Last month I was kindly invited to attend the book launch of Monty Don’s new book ‘Down to Earth’ and I was so excited! The day finally came and I headed up to London on the train, I never ever go up to London so I was going to treat myself to a day out as the event didn’t start until 12.30pm. When departing from the train I made my way to the underground and headed to Covent Garden having never been to this area of London before. First stop was to find somewhere to have breakfast and I came across the delightful ‘Pain Quotidien’ where I enjoyed a delicious chorizo and potato frittata and a chamomile tea. I was ready for the day!
After filling up with breakfast I went in search for Petersham Nurseries which everyone talks about on Instagram… personally I don’t know what the fuss is about but I had a quick look around inside before heading back to the underground. I was off to meet the lovely Annabelle from www.lifeatno27.com for a coffee before the big event and I had such a perfect time chatting in the hotel’s bar before we made our way to the book launch which just so happened to be on the stunning roof terrace.
We were greeted with glasses of champagne in the doorway and introduced ourselves to the other bloggers and the DK publishing team. The most beautiful cocktails were passed out decorated with edible flowers and lavender, they were almost too nice to drink (and rather strong!) The rooftop terrace had a lovely little vegetable garden behind a wooden gate and it was full to the brim with fruit and veg, you wouldn’t think you were in the middle of London and it was so inspirational. Then the main man arrived not long after and everyone fell silent for his speech which again, was very inspirational. Goody bags were handed out to all the bloggers by the DK publishing team and they were so nice to have included two books in my bag, one for me and one for my Dad so we didn’t have to share. The bags also included some Plum and Ashby hand lotion, some peppermint Teapigs tea bags, a delightful little plant, a ball of twine and a beautiful Anthropologie mug. We were called up one by one to meet Monty, to have a chat and to get our books signed. Of course I had a massive fan girl moment and ended up just talking about my allotment to him, all the questions I had in my head vanished! He was an absolute gentleman though and was so lovely.
I met so many lovely fellow bloggers including Annabelle from Life at Plot No.27, Sean James Cameron, Charlie McCormick and Selina Lake, in fact everyone was amazing and the DK publishing agency put on a perfect event. By 3pm everyone had started to leave so me, Annabelle and Sean went to continue the chat with a cup of tea and a slice of cake, the perfect end to a perfect day.
On the train journey home I had a quick read through of Montys book ‘Down to Earth’ that we were gifted and it’s amazing! It’s out on the 5th of October so be sure to grab a copy and I’ll try to review it after the release date!
One thought on “The Monty Don Book Launch!”
A thoroughly enjoyable ‘diary’ of an unusual day, with superb photos Katie, even better for me as a trip to London is a rarity from Northumberland. Of course Monty is an attraction too.
You sound so calm about whizzing into the big smoke, finding somewhere to eat and meeting so many folks, your demeanour that attracts many of us to your videos!
A treat to read.