It's Back! Winchester Food Festival Returns!

Hampshire Fare, the county-wide food, drink and craft group, is thrilled to announce the return of the Winchester Food Festival after a successful inaugural event last year, which That's Food and Drink were pleased to be able to blog about last year.

This culinary extravaganza takes place on Sunday, July 14, in the picturesque Outer Close of Winchester's ancient Cathedral.

Working in close collaboration with Winchester BID and Winchester Cathedral, this year's festival promises to be even bigger and better. It's a free-to-enter event, and is a celebration of the finest local produce from Winchester and its environs.

The 2024 Winchester Food Festival is set to feature an even larger array of stalls, with fun and activities for all ages. There will also be exciting cookery demonstrations by top chefs  

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses? Get ready to mark your calendars because on Sunday, July 14th, the Winchester Food Festival returns with a delectable lineup of gastronomic delights, promising a day filled with gourmet indulgence, culinary discoveries, and unforgettable experiences.

Nestled in the heart of Winchester in the environs of the ancient Cathedral, this annual festival has become a beloved tradition for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Drawing inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of the region and beyond, the Winchester Food Festival celebrates the diversity and creativity of the food scene while showcasing the finest local producers, artisans, and chefs.

From artisanal cheeses to freshly baked bread, from succulent meats to decadent desserts, the festival offers a feast for every palate. Whether you're a devoted foodie seeking out the latest culinary trends or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely day of sampling exquisite flavors, there's something for everyone to savor at this gastronomic extravaganza.

One of the highlights of the Winchester Food Festival is the opportunity to meet the passionate individuals behind the products. Engage in conversations with local farmers, brewers, and artisans as they share the stories behind their craft and offer insights into their techniques. Discover the dedication and expertise that goes into creating each artisanal cheese, small-batch beer, or handcrafted chocolate, and gain a newfound appreciation for the artistry of food production.

But the festival isn't just about tasting delicious food—it's also about learning and exploration. Attendees can participate in interactive cooking demonstrations led by renowned chefs, where they'll pick up invaluable tips and techniques to elevate their culinary skills. From mastering the perfect risotto to perfecting the art of cocktail crafting, there's always something new to discover in the world of food and drink.

And let's not forget about the vibrant atmosphere that permeates the festival. With bustling market stalls, and a lively ambiance, the Winchester Food Festival is a celebration of community and conviviality. Gather with friends and family, soak up the sunshine, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this culinary extravaganza.

As you wander through the festival, don't forget to support the local vendors and producers who pour their hearts and souls into their products. Whether you're purchasing a wedge of artisanal cheese, a jar of homemade preserves, or a bottle of craft beer, every purchase directly supports the hardworking individuals who make the festival possible.

New this year, before Winchester Food Festival starts will be a week-long programme of events from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July under the aegis 'A Taste of Winchester'. Hampshire Fare will work with Winchester's City Council to engage with local food and drink producers, makers and hospitality businesses within Winchester, inviting and them to be involved in the build-up to the festival by staging their own activities, from tastings and  masterclasses to special offers and special menus. 

Councillor Lucille Thompson, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture at Winchester City Council sais: “This inclusive community event allows residents and visitors to savour the flavours from our  district. A week of culinary events will add another exciting dimension to the festival and will help to support local businesses.

People attending the festival will be able to indulge in a large and diverse selection of local delicacies, such as tasty micro-greens, trout, coffee, orchard juices, cheeses, honey, beers, and gins.

New this year, before Winchester Food Festival starts will be a week-long programme of events from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July under the aegis 'A Taste of Winchester'. Hampshire Fare will work with Winchester's City Council to engage with local food and drink producers, makers and hospitality businesses within Winchester, inviting and them to be involved in the build-up to the festival by staging their own activities, such as tasting events, masterclasses, special deals and special menus. 

Councillor Lucille Thompson, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture at Winchester City Council sais: “This inclusive community event allows residents and visitors to savour the flavours from our  district. A week of culinary events will add another exciting dimension to the festival and will help to support local businesses.

Natasha Dochniak, Hampshire Fare's Commercial Manager, said: “Our county has a wide range of wonderful food and drink producers, and we're thrilled to grow our event to celebrate A Taste of Winchester. The Cathedral provides an amazing backdrop. We can't wait to share our plans."

If your business is interested in sponsoring the event, please email (natasha.dochniak@hampshirefare.co.uk).

Don't miss out on this delectable celebration of local food and drink. Mark your calendars for July 8– 14!

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply someone who loves good food and good company, this is an event not to be missed. Come join us as we celebrate the art of food and drink and indulge in the flavors of the season. See you there!

Mavrik Secures Award-winning Status for Core Range of Alcohol-free Cocktails

Hampshire's top premium alcohol-free cocktail brand, Mavrik, is celebrating a run of success following entries to a number of prestigious food & drink awards this year. 

The brand's core range of four natural, low calorie virgin cocktails presented in a funky ready-to-drink (RTD) can format, now boasts no less than four awards, with each variant now benefiting from an acknowledged industry accolade:

Mavrik's Aromatic G&T won a Bronze in this year's Scottish Retail Food & Drink Awards

Mavrik's Cuban Mojito was awarded a Silver in the 2023 Free From Food Awards

Mavrik's Venetian Spritz and Storm & Spice were both winners in this year's Great Taste Awards, each achieving the much sought after 1* ranking

Commenting on the brand's achievements, Director Andrew Mallinson says, “With the no and low category now universally recognised as an important growth category – according to ISWR 2023, half of the UK adult population bought a no or low alcohol drink last year and 5.2m fewer UK adults are drinking alcohol weekly in 2023 vs 2021.

"The awards represent a highly credible, reliable recommendation to consumers who are now faced with such a plethora of no and low alcohol options. 

The accolades, alongside the brand's impressive taste experience, low calorie and all-natural credentials and shelf-shout, underpin the relevance of listing Mavrik to key trade stockists.”

Mavrik produces a full range of canned cocktails in six delicious flavours: Cuban Mojito, Aromatic G&T, Storm & Spice, Venetian Spritz, Passion Star Martini and Espresso Martini. 

For more information visit https://www.mavrik-drinks.com

Hampshire Food Festival 2023 Goes Big!

Hampshire Fare is thrilled to be able to announce that this year's 21st Hampshire Food Festival will be  even bigger with a whole summertime of events running from 1st July to 31st August.

Says Tracy Nash, who is the Commercial Manager for Hampshire Fare: “The Hampshire Food Festival has always been one of the most ambitious in the whole country in terms of scale and reach. 

"However, this year we've decided to make it an even bigger celebration of food and drink running across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight throughout the entire summer. 

“People love local! We have seen a growing interest in provenance and an increase in staycation experiences which means that there is a huge hunger out there for food and drink events and experiences. 

"Hampshire Food Festival's engaging and exciting programme is just what everyone needs! The Festival is this summer's must-visit with a great line-up of top chefs, involvement from Hampshire's buzziest cafes, pubs and restaurants, and a showcase of some of the best food and drink from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Hampshire Fare's award-winning Hampshire Food Festival has been helping to put Hampshire on the map as a foodie destination for over two decades, providing farmers, growers, makers and producers with an opportunity to showcase their produce to a wider audience through a varied programme that includes tours, tastings, chef demos, markets, menus, workshops and more. 

This year's Festival features two brand new events organised by Hampshire Fare. These are Celebrate Hampshire, a two-day event (1st-2nd July) hosted by Festival Place, Basingstoke, that launches the Festival and is centred round a lively Chefs' Kitchen, and the first ever Winchester Food Festival (9th July). 

To be held in the Cathedral's Outer Close, Winchester Food Festival includes a produce market, demos by local chefs, among them Lenny Carr-Roberts, who is a familiar face due to his television appearances on James Martin's Saturday Morning show on ITV, plus there's a spotlight on creating delicious budget-friendly and healthy dishes with nutritionist Mary Needham of social enterprise, Munch.

Altogether there are over 230 diary dates with events for everyone from foodies to families, those looking to upskill, as well as others who want to chill to a relaxed party vibe. The diverse range of events includes Shakespeare in pub gardens, supper clubs and sausage-making demos. There are BBQ masterclasses, brewery and vineyard tours, farm open days wild foraging experiences, pop-ups in cherry orchards, a special tasting menu in an art gallery, plus the brand-new New Forest Food Festival.

Tracy Nash, concludes: “This year the Hampshire Food Festival is bigger than ever and packed with new events and great fun entertainment. The Festival has become a well-established highlight of the summer calendar and gives everyone, locals and visitors, a delicious opportunity to discover the area's cities, countryside, market towns and villages through the region's exceptional abundance of food and drink.

“Thank you to all our partners and supporters, in particular the Festival's headline sponsor this year, SoCal BBQ Kitchen. This event wouldn't be possible without their generous assistance.”

A digital version of the Hampshire Food Festival Programme is available on the Hampshire Fare website (hampshirefare.co.uk/local-produce/publications). Festival events will also be posted on the Events page of the website and highlighted by #HantsFoodFest23 across social media.

Hampshire Food Festival was established by Hampshire Fare in 2000 with an ambition and scale not seen elsewhere. It ran for a fortnight during summer and included walks, talks, tours, tastings and cookery demonstrations as well as produce markets and special menus. By 2008 it had evolved into a month of activities during July. This year, for the first time, the programme of food and drink-related activities runs across two months, July and August. 

Hampshire Fare works strategically with Hampshire County Council, along with Corporate Partners: Clarke & Son, Festival Place, Fuller Smith & Turner, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Ideal Collection, Rownhams House & Gardens, SOCAL, Southern Co-Op, Starfish Creative Design, and our Corporate Friends: Bankbrokers, Harvest, Menzies, NFU Mutual New Forest, Bournemouth & Isle of Wight, and Upham Group. Business South, University of Portsmouth and Breckenridge are Strategic Partners.

Hampshire Fare is a not-for-profit CIC working with nearly 400 members. These encompass food, drink and craft producers, and hospitality businesses, including cafes, caterers, pubs, restaurants and retailers such as box schemes, butchers, farm shops and village stores. They all share a commitment to sourcing local, supporting their communities and contributing to a sustainable future for the county's food and farming industries. 

Hampshire Fare was established in 1991 with an evolving role to champion local food, drink and craft, increase awareness among the public and trade of the wide range of local produce available, encourage high standards and best practice, assist producers to compete as viable enterprises, and foster all members' development. This is achieved through business opportunities, routes to markets, events, marketing and publicity.

Introducing the First Winchester Food Festival

For many people of a certain age mention of Winchester Cathedral evokes memories of the hit 1960s song "Winchester Cathedral, written by Geoff Stephens and performed by his The New Vaudeville Band.

However, Winchester has a greater interest to readers of That's Food and drink, as the Cathedral City long been known as a great place for foodies.

And this summer the city will have its first dedicated free festival showcasing its fabulous local producers and talented chefs. 

And That's Food and Drink is pleased to hear this news and pleased to be able to share it with our readers.

It's schedules to happen on Sunday, 9th July, and the new Winchester Food Festival is being organised by Hampshire Fare and will showcase delicious produce from the Winchester District and the wider Hampshire area.

Winchester Food Festival will be held in the Cathedral's Outer Close, and will open from 10.00am with a Chefs' Kitchen running from 12 noon. 

Top chefs from favourite restaurants will be sharing tips and creating tasty recipes using local produce provided by Festival sponsor Quob Park Free Range & Organic.

The line-up will include Damian Brown from Chesil Rectory, Miff Kayum from Kyoto Kitchen, and Lenny Carr-Roberts, of The Bugle, Twyford, The Fox, Crawley, and Shoal, Winchester, who started his career at Le Gavroche, but is probably best known for his television appearances alongside TV Chef James Martin.

Tracy Nash, of Hampshire Fare, said: “Winchester Cathedral provides the perfect backdrop to this new FREE festival. We have been wanting to hold a truly local summertime food festival in Winchester for a long time. 

"And we're We are really pleased and delighted that so many businesses from across the Winchester District have stepped forward to help us hold what will be a key event in the Hampshire Food Festival calendar, and a new event for Winchester, going forwards.”

Available produce will range from superfood micro-greens to locally caught trout, coffee, orchard juices and no-alcohol cocktails to gins infused with local botanicals, plus fudge, fizz, fresh veg, breads, honey and cheeses. 

There will be BBQ cooking with SOCAL, plus there will be a big focus on community and green issues with Winchester Beacon, the local homeless charity and the Festival's charity partner, collaborating with the social enterprise, Munch, to shine a spotlight on creating delicious budget-friendly dishes. Registered nutritionist Mary Needham will be sharing tips on getting the most from ingredients, how to reduce food bills without compromising on flavour and simple ways to make healthy dishes.

Dr Paul Spencer, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Winchester BID is really delighted to be supporting the Winchester Food Festival as part of the Hampshire Food Festival. Winchester is a fantastic place for foodies and this new event will celebrate local producers and businesses in the beautiful setting of Winchester Cathedral. Come along! Visitors can also visit the Hampshire Farmer's Market and explore the city centre. It will be a fantastic day to be in Winchester!”

John Blake, of Winchester Cathedral added: “We are thrilled to host the inaugural Winchester Food Festival in the Cathedral's historic grounds and are excited to partner with Hampshire Fare for what, we sincerely hope, will become an annual event in the city's festival calendar.”

The event is free for the public to attend and has been made possible thanks to much-valued support from local businesses, including Quob Park Free Range & Organic; NFU Mutual Winchester & Wickham; The Winchester Bakery and Shorewood Homes.

For more information about Winchester Food Festival follow @winchesterfoodfestival on social media or visit www.winchesterfoodfestival.co.uk.