erica graham

Well, we make them ourselves, but Bath Chap is a regular on the menu! Delicious too!

Last time we went, a jacket was compulsary, so I would ring them to check- my husband got cought in a rain shower on the way there and had to sit and lightly steam throughout the meal!!!

Yes! It meant that James could be with me when I had Eleanor! But we are very glad to be back, had just got to the really twichy stage!

Just to let everyone know that Allium is back for business from Wednesday 30th May! I'm not allowed to say what happened to the Ostrich but I should think its fairly obvious......

I got so sick of this annual letter that I phoned them up and gave them a load of abuse, and haven't heard from them since!

No, they only found out about the US base a couple of days ago! The theme is due to one of the couple coming from Florida. They are very sweet, but very young.

Well, the opening night is tomorrow night!! The name is "The Ostrich" and its Anglo American theme, fun and lively!! If anyone out there wants to book, please DONT phone our number (its getting annoying) their number is (01285) 712658. But don't forget that you will be on camera the whole time you are in the restaurant. I can't go unfortunately as I'm on strict bed rest before our new arrival. I'd love to hear a report though!! (I've signed a non-disclosure document so can't give you the inside track I'm afraid, but its going to be great TV!!)

I got a friend in New York to get me the Pied de Cochon! And yes, we do get the suckling pigs very small, through to using full size porkers, depending on our plans for them! Teeny milk fed lambs, yes, although we tend to focus more on the hoggit and mutton! But there were a few lambs available this Easter that would have been suitable, we just didn't have the time or fridge space to take them.

Just recieved two fabulous books for all pork fanatics Au Pied de Cochon (only took 5 months from USA) and Pork and Sons by Stephane Reynaud. I think Au Pied de Cochon has already been covered, but Pork and Sons is just great- can't wait for our next pig delivery so that I can get to eat some of the dishes- there's nothing new, but the photography and layout of the book ( and the great piggy illustartions and cartoons) along with the introduction of all the butchers, pig men etc is inspirational! The pigs are only a few weeks old yet though, so I'll have to wait a bit!!

I think that it is based on it, from what I remember, but there is no phone voting involved!

Well, we handed over to the BBC today- so they are now in the process of stripping out the restaurant so that the incumbants get a completely plain canvass when they walk in!! They are even removing all of the light fittings etc!, Painters and decorators next!! We still haven't met the couple, so can't tell you what sort of food they will be cooking, but the "opening night" will be Saturday 5th May for paying guests- and yep, I will be there- I'm too nosey to sit upstairs and listen to the people coming and going without being able to see it all! If anyone does want to book, you need to email alexandra.cooke@bbc.co.uk ot telephone (01285) 712658 the week of 5th May. As far as I know, bookings will be take on a week by week basis, or walk ins. I'll keep you all posted as to any developements!!

In a heartbeat!!

Congratulations !! We are just about to celebrate beating the odds for three years too! I can completely understand your sentiments!

Mothers Day.....Easter Bank Holiday Weekend......etc etcetc

Don't worry, the pacojet, vac pac and waterbaths etc will all have been whisked away- I'll let you know if we need any help with the cheese!!!!!!

Hmm.. we live above!!! But to be honest, they do have a list of things we absolutey ban them from doing (painting on slate floors, over cotswold stone etc) and as we are a listed building I'm hoping that it will give us protection! However, as the time off is my maternity leave, I'm just going to walk past taking deep breaths muttering some sort of calming chant or other that I'm supposed to be learning at various rediculous classes!

Thanks Duncan!! The program will be broadcast in September! Let me know when you book in- I'll troll along for a look see!! I can't imagine what they are going to do to the place- they get free reign to decorate as they please!! Oh yes, and no viewer voting, the contestants will visited by two professional industry inspectors, and the decision as to who gets booted off will be made by them and RB. 9 couples, the winner wins a restaurant with RB.

Thanks! First real holiday in 6 years, so I think sleep wil be what I'm (mainly) doing.... oh yes and producing the latest baby Graham!!!!

Just thought that I would let you all know that we are having a holiday over here at Allium. We will be closed for approx. 5 weeks from 16th April onwards. We are able to do this as we have rented the restaurant out to the BBC for filming their new reality series fronted by Raymond Blanc. The restaurant will be renamed and run under somene else for that time- don't know what style etc yet, but should be interesting to be able to go out for dinner in my own place for the first time ever!! (not far to go as we live above!!) For more information about the TV series www.bbc.co.uk/restaurant Will probably post an update when we know what style of restaurant is coming in, and as its pot luck, with contestants drawing out of a hat for the locations, could be interesting!!

believe me that mentality is not just in the north !!!

Have to say, I would only buy the telegraph on a Saturday to read Jan Moir- haven't been to the newsagents recently and think I will wait and see before I restart the habit.

Now that is just showing off!!

1974 & 1975 acording to viamichelin!! Sad, but having a day off sitting on the sofa, so plenty of time for google searches!!!!

That sound like our local one, at the same time as reviewing, they try to get you to place an advert on the opposite page for vast amounts of money!!! And then they still write a load of nonsense after you think you've virtually paid for a decent review....and before you ask, no I have never fallen for it!!!!!

You sound like the kindly elderstatesman of EG Basildog!!!!Its not nice when a review is not what you'd hoped...it feels soooo personal....its best slept on before comment!!