Cheshire’s ultimate summer day out returns to the magnificent grounds of Arley Hall, this May 9th-10th with a revamped line-up packed with entertainment in every corner of this stunning country estate – where the hit series Peaky Blinders was filmed.
Chef demonstrations and talks, delicious street food and live music alongside a dedicated kids’ stage, foraging walks and floristry masterclasses ensure there is something for all tastes. There’s even a woof zone with activities for our four-legged friends and interactive games like Kingo Bingo.
With entertainment throughout the day on the different stages, there’s plenty to see and do with friends and family including perusing the Artisan Market – a great way to discover new producers. Grab yourself a drink and take your time sampling delights from traders like Nourish by Chef Sumith who sell hand-prepared, natural Indian meals and sauces. Stock up on natural spice mixes to elevate your cooking from Great Northern Spice. From globally inspired blends such as Greek Gyros and Ethiopian Berbere to crowd favourites like Memphis BBQ and their Great Taste Award-winning Cape Malay Curry Blend.
On the Headline stage Masterchef semi-finalist Olayemi Adelekan, known as Yemi, will be demonstrating dishes such as Istanbul inspired spiced potatoes on a bed of labneh with flaked salmon. She enjoys using ingredients from Nigeria or the Middle East and wants to inspire people to make her recipes at home.
Yemi says: “It’s so much fun up there and I want people to feel that they can go and buy the ingredients and replicate the dishes. I layer flavours using things like spring onion oil, which is easy to make.
“The dishes are colourful and this one has a preserved lemon dressing, and the potatoes are cooked in saffron and turmeric giving a wonderful yellow hue. It is finished with green herbs. It is a delight for the senses and smells delicious.”
Adie Munt will also be live on the Headline stage cooking up a storm. Adie began his career in the kitchen at The Belle Epoque in Knutsford and has helped build the reputation for good food at many of Cheshire’s pubs including five years as Head Chef at The Bells of Peover. Adie has now set up his own business Adie & Co catering for private dining, families, retreats, and weddings.
Adie says: “I’m really looking forward to cooking live at Arley Hall. I’ll be searing a lamb rump with rosemary potatoes, confit tomatoes, wild garlic, and crispy kale. A delicious meal that people can make at home.”
The family behind the Great British Food Festival are delighted to be bringing a new format to this year’s festival and will be going all out to make it extra special. Danny and Janine Maycock are from Altrincham and have welcomed over one million visitors to their festivals over the last 16 years.
Janine says: “Come for the food and stay for the fun, leave inspired. That is our message. Arley Hall is such a wonderful setting. We really feel that this is the best way to get together with friends and family and have a wonderful day out this summer.
“With all kinds of entertainment including the legendary Cake-Off, Foraging Walks on the beautiful estate and Floristry Masterclasses there’s plenty to do. With a huge range of bars and street food stalls selling a variety of delicious global dishes – it is a treat.
“We’ve revamped the stages this year, which means there will always be something on and there’s lots of interactive challenges like Beat the Chef. Don’t miss out.”
Overseeing the whole event will be host Chris Bavin. Chris is a cookbook author and has worked in the fresh produce industry for many years founding The Naked Grocer, one of the first no plastic retail businesses. He will be familiar to visitors as he has spent many years presenting a variety of tv programmes including BBC’s Eat Well for Less and Best Home Cook.
Chris says: “I’m really looking forward to hosting the Great British Food Festival. There’s a lot going on so I’m going to be busy but meeting people and enjoying great food and drink in a beautiful setting, feels like an ideal way to spend the day.”
With eight acres of formal gardens, one of the finest in Europe there’s plenty of space to enjoy a stroll and Arley Hall 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.
Live music will be performed throughout the weekend from a diverse range of artists including Groovy Revolution and DRS.
Details: Great British Food Festival Arley Hall, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6NA
May 9th and May 10th 10am until 5pm
Tickets are available here https://greatbritishfoodfestival.com/tickets.php
Social media Instagram @greatbritishfoodfestival
