Anyone travelling in the UK and Ireland, even in the well-worn tourist routes of London, Stratford-upon-Avon, Edinburgh and Dublin, will discover that we have some of the best produce you can find anywhere: Scottish beef and venison, Welsh lamb, East Anglian vegetables, Irish seafood. Not to mention British beer, of course.
The finest British and Irish food and drink are celebrated in festivals all year round. Here are just a few of the highlights from May-July 2007, to maybe give you some ideas for planning your travels for early next summer.
May
Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival This includes not only Scotland’s favourite drink but gourmet nights and traditional music too.
Stilton Cheese Rolling One of the biggest of several cheese-rolling events takes place every year in the Cambridgeshire village of Stilton. You do get to sample various Stiltons too.
The Caledonian Brewery Beer Festival Held in Edinburgh at one of the country’s finest breweries. Good Scottish food and live music are also on offer.
June
Hampshire Food Festival This huge celebration of the county’s finest produce includes food trails, feasts, markets and demonstrations by celebrity chefs. The focus is Winchester, but events are held throughout Hampshire.
Keswick Beer Festival One of the biggest beer festivals in the north of England, with a focus on Cumbrian ales. Some 100 UK beers to try in all, with live music too.
July
Hastings Beer and Music Festival At this very enjoyable event there's live music as well as tastings of beers, lagers, wines and ciders. All profits go to charities, so it’s one way to drink and feel good afterwards!
The Big Cheese Caerphilly does it, celebrating its famous cheese. Other Welsh cheeses are also featured, as well as a focus on fun: cheese-rolling, cheese-sculpting and a Cheese Olympics are among the events.
Nantwich International Cheese Show The biggest UK cheese show, with makers worldwide all competing for Supreme Champion Cheese. It takes place in and around Dorfold Hall in Nantwich.
Read about touring London's best food market by clicking here.
Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
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