Celebrate the changing season by heading outdoors and visiting one of the numerous food festivals that are popping up all over the country, showcasing the very best in British produce and producers.
Here in Suffolk, we’re extremely lucky to have one of most established food festivals on our doorstep near the beautiful coastal town of Aldeburgh.
The Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival
Firmly established on the foodie calendar, the Aldeburgh Food Festival runs across the weekend on the 24th-26th September in the beautiful setting of Snape Maltings on Suffolk’s heritage coast. Established local brands like Adnams and Aspall will be sitting alongside dozens of local producers showcasing a diverse range of produce. In total, there’s the chance to meet 90 producers at this years event which also offers cookery demonstrations, masterclasses and visiting celebrity chefs like Galston Blackiston and Angela Hartnett.
There is definitely something for all the family with free tickets for under 15s and lots of activities to keep the little ones amused. For more information visit the festival website.
If you want to travel further afield there are some lovely events to try this Autumn – here are a couple that have caught our eye.
Fiery Foods UK Chilli Festival Brighton
A celebration of all things spicy, this Brighton-based festival is now in it’s tenth year and in the words of the organisers is “bigger, better, badder than ever before!” It runs over the weekend of the 17th and 18th of September and gives visitors a chance to try a huge variety of chillies, spicy street food and artisan producers of sauces and chutneys. If you love spicy food, then we think this looks a great way to spice up September. Visit the festival website for more info.
Forest Showcase Food and Drink Festival Gloucestershire
Set in the stunning surroundings of the Forest of Dean, this one day festival has caught our eye because of its great location and the huge variety of things to do for all the family. The festival, which runs on the 2nd October showcases a great variety of local and artisan food and drink producers, parent and child cookery demonstrations, foodie talks and workshops and live music. The festival website has all the details for tickets and bookings.
If you can’t get to a festival this year, there is a thriving food scene in and around Suffolk and Autumn is a great time to try something new from the many local producers who make this area a real mecca for foodies. We know how lucky we are to be based near the beautiful Heritage coastline and it is fast-becoming known for its thriving food scene in towns dotted along the coast.
Here are a few of our local favourites –
Pump Street Bakery
Based in the gorgeous coastal village of Orford, this award-winning, small, family-owned bakery and café makes delicious bread and pastries. As well as the café, the Pumphouse runs a variety of events throughout the year.
@pumpstbakery
The Artisan Smokehouse
Another coastal-based company with award-winning produce, this smokehouse sells meats, cheeses, luxury hampers and carefully selected products for your pantry.
@artisansmoker
The Wild Meat Company
The Wild Meat Company source and sell venison, game birds, rabbit and even squirrel entirely from farms and estates in east Suffolk.
@WildMeatCompany
Valley Farm Vineyards
This is a vineyard, set in the heart of Suffolk, producing 5 types of quality grape including award-winning white still and sparkling wines.
@VFVineyards
Let us know if you have uncovered any hidden gems while out and about in Suffolk, whether it’s a café, deli or just a great local product.