Moorish meanderings

Anyone wandering through the Market Place in Kingston upon Thames yesterday, could have been forgiven for rubbing their eyes and thinking they had been magically transported to the streets of North Africa. Enticing spicy aromas assailed the nostrils, rhythmic beats accompanied the scents, groovy handmade leather goods beckoned, as did prettily embellished bowls and impressive, brightly coloured, earthenware tagines.

Pleasurable, whether you wanted to relieve your hunger pangs with a portion of meat or vegetable tagine (the food looked and smelt tantalising) or simply felt inspired to pick-up a packet of authentic ras el hanout spice mix, to create your own Moroccan-influenced delights - at home...  

Beautiful, sunny weather enhanced the Moorish experience.  It was a fittingly memorable ending to the Kingston Food Festival's annual three-week run.  I'll miss it!  If you're in the area, this time next year, prepare to have your appetite whetted...