I'm 100% foodie at heart with my table top thoughts often populating the pages of my original blog Grub Glorious Grub! However, I'm also an avid upcycler and 'customiser' with a big soft spot for vintage items so it wasn't that unusual to find me at Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair in Glasgow this weekend. Would I suprise myself though with 'a find' that could combine both of my passions? I'll come back to that later....
Admission to the fair is reasonable at £2 per head; some are disgruntled that there is a charge at all but there has to be some way of covering off the costs of organising these now national events. From hair and makeup to bags, broaches and boots you can find all things vintage at this fair. Predominantly it's a clothing fair - most items of which I love, but on others... sadly my genetic Indie:Mainstream ratio does not sit in favour of being able to carry off an original 1960s maxi dress with leather cowhide waistcoat. I'm far more middling with a passion for the past but then escorting it into the present with a full face lift or modern minded alteration.
For those who do hold the hardcore Indie gene there's plenty to chose from, for men and women alike although not for niche markets such as gothic, medieval or victorian (that I saw). For those of you wishing to dabble perhaps for the first time, there are a few suppliers of new goods also but styled towards items of days gone by. Sellers are on hand to offer advice on sizing, styles and origin but leave you to browse at your leisure with no pressure to buy. As a result the fair had a great vibe to it, really chilled and interesting.
If you fancied taking a break in between searching the racks and rails of the various stalls, or simply to sit down to listen to music on play from various eras then why not grab a cuppa and a cake? This weekend The Travelling Tearoom was on hand to serve hot and soft drinks, as well as an aray of delicious bakes served on fine China no less - all very reasonably priced, especially in comparison to some event caterers out there! I was just over £5 for 2 very moreish cakes and a pot of tea for one (the second cake which was intended for Hubz at home, may or may not have made it back to him....)
So, did I buy anything? Well, yes I did, but not something I was expecting to find (another reason why you should also pop along, you may suprise yourself!). I was proud as punch to pick up an original 1950s Sirram Picnic Box from Tania Eadie, Owner and Curator of Valadon1923 for a brilliant £20! I'm in love with my purchase, and adore everything about it from the tiny salt, pepper and mustard jars, to the genuine Victoria and Trentham Potteries star studded travel sized plates! I can't wait to take it on my next adventure...
So there we have it, I was able to combine my passions for Vintage and Food after all but whether you're new to the idea of making use of historical wares or already have it down to a fine art, get yourself along to Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair, it's a great afternoon out! With events being held in Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and Bristol (as well as many, many others) there's bound to be one near you. Check out the website for further details.
As for me, you can follow the adventures of my Sirram Picnic Box (as well as other scratch cooking and lifestyle interests) over on Twitter (@CouthieCantie). Wherever you join the fair have a fab time and let me know what you managed to find!
Nikki x
