Great British Bake Off judge Mary Berry visits Steyning

Mary Berry swooped into town as an honoured guest at the Steyning Bookshop Author Supper.

The best-seller arrived at Nick Hempleman’s Sussex Produce Café brimming with energy and dedicated countless copies of her latest book - Mary Berry Cooks the Perfect - to diners.

As they waited in line, guests were treated to a glass of Wiston Estate sparkling wine, served by the delightful Pip Goring and her daughter, Eloise.

In an after dinner interview with bookshop owner, Sara Bowers, Mary treated the audience to a glimpse into her extraordinarily life, plus taking a multitude of questions from the floor.

She also told the audience of the great pleasure she felt that, as a result of the successful Great British Bake Off, young children were becoming enthused about cooking.

As the evening came to a close, Mary pronounced the meal prepared by chef Somchad Moore, as ‘absolutely delicious’, before being whisked off home to Buckinghamshire.

Sara said: “It was so very touching to see people almost moved to tears by the experience of meeting her; her cookery writing and broadcasting has been part of the lives of so many families for many, many years.”

The evening was organised by the Steyning & District Food and Drink Festival Committee, led by Reina Alston and Martin Leigh-Pollitt.