Foodies Festival, the UK’s biggest celebration of food and drink has kicked off with a phenomenally successful launch at Brighton Hove Lawns last weekend, which saw nearly 30,000 people enjoy sizzling barbecues, cook off competitions and the best in all things culinary.
Hospitality operators might find it worth their while to check out this latest phenomenon, the foods and pop-ups that they feature, and the audience they attract: there must be useful lessons to apply to your own business!
Next stop: Marble Hill, Richmond
The next stop in the itinerary is a brand new venue: Marble Hill near Richmond, south west London.
The first ever Foodies Festival to be run in partnership with English Heritage, the event will take place over the second May Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 24 to Monday 26 May).
Set in 66 acres of outstanding riverside parkland, beautiful Palladian villa Marble Hill House is set to provide a stunning backdrop for three days of festivities.
Chefs, authors, writers…
Visitors will get the chance to meet an extensive array of top chefs, including 2012 and 2013 MasterChef victors Shelina Permalloo and Natalie Coleman; 2009 MasterChef winner Matt Follas; 2012 MasterChef finalist Andrew Kojima and Adam Handling, head chef at the Caxton Grill and MasterChef: The Professionals 2013 finalist. Also in attendance will be culinary maestros including Paul Merrett, owner of local favourite The Victoria; Kevin Love, head chef at The Hinds Head, Bray’s latest Michelin star pub and restaurant; bestselling author, food stylist and recipe writer Annie Rigg and Steve Drakes of The Restaurant At Drakes.
New features
Exciting new features include a Cook School hosted by TV chef Anjula Devi (Food Glorious Food winner), where visitors can learn to cook delicious Indian dishes in hour long practicals. Also making their Foodie Festivals’ debut are chilli eating competitions; Ibiza Chill Out Cocktail Bar; Feasting Tent; Chocolate, Cake, Bake & Preserves Theatre; BBQ Arena; Vintage Tea Tent and Chilli Food Market. Back by popular demand meanwhile are favourites the Aga Rangemaster Chefs’ Theatre; the Drinks Theatre; Street Food Avenue and The Children’s Cookery Theatre among many others.
For information and tickets click here