So this week Usain Bolt tore through the reputation of our Commonwealth, like unforgiving flames ravaging an English seaside pier.
The nation’s tourist board, Visit Britain is probably hoping the Jamaican fast man sprints past any number of its attractions. Lord only knows what he’d make of Byland Abbey – home to the second largest collection of floor tiles in Europe, Abbotsbury Swannery, or Bekonscot Model Village. The latter of which I can confirm has no catwalk marionette’s in residence, only a miniature housing project with a railway network running through its Élan Vital.
Eton Mess may sound like a summer disaster but should be left alone by the Jamaican fast man; It’s part of our heritage and made by folding strawberry puree into whipped cream, crushed meringue and topped with the remaining strawberries.
The Commonwealth Games are a 500 mile walk from the electric athlete’s description; possibly even 500 more. A visit to The Sherlock Holmes Museum in London, or The Pewsey White Horse in Wiltshire are far closer to a description of being what they refer to in Scotland as shite.
Eton Mess
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g Strawberries, hulls removed. 250g blended for puree, 250g chopped for decoration
400ml double cream whipped to stiff peaks
3 x 7.5cm/3in ready-made meringue nests, crushed