Cheshire’s premier food and drink festival celebrates 15 years as it returns to Arley Hall this May 10th – 11th. The culinary event will see a roster of chefs ready to demonstrate tricks of the trade alongside street food vendors preparing the most mouth-watering global cuisine.
The Artisan Market is a great way to discover new producers including vegan and gluten-free treats amongst the many stalls. Grab yourself a drink and take your time perusing the many delights. There is plenty to sample.
Chef demonstrations will include qualified clinical nutritionist, Eva Humphries, who is committed to inspiring audiences to create meals from seasonal British produce, that are big on flavour and still meet your nutrient needs.
Eva brings years of experience and knowledge to the table and has an MSc in clinical nutrition. She says: “Cookery demonstrations are such a great opportunity to pick up new skills and learn insider tips on making our food more delicious and nutritious. Unlike recipe books or social media, live demonstrations offer an immersive experience with an expert. In my case, I help you make healthy food genuinely tasty so it turns into delicious food with the side benefit of it being good for you.
“My mother was in the military, so I grew up in boarding school. When I left, I had no idea how to cook. I used to go to the butcher and ask for something to make for dinner. He was helpful, and I remember one day he gave me diced lamb and he realised I didn’t know how to cook it, so he gave me a spice packet with a recipe on the back and told he how to make a hot pot.
“We have lost that knowledge exchange with most people shopping in supermarkets and leading busy lives. I make sure it’s straight forward, delicious, and good for you.”
New to Arley this year will be the Chat stage, where visitors will have the opportunity to listen in on discussions between chefs and foodies about everything from trends to the best tools for the kitchen to pairing wines. There will be samples to try and the opportunity to ask questions in an informal setting.
The Alberti Twins, John and Tony are based in Manchester and appeared on the first season of Love Island. They are now cooking up a storm in kitchens across the world.
John Alberti says: “We love doing the festival. It’s great to get feedback from a live audience. We specialise in traditional Italian dishes. Our family is from Tuscany and our Nonna was a chef and we’ve grown up with great food and big family meals.”
Mark Bonito from Vanlife Eats will be sharing his recipes inspired by travel and adventure from his van at Arley Hall. He knows a thing or two about the best tools to cook with for small spaces on the move and how to bring food alive with flavour. Mark has Italian heritage, and his family are from the village of Minori on the Amalfi coast – legendary for its cuisine. His grandfather worked alongside Gennaro Contaldo – Jamie Oliver’s mentor.
Mark says: “I’ve been around the UK in the van trying regional flavours and food from our shores. My love of cooking comes from my Italian family, which instilled in me a passion for great food and hosting guests for dinner. The twist is that I do this from my van. It’s incredible what you can make. I’m so excited about coming to Arley this May. I’ll be demonstrating dishes like Turkish flatbread, pasta and Korean chicken.”
Discover new food producers such as LumberjAxe, fresh from their success on BBC television hit show Dragon’s Den. Brothers Brendon and Jaydon of Lumberjaxe and Kadai Fire Bowls have teamed up to bring you the Fire Stage. Hosted by Wayne of Daddy Bear Grills, the smell of smoke and rich aromas from cooking over live fire are not one to be missed. Wayne will explain techniques, fire management, getting the best from your Kadai, and providing tasters featuring Lumberjaxe products.
The family behind the Great British Food Festival are celebrating 15 years of hosting the popular events and will be going all out to make this year extra special. Danny and Janine Maycock are from Altrincham and Arley Hall is their home show.
Janine says: “Arley Hall is such a fantastic setting. Visitors get to experience high quality food and drink in one of the most beautiful country house estates in England. The festival is a great way to spend a relaxing day out with friends and family. Take your taste buds on a culinary adventure trying new global cuisine from the incredible array of street food stalls.”
There’s plenty of space to digest with eight acres of formal gardens, one of the finest in Europe. Arley Hall in Cheshire is known for its unique avenue of pleached lime trees leading to a clock tower, its double herbaceous border and of course its kitchen garden.
Janine adds: “The festival aims to bring people together through a shared love of food and offers a range of activities including the Chilli Challenge, the legendary Cake-Off, Foraging Walks, and more. With plenty of bars, a local crafts and gift marquee and a vast artisan market of over 100 stalls showcasing the best local produce, visitors are in for a treat.”
Live music will be performed throughout the weekend from a diverse range of artists including The Rush and Josh Owen. There is a play area and kids cookery classes, making it a winning day out for families and the event is dog friendly so there’s no need to rush back home.
Details: Great British Food Festival Arley Hall, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6NA
May 10th and May 11th 10am until 5pm
Tickets are available here https://greatbritishfoodfestival.com/tickets.php
Social media Instagram @greatbritishfoodfestival
