Pop up dinner at The Boatyard Bakery and Scripts for Supper with MasterChef semi-finalist, Annie McKenzie
A few weeks ago (during the great Exeter snow part-two) I was invited to the Boatyard Cafe & Bakery for Master Chef semi-finalist and Scripts for supper‘s creator Annie McKenzie’s first pop-up dinner. Earlier that day the Met Office had issued yet another yellow weather warning! I was concerned about getting stuck on the A30 on the way home and having to sleep in the car – but this event was too good to miss!
The Boatyard Bakery is tucked away on Exeter Quay next to Exeter Cookery School. It is a relatively new addition. Owned by Emma of Emma’s bread, it is a bread bakery using traditional methods and a long fermentation process.
The inside of the cafe is vast but – with the help of paintings, well places furniture and lighting – it feels cosy and rustic. The walkway was lined with tea lights and the tables were laid together, allowing us to chat freely, a communal feast.
Emma and Annie introduced themselves. Annie explained that she is working at The Boatyard during the day and that this event is the first of a series of pop-up meals at the venue.
Annie also has an event called Scripts for Supper which combines theatre and food with an immersive performance woven into the evening throughout the courses (more about that later).
On to the food!
The starter was creamy garlicky hummus, delicious mushroom pate and (in Annie’s words) a ‘special’ olive oil dip with capers, rosemary and grana padano – which was sublime. The food was served with a selection of Emma’s Bread; rosemary and sea salt focaccia, fougasse and rye bread. All served in simple bowls to share per table, we all tucked in and the room was alight with murmurs of pleasure and conversation.
Pop-ups are a wonderful way to meet new people locally, I have enjoyed several in London. They are definitely one of my favourite eating experiences.
The main course was either simple (and delicious) moules frites with homemade mayonnaise or vegetarian leek flamiche. Being a bit pescatarian, I tried both and was delighted by the flavours.
Lastly, we were served pannacotta with blood orange curd, fresh blood orange and orange and rosemary shortbread – which ended the evening very pleasantly indeed!
It was a wonderful atmosphere, and when one of the guests went over and played the piano The Boatyard Bakery came alive. He played one of my favourite pieces; Michael Nyman’s ‘The heart asks pleasure first’, which made me stop talking and just breathe it in – bliss.
I am very much looking forward to Annie’s next pop up. To spending more time in the fabulous Boatyard Bakery and to the Scripts for Supper event in May. Here one of my favourite books of all time; The wind in the willows will come alive when Annie merges two of her (and my) favourite things – food and theatre – at West Town Farm in Ide.
About Scripts for Supper
Scripts for Supper is brought to you by 2016 MasterChef Semi-Finalist Annie McKenzie.
A theatrical dining experience with a difference, where the actors double up as waiters and the food brings you into the world of the play.
A script. A supper. An evening you’ll never forget.
Join in the feast, and who knows? You may just leave with both your soul and tummy very well fed.
More info and tickets here.
