Food and drink

Ryan Simpson, Chef/Proprietor of Orwells gives a demonstration to visitors at Wokingham Food & Drink Festival
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Foodies feast on Wokingham Food & Drink Festival goodness

By Hugh Fort
September 02, 2010

Foodies were out in force this weekend, snacking on a range of local and international produce including seafood, chillies and Italian delicacies at Wokingham Food and Drink Festival.

The three-day event featured demonstrations from Neil Bardo, head chef at the Cantley House Hotel in Milton Road, and Michelin starred chef Ryan Simpson, of Orwells in Shiplake.

The food-related fun started on Friday evening with entertainment from local performers.

The music continued throughout Saturday and Sunday with local groups like East Berkshire Operatic Society and youth performing group Cloudglider.

Exhibitors at the event included Ascot Ales, Gilly’s Gourmet Burgers, French and Spanish food specialists Homa UK, seafood experts from Loch Fyne restaurant in London Road and ice creams from Vineo Ices.

As well as Mr Bardo and Mr Simpson, there was a skillful demonstration of Italian cookery by Angelo Colao, owner of Ruchetta in Rose Street.

The event was bustling on Saturday, with hundreds of local people turning up to try some of the tasty goods on show.

Organiser Kate Lole said on Saturday: “We are very pleased at how it’s gone.

“The music was a great start and now the whole place is really buzzing.

“I think people have really enjoyed the demonstration and it’s great to see so many people around.”

And the exhibitors were delighted with the response of the people of Wokingham.

Lynda Harvey, owner of the Wine Place, which will soon open in Wokingham town centre, said: “We are giving away free wine, so we have been very popular.

“It’s a real market research opportunity for me to see where people like what we are doing.”

Suzanne Gill, owner of Ascot Ales, added: “It’s gone well today, we were here last year and did well.

“We have had a good amount of interest today.”

Also exhibiting was chilli experts Chilliqueen.

The business is run by Lee Everett Alkin, who was married to 80s comedian Kenny Everett, and produces a range of chilli products.

Managing director John Alkin said: “This is the second time we have been in Wokingham and it’s very good.

“People seem very interested in what we are doing.”

Visitors to the event were very pleased with what was on offer.

Sergio Barbosa, from Reading, said: “This is a very good event, I’m eyeing up the gourmet burger stall.

“It would be nice if you didn’t have to pay, but I still think it’s good.”

Sarah Foote, from Earley, added: “It’s a good day, we’ve picked up some really good cheese and bread and there seems to be a good atmosphere.”

Brian Johnson, from The Shires in Wokingham, said: “It’s been excellent.

“We came last year.

“It’s a bit different this year because you have to pay, but there’s still a good amount of people here.

“My wife and I have picked up some good food and alcohol.”

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Not having been to a previous event I can't compare this years with lasts but I thought it was great! We went on Saturday, ate burgers and sampled various beverages (I had a couple of beers). We bought some excellent pies to take home and eat. The kids enjoyed it so we went back on Sunday too.

We braved the heavy rain for 40 minutes and the sun came out for the final music act, who were well worth hanging aroud for (what were they called ??!!)

MrMan, Wokkingham
02/09/2010 at 15:28

It would have made more sense have Ascot ales available at the bar, but the fact that you could buy a "carry out" from the Ascot Ales stand and drink it at the table was a plus ....

Minty
02/09/2010 at 13:19

I enjoyed the atmostphere of the show, I liked the seating layout opposite the music so we could listen even in the rain. The packed benches of friends and family created a great atmosphere. I would like to see more local suppliers like the people we get at the Wokingham Food market on a Thursday and products from Berkshire, many people are at work in the daytime so don't see the local produce. I'm not as interested in tasting things that seem to be franchised out and appear at every food show. It would be great to see stands from the local restaurants and maybe some local wine and beer rather than having to bring in alcohol all the way from Bath!

GoJo
02/09/2010 at 12:38

I thought the festival was disappointing. The selection of meals available seemed to be smaller than last year. The quality of some was poor, for example two people I was with had inedible steak sandwiches.

The bar was better when the Redan ran it last year.

OK it didn't cost too much for tickets, but last year it was free, and better. What was the entry money spent on. other than the fence?

A real shame, last year was excellent ...