Although the UK doesn’t have a fantastic reputation when it comes to food, the truth is that it’s an under-appreciated culinary gem. Due to the varied mix of different cultures in this country, there are a diverse range of different and tasty cuisines to sample and explore. We give you the low down on some of the most interesting destinations in the UK for the food lover.
Hotpots and Curry!
In 2013 the Clitheroe Food Festival drew over 18,500 visitors, and over 100 local producers showcased their fare to a hungry audience. The range of different food types on offer was stunning, from classic hot pots to Thai pies, all with locally sourced ingredients in their recipes. Set in the stunning grounds of Stonyhurst college (which boasts its own castle), what makes this festival so special is that all of its fare is sourced locally in the Ribble Valley. With demonstrations from top chefs, a funfair for the kids, and live music to entertain you whilst you eat, this festival is a real treat.
England’s Finest Food Town
No list of foodie UK locations can be complete without making reference to the historic town of Ludlow. Located along the River Teme in the beautiful countryside of the Welsh Marches by the English/Welsh border, Ludlow has a real reputation as a ‘food’ town and rightfully so. Ludlow boasts a regular food market which trades every week, and also a small local food producers market every other Thursday. Couple that with some excellent butchers, bakers and gourmet chocolate makers, and Ludlow isn’t far from being the equivalent of a foodie’s idea of heaven!
If that wasn’t enough, Ludlow also plays host to a number of food and drink festivals throughout the year, including its annual Festival of Food and Drink which is held every September. This festival is perhaps the oldest and well renowned food festival in the UK.
A Cracker of a Festival!
If you’re a fan of cheese, then the Nantwich Cheese Show should be right up your street. Held in Nantwich, Cheshire, this annual cheese and farm festival is home to the international cheese awards, which makes this festival the biggest cheese show across the entire globe!
Not a Kebab in sight
Whilst the North of England might not have the best reputation when it comes to fine cuisine, the annual Eat! festival held in NewcastleGateshead is a real eye opener for any foodie, challenging those dated preconceptions that it’s all kebab and chips up North. Featuring cutting edge pop up restaurants, an amazing selection of tasty street food, a secret speakeasy and even a Chilli eating contest, the Eat! festival is held over one long weekend and is a vibrant and tasty event that no real foodie would want to miss out on.
A Taste of Scotland
If you want to sample the best of what Scotland has to offer foodies, then Loch Lomond is the place to go. Host to monthly farmer’s markets, it is also the base for the Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival, which will allow you to sample everything from Haggis to the world’s best shortbread! The Festival is also notable for its extracurricular activities including bird of prey demonstrations and lessons on how to milk a cow!
So there you have it, five fantastic foodie destinations that any food lover worth their salt should check out!