Taste Worcestershire - The Foodie's Favourite Returns for 2025 With a Feast of Fresh Flavours

It's time to experience the best of the county's culinary delights and sample the finest produce from local food producers, brands, and businesses - welcome to Taste Worcestershire. 

This is great news for me, as my maternal grandfather's family were farmers in the Vale of Evesham in Worcestershire. 

Showcasing specially curated menus from local chefs and bringing together the best artisan producers and culinary talent in the area, visitors can take advantage of unmissable offers and discover the stories behind Worcestershire's rich agricultural heritage - from field to fork.

“It's time to savour the county's flavour! We are incredibly excited to announce the return ofTaste Worcestershire, which is all about celebrating our local producers, chefs, and independent venues who make the county such a vibrant place to eat and drink. 

"This October, we're encouraging residents and visitors alike to explore somewhere new, try something different, and support the brilliant businesses on their doorstep. There's never been a better time to taste what Worcestershire has to offer," Lorna Robinson, Visitor Economy Manager, Visit Worcestershire explained to That's Food and Drink.

Culinary adventurers will have the opportunity to dine at their favourite restaurants and enjoy unique set menus with special discounts, all accessible through one voucher available to download from the Visit Worcestershire website. 

The offers and experiences will run from 6th October to 26th October 2025 and will be available throughout the week and weekends.

The TASTE WORCESTERSHIRE line-up revealed so far includes:

Black & Green a modern 16-seater neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Barnt Green, Worcestershire. Black symbolises 'classical' and green 'sustainable'.

Brockencote Hall experience quality dining when you visit the venues restaurants in Kidderminster, enhanced by panoramic rural views across the estate and a superb wine cellar.

Canary & Kitchen home dining and restaurant experience bringing stylish, exciting menus to more people. Enjoy excellent cuisine and service from a Masterchef UK contestant.

Hanbao regions leading Independent Burger restaurant & Cocktail bar based in Worcester.

Hogarths Stone Manor delicious food from three local counties of Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire. Sourcing local ingredients and by the seasons and the wonderful growers, farmers and producers that surround the venue.

Paisley at 106 experience luxury dining and award-winning food at this beautiful venue in Stourport on Severn. Dine in intimate settings, where every plate tells a story.

Sow  the newest restaurant from acclaimed chef Andrew Sheridan — a refined farm-to-table dining experience nestled within the scenic Netherwood Estate.

Stirrups in Evesham combines proper food and drinks to bring you a relaxed, modern and unique dining experience. (Which is where I come in, if you see what I mean!)

The Lygon Arms showcases a specially curated menu of exemplary dishes by celebrated chef, James Martin inspired by local, artisanal and seasonal produce.

The Old Bull is a 16th Century Inn, located in the picturesque and quaint village of Inkberrow. Traditional ales and ever–changing guest beers, the pub offers traditional food and daily specials on its home-cooked menu. 

Incidentally, Inkberrow is said to be the model village for Ambridge in The Archers, whilst the Old Bull is acknowledged as the model for The Bull pub in The Archers. 

More venues are to be announced in the coming weeks, so keep updated through the Visit Worcestershire website, or sign up for the latest newsletters; food enthusiasts should not miss this experience. 

And That's Food and Drink will continue to bring you up-to-date news on Taste Worcestershire, so watch this space.

https://visitworcestershire.org/taste-worcestershire

How to Make Your Own Sauces at Home to Rival the big brands

Creating your own sauces at home is a fantastic way to add unique flavours to your dishes while controlling the ingredients and avoiding preservatives. 

Here’s how you can make your own versions of some classic British favourites: HP Sauce, Worcester Sauce, and Heinz Tomato Ketchup.

Homemade HP Sauce

HP Sauce is a beloved British brown or fruit sauce known for its tangy, slightly spicy flavour. Here’s how to make your own version.

Ingredients:

250ml malt vinegar

200ml water

150g dates, pitted and chopped

1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

75g dark brown sugar

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp allspice

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp tamarind paste

1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, combine the malt vinegar, water, dates, apple, and onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the fruit is soft.

Add the dark brown sugar, ground ginger, allspice, ground cloves, mustard powder, salt, tomato puree, tamarind paste, and soy sauce. Stir well to combine.

Continue to simmer for another 40-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.

Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then blend until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.

Pour the sauce into sterilised bottles and seal. Store in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Homemade Worcester Sauce

Worcester Sauce is a complex, savoury sauce with a distinctive umami flavour. Making it at home requires patience, but the result is well worth it.

Ingredients:

250ml cider vinegar

50ml soy sauce

50ml water

2 tbsp tamarind paste

2 tbsp molasses

2 tbsp fish sauce

1 tbsp dark brown sugar

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp chilli powder

2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine the cider vinegar, soy sauce, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Add the tamarind paste, molasses, fish sauce, dark brown sugar, ground ginger, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and chilli powder. Stir well.

Add the chopped anchovy fillets and stir until they dissolve into the sauce.

Simmer the mixture gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat and let cool. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve to remove any solids.

Pour the strained sauce into sterilised bottles and seal. Store in the fridge for up to 6 months.

Homemade Heinz Tomato Ketchup

Heinz Tomato Ketchup is a staple in many households, known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Here’s how to make your own version.

Ingredients:

1 kg ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

100ml cider vinegar

100g granulated sugar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp mustard powder

1 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes and onion are soft, about 20 minutes.

Pass the mixture through a sieve or food mill to remove the seeds and skins, resulting in a smooth puree.

Return the puree to the pot and add the cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, mustard powder, ground allspice, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and paprika. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the ketchup thickens to your desired consistency. This can take 45 minutes to an hour.

Allow the ketchup to cool slightly, then blend again if necessary to ensure it is smooth.

Pour the ketchup into sterilised bottles and seal. Store in the fridge for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Making your own versions of HP Sauce, Worcester Sauce, and Heinz Tomato Ketchup at home allows you to enjoy these classic flavours with the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in them. With a bit of time and effort, you can create delicious, homemade sauces that rival their store-bought counterparts. Whether you’re adding them to your favourite dishes or using them as condiments, these homemade sauces are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness!