The annual North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival at Holkham Hall went down a treat
The North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival was held in the Walled Garden at Holkham Hall this weekend.
The 14th annual festival showcased the area’s artisan producers, street food vendors and chefs.
It is estimated more than 12,000 people attended, with Holkham staff reporting that the number of cars in the car park on both days was more than in previous years, and it was certainly busy, with foodies keen to try the region’s gins, chutney, wine, cheese, beer and more.
Around 65 producers took part including Candi’s Chutney, Archangel Gin, English Whisky, Sandringham Apple Juice, Staithe Smokehouse and Bread Source.
There was also a selection of pop-up street food concessions such as Grey Seal Coffee serving freshly ground drinks, Phat Khao dishing up Thai curries, creamy ice creams from Dann’s and Feast making burritos.
As well as a bar by Malt Coast Brewery where cocktails made with local spirits proved popular.
The Arthur Howell Cookery Theatre, hosted by Andy Newman, was a particular hit, with Two Magpies Bakery founder Rebecca Bishop demonstrating the art of making sourdough pizza, Jenny May of Norma’s Kitchen in Lynn getting youngsters up on stage to have a go at making biscuits and Herbert Pizer of The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market cooking up a very tasty Cromer crab linguine.
Norwich-based Kettle Foods, the festival’s headline sponsor, also provided its annual Mentorship Prize which was won by Burn Valley Vineyard. The vineyard received £1,000 plus essential business advice.
Winemaker Matt Abbey described himself as ‘beyond excited’ to have won, saying: ‘Their knowledge will be invaluable to us - their marketing skills, networking ability, HR - all of it.’
Barsby Produce, based in Lynn, presented Marsh Pig, from just outside Norwich, with their Distribution Award. This means that the company will supply chefs in leading restaurants and hotels across the region with Marsh Pig’s charcuterie, thus expanding their ‘route to market’.
Liz Walker of The Tea Lady, who make jams, marmalades and chutneys, attended the festival for the first time and was delighted with the friendly atmosphere. She said: ‘This is a super location with super stall holders. We have done very well - I sold out of my Christmas marmalade!”
The festival is run by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis. Sponsors include Essence Foods, the Real Ale Shop, and North Norfolk Living Magazine.
It is held in the Walled Garden by kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Leicester. The festival is due to be held next year on August 31 and September 1.
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