A Heavenly Creation

Three nice things happened: it was still raining, it was a bank holiday, and we could lie in late, all of which promised exciting options. We went out for lunch, admired a porcelain art collection, and I had my first risotto of the season. I sipped my favourite wine in my favourite restaurant, watching fascinating people from my cosy seat in front of a blazing wood fire. What more could I ask for? Bliss!

Lunch was at the always-delightful Creation Vineyard and Cellar, a cosy spot known for its warm atmosphere. The restaurant was packed, and we were lucky to be seated straight away. The small yet well-thought-out menu is always pleasing; I’ve occasionally done the food-and-wine pairing, so our choices were from the menu. Fresh, local produce is well prepared and used to its full potential, beautifully plated, simple yet delicious.

The staff are genuinely friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to make our experience special. Their attentive service makes me feel valued and reassures my audience that they can expect a welcoming atmosphere on every visit. The wine, of course, is the nectar of the gods. This is one “attraction” that never fails, and we always diarise a trip to Creation whenever we have visitors. We aim to please and impress!

Modern technology surrounds us, whether it’s for the now-infamous “selfie” or for creating art. We can’t escape it, and it's fascinating to see how it shapes our lives. It’s called progress, and sharing this makes me feel connected to my audience's curiosity about the world we live in.

Photographing an unexpected portrait in a restaurant is challenging; the lighting is all wrong. This time, the pretty, smiling girl had a very dark complexion and very long eyelashes, all lit from behind. I don't use a fill flash. I tried to make the most of it, and I kept the look natural.