RARELY a summer weekend goes by without an opportunity to eat and drink in a parkland setting and they don’t come much bigger than the Foodies Festival at Tatton Park (July 14, 15 and 16). Naturally baking features substantially (we are in its Cheshire heartland), but ToM’s eyes will be on a late addition to the star-studded bill – Nisha Katona (below, owner of the Mowgli chain.
We’re a fan of her Indian street food outlet in Manchester’s Corn Exchange and her accomplished television airings. Doubtless her Tatton demos will be promoting her latest book, The Spice Tree, successor to the deliciously titled Pimp My Rice.
After that the baking gloves are out in force at the Cakes and Desserts Theatre with star turns there ‘cake designer and dreamer’ Charlotte White, Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown and fellow GBBO contestants Luis Troyano and Ugne Bubnaityte, a body builder who specialises in gluten-free cakes.
Other culinary personalities sharing their tips include Jane Devonshire, winner of Masterchef 2016, veteran telly chef Rosemary Schrager, Corrie’s own cheesemaker Sean Wilson and Sweet Mandarin duo Lisa and Helen Tse.
In the Kids Cookery Theatre, youngsters can experiment with science-inspired recipes including bread bubble bombs and carbon dioxide rockets.
Add in an artisan food market, global street food traders, wine masterclasses, a chilli eating contest, free yoga classes, vintage tea tent, mojitos from the Appletoj Estate Rum Bus and you have the recipe for a foodie fun-packed day out.
Foodies Festival, Tatton Park, Rostherne Gate, Ashley Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6SG. July 14-16. 10am-6pm, except Sunday, when it closes at 5pm. Tickets are £10-£14 (under 12s go free). Full details here.