Kokova Magazine

Last week we went along to the Spirit of Summer Fair 2013 to discover little rays of sunshine on an otherwise cloudy day.

After the late start to this year's warmer weather we were keen to get into the summer mood and our visit to Olympia meant we were not left disappointed...

A combination of beautifully made clothes, household decorations and fine linens were just the start to our day. Works of art, photography and and entire section dedicated to food was all we needed to let the sunshine begin.

And what could be better than enjoying a small indulgence into an ice cold smoothie, courtesy of Vitamix. With the ability to blend and chop fruit and vegetables without peeling or dicing, this machine is a must-have for anyone who is really serious about their kitchen gadgets.

Fresh hot coffee followed by a cup of nutritious soup, made in minutes with nothing more than the raw ingredients and a Vitamix machine. Washing up was never easier - a simple mix of soap suds, a quick blitz and rinse. Even the water soaked machine was safe to use as the entire motor is sealed away from spillages.

Continuing on the food theme we loved the collection of producers displayed by The Somerset Ploughmen - bringing together food they genuinely like and want to share.

The Somerset Ploughmen is a market company which sells produce from Somerset into London. The products are the very best of the wholesome and natural local foods from their particular part of the West Country, ranging from award-winning cheeses, local mead and cider brandies through to chutneys, pickles and jams.

We couldn't resist a little jar of Spicy Tomato & Caramelised Onion chutney from The Cherry Tree. With a wonderful selection of produce this company are a real treat for city shoppers.

Morgan House Foods were also offering a selection of sauces, cordials, dressings and preserves, all handmade in small batches that are big on flavour.

This young company was founded in the last year by Yemi Raiwe who lived at Morgan House as a child. The name represents her fond memories of a home where she learned to cook, in a house full of love and hospitality - something that is reflected in the flavours of her range of products.

Founders Maria Koinaki from Crete and her partner Kamil Shah kept our hunger completely at bay with a tasty selection of olives from their London based, family-run business, the Olive Branch. In her quest to find a suitable product to sell in Britain, Maria was determined to search the co-operatives herself to find an Olive Oil with a very low acidity level and offer the very best to the public of Britain.

One gadget that caught our eye was The Grater - the must have traditional tool for the modern kitchen. These attractive handmade graters will grate, grind, zest and purée all of your kitchen ingredients. Quick, easy and hygienic they are also safe on your hands and nails while all components are dishwasher safe.

Some tasty drinks were available and one of our favourite stands, Sipsmith, were showcasing their Summer Cup; think Pimms but on a whole new level of refreshment.

Farmer Fear had a good selection of award winning ciders to choose from, ranging from a mild brew to some real old fashioned, full flavoured cider.

For those who want something a little stiffer but like to stay on the healthier side of the bottle, Kamm & Sons Ginseng Spirit offered a blend of 45 natural botanicals steeped in neutral grain spirit.

This healthier alcoholic drink contains less sugar than a liqueur and less bitterness than bitters and the main ingredients are ginseng, fresh grapefruit peels and manuka honey. Invented in London by ex-bartender Alex Hammerling, the Ginseng Spirit is handmade and hand bottled in London.

With so many stalls to choose from we cherry-picked those that stood out a little further for us and when we encountered Philip Morrow of Morrow's we knew we had stumbled on another fantastic find.

After researching the sock and hosiery industry Philip became aware of the trademark for a high quality sock: the 'hand-linked' toe.

This is the process of closing the toe seam by matching the stitches on either side of the unfinished sock.

These stitches are linked together to provide the wearer with an essentially seamless toe and this is the alternative to machine linking which overlocks the seam and often causes discomfort and irritation when wearing well fitted shoes.

All of the socks sold by Morrow's are made using this traditional method which requires considerable skill.

My range consists of 20 styles. Three are named after close friends who have a financial interest in the business known as brand Ambassadors. The remaining socks are named after close friends, who have helped and supported me in setting up the business, and family members, past and present, who have played a significant role in my life. I hope they are or would be proud of what I have done. Finally, I also hope that you enjoy wearing the socks as much as I have enjoyed designing them.

Philip Morrow

And at the end of the day what could be nicer than wrapping yourself up in a Comfi Cottage patchwork quilt. This unique and stylish range are soft 100% Cotton and as well as a perfect bed cover they are also great as a wrap-around comforter for watching TV or gaming.

The Spirit Fairs return in time for Christmas from the 5th - 10th November 2013 at Olympia where you will be able to indulge in an exceptional Christmas shopping experience like no other at this boutique event, it's the perfect place to shop, dine and socialise in style…
www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk