Food festivals

Well I never, Crabbie’s fans! Camilla and I were feeling rather peckish this morning, so we decided to see if there were any yummy foodie events going on the coming weeks. 

It’s a jolly good thing we had a look! There are absolutely heaps of food festivals gracing Blighty’s towns and cities from North to South. We are especially looking forward to the BBC Good Food Shows.  

Camilla and I are hoping to watch some top-notch chefs doing their thing and, most importantly, we’ll be on the lookout for some delicious nosh to enjoy with a spiffing glass of Crabbie’s. Cheers!

George

Ginger Beer Scones

Good day, Crabbie’s crowd! Camilla here. I just wanted to share a little secret with you top-notch Crabbie’s lovers that will really make your day: a truly yummy recipe for ginger beer scones (made with lashings of Crabbie’s, of course!). They’re the perfect way to spice up your afternoon tea.

425g plain flour
50g icing sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
2½ tsp baking powder
200g crème fraîche
1 large egg
100g chopped glacé or stem ginger
150ml Crabbie’s ginger beer
Milk, for brushing the top

Spoon the flour, icing sugar, ground ginger and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and stir well. In another bowl, beat the crème fraîche, egg and glacé ­or stem ­ginger, then add the ginger beer and stir it all together. Pour into the ­mixing bowl and ­gently mix ­until you have a very soft and sticky dough.

Flour your work surface very well, then scrape the dough on to it. Whatever you do, don’t bother kneading it as the mixture will be jolly sticky; just flour the top and pat it out to 2-3cm thick. Cut the flattened dough into discs or squares and place on a flour-dusted tray.

Heat the oven to 220C (200C fan-assisted)/425F/gas mark 7, brush the scone tops with milk and bake for 10-15 minutes, until brown on top.

And there you have it- totally super, utterly delicious, all-round spiffing ginger beer scones. Bravo!

I found this rather spiffing recipe whilst surveying the Guardian website, so a big bravo to Dan Lepard.

Warmest,

Camilla

Wedding Anniversary

Evening, chaps - Camilla here

Next week it’s our wedding anniversary. To be quite frank, I’m struggling to think of a spiffing gift for George.  What does one acquire for the gentleman in their life to celebrate such a day? 

I know that George is rather partial to our lovely Crabbie’s Black Reserve, so I wanted to get him something along a similar vein of thought. Have any of the Crabbie’s fans been in the same predicament? Do let me know if you’ve any spigging ideas.  

Once I’ve found the ideal gift, all of that’s left to do is to find the perfect footwear to complement my new divine frock.

Toodles,

Camilla 

Gold, Silver and Bronze

Afternoon all,

Camilla and George here, chaps. We just wanted to re-cap on how delighted we are with Team GB’s efforts throughout the Olympic/Paralympic events – they’ve done ever so well!

One would imagine a Crabbie’s Ginger Beer is the perfect way to celebrate, especially given the superb weather that we’re currently experiencing. September is going to be just tickety-boo!  I say, we may even take our new deck chairs to the beach this weekend - what a fine idea!  

So, whilst you are sitting out enjoying the sunshine this week - have a think on where you would place our different Crabbie’s varieties [Original, Spiced Orange and Black Reserve] in relation to Gold, Silver and Bronze!

Warmest,

Camilla 

C4R-FEST IS UPON US

I say, folks: C4R-FEST is fast approaching and we are more than ready to enjoy the delights of the best classic cars at the show this weekend.

It’s not a secret that our trusty events team will be pleasing you fine folks with top-notch Crabbie’s products, so keep a look out for the Crabbie’s team whilst strolling around the grounds.

If cars don’t make you swoon and you are not on the way to C4R-Fest; then might I suggest stocking up the fridge and raising your glass too. Well, whatever takes one’s fancy over what looks to be a rather spiffing weekend.

Warmest Regards,

George

Car-Fest

I say, Crabbie’s crowd: Camilla and I are very excited to be attending Car-Fest at Cholmondeley Castle next week.  

Car-Fest is taking place over a splendid two days: Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9^th September, where all sorts of spiffing entertainment will be on offer. They’ll be vintage car racing, music, food and you can even spend the whole day outdoors should you be interested in camping over the weekend.

Camilla and I have decided to leave the camping to you good folk given that my fair lady has a cold!

We do hope you already have tickets as it is completely sold out, if not, then this marvellous event is definitely one for the diary next year!

Toodle pip,

George

Notting Hill Carnival

Good day, Crabbie’s crowd. After a splendid few days in Edinburgh, George and I have returned home – just in time for the famous Notting Hill Carnival!  It takes place this Bank Holiday Weekend on Sunday 26^th and Monday 27^th of August.  It’s a cracking way to spend a Bank Holiday; one can enjoy the delights of Caribbean music plus there’s dancing!

The carnival’s street stalls offer a marvellous opportunity to sample some utterly delectable Caribbean food of which George and I discovered the perfect accompaniment: a refreshing Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer.  Jolly good news for us, since you know we adore our Crabbie’s!  Get yourself along to the carnival and be sure to have a Crabbie’s or two. You’ll have a spiffing time!

Warmest,

Camilla

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

I say, Crabbie’s crowd: Camilla and I love  a spot of comedy and theatre so we’ve taken a trip north for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

 

Taking place throughout August, the Fringe is a great way to see some jolly good plays and some spiffing new acts plus oodles of magnificent free shows. We think it’s the cat’s meow!  Of course, the weather might not be as splendid as one would hope but you can’t have everything old chaps!

If this sounds like a spiffing way to spend a few days then why not pop along – we’re sure you’ll have a marvellous time!  The Fringe finishes on the 27^th of August though chaps - so don’t miss out!

Cheerio,

George

P.S. One always enjoys visiting Crabbie’s country. 

Henley Rewind

Today is a mighty fine day and I shall tell you why Crabbie’s Crowd: George and I are heading to the wonderful Henley Rewind Festival to relive our youth! Not only us, but the whole Crabbie’s events team are in tow too. Tickety-Boo I say!

Sadly tickets are sold out otherwise I’d suggest all you fine Ladies and Gents join us for a jolly good show. One lucky fan will indeed be with us on Saturday after winning our super spiffing Henley Rewind Ticket giveaway through the Crabbie’s UK fan page.

Follow us and our shenanigans on Twitter for updates throughout the day!   

#SpiffingGB

I say - what a fantastic couple of weeks we’ve had in terms of our sporting achievements Crabbie’s crowd. George and I took a trip to London for what was dubbed as ‘Super Saturday’. Some of the events that we attended were absolutely breath-taking and the marvellous atmosphere  resonated strongly with us.

London has never been a friendlier place than it felt and, we believe, it should be an annual calendar date regardless of the sporting achievements.

This is why we are pushing a hash-tag to try and keep the spirit of those rather refreshingly friendly moments alive. If you have had that Spiffing feeling over the last couple of weeks, then join in our #SpiffingGB trend to keep it ticking it along!

Warmest,

Camilla

HENLEY REWIND TICKETS

I say, Crabbie’s Crowd - time to get Tweeting.

George and I have found ourselves with a pair of VIP tickets for Henley Rewind  festival on Saturday [18/8/12 ] alas we have a prior engagement and sadly cannot attend. Darn & Drat! 

However, the rest of the Crabbie’s AGB Team will be there throughout the weekend and there’s an impressive line-up with Kool & The Gang, Rick Astley, Soul II Soul and Grandmaster Flash to name a few.

So, ok - now for the good part: To be in with a chance of winning these super spiffing tickets we will be running a competition on Twitter, starting from Monday the 6^thAugust.

The winner will be notified on Friday 10th of August and we will endeavour to mail the tickets out ASAP

So, keep and eye peeled for the instructions on our Twitter Feed.

Good luck, Crabbie’s Crowd!

Warmest,

Camilla 

Cambridge Folk Festival

I say, Cambridge is looking rather refreshing as we set up for day two of the Cambridge Folk Festival. The Crabbie’s Bus arrived on Wednesday and the Crabbie’s bar was assembled and is now in full flow.

Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest running Folk Festivals in the world, don’t you know.  Starting in 1964, it was the brainchild of Ken Woolard who had been inspired by a documentary that he had seen called ‘Jazz on a Summers Day’ – that’s quite a fitting description to what he has achieved with this wonderful Festival.

 

The event has come an incredibly long way since its humble beginnings of roughly 1,400 patrons when it first began. Now it has a daily crowd swell of 10,000 with tickets selling out within hours! The festival is now organised by those spiffing chaps and chapettes at Cambridge City Council and over 200 supplementary staff.

The Crabbie’s AGB Team is awfully proud to be a part of such a wonderful event. We hope that we see some of you down there, and if not, maybe scribble it in your diary for next year as this is not an event to be missed.

Warmest,

Camilla

Games Gathering

I say – the weather is abysmal, although I do hear that there will be blue skies come the weekend.

George met with the Spiffing gents from the Crabbie’s team last night following their return from The Scottish Open. To my surprise, you’ll never guess what George has inherited from the group and has since set up in the garden, Crabbie’s fans: The Crabbie’s Long Putt Challenge!

I have to admit I was a little sceptic at first – yet, we’re having much fun now I’ve had some practice.  

This got me thinking about all the old indoor games that we used to play and have had a little rootle through all of our cupboards. Wow, the things that we found: carpet bowls, dominos, pick-up sticks, monopoly and yhatzee - what a score.

Sometimes a good old fashioned game can be a lot more fun then you expect it to be. On the back of this notion, George and I have organised a games weekend with friends, food and Crabbie’s. The Long Putt is set up and all the other games our stacked ready - it is going to be an absolute hoot of a good time.

What game did you once favour that you could happily play again at the weekend?

Spiffing Summer Swimsuit

Camilla here, Crabbie's Crowd...

Seeing as George and I are currently swanning around The Med, soaking up the sun - I realised there’s some things every lady needs: a spiffing swimsuit and a scorching summer style.

My personal attire is a 50s style one piece in pretty polka dots, paired with large sunglasses and a floppy hat. George approves, but then again he has to!

The ladies and I often converse what we will be wearing on the beach and all agree on one thing: whatever bag we decide to carry it must be big enough to house a Crabbie’s - that, and sun lotion. Here’s to a spiffing summer...

Wish you all were here,
Camilla x

Balearic Bliss

Good morning, Crabbie’s Crowd!

George here, reporting from The Balearics.

The weather here is Spiffing, although I’m missing Blighty given that Camilla and I can’t attend The Henley Festival this week. Fear not, Crabbies Fans: our trusted events team will be serving patrons delicious Crabbie’s.

One takes a keen interest in Rowing, and all supplementary events, of course – I was once part of the University team when I was a wee bit more spritely.  I think it was my rowing outfit that first turned Camilla’s head my way.

I will enjoy my Crabbie’s in the bright sun greatly although  a little bit of me would still love to be in Henley regardless of the British weather. If any of you find yourself having the odd hour or so free, then pop down to the The Henley Festival as it will be running until the 8^th. And don’t forget to sample some Crabbie’s on my behalf.  

Warmest,
George

Vintage or Brand Spanking New?

 George here Crabbie’s Crowd,

I had noticed that the GoodwoodFestival of Speed was on this weekend.

Camilla and I usually attended the Goodwood Revival weekend, she is rather partial to the classic cars, as am I. We normally aren’t huge fans of the more modern automobiles but it does look like a rather spiffing affair, next year I may be persuaded to attend both.

I imagine Camilla wouldn’t join me as she is only interested in the classics and I am definitely more partial to them, however, it still looks as if it could be an incredibly joyous occasion.

Vintage

Brand Spanking New

Which weekend would you rather attend?

Warmest Regards,

George

The Perfect Tennis Tipple

I say, Crabbie’s Crowd: What a fantastic few weeks of sport we have ahead of us!

The Wimbledon Championships swung into action yesterday, as I am sure you are aware. And we have Andy Murray flying the Scottish and British Flag for us - George and I are ever so excited as the event itself is one of our favourite occurrences.

Tennis is a good sport within itself, but it is the accessories and the accompaniments that what makes Wimbledon a yearly must. To enjoy the next two weeks to the fullest, here is a to-do list:

·         A fully replenished fridge (a fridge is not fully replenished without Crabbie’s)

·         Strawberries and cream

·         A trip to Wimbledon (Henman Hill/Murray Mound is just as good as the on-court experience!)

·         A picnic hamper

·         And an absolute disregard for the weather

With all of these things in mind, get ready to enjoy the Championships…

Warmest,

Camilla 

Crabbie’s Float

I say, Crabbie’s Crowd: The weather has certainly got its act together in the last few days. In celebration, George and I thought we would share a recipe inherited from one of George’s American cousins.    

Now, in the US, carbonated drinks mixed with ice cream are popular. The American’s call them ‘Floats’, which are delicious! Floats are a good way to sweeten any drink while creating a creamy consistency at the same time – perfect and refreshing summer coolers, I say!

George and I have the sweetest of teeth, so we were quick to give this a try with our beloved Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer. The results were divine.

·         1 Pint Glass

·         1 Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer (330ml) 

·         2 Scoops of the finest Vanilla Ice Cream.

This is sure to make it onto your list of top treats. You can, of course, experiment with other complimentary ice cream flavours or, if you like a hint of fruit, then why not try a Crabbie’s Spiced Orange Float.

Warmest,

Camilla

Oxfordshire Garden Show

I say, Crabbie’s Crowd: George and I have set up camp at Cornbury Park for the Oxfordshire Garden Show, which is in its first year into the fold of the Garden Show circuit.

It is ideal for those, like us, who have green fingers’ and are keen to see what can be done to their gardens. The show also has a fantastic food area which, of course, the Crabbie’s AGB team are servicing ever so well. Fans can come on down and sample all three variants of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Original, Spiced Orange and Black Reserve all available.

You might also like to wander through the stunning floral displays, which will make this show a yearly must for George and I. The show is open all  this weekend, 16^th and 17^th of June 2012. If you are in the Oxfordshire area, or even if you aren’t, it will be very much worth it especially with the presence of the Crabbie’s sampling team!

Warmest,

Camilla 

Spiffing Weekend Snaps

I say, what a weekend: Show-jumping at Bolesworth, home for our Jubilee Party and then on to London to enjoy the tail end of the Royal festivities.

George and I baked a batch of Jane’s Cupcakes, needless to say that they were delightful and our friends and family couldn’t agree more. All those cakes, along with all the other party goodies that were consumed, has left us feeling truly well fed.

Sadly, however, amongst all of the fun - George misplaced his camera which he used to capture some rare shots. It’s left me feeling rather glum as there were some priceless and candid moments.   

This is where I hope you can help me, Crabbie's Crowd (especially our Bumper Jubilee Pack Winners!): by uploading some of your most Spiffing Jubilee photos to the Crabbie’s Facebook Fan page. George and I would love to see the best bits of your Royal weekend so that we can relive all of the wizard times.

Warmest,

Camilla