ART OF THE IMPOSSIBLE - A Magical Evening at the Forum

I just had to let everyone in Blandford (and environs – there's posh!) know about the fantastic evening I spent with a group of friends at the Forum last weekend.  As well as the mind boggling tricks performed by Paul Hyland, Jill Budd and Katie Blake spun their own special magic in the kitchen, creating a stunning menu that proved a unanimous success.  The food certainly did its own disappearing act from everyone's plates!

I've heard people grumble that there aren't many places to dine out in Blandford if you don't fancy a curry but Jill has managed to create something rather special at the events she holds regularly at the Forum.  This latest one has possibly been the best to date.  The three course dinner was delicious – all freshly cooked on the premises, with generous portions that satisfied even the healthiest of appetites.  Not having to decide what to order added to the appeal.  With its relaxed setting the evening felt very similar to dining out at a friend's house with the food having that home cooked appeal, but elevated to restaurant quality, (and of course without the hassle of having to prepare, serve or tidy up yourself!)  The starter of delicious soup was served with a mouth-watering cheesy scone.  The chicken wrapped in bacon with mash and seasonal vegetables was moist and beautifully seasoned and the white chocolate cheesecake that followed was light and decidedly more-ish!   Even without the added bonus of entertainment, we all made Jill promise to put on more events soon and vowed we would  be back.

I can't finish without mentioning the fantastic entertainment from Paul Hyland who demonstrated his rightful membership to The Magic Circle. Not only did he illustrate his sleight of hand masterfully (and at very close quarters) but also his gentle sense of humour and relaxed delivery.  Usually one to shy away from singing minstrels and table top entertainers at any event, I felt totally at ease as Paul wandered from table to table.  He was not at all intrusive and didn't make anyone feel awkward as he executed brilliantly clever tricks that had us all questioning 'how did he do that?'

A local to the area, we were impressed to discover that he has entertained much more famous clientele than us – the likes of Henry Kissinger, Ronnie Corbett, Julian Fellowes, CEOs of multinationals and at least one Nobel Prize winner.  And although he has performed for clients including Pepsi-Cola, Marks & Spencer, Jasper Conran and Waitrose in posh country houses, theatres , 5* hotels, and a Venetian palazzo we were glad he was happy to entertain a small group of unknowns in a local eatery.  I saw several of the diners reach for his business card that he had cleverly woven into one of his many tricks, with plans to book him for their own soirees (40ths and the like).  I know who I'll be booking for my husband's next big birthday.

So in conclusion, all I can say is, if you're looking for something different, delicious, refreshing and relaxing, you could do a lot worse than check out what's on at the Forum sometime.  Just don't book your tickets before me, because I don't want to miss out!