Food festivals galore
Ludlow Spring Festival
‘Like a beer festival – but better!’ is how Ludlow’s Spring Festival has been described. The event, which takes place around Ludlow Castle from 8-10 May, kicks off with a ‘meet the brewer’ session on the Friday evening and will showcase 180 real ales and 60 artisan food producers. Classic cars will be on show and there will be master classes throughout the weekend as well as the popular pâté and pudding trails. Tickets for adults are from £6.50; families are £15 with discounts for groups; master classes £5. Visit ludlowspringfestival.co.uk for details and to book.
25 years at Green Fields
To celebrate 25 years in business, Green Fields is holding a Food and Craft Festival over the weekend of 6-7 June from 10am until 4pm. Over 60 local producers, including Coopers Gourmet Sausage Rolls, The Ultimate Fudge Company, Mr Moyden’s Cheese, Bonbonniere Chocolates, Ludlow Brewery, and Halfpenny Green Vineyar, will be selling their wares. And Exotic Zoo will be bringing along their reptiles and animals – to look at, not to eat! Free entry; see greenfieldsonline.co.uk for more information.
Shrewsbury’s third festival
Over 200 exhibitors, food and drink producers, craftspeople and hot food vendors are on the menu for Shrewbury’s third food festival over the weekend of 27-28 June. Highlights include chef demonstrations, talks from the world of creative cuisine, free children’s activities, live music and stalls laden with culinary delights. Adult tickets are priced at £6, children are £1 and family tickets £12.
The foodie action isn’t confined to the festival; throughout June, 20 of the town’s restaurants, cafés and bars will be part of a Restaurant Safari offering the opportunity to sample tasters from their menus. See shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk for more info.
BBC Good Food Show
Venturing out of Shropshire? (Why would you?! – Ed) The NEC will be the venue for the BBC Good Food Show from 11-14 June. Mary Berry, Antonio Carluccio, Michel Roux Jr and James Martin will be among the celebrity chefs making an appearance. Tickets from £24; visit bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com for details. Tickets include entry to Gardeners’ World Live.
Gearing up for Cosford
The annual Cosford Food Festival, which will showcase some of the region’s finest artisan produce, tastiest treats and best-cooked dishes, will take place on the weekend of 25-26 July. With everything from organic produce to handmade indulgences and thirst-quenching beverages on offer, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the giant Hercules aircraft, this is a day out to please the whole family. Adult tickets £5, children £2 and family tickets £12. Visit rafmuseum.org/cosford to find out more.
Bridgnorth pub wins landmark award
The historic Black Boy pub in Bridgnorth’s Cartway celebrated its first anniversary by being named Telford and East Shropshire CAMRA pub of the year. “This is the first time a pub in Bridgnorth has won this award,” said Eleanor Haddon, sub branch chairman, who presented the prize to landlord Stephen Illidge. The pub, which has been refurbished in a traditional style with quarry tiles, wood and brass fittings, serves an impressive array of real ales and fine wines.
Continental market in Bridgnorth
Bridgnorth welcomed traders from continental Europe for a street market in April. Olives, salamis, artisan bread and cheeses were all in evidence to tempt visitors and locals alike.
Prezzo to open
Popular Italian restaurant Prezzo is due to open in Bridgnorth in the former Swan pub. The historical building, owned by a Bridgnorth couple, will undergo extensive refurbishment, including restoring the frontage to its original structure. Prezzo won Restaurant Company of the Year in the Eat Out Awards in 2013 and the addition will add a new dimension to Bridgnorth’s dining scene.
