FOOD was scoffed and drinks were quaffed as thousands flocked to the Stratford Town Centre Food Festival at the weekend.
The event, which was organised by Stratforward Business Improvement District (BID), saw more than 80,000 people enjoy the free three-day festival where some 100 stalls lined Waterside, Bridge Street and Henley Street.
A cookery theatre hosted workshops, which included a guest feature from celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, The Falcon Hotel’s head chef Phil Bailey prepared a lamb dish, there was a butchery masterclass from Barry the Butcher’s Adam Lucock and Bamboodle’s head chef Elio Alonso showed people how to make sushi.
Workshops on Rother Street market included a hands-on classes for children making fudge with Roly’s Fudge Pantry and gin-tasting adventure with Vin Neuf.
The festival’s Taste and Ale Trails proved popular with visitors keen to take in a tour of over 30 restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs across the town.
The weekend came to a close with a charity dinner hosted by festival sponsor Loxleys Restaurant, attended by Jean-Christophe Novelli, in aid of local charity the Shakespeare Hospice.
Stratforward events manager Ruth Wood said: “The town centre food festival is a huge event for Stratford and this year certainly didn’t disappoint, with more visitors than ever from near and far across the three days.
“Hopefully all those visitors got a real taste of what Stratford has to offer and will be back over the year for a return visit.”
