Latest news with #UKfood
Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The best UK food festivals to book for 2025
Summer is just around the corner and the UK is serving up another delicious year of food festivals. Whether you're craving street eats, gourmet treats or an Aperol spritz in the sunshine, there's something to satisfy every appetite. Food festivals have come a long way in the last few years. Diving into everything from ingredient-led events (think oysters, garlic and more) to hyper-local celebrations showing off the best of the surroundings, right up to huge, music-packed foodie festivals perfect for all the family. You can expect cosy gatherings celebrating local flavours to all-singing, all-dancing mega-fests starring celebrity chefs and live bands. The choice has never been bigger – or tastier. Think bites, brews and beats taking over parks, beaches, fields and city squares. So, grab your sunnies, bring a healthy appetite and get ready to hit some of the UK's most mouthwatering festivals of 2025. Skip to: May June July August September October Best UK food festivals May Foodies Festival Various dates and locations, from May 3-August 31 2025 Nicknamed 'Gastro-Glastonbury', this massive outdoor food fest blends big flavours with big tunes across 14 buzzing locations. Expect top-notch cooking from MasterChef champs and finalists including Santosh Shah (head chef at Cinnamon Kitchen), plus live sets from chart favourites like Scouting For Girls, Pixie Lott and Blue. There's loads to tuck into too – from fire-cooking demos and baking sessions – including Matty Edgell, star of Great British Bake Off, to expert-led drinks masterclasses. It's the ultimate mash-up of food, fun and feel-good vibes. Book tickets for all locations here. The Great British Food Festival Various dates and locations, from May 3-September 7 2025 This fun, family-friendly food fest kicks off at Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent and hits 12 more spots across the UK through to September. Expect live music, sizzling chef demos and tasty food stalls at every stop. Brave a Men vs Food challenge (cue red faces and full bellies) or join a forage walk if you're feeling adventurous. There's loads to keep the kids happy too, with everything from crafts to a mini zoo. It's a delicious day out with something for everyone, wherever it rolls into town. Book tickets for all locations here. Taste of Nairn – Nairn's Annual Food & Drink Festival May 9-11 2025 Every spring, Taste of Nairn serves up a weekend packed with flavour and fun. The seaside town comes alive with tasty treats, cookery demos, tastings and brilliant markets. Featuring stalls at the community and arts centre and in the town centre with Moray Markets. Don't miss the World Tattie Scone Championships and the epic Showstopper Cake Competition, backed by local stars Oakwood Cookery and Makes by Megs. It's foodie heaven. Free event, more information here. Pub in the Park Various dates and locations, from May 15-September 7 2025 Created by chef Tom Kerridge, this travelling festival brings the magic of a great British pub to life – just with more celebrity chefs than your local. Across its four stops, the lineup features food-world icons like Raymond Blanc, Yotam Ottolenghi and Kerridge himself, who'll be at every location. With epic eats, top-notch drinks and live sets from the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ocean Colour Scene, you've got yourself a weekend of proper good times. Book tickets for all shows here. St Ives Food & Drink Festival May 16-18 2025 St Ives foodie festival is a free, beachside weekend bash on stunning Porthminster beach – it's the UK's only one held right on the sand itself. Expect a mix of live cooking demos, tasty masterclasses, family fun and evening sunset sessions with top musical acts. 2025's lineup features local legend Jeffrey Robinson, DJ T-Bone Chops, Ashley Palmer-Watts from The Devonshire in London, and Josh Katz of Carmel and Berber & Q – serving up live demos you won't want to miss. Sun, sea and seriously good food. Tickets can be bought here for the sunset sessions (the daytime is free to attend). The Eat & Drink Festival Scotland May 23-26 2025 This tasty indoor event lands at Glasgow's SEC over the bank holiday as part of The Ideal Home Show, serving up a feast of flavours from around the world. Expect live demos from top chefs like Graeme Cheevers of Michelin-starred Unalome, plus plenty of artisan producers offering fresh, delicious goodies to take home. With loads of chances to eat, sip, shop and discover something new, it's a foodie's dream all under one roof. Tickets from £13 available here. Malton Food Lovers Festival May 24-26 2025 Dubbed the 'Food Fest of the North' by Prue Leith, Malton's free foodie festival is a proper celebration of Yorkshire's best bites and brilliant chefs. Set in the heart of this charming market town, you'll catch live demos from the likes of cook and author Anna Hedworth and Ollie Farrar, head chef at local favourite Forty-Six. And it's not just about food – don't miss the Malton Sculpture Trail, running alongside the festival and packed with stunning work by Yorkshire's finest artists. Tasty, arty and totally free – what's not to love. Find out more here. Blenheim Palace Food Festival May 24-26 2025 The Baroque splendour of Churchill's former home provides the backdrop to this annual festival, taking place over the late May bank holiday. Alongside stallholders selling local produce, artisan treats, craft beers and cocktails, the festival kitchen will host live demonstrations, wine tasting and Q&A sessions with Raymond Blanc, Melissa Hemsley and others. It's a family-friendly affair, too, with slacklining lessons available for kids and live jazz music. Tickets from £28 available here. Taste of the Caribbean: Food Festival Various dates and locations, from May 24-September 20 2025 Taste of the Caribbean is Europe's biggest celebration of bold flavours, vibrant culture and non-stop good vibes. It's been growing every year and brings together the very best street food and one-of-a-kind goodies to take home. Expect live music, epic cook-offs, eating contests, cooking demos, funfair rides and loads of family-friendly fun. With colourful crafts, brilliant entertainment, and mouth-watering dishes at every turn, it's a full-on flavour fest. Book tickets for all locations here. June Meatopia OnFire Glasgow June 6-8 2025 Meatopia is hitting the road and firing things up in Glasgow. After over a decade of blazing trails in London, this legendary live-fire festival is bringing top chefs from the UK, Europe and beyond to cook up epic dishes – always over wood or charcoal, and always using ethically sourced ingredients. Expect smoky flavours, frosty drinks and a killer soundtrack from live bands and DJs. With a menu that's carefully curated and cooked with sustainable fuel, Meatopia is a feast for the senses and the conscience. Tickets from £24.54 available here. Taste of London Food Festival June 18-22 2025 Set in stunning Regent's Park, Taste of London is the city's ultimate five-day summer feast. Expect flame-filled chef demos, live music and top-notch dishes from some of London's hottest spots like Bocconcino, Hotbox, Roti King and Bébé Bob (where rotisserie chicken meets caviar in the most delicious way). There's loads to explore, from the craft beer and cider trail to the Taste Cooking School, where pros spill their secrets. Budding chefs can even get real-time feedback and insider tips to level up their skills. It's a foodie paradise. Tickets from £20.70 available here. Good Food Show Summer June 12-15 2025 Get set for a feast of summer flavours, packed with live demos from celeb chefs like James Martin, Si King, Rachel Allen, John Torode, Lisa Faulkner and loads more. Dive into hands-on workshops, tastings, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences. With hundreds of brilliant producers and foodie brands to explore, you'll have plenty of chances to try, buy and stock up your kitchen for the season ahead. It's tasty, inspiring and full of summer vibes. Tickets from £27 available here. Ballycastle Seafront Artisan Market June 22, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, September 21 2025 Set on the stunning Ballycastle seafront, this lively artisan market by NNCG (Naturally North Coast & Glens – an award-winning, not-for-profit charitable organisation) is all about good vibes, local flavour and community spirit. With around 60 passionate small businesses, you'll discover everything from handcrafted treasures and artwork to delicious local eats. It's a brilliant chance to meet the makers, hear their stories and support home-grown talent in a fun, laid-back setting. Add in Ballycastle's cosy cafés, indie shops and beachside views, and you've got the perfect pit stop along the Causeway coast. More information on dates and tickets here. Cardiff Food and Drink Festival June 27-29 2025 Cardiff foodie festival is back at Roald Dahl Plass, serving up days of flavour-packed fun. Browse the buzzing producers fair and farmers market for top-notch local treats, or head to the street food piazza for freshly made bites that hit the spot. With live music at the bandstand all weekend and the crafters market showcasing beautiful handmade creations, there's loads to explore. It's Wales' biggest free food festival – and with great eats, chilled vibes and plenty to discover, it's one not to miss. here. The Stowmarket Food and Drink Festival July 7 2025 Get ready for a feast of fun at the Stowmarket Food and Drink Festival, held every year on the first Sunday of July. With over 7,000 visitors, it's a buzzing day out packed with delicious street food, sweet treats, pop-up bars and amazing local produce. Wander through the town centre and discover tasty goodies from all kinds of cuisines. Catch live cooking demos with top chefs at the Kitchen Theatre, or enjoy family-friendly fun around town – like mini-movies at The Regal. Whether you're a foodie or just fancy a great day out, there's something for everyone. More information here. Lymington Seafood Festival July 11-13 2025 Hampshire's boutique seafood festival is back, hosted by foodie fave Chris Bavin, alongside Jen Williams from Naked Jam. Expect a packed weekend of mouthwatering street food and every fishy treat you can imagine. And if you fancy sharpening your skills, you can dive into the cookery school or catch top local chefs in action on the chefs stage. Get hands-on with fun, seasonal cooking classes – no experience needed. Oh, and there's an epic Genesis tribute band bringing the vibes. Tickets from £10 available here. August Good Food Festival at Goodwood Racecourse August 15-17 2025 The Good Food Festival is back this August at the iconic Goodwood Racecourse, serving up the ultimate summer day out for all ages. Tuck into award-winning street food, browse brilliant artisan stalls and catch live demos from top chefs at the Good Food Kitchen. There's loads to keep the whole family entertained, from hands-on masterclasses to fun activities for the kids. With tasty bites, expert tips and a buzzing festival vibe, it's the perfect excuse to eat, explore and enjoy a great day in the heart of West Sussex. Tickets from £12.50 available here. The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival August 16-17 2025 'Eat, Drink, Stink' is the bold and brilliant motto of this gloriously garlicky weekend bash just outside Newchurch. A dream for garlic lovers, it's packed with all things allium – from food stalls to cookery demos featuring top chefs like Sean Jeffers of The Red Lion in Freshwater (a three-time Isle of Wight Dining Pub of the Year winner). Throw in live music, foodie talks and the ever-popular dog show, and you've got yourself a fun-filled, fragrant festival with plenty to get stuck into. Tickets from £14.50 available here. FoodFest at CarFest August 22-24 2025 Chris Evans's lively fundraiser isn't just about flashy cars – though there are plenty of those for motor lovers. It's also a feel-good celebration of food, adventure, arts and wellbeing. From buzzing 'Tipple Tents' and hands-on foodie workshops to vibrant farmers' markets and star turns from the likes of Si King, Rosemary Shrager and Lisa Goodwin-Allen of Great British Menu, there's loads to enjoy. Top it all off with live music from Travis and the Hackney Colliery Band, and you've got a weekend full of flavour, fun and seriously good vibes. Day tickets from £89 and weekend camping from £234 available here. The Big Feastival August 22-24 2025 Blur bassist Alex James's Cotswolds farm is back for another year of good music, great food and laid-back vibes. Expect performances from Nelly Furtado, Faithless and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, alongside foodie fun with Raymond Blanc, Simon Rimmer, Emily English and Matthew Ryle. There's loads to get stuck into – wild workshops, hands-on crafting, character meet-and-greets, plus live podcasts and belly-splitting comedy. It's a feel-good weekend with a proper festival buzz in the heart of the countryside. Day tickets from £93.50 and weekend tickets from £218 available here. Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2025 August 22-25 2025 Bolton Food and Drink Festival is turning 20, and it's going big this year. Iconic boy band East 17 will be hitting the stage, and foodie favourites Ainsley Harriott and James Martin will be cooking up a storm – with book signings too. Get inspired by free regional cooking demos and explore over 200 brilliant artisan stalls dotted around the town centre. And don't miss the return of the hilarious Faulty Towers Dining Experience at the Albert Halls on Sunday, where Basil, Sybil and Manuel serve up chaos with your meal. It's one birthday bash you won't want to miss. More information here. Hampton Court Palace Food Festival August 23-25 2025 Set in the stunning gardens of Hampton Court Palace, this annual foodie fest is a jam-packed affair. With over 150 brilliant brands and producers, you'll find everything from gooey brownies and crispy churros to top-notch cheeses and sausages. Sip on refreshing craft beers, fine wines and tasty tipples from buzzing pop-up bars while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. And the cherry on top? Your ticket also gets you into the historic palace once home to Henry VIII. It's a delicious day out in a truly regal setting. Tickets from £28 available here. Meatopia August 28-31 2025 East London's Tobacco Dock plays host to this fiery four-day feast that's a dream for meat lovers. It's all about live-fire cooking, with a stellar line-up including Elliot Hashtroudi from Camille, Bodean's Richard Turner and Ruben Dawnay of Ruben's Reubens. Expect smoky smells, roaring fire pits and top-notch, ethically sourced meat cooked low and slow. As Telegraph food writer Xanthe Clay says, expect 'scenes straight out of Dickens' – just with a whole lot more BBQ. Come hungry and ready to unleash your inner caveman. Tickets from £28.89 available here. North Norfolk Food & Drink Festival August 30-31 2025 This laid-back little festival might not have big-name chefs or glitzy restaurants, but that's exactly what makes it special. Dreamt up 15 years ago by local legends chef Chris Coubrough and farmer Teddy Maufe, it champions small businesses and local producers in the gorgeous walled garden of Holkham Hall. With a growing crew of North Norfolk's finest food and drink makers, it's all about celebrating what's home-grown. From the hands-on cookery theatre and live music to family fun and face painting, it's the perfect end-of-season treat in a truly stunning setting. More information here. Vegan Camp Out August 29-September 1 2025 This one's for the plant-based foodies – welcome to the UK's biggest vegan festival. Expect inspiring talks from vegan legends like BOSH!, cookbook creator Calum Harris and Heather Mills from VBites. There'll be loads of tasty food stalls to explore, live music to keep the vibes going and a good laugh thanks to comedy chats with the brilliant Sara Pascoe. Whether you're full-time vegan or just curious, it's a fun, feel-good day out packed with taste and entertainment. Day tickets from £80 and weekend camping from £130 available here. September Armagh Food & Cider Weekend September 4-7 2025 Armagh Food and Cider Weekend is full of unforgettable foodie experiences, celebrating the best of local flavours. From pop-up dining at a cidery and glitzy tepee feasts to the famous Beef Baron's Dinner and foraging adventures, there's something tasty at every turn. Enjoy a cider vs wine showdown, a murder mystery in the orchards, and behind-the-scenes tours with passionate chefs and producers. With plenty to taste, sip and discover along the way, it's a fun, flavour-filled weekend you won't want to miss. More information here. Stanraer Oyster Festival September 12-14 2025 Celebrate Scotland's last wild oyster bed at the Stranraer Oyster Festival – a seafood lover's dream. Enjoy live demos from top chefs like TV favourite Julie Lin and restaurateur Jimmy Lee, as they whip up their signature dishes. Don't miss the Scottish Oyster Shucking Championships and the buzzing oyster bar, serving up Loch Ryan's sensational native oysters. And if you're new to oysters, the friendly team from Loch Ryan Oyster Fishery will be on hand with tips and tasty guidance. It's a fun, flavour-packed weekend by the water with plenty to see, sample and savour. More information here. Ludlow Marches Food & Drink September 12-14 2025 For over 30 years, Ludlow has been a top spot for food lovers, thanks to the UK's original food festival set against the backdrop of its stunning medieval castle. What began as a humble local gathering has turned into a buzzing celebration of the Marches region's finest flavours. Expect tasty treats, live chef demos, family-friendly activities and a feel-good atmosphere that keeps fans returning year after year. It's a weekend full of food, fun and history – served up in one of the prettiest corners of Shropshire. Tickets from £7.50 available here. York Food Festival September 19-28 2025 York's sweet legacy as the chocolate city gets a tasty twist with this not-for-profit food festival, shining a spotlight on Yorkshire's incredible local flavours. It's a full-on celebration of indie chefs, top-notch producers, brilliant restaurants and foodie retailers. Entry's free, though some events, like demos, need a ticket – with all profits going straight back into the festival. There's loads for little food fans too, including a junior chef competition and a fun cookie tour. Whether you're nibbling, sipping or learning something new, it's a delicious way to explore York's year-round foodie scene. More information here. Abergavenny Food Festival September 20-21 2025 Get ready for a tasty weekend in this buzzing Welsh town, packed with over 200 food and drink stalls spread across six fab venues. There's loads to get stuck into – from chef demos and tastings to foodie talks and fun for the whole family. Fancy keeping the good vibes going? Grab a ticket to the lively night market or dance the night away at the epic Party at the Castle. The 2025 lineup's still under wraps, but if it's anything like last year with Anna Jones, Dina Macki and Gurdeep, it's bound to be deliciously brilliant. Tickets from £17.50 available here. Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival September 27-28 2025 This charming coastal town is throwing a big foodie bash to mark 20 years of its much-loved Suffolk festival. It's all about celebrating the best local produce, with stalls reserved exclusively for nearby legends, making it a real community affair. This year's tasty lineup features Ben Tish, Bold Bean queen Amelia Christie-Miller, MasterChef finalist Adam Spicer and The Telegraph's restaurant critic, William Sitwell. From hands-on masterclasses to free demos and loads of delicious discoveries, this cosy little event serves up big flavour and good vibes all weekend long. Tickets from £15 available here. Taste Cumbria – Cockermouth September 27-28 2025 Taste Cumbria's biggest bash rounds off the summer in style, bringing crowds back to the lovely market town of Cockermouth since launching in 2010 after devastating floods. It's a buzzing weekend packed with street food, local goodies, cracking drinks, live cookery demos and loads for the little ones too. Best of all, it won't break the bank – entry's free, with just a few extra events needing tickets. It's the perfect mix of fun, flavour and community spirit in a stunning setting. More information here. October Wells Food Festival October 12 2025 Wells Food Festival has been serving up local flavour since 2013, celebrating Somerset's amazing artisan producers and beyond. With over 200 brilliant stalls offering everything from street food and homewares to wine by the glass or bottle, there's loads to munch, sip and explore. Don't miss Food for Thought – tackling hot topics in the food world – or the fun-packed children's zone with workshops and trails. It's a proper feel-good, community-led weekend in the heart of the South West, and it's got something tasty for everyone. More information here. Dartmouth Food Festival October 24-26 2025 This laid-back festival brings in some seriously impressive foodie names, with local legend and festival champion Mitch Tonks leading the charge. Expect appearances from big hitters like Claudia Roden, The Telegraph's Food Writer of the Year Mark Hix, Richard Bertinet, Matt Tebbutt and The Telegraph's wine whizz Susy Atkins, plus a host of top regional chefs. There's loads to taste, sip and chat about, all set in one of the prettiest corners of Britain. As The Telegraph's award winning cookery writer Diana Henry puts it, there's 'plenty of food for thought, as well as food to eat' – and she's not wrong. The festival is largely free, with some ticketed events here. Best beer festivals 2025 Raise a glass to the summer By Laura Hadland The Cambridge Beer Festival (May 19-24) hails the start of the summer beer festival season. One of the oldest CAMRA festivals, it boasts 200 real ales and over 80 ciders and perries, plus a cheese counter that is the stuff of legend. If you're looking for a family-friendly festival, then head to the beautiful banks of Loch Fyne in Argyllshire for a weekend away at FyneFest (May 30-June 1) or the Little Earth Fest (July 4-5) in Suffolk. These brewery-run festivals are held in the most stunning locations and promise some of the finest drinks in these lands alongside plenty to keep little ones entertained. August marks 50 years of national CAMRA beer festivals – and the much anticipated return of the Great British Beer Festival (August 5-9) after a year's hiatus. Britain's biggest pub has found a new home at the Birmingham NEC, moving out of London for the first time since 1990. As summer draws to a close, all eyes look to the Peterborough Beer Festival (August 19-23). Coming into its 46th year, Peterborough features hundreds of real ales and more besides. This much-loved event is a key date in the city's annual calendar, but do be careful on the funfair after a pint or two.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Legendary BBC chef forced to shut two Michelin-starred restaurant warns of ‘dire situation' & UK ‘losing its identity'
A LEGENDARY BBC celebrity chef has warned of the "dire" situation facing the UK restaurant industry. Michel Roux, 64, has worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and has done stints on MasterChef: The Professionals. 3 The celebrity chef currently owns and operates two restaurants in the Langham hotel in London and four in Scotland. Roux ran the world famous Le Gavroche in Mayfair after taking over from his father Albert 1993. He ran the restaurant for decades until it sadly closed in January last year. The culinary legend has now warned of the dire situation facing the UK food industry. He said a slew of closures are imminent across the UK as restaurants struggle to keep afloat. The former MasterChef judge said the situation was "so depressing" adding that well-known high end restaurants could be impacted. He warned that "If we lose restaurants on the street corners, Britain will lose its identity". The world famous chef went on to ask "Who would want to open a restaurant now?" Born in Kent, Roux has worked as a chef since leaving school at 16, he trained in London, France and Hong Kong. He has said operating the double Michelin starred restaurant in Mayfair had him working 90-hour weeks. Roux closed Le Gavroche so he could "make time for a better work / life balance". The famous two-star eatery opened in 1967 and was known for launching the careers of several world famous chefs. 3 3 It has been run by the Roux family since opening but will now reportedly be run by Gordon Ramsay. Cooking legend and TV star Gordon Ramsay planned to take over the eatery when its closure was announced. Ramsay worked at the French restaurant in the early days of his career under Roux's father in the 90s. Famously Marco Pierre White and Marcus Wareing also did stints at Le Gavroche. The restaurant even served the late queen on her 90th birthday. Ramsay is now set to take over the site of Le Gavroche at 43 Upper Brook Street. Gordon Ramsay secured a 15-year lease on the site with one of his companies acquiring the licence. Union Street Cafe successfully applied for a premises licence transfer of the Roux family restaurant in February. Union Street Café is the trading name for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, which operate Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, Lucky Cat and Bread Street Kitchen. Matt Abé who has been at Le Gavroche for 16 years will reportedly be staying on under Ramsay. More details on the fate of Le Gavroche are expected later this year. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
