, it was ‘The Bakelady’ that was the main instigator in making me just get on and do it. See my posting here of my visit.
The Cooking Fairy – having seen C featured on Look North and in the local press, it was a delight to finally meet her and experience firsthand some delicious food (Menu) and delightful company with the other guests.
Dinner At the Manor – this really was a veritable feast which lived up to the expectation! The menu can be seen here. There is an extremely friendly atmosphere and welcome that awaits you at this secret supper club.
Due to lack of time, I have not been able to do individual write ups of my visits to all the above but mean no disservice to these excellent cooks, hosts & hostesses. At least this way I have been able to mention them all and say they all come ‘highly recommended’.
There are more secret supper clubs on my ‘to do list’ such as The Crab Apple Tree, Bootleg Belly and Sara @St John’s. I hope the list will grow as the idea continues to take hold and there is every reason for it to do so. For example, I recently attended a promotion event, Cornucopia, held in The Corn Exchange, Leeds, where some of us were able to talk to the unsuspecting public about what they were missing. Checkout the review of this event from Lynn on her website here.
To find out about all supper clubs & tea rooms, Ms Marmite’s Fan of Supper Clubs website is the best one stop shop which lists both national and international clubs.
Here’s to a very secret 2012!