This weekend saw the fifth Wirral Food and Drink festival take place at Claremont Farm.  Part of Wirral Council’s Year of Food, this years festival boasted more than 100 producers and stalls and attracting around 30,000 visitors, the biggest and best so far.  

Exhibitors and stalls showcased the finest specialist foods from England and North Wales including crumbly cheese from Cheshire, delicious lamb from North Wales, Sarsaparilla from Lancashire, coffee from Birkenhead, homemade cakes from Burton, and locally brewed real ale.  Visitors were treated to chef demonstrations, a mini version of Wirral’s Farmer’s market, live music and cookery workshops.Our very own Paul Askew and the North West Young Chef of the Year Tom Lee demonstrated on Bank Holiday Monday. Paul cooked fillet of turbot with saffron and golden beetroot risotto, poached oysters and girolle.  Tom cooked Anglesey mussel and panchetta ravioli with leeks and micro salad.

Paul said “It was a great buzz to see all the foodies gathered together, well done Claremont Farm!” 

My Highlight of the August Bank Holiday Weekend is the Wirral Food and Drink Festival which I go to and demonstrate at every year.  I love this festival, not just because I’m a Wirralian, but also to celebrate all of the great produce the Northwest and the Wirral have to offer.   There’s always a great atmosphere, not just because of the beer and cider tents, but the live music and free tasting at all of the stalls.  There's also the opportunity to buy some of the best meat, fresh fish, vegetables and prepared products like preserves, marinades and oils that our region has to offer.  People find it hard to believe that all of this fantastic produce is right here on our door step. 

If you have time see you on the main stage at 1pm on Monday where I’ll be cooking some dishes from our current seasonal menu and if you have time come a little bit earlier to see Tom Lee, my Sous chef, who is The Young Merseyside Chef of the Year 2009.  Tom will also be doing some seasonal innovative cooking from The London Carriage Works Menu, watch out though, he’s so fast, if you blink you’ll miss him!  Failing that, if you miss both the demos, you’ll find Tom and I in the Beer tent relaxing after a busy week in the restaurant. 

The Festival takes place on Sunday 30^th and Monday 31^st August at Claremont Farm, near Spital on the Wirral. Last year we had a record 22,000 visitors over the 2 days. This year, weather permitting, we’re hoping for even more. Find out more at www.wirralfoodfestival.co.uk