It is that time of year again when the children go back to school, the days get a bit shorter, BBC start a new Sunday night period drama and of course we have the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival. Now in its 7th Year I have watched the Sefton Park based jewel in SK Events crown grow considerably to the point where it is now a serious event in any true foodie’s calendar. This year it is slightly later in September but looks like another bumper year with the addition of a Friday evening with some excellent guests, exhibitors, activities, music and entertainment. Here is a brief taster of what to look out for with links for further information and tickets.
Tom Kerridge
Friday 19th September – Pub in the Park
This looks a really intriguing addition to the original festival format with a celebration of the Great British Pub. This is intended to be a relaxed, chilled out event with a mixture of events ranging from SK Events own fine dining experience hosted by the cuddly Tom Kerridge and catered for by Liverpool’s latest fine dining chef Paul ‘Porky’ Askew (founder of the Arts School). Please note this is a pre-booked event (£96) click here for details.
For those with a slightly smaller budget there is still plenty to enjoy with a comedy pub quiz, Beer and Bangers tent, live music, pub games, dodgems and a host of other selected street food stalls. Please note that this is over 16s only.
What’s On – Saturday and Sunday
Across the whole weekend there are plenty of activities and events:
Celebrity Chef Arena (chefs usually on from around midday)
On Saturday is home to Michelin Starred TV chef Tom Kerridge with his pub themed food which he will cook in demos and offer the opportunity for some Q and A.
Yotam Ottolenghi
On the Sunday there is a more mature feel in the Chef arena with Isreali born chef Yotam Ottolenghi. He is a personal favourite of mine and will showcase some of his exquisite dishes inspired by the Middle East and Asia.
Restaurant Arena
This plays host to the many great restaurants in the Liverpool and wider North West. Allowing us a chance to taste samples of their food with many freebies and also offers for visits to the restaurants.
Street Food Area
This is a personal favourite of mine and showcases much of the great street food that is available in the area. This is where you can experiment with some very exotic flavours and dishes that maybe you would not try in a restaurant. Always a winner!
Kids Zone
This is a great place to entertain the little ones with food based activities and creative challenges for all ages. You can even leave your buggies here to carry the little ones around ( a must if it rains!).
Market Place
Here the local small business (and some larger ones) give you the opportunity to buy produce and items to take home. Covering all sorts of things from cheeses and olives through to exotic meats and kitchen items. I find that i usually can spend ages looking around here. Make sure you bring your wallet!
Street Food
What else?
Well lots to be honest. As always there will be live music throughout the day, usually with a folky twist. There are also bars with good quuality, local craft beers, wines, spirits and ciders. For the more sober visitor there is a cafe area and edible garden. Or for those with a sweet tooth there is a Heavenly Chocolate Area complete with its own chocolatiers.
This is a really great day (or evening) out for all the family (except Fri eve) and reasonably priced, particularly if you book ahead and avoid the queues! Useful links are below: