Ian Waller enjoys takes part in a hugely enjoyable evening of great food, music and dance at a wonderful venue on the edge of Bath
A perfect countryside venue, a warm welcome, even the late summer sun was playing along… It was all looking good for our first ever visit to the Bath Soft Cheese Supper Club, a regular monthly get-together of local foodies and enthusiasts gathering on the edge of bath for good food and a little more besides.
For our initiation, it was Kenyan Night, with an all you eat (which, it turned out, is actually quite a lot!) buffet, live music, outdoor bar, games, cocktails and even crafty activities for children. And you know what – it was huge fun and pretty tasty too!
Yes, fair question, why Kenyan cuisine at a dairy farm in Somerset? It turns out that the already well-loved cafe is the professional home of Shadrack, a Kenyan chef with a talent for gorgeous food along with a welcoming nature that means you take to the fellow as soon as he serves you.
The menu on night included succulent pieces of lamb served alongside flavoured rice and a tasty selection of salads and sides. The result is a long queue of ready diners all walking off with wide smiles and and enjoying sneakily stolen tastes on the way back to their tables. Accompanying the meal was a choice of cocktails, beers and soft drinks, along with a backdrop of Kenyan beats, all combining to create a genuinely enjoyable evening out.
Yes, OK, I admit to a second visit to the buffet – and possibly a third – well, there was some left. Let’s be honest, if there’d have been a doggy bag, I’d have made use of that too. Which did create a slight problem. You see, the meal was followed by Louis Roger from MundiDance and his African Dance demonstration, with strict instructions for everyone to join in.
Perhaps it was the cocktails, but this was a crowd that didn’t take a lot of convincing and in no time, poorly regimented lines of tipsy diners were joining in, to a fashion, with Roger’s moves and following his instructions with all of the focus of a playful puppy.
The whole experience was hugely enjoyable, fun and tasty too – which certainly hits the mark for a culinary evening out.
Looking ahead, here’s the details about upcoming supper clubs at Bath Soft Cheese. No, African dancing isn’t promised, but they still look pretty good. We’ll see you there…
The Harvest
26th September Celebrating the fruit of the earth with an array of seasonal produce sourced from within 25 miles of the farm.
The Good Apple
31st October A seasonal menu celebrating the humble Apple
The Warmth of Winter
28th November Come in from the cold and indulge in a hearty menu that will warm you from your head to your toes.
Book you places at https://parkfarm.co.uk/pages/supper-club