Against the backdrop of the magnificent Wollaton Hall, the grounds were filled with Artisan producers from all over the UK last weekend, 13th and 14th August for the third Nottingham Food & Drink Festival. TANYA RAYBOULD went along for NottinghamLIVE.
Hundreds of stands and enormous tents were stocked up with goodies and gadgets ranging from locally reared meats to artisan baking and micro breweries, with exhibitors including B is for Brownie, Shelleys Bakery, The Sawley Kitchen, Bland Cider, Shiptone’s Beer Company Ltd, Lymn Bank Farm Cheese, Chopstix and The Gourmet Pie Company to name but a few.
One of the highlights of the festival saw lucky visitors treated to a fabulous series of live demonstrations in the Main Chef’s Theatre, a huge marquee which hosted Holly Bell, Valentine Warner, Daniel Clifford, Brian Turner and headliner, the Godfather of modern cooking, Marco Pierre White who entertained the crowds. We were lucky enough to catch his second demonstration of the day. The Roadshow Theatre also welcomed Nottingham’s own Daniel Burridge; head chef from Harts Hotel, Annie Spaziano from the renowned Annies Burger Shack and award winning Butcher Johnny Pusztai.
A well stocked Real Ale Bar complimented the fabulous food and showcased a number of micro breweries with a variety of local ales, ciders and perries, whilst for the wine lovers the Notts Derby Wine School were on hand, giving wine tasting sessions.
An ambient Piazza allowed foodies to relax and try some of the wide range of food on offer from a huge number of tastes and cultures including Mama Jacq’s authentic Caribbean street food, Thai cuisine from Sontam Street, Tortilla. We were lucky enough to try tasty Nigerian vegetarian food from Flavours of Africa and delicious grilled Cypriot cheese from Camp Halloumi.
Live music included appearances from soft-folk singer Ellie Keegan, The Bill Bailey Jazz Band and Saxophonic. There were amusements plus entertainment for the children with Pinxton Puppets as well as ‘Have a go’ crafts and Johnny Pusztai’s was back with his popular Build a Burger Challenge. A less appetising bush tucker style food challenge also took place for those that had the stomach for it.
With something for everyone the organisers, Living Heritage, provided the city with a great fun-filled family day out.
Take a look below at some of our haul from this year’s festival.
Words and photos by Tanya Raybould
Editor
@tanyalouiseray
