I got my hands on some 'rocket fuel' during my first visit to the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market and I was blown away.

The bigwigs at the Hampshire Chronicle decided it would be a good idea to send me to the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market, which runs for a full month and could attract more than 100,000 people.

To be honest I am far from a fan of Christmas. I am a bit of a 'Grinch', but I had fun talking to people, eating food and meeting stallholders.

Read more: Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market returns with festive cheer

I caught Mr A. Jesskin, 22, tending a huge copper vat of gluhwein for D. C. Leisure Ltd as the steam from it filled the air: "I was working here last year as well!. We've [the company] has been here for 15 years."

The 22-year-old said the company owns all the gluhwein sellers around the market and makes their beverage to a traditional Austrian recipe -which is secret.

"I don't even know what it is," he said and asserted it was better than the typical mulled wine sold at Christmas markets.

He said: "I'm not a mulled wine lover, but this is rocket fuel!" I tried the drink and, yes, it did give me a serious buzz for the rest of the day.

Read more: Winchester Cathedral invites Christmas market-goers inside

Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market (Image: Charles Elliman) It would not be hyperbolic to say the crowds were 'huge' and I have no doubt more than the estimated 130,000 people will go along, judging from the opening day.

I met people from all over the world too. Some were happy to chat for the Chronicle, but I met people from Italy and as far afield as China.

There are stalls offering people stuff, like candles and socks and jewellery, but I went for the food and was surprised not to be ripped off.

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Olivia Wright, 19 (Image: Charles Elliman) In the food area I quickly sniffed out the Mac Shack, which was much needed to satisfy a craving I currently have for American food - don't ask, just watch Somebody Feed Phil.

At the stall, I met Olivia Wright, 19, who was taking a rest before the lunch rush. She said: "I'm excited! I worked here last year, so I'm excited for the business.

"It's great on Saturday - very lively. Usually, you have the music as well, so it's nice!"

I asked her what their best thing was and she said: "Probably the toppings from the Mac Shack! The 'Fully Loaded' is the best-seller, with chicken, bacon, salsa etc."

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Fully loaded! (Image: Charles Elliman) I like my mac and cheese so people should listen when I say the Mac Shack makes a good one. As well as the chicken, bacon and salsa you get jalapenos and crispy onions.

I took it back to the office and let my colleagues try some. One said it was very rich, but I like that and the kick from the jalapenos was just right.

Although, it was not perfect. Would I have liked it to have been crispier? Yes. Having a bite to the pasta and a crunch would have made it better.