This bank holiday weekend sees the return of The Foodies Festival and it’s bigger than ever. Taking place at Preston Park, Saturday 4th – Monday 6th May, it’s a celebration of good food in all its glorious forms with an impressive line-up of music in the evenings. Expect plenty of delicious morsels from around the world, wine-tasting, live cooking demonstrations, and classes with experts and stars from the culinary world.
Award-winning cookbook author Nigel Brown will be there with his hands-on authentic Thai green curry cook school sessions. Masterchef champion Tom Rhodes and MasterChef: The Professionals winner Alex Webb will both be cooking in the Chef Theatre, alongside many well-respected chefs from some of the country’s top restaurants, including many of Brighton and Hove’s top eateries.
Dave Mothersill, the man behind perhaps the most exciting restaurant in Brighton at the moment, Furna, is making an appearance to talk about how he rose up through the ranks of some of the city’s best establishments, including The Coal Shed, The Salt Room and The Gingerman. Combining classic and modern techniques, Furna’s high-end food has made it Brighton’s foremost foodie destination with the industry whispering about a potential Michelin Star.
Other Brighton food scenesters in attendance include Steven Edwards (another Masterchef: The Professionals winner – the youngest ever, no less), who helms the 12-table British tasting menu only restaurant, etch., on Church Road, and head chef at the revitalised Lost in The Lanes, Sophie Taverner. Representatives from 64 Degrees, Permit Room, Riddle & Finns, Burnt Orange, Cin Cin and Real Patisserie are also there demonstrating how some of the city’s most inspiring dishes are created.
The garden chefs amongst us will be left excited and ambitious for the upcoming BBQ season after visiting the all new Lumberjaxe Fire Stage, which showcases meaty treats charred to perfection over an open fire pit. Leaving the youngsters to go and learn how to start cooking their own dinners in the Kids’ Cookery Theatre, parents can head over to sample champagne and local wines in the Drinks Theatre with the other adults. Then for show-stopping cakes and desserts The Pots & Co Cake & Dessert Theatre share the secrets of how to get those elusive perfect bakes, with guidance from expert patissiers, chocolatiers, bakers and Great British Bake Off stars.
When foodies have had their fill of food, they can head over for a change of scene to The MAH Music Stage, which plays host to an all-day roster of live music culminating each evening with a strong trio of headliners: Sister Sledge, Scouting For Girls and Symphonic Ibiza.
Tickets are available here
