insideKENT Magazine Issue 54 - September 2016 | Page 61

FOOD+DRINK Broadstairs: FOOD AND DRINK HEAVEN Take one picturesque seaside town, mix in passionate local chefs, Kent producers, Chefs’ theatre, wine tasting events, and what do you get – the Broadstairs Food Festival. Photos © Thanet Tourism Celebrating its 8th year of fun and feasting, the annual Broadstairs Food Festival, September 30th – October 2nd is bigger and better than ever. An independent community event, this much-loved festival brings together dedicated local producers and culinary talent in a free 3-day bonanza of food and drink. The Chefs' Theatre, sponsored by Flint and Flame, is centre stage. This year the festival welcomes scone maker extraordinaire, Richard Hunt from the DevonSconeCo. and sees the very welcome return of Lucy Cuflin, (Lucy’s Food, Lucy Bakes) and Catherine Phipps (Pressure Cooker Cookbook, and Chicken). local craft beers and ciders, indulge in the epicurean delights on offer, including breads, cheeses, preserves and hot foods, and join in a celebration of Kent’s culinary treasures. With its stunning seafront setting, and more than 100 food and drink stalls, the festival is the highlight in Kent’s food festival calendar, drawing in visitors from across the county to enjoy the very best from the ‘Garden of England’. The event features a Champagne Cocktail Party, on September 27th, at the newly opened Yarrow Hotel, followed – at the festival – by a Cheese and Wine Taste Challenge hosted by Kingcott Dairy, Cheesemakers of Canterbury and Biddenden Vineyards, and a Gin Workshop courtesy of ‘The Offy’, Broadstairs. Over 50,000 people visit the festival – with many staying for the whole three days, taking the chance to enjoy the delights of this seaside town and its beautiful beaches and bays. Several sponsors appear at the event – Thanet Earth, Ramsgate Brewery, RentABar and Broadstairs & St Peters Chamber of Commerce, so do seek them out. www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk @broadiefoodfest #broadstairsfoodfestival Open from 10am each day (with free entry), there will be plenty of opportunities for visitors to sample For more information contact [email protected] 01843 871102 / 07866 857 088 61