Mum rang me. I’ve just seen Kate Adie and Larry Lamb in the Market Square. Forget that Mum, Kate may have reported from war zones & he’s…well, he’s from EastEnders, but there was something faaaar more important going on. The Food and Drink Market was only in the revamped Trinity Square!
The extravaganza, on Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September, saw the square become a vibrant outdoor theatre for the senses, and was the highlight of this years Food and Drink Fortnight – a celebration of the city’s culinary supremacy, organised by the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID). Tom Waldron-Lynch, Nottingham BID’s vice chairman said the aim of the outdoor market and Food & Drink Fortnight was to ‘showcase the extraordinary array of brilliant food and drink venues available on our doorstep’.
We managed to catch the last hour on the Friday. Sadly a few of the stalls had already closed or were winding down but there was still an array of mouth-watering gastronomic delights to choose from with stalls including Yamas, Memsaab, Nada Budaya, Curry Lounge, Oriental Mart, Thorntons and Asiana.
There were plenty of goodies and samples on offer as well as discounts. We tried some fabulous warm samosas from Memsaab and, after sampling, ended up taking 4 boxes of chocolate pistachio biscuit sticks from Oriental Mart, which had been demolished before the end of the night. We also sampled and took home some refreshing Aloe Vera water from Asiana.
Throughout the two day celebration a host of brilliant demonstrations took place including mocktail classes and sushi making along with fun activities such as a Man vs Burger challenge, hosted by the Pit and Pendulum.
Notts TV presenter Francis Finn and Nottingham Post writer Lynette Pinchess were amongst the judges checking for a soggy bottoms in a mini bake off event. Won by the Red Hot Buffet, with runners up The Slug and Lettuce, the event saw shops and businesses throughout the city becoming star bakers for the day and creating their best cakes. Slices were then sold in aid of Maggie’s, the cancer care centre based at the Nottingham City Hospital. The perfect excuse to enjoy a slice of cake (or 2).
Fabulous live music from top Nottingham acts, ranged from acoustic and folk through to world music and played on until the close with performers including Georgie Rose, Josh Kemp, Just Jude and Blessing Magore.
Throughout the weekend there was an assortment of street performers and attractions including belly dancing, fire performers, snake charmers and face painting.
It was a shame the market wasn’t on until later in the evening as it was a really great atmosphere, but then what are tasters for if not to leave you wanting more?
By Tanya Raybould
