Posted on April 19th, 2016
Let’s Celebrate St George’s Day 23 April This Year!
England’s national day of celebration is nearly upon us once again giving us a chance to reflect on the things that make us proud to be English. St George is the patron saint of England, his name most commonly associated with the slaying of a Dragon and the saving of a beautiful princess. In order to save the day St George was said to have invoked the sign of the cross. As a mark of gratitude the people of England henceforth pledged their allegiance to Christianity.
The story’s loosely based on a figure who lived around 280 AD, a Roman foot soldier who grew up to become a Christian.
The myth was in existence even before the Norman invasion of 1066 but caught on widely during the time of William Shakespeare who in Henry V rallied the English troops with “God for Harry, England and St George!”
How to celebrate St George’s Day 2016
There’s a host of exciting activities taking place on Saturday 23rd April, including an annual festival in Trafalgar Square. The event is once again hosted by the Mayor of London, but this year takes on an additional Shakespearean theme, given that the day also marks the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death. The day promises a host of free activities including live music, games, dance and storytelling. There’ll also be an opportunity to watch live cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs and sample traditional English fare from food stalls. Check out visitlondon.com for details.
There are a plenty of other St George’s Day activities taking place in and around London including themed walks, food-tasting in Borough Market and Morris Men performing at Leadenhall Market. There’s also a gala for St George at the Royal Albert Hall if you fancy a spot of patriotic flag-waving. Alternatively why not pop into The George Inn in Southwark for a pint of English ale – a traditional activity that can’t be bested -and finish the day off perfectly – with pie and mash at Arment’s. For information on happenings in and around the capital check out the Londonist.
Treat yourself to traditional dishes this St George’s Day
St George’s Day is the perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy classic English dishes. Think Lancashire hotpot, Yorkshire puddings (which date back to Manchester of the 1790s) and Eccles cakes. Or how about Melton Mowbray pork pies, Bakewell tarts, potted crab, Norfolk plough pudding or a scrumptious Cornish clotted cream tea or pasty?
In our opinion however you can’t get more traditional than an Arment’s pie, accompanied by delicious parsley liquor and mash made from UK grown potatoes.
Pop into our shop on Westmoreland Road – or order your pies by calling 0207 703 4974 and treat friends and family to a St George’s Day celebration, Arment’s-style..
