Chutney Lovers Feast at the National Trust Chutfest 10, Barrington Court, Ilminster, Somerset

© National Trust

My mouth’s watering now as I write this!

And I am so sad.

I was on my way home this afternoon listening to the Simon Mayo Drivetime show on BBC Radio 2.

Simon interviewed a lady call Vivien Lloyd about chutneys and pickles.

I absolutely love chutneys, sauces and pickles.

So I was fascinated by everything that she had to say.

She certainly knows her stuff and is passionate about her subject.

I was impressed, and at the same time my mind started to wonder.

I wanted a chutney fix, there and then.

I am a curryholic; I love Indian and Thai cuisine and love to have chutneys with them.

And my favourite chutneys are mango and lime.

So the first thing I did when I got home was to open a packet of crisp Ryvita, cut a chunk of strong cheddar cheese and spread a lip-smacking dollop of Geeta’s Mango chutney all over it.

Then I had another.

This time it was with a generous dollop of Patak’s Lime chutney.

Delicious.

I couldn’t help it.

I had to do it!

Now I realise, of course, that the chutneys produced by Vivien and her pickle enthusiast partners are going to be leagues apart from the commercial variety I’ve  just spoken of.

And that’s why I’m so sad.

Because I won’t be in Ilminster over the two days of the chutney festival.

Darn it!

My wife Helen and I will be in London at the National Wedding Show where she is exhibiting from the 1st-3rd October – the same dates as the Chutfest!

Why do things work out that way?

I can’t be in both places.

Still, if you’re a chutney lover, then why not nip along to Barrington Court, Ilminster, Somerset (you lucky so-and-so) and give your taste buds a treat.

The dates are 2-3 October 2010, from 11am – 4.30pm, for the Chutfest.

It’s all about chutneys, produce and pickling.

If you do go along, think of me.

I’m of now to have another dollop of chutney and cheese!