Well, it’s been a while! I hope this post finds you well in this challenging and uncertain time that we face together, albeit at a responsible social distance. I’ve been so incredibly busy this last year that once again this space has become dormant and neglected, much like the garden that I find myself sitting in now on this glorious sunny day in April. And as the garden is starting to spring back into life and call for attention, so does this space as I find myself working on more and more recipes and giving out more and more advice and tips to friends and strangers about cooking in lockdown.

I’ve been busy doing live recipe videos over in The Virtual Pub on Facebook, it’s a fantastic space full of love, support and merriment that was started by the wonderful Jo Bowtell who used to run The Noel’s Arms Pub alongside ex partner Craig in Melton Mowbray, where I live. The Virtual Pub was originally started as a way for Jo to stay in touch with her regulars, friends and family but thanks to loads of fantastic media coverage across the globe it now has over 22,000 members from around the world, all joining in and enjoying live music, quizzes, comedy and of course live recipe and cocktail videos from yours truly. Check them out on Facebook, grab a drink and go hang out there. There is always someone online if you are feeling low, just reach out and the support is there in bucketloads! If you want to check out my recipes and videos simply go to the Popular Topics tags and look for the one that says Hazel, click on that and all of mine should come up.

There is easy fresh pasta making, boozy food recipes, lazy Easter baking and plenty of cocktails, go have a look about, make new friends, connect with people from all over the world and enjoy a space that is kept happy, friendly and fluffy, just what we all need right now.

There’s also a charity weekend on this weekend raising funds for Mind and The British Red Cross. I have started up a jewellery business this year called Snatched Silver and I’m auctioning off a bespoke ring for these two charities in the Virtual Pub so check out my wares on my Facebook page or Instagram and get bidding for these two great causes.

So I’ll leave you to go check out the pub, pour a glass of your favourite libation, get comfy and enjoy the weekend’s amazing live music and more. Much love x