August 16th -17th was a great weekend for foodies in Nottingham as we saw Wayne Manor, otherwise known as our own Wollaton Hall and park, transformed into a festival to celebrate all that’s great in food and drink. From the keen cook to the coach potato who prefers to watch their food being cooked rather than DIY, there was something to tickle the most fickle of taste buds at the festival, organised by Living Heritage.
With the stunning back crop of Elizabethan Manor, Wollaton Hall, TV chefs including The Fabulous Baker Brothers, Shelina Permelloo and Mark Lloyd were on hand with live cooking demonstrations, as well as Nottinghams own Arfan ‘Raz’ Razak, owner of the Curry Lounge who NottinghamLive were on hand to support. We caught up with Raz late on the Saturday as he shared some tips and culinary tricks whilst whipping up a two course meal of Tempura Prawns and Chicken Curry.
Reggae Reggae sauce inventor Levi Roots topped the bill on Sunday bringing a little Caribean sunshine to the event. The chef who found fame following his appearance on Dragons’ Den shared his tips on Caribeen cuisine as well as an audience sing song.
The busy Food Hall welcomed a range of different producers both local and national showcasing an amazing selection of food with dozens of stalls including The Great British Cheese Company, Yumi Cupcakes, Bluebell Dairy, Winchcombe Burger company, The Old Fashioned Pudding Company, Daffodil Fudge, The Sauce Cream to name but a few.
Hungry shoppers could head over to the Piazza and choose from a number of vendors including Nottingham’s own Johnny Putzsai of JT Beedham with his award winning sausages, Carlo’s Gelato Icecream, Pasta King, 63 Islands Caribbean Street food and Oak Tree Farm with their Hog Roast and Barbecue, so there really was something for everyone.
You could raise a glass to the micro brewery in the Real Ale Marquee which boasted brews from Nottingham’s Shipstones Beer Co Ltd, the Elliswood Brewery and the Bateman Brewery to name but a few. Wine drinkers weren’t left out either, with hourly tasting sessions by the Notts Derby Wine School.
There was music to enjoy from the Reel Easy Folk Band, FB Pocket Orchestra and Saxophonix as well as children’s entertainment and the Living History Group demonstrated how food was cooked in years gone by. With so much going on, thank goodness it was on for two days!
For more information visit: www.nottinghamfoodfestival.co.uk
by Tanya Raybould
