Almost there - just two days to go until Christmas

Well we are almost there, just two days to go. Chef has decorated the Christmas cake and has now made somewhere in the region of 150 mince pies - enough for a housefull of guests - plus a couple of spare for the Reindeer. The other big job is peeling around 17 Ibs of Brussel Sprouts! With all the preparation involved it's clear to see why some people want to go away and have others do it all for them. We are looking forward to greeting our arrivals and to giving them a happy and relaxed Christmas.

COMPETITION

Guess how many llbs of Brussel Sprouts we'll be peeling to feel a houseful of guests this Christmas.  A box of delicious Devon fudge for the winner.  Closing date:  Thursday, 22nd December.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE WATERSMEET HOTEL - 4th Day of Christmas

The kitchen's order for sand soles and sea bass has now been placed with our supplier in Newlyn, Cornwall.   It's always a little nerve-wracking this time of year because if there's a stormy spell the trawlermen might not get out and Chef is left needing to make last minute changes to his menu!  So far so good though and we are very lucky to have such an organised kitchen brigade.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE WATERSMEET HOTEL - 3rd Day of Christmas ...

No French hens in sight but the chef has been feeding the Christmas puddings with brandy and rum.  These puddings, of which there are quite a few, have been placed, well wrapped, in a darkened dry store for the last two years.  Having had all that time to mature they should be truly exceptional on the day.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE WATERSMEET HOTEL - 2nd Day of Christmas ...

Well so far there are no partridges or turtle doves but the kitchen have taken delivery of a huge order of pheasants.  They come from a trusted and long established supplier to the hotel who is based in Simonsbath, which is deep in the heart of Exmoor.  The chef, John Prince, is actually away this week on holiday - taking a much deserved rest before the busy Christmas season begins.  In his absence, his deputy, Paul Corston, has been busy making the petit fours.  I spoke to him yesterday and he told me that he has made some delicious chocolate Ganache.  I was pleased to hear though, that in keeping with the old traditions of Christmas, he has made some simple peppermint creams.  I remember making these with my mother at the kitchen table at Christmastime and so a mere whiff of peppermint reminds me of those times.

We are certainly beginning to gear up!  More tomorrow.

Amanda James, Owner of Watersmeet Hotel. 

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE WATERSMEET HOTEL - 1st Day of Christmas ...

Just 12 days to go until Christmas and preparations continue in earnest.  As always the Christmas trees in the lounge and lobby have introduced life and light into these greyish December days.   The Watersmeet Hotel was built in 1907 by an Edwardian gentleman as a summer residence.  We are not sure if he ever spent Christmas at the hotel but he may well have hosted a house party in much the same way that we do today.  In that instance the house would have been decorated with handmade garlands and greenery - as the first modern "electric" Christmas displays were not introduced until 1912!

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We still have a few rooms available for our three day Christmas package.  If you would like to join us or find out more then please call us on 01271 870333 or visit Christmas at Watersmeet Hotel

 Today it looks as if it is trying to snow.