Bank holiday ideas for foodies
With a host of events throughout the country this bank holiday, we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are our top picks for food fanatics this 25 August
1
Oxford Foodies Festival (23–25 August)
The largest food and drink fest in the UK descends on the quaint city of Oxford this holiday weekend.
Along with the annual produce fair and barbecue, organisers have introduced new events to get your taste buds tingling. Spend lunchtime at the heart of the Feasting Tent, grab afternoon tea at the Vintage Market and when the sun starts to fade, treat yourself to a local ale.
There’s also a chilli-fuelled food market crammed full of jams, sauces and sweets made from the spicy stuff. There’s even a chilli eating challenge at 5pm.
Adult tickets start from £12 via foodiesfestival.com
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Along with the annual produce fair and barbecue, organisers have introduced new events to get your taste buds tingling. Spend lunchtime at the heart of the Feasting Tent, grab afternoon tea at the Vintage Market and when the sun starts to fade, treat yourself to a local ale.
There’s also a chilli-fuelled food market crammed full of jams, sauces and sweets made from the spicy stuff. There’s even a chilli eating challenge at 5pm.
Adult tickets start from £12 via foodiesfestival.com
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2
Leicester City Festival (16–25 August) and National Forest Food Fair (25 August)
We’re loving the packed programme for the Leicester City Festival: Monday sees a pop-up beach, BBC Radio open day, live music and historical re-enactment performances. And, of course, there’s a food fair, which takes its inspiration from the nearby medieval and Bollywood bazaars. Did we mention entry is free?
If you’d rather escape into nature, head to Beacon Hill Country Park for the National Forest Food Fair (tickets £9/£6). While you munch on the best of regional cuisine at the farmers’ market, craftspeople and woodworkers will display their creations.
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If you’d rather escape into nature, head to Beacon Hill Country Park for the National Forest Food Fair (tickets £9/£6). While you munch on the best of regional cuisine at the farmers’ market, craftspeople and woodworkers will display their creations.
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3
The Cornershop Textile Groceries, London (throughout August)
Fabric designer Lucy Sparrow has spent months sewing produce of all shapes and sizes: from chewing gum, carrots and Coca Cola to more bizarre items like cornflakes, Calpol and Quavers. Every textile replica is housed in an actual corner shop in the centre of Bethnal Green.
It’s a clever way to reflect the changing nature of consumerism, even if you can’t actually eat anything. And the meticulously crafted creations would make ideal gifts for the food obsessive in your life.
The Cornershop 19 Wellington Row, London is open every day from 10am-7pm.
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It’s a clever way to reflect the changing nature of consumerism, even if you can’t actually eat anything. And the meticulously crafted creations would make ideal gifts for the food obsessive in your life.
The Cornershop 19 Wellington Row, London is open every day from 10am-7pm.
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4
Kilkeel International FishFest, Northern Ireland (22–25 August)
Set sail for County Down’s thriving fishing town to sample great seafood at the annual FishFest. And entry is free!
Scoff some fresh Kilkeel scampi, or challenge yourself (or your partner!) in the prawn peeling tournament. There’s also a range of events for little ones, such as a nautical fancy-dress competition and face painting.
And when you get the mid-afternoon munchies, head for the oyster eating event, where first prize is £50 (but you have to slug back six of the slimy delicacies first…)
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Scoff some fresh Kilkeel scampi, or challenge yourself (or your partner!) in the prawn peeling tournament. There’s also a range of events for little ones, such as a nautical fancy-dress competition and face painting.
And when you get the mid-afternoon munchies, head for the oyster eating event, where first prize is £50 (but you have to slug back six of the slimy delicacies first…)
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5
Meantime Brewfest, Camden (23–25 August)
It’s the third anniversary of the popular Brewfest, which showcases a massive 150 different beers from across the globe.
Held in the historic Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, you can sip an artisan beverage while looking out across the river Thames. Marvel at the building’s ancient halls – you might even recognize backdrops from blockbusters like Les Miserables, The King’s Speech and Pirates of the Caribbean.
And when you’ve had enough beer? Make your way to the Old Brewery for an evening cheese-tasting session.
Tickets start from £20, meantimebrewing.com
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Held in the historic Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, you can sip an artisan beverage while looking out across the river Thames. Marvel at the building’s ancient halls – you might even recognize backdrops from blockbusters like Les Miserables, The King’s Speech and Pirates of the Caribbean.
And when you’ve had enough beer? Make your way to the Old Brewery for an evening cheese-tasting session.
Tickets start from £20, meantimebrewing.com
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6
Lustleigh Show by Dartmoor, Devon (25 August)
A tiny village on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Lustleigh’s annual festival offers endless activities and the best of regional foodstuffs.
Along with falconry displays, sheep herding, terrier racing and a 10K run, the show aims to support local food and drink producers. Wander past stalls featuring French-inspired feasts, Devonshire pizzas and crepes with soft ice cream.
Later in the day, spend the afternoon enjoying melodies from the local jazz band as the family explores the festival grounds.
Tickets start from £6 for adults, dartmoor.co.uk
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Along with falconry displays, sheep herding, terrier racing and a 10K run, the show aims to support local food and drink producers. Wander past stalls featuring French-inspired feasts, Devonshire pizzas and crepes with soft ice cream.
Later in the day, spend the afternoon enjoying melodies from the local jazz band as the family explores the festival grounds.
Tickets start from £6 for adults, dartmoor.co.uk
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