Smell of success as the city’s fantastic food festival returns
I HAD so much fun last Saturday broadcasting live from from a very wet Coventry Food Festival, which made its long-awaited return following the pandemic.
After what we’ve all been through, the rain didn’t stand a chance of dampening anyones spirits on day two of the three-day event in Broadgate.
TV personality and Michelinstarred chef, Glynn Purnell, was among the foodie experts who carried out demonstrations. Ironically he had spent all day indoors at the Good Food Show last Friday, when we had temperatures of 30 degrees and then outdoors on a very soggy Saturday.
I always enjoy catching up with Glynn because his love for our city is clear.
He also gave us some sage advice on how can we can all save a few quid on food during these difficult times. Planning ahead was the clear message.
Chefs also showcased their skills in the first ever Coventry ‘Cook Off’. Each local restaurant had a 30-minute slot to whip up a delicious dish.
One of my favourite moments was seeing food writer, Ellen
Manning. Despite speaking to Ellen every Sunday during her ‘what’s on around Coventry & Warwickshire’ slot on BBC CWR, this was the first time we had seen each for a couple of years. Ellen (above) was at the Food Festival hosting the Cookery Theatre alongside chefs Glynn, Paul Forster and Sophie Hyam.
It was truly wonderful to see everyone together again enjoying food from around the world. You couldn’t help but be drawn in by the beautiful smells coming from every angle.
A range of artisan food producers showed their wares and there were also dedicated zones for gluten-free, vegan produce and street food.
Some of the finest producers of cheese and chutney, brownies and cocktails also got in on the act.
Away from the food there was a kids workshop and in the evening the Music Live event kicked in with headline sets at Assembly Festival Garden coming from top DJS Paul Oakenfold, Eddie Halliwell and M People’s singer, Heather Small.
What a weekend! Music and food - the perfect combination.