A Grand Day Out … take a tip

… pack a picnic or at the very least a packed lunch. Having just been banging on about wheels I'm not suggesting you trail round lugging a hamper from a certain grocers in Piccadilly!

Why might I make this suggestion I hear you ask – because there are very few places where you can purchase a snack, sandwich, call it what you will. There are other improvements in that there's more seating than previously so you can rest your legs and get your second wind. It's not an attractive look when you have no option but to sit on the floor – I jest not.

Back to the picnic idea. The choices for said snack at the Show were few and far between. We did actually consider signing up for the BBC Good Food Magazine offer – try 5 issues for £5 which gained entry into BBC Good Food Magazine Subscribers' Lounge but you can't sign up without your Bank details and I don't walk around with that information in my handbag. So, with limited choices we chose a crepe from a concession near the picnic areas – sweet or savoury – we opted for the savoury @ £6 per crepe – expensive, although tasty enough. What I didn't realise until it was too late was that the two small bottles of water purchased at the same time – at £2 each – gasp - was from Costco – for those not familiar, a membership based cash and carry which bears the Kirkland name. I can't tell you yet exactly how much they cost per bottle but rest assured I'll be backing up my mouth as soon as possible – if I had to guess probably in the region of 20p per bottle – watch this space.

I wouldn't have minded a concession for food – they must have made an absolute fortune. You'd like to think that whoever organises this gig and for the most part very well – might take another look at the “fast food” options and ensure that people get value for money.

Please don't think me a miser – it's a day out and I'd be the first to pay over the odds for a halfway decent sandwich in decent artisan bread or just more choice.

Old fashioned or not, I'm taking my own food and drink next time even if it means investing in a larger version of my wheels - at least they'll be lighter on the way home (in theory at least) although the more space you have, the more you fill with “can't live without” purchases!

Don't misunderstand me it's a great day out especially if you're interested in all things food related – my mission here is to make sure you get the absolute best out of your day and at least you set out knowing what to expect and if it's better, then yippee!

A Grand Day Out …

… in the words of the indomitable Wallace and Gromit, although it was Birmingham (the NEC to be precise) not the Moon, specifically a pilgrimage to the Good Food Show Summer. I hope you realise what a sacrifice I make on your behalf, for research purposes you understand.

This was my first visit to the Summer version - what was a bonus though, for anyone considering a day out in the future, your ticket entitles you to Gardeners' World Live too if that's your bag.

Which reminds me, speaking of “bag” allow me to pass on the downside to spending the day at a food show – you buy stuff – it matters not that you have a will of iron – wave goodbye to it as you enter the hall. It's as if one becomes devoid of all sense of reason, the practical consequence of which – apart from a huge dent in your credit card – is you have to carry these purchases that you cannot possibly live without.

I speak from experience - the last time it took me two days to recover the feeling in my arms!

I was determined not to suffer for my art the next time and invested in a crate on wheels – so much more acceptable than a shopping trolley – I know I'm no youngster but I cannot yet face the phrase. I think I purchased mine from Lakeland but they are readily available and not expensive – check out your favourite search engine.

A really neat piece of kit – it takes up no space at all and even a klutz like me can release the clips at the sides, flatten down the base and away you go – it's like a “carry on” - the best money I've ever spent and I love the colours. I am happy to report that my arms are fine, thank you for asking.

Check out my secret weapon – actually not so secret since most everyone I saw had the same idea – have a look. Three photos to follow, one showing storage and the other two “wheels up” and the cover.

The other piece of advice – again if it's up your alley – is book your ticket ahead. If you do this you can also book a ticket for the Supertheatre (at different times) during each day of the Show for your favourite celebrity chef. You can probably try and get a ticket on the day but the Show I went to looked very busy and there didn't appear to be too many seats left. More about the Supertheatre experience later.

It's not expensive – tickets cost £3 and there may be last minute availability but if you want to avoid disappointment book ahead. Total cost £19.50 entrance and £3 for the Supertheatre – great value.

If you shop at Waitrose and read their Magazine keep your eyes open for a money off voucher – I got £5 off my tickets and I'd expect that you'll find the same for the November Show.

Plenty of time therefore to buy your wheels!