Christmas is almost upon us, this a time for gatherings and get-togethers, a time to raise toasts and give thanks, a time for families, and a time for good friends and food. Here at LittlePod, all such things have been on our agenda in recent days, with last week in particular a period that encapsulated all that is so special about the festive season. Having first welcomed several LittlePodders back to base to bid farewell to Olly, we then gathered the team together, alongside one or two special guests, to share the most marvellous meal. We called it our Celebration Supper. This being LittlePod, there was a great deal to toast.

Olly’s MBA, completed this autumn, and Janet’s MBE, which necessitated another visit to Buckingham Palace in May. Our return to the road as part of the Foodies Festival line-up in 2022. Our friendship with Peter Gorton, who joined us at our table on Thursday, and his remarkable recipe collection, with which we launched our new website this summer, and which is featured in our 2023 calendar. Irine’s endeavours in Tanzania and the success of Made and all involved at the LittlePod orchard in Indonesia. The efforts of the vanilla farmers and their families right across the Equatorial Belt. Much closer to home, the fabulous food with which we celebrated all of the above.

For this, we must thank the amazing Amie and Bex (pictured), who commandeered the LittlePod kitchen to produce a banquet befitting an occasion as special as this. From the first mouthful to the last, the canapés to the cheese, we were treated to a feast of delicious local produce, prepared expertly, and cooked to perfection. Served with venison, the Bordelaise, Rowan Jelly and Vanilla Sauce was a particular highlight that was enjoyed by all. It was simply the most wonderful meal with which to savour the most wonderful time of the year.

For us as a team, as friends and as the LittlePod family, it was an evening that will live long in our memories. Be it vanilla or the other exquisite ingredients combined so cleverly, food really does bring people together, for Christmas and forever. From us all here, we send our thanks and best wishes to Amie and Bex, and to everyone who braved the Farringdon fog to raise a toast and to help us celebrate. To good food, to friendship and to family, to success and to the season… cheers!