The first week of October was a rather busy one, what with my event at Henley and a trip up to Wigtown. So what better way to unwind than with a drink back in my home town?
This is I duly did at the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre last Wednesday night, in the company of drinks writer Richard Godwin, broadcaster Georgina Godwin, and a warm and friendly audience.
It was a pleasure to a share a stage with Richard Godwin for two reasons. Firstly, as he has just launched his book, The Spirits: A Guide to Modern Cocktailing, Richard is a mine of information on all things alcohol-related and he entertained us with anecdotes about some of our best-loved tipples.
Secondly, having been very dutiful in his research, Richard mixes a pretty mean drink himself. This he did for Georgina and me, presenting us each with a Remember the Maine, a vermouth-based cocktail. It was made to a recipe from The Gentleman’s Companion: Being an Exotic Drinking Book or Around the World with Jigger, Beaker and Flask, first published in 1933 by American author Charles H Baker. Godwin had chosen this beverage partly because of the international theme of Baker’s book, which he felt would complement Reading the World.
The drink certainly helped proceedings go with a swing – no doubt thanks in part to the extra spray of absinthe Richard gave the glasses just before he served them!
A most enjoyable end to a packed week of travelling, reading, meeting new people and talking about books. Cheers!
Picture by cheddarcheez
Congratulations on your book and your upcoming novel…nice to relax with friends! Enjoy!!
Hey girl! Absolutely love your blog! Just wanted to let you know I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award. 🙂
Ooh – thanks Sam. Much appreciated
I really like reading and writing , but hard to get an idea inspirasi..any idea..??..i like read ur blog..
Thanks – keep reading would be my advice!
I bet you’ve had a lovely night. I also want to experience what you guys did, sipping a drink on the South Bank with the people I love.