Savour the flavour at show
The Scotsman’s new showcase of food and drink brings together the finest tastes from across Scotland
Cakes, curry and chocolate are just some of the foodie treats in store at the Scotland Food & Drink Show 2017. Visitors to the event, which will be held at Ingliston on 14 and 15 October, won’t go home hungry thanks to an exciting range of food and drink stands from some of Scotland’s best independent restaurants and retailers.
Among the confirmed exhibitors is Mimi’s Bakehouse, which has shops at the Shore in Leith and on the Royal Mile.
Mimi’s has become something of an Edinburgh institution with residents and visitors alike making a beeline for its wonderfully squidgy brownies and indulgent afternoon teas.
The bakery is sure to be a favourite at The Scotsman’s two-day free-to-attend celebration of the very best of food and drink.
Sugardaddy’s gluten-free bakery will also be there with a range of its delicious brownies, blondies, cupcakes and cookies.
Since it opened in August 2015, Sugardaddy’s has made a name for itself as a free-from bakery. Its products are always coeliac safe and they’re often dairy free too, with nut-free, soy-free and vegan options available, all without compromising on flavour.
If it’s still too early for cake when you arrive at the show, Leith-based company That’s Jammy has the answer. Its jams and jellies will soon become a breakfast favourite with visitors, and they’re great spread on freshly-baked scones too.
That’s Jammy uses traditional techniques to make its jams and jellies but adds modern and interesting twists – look out for the raspberry jam with lime, or even rum.
That’s the sweet treats covered but what about the savoury?
Ma Roberts Hot Chilli Sauce brings a taste of Tanzania to Scotland. Founder Maggie Mazoleka came to live in Scotland 23 years ago from Tanzania and founded her hot sauces business in 2014.
She’ll be bringing the full range to the Scotland Food & Drink Show 2017, which includes something at every spice level. There’s the fruity sauce for those who don’t like it too hot, medium chilli sauce, hot chilli sauce and extra hot for anyone brave enough to try it.
There’s also Everything Chilli from Fenwick in Ayrshire, where they believe a little chilli can add an extra dimension to both sweet and savoury food.
The current range of fruit and savoury spreads includes unique flavours with a hint of warmth, or some spicier options for heat-seekers.
Even pets are catered for at the event – Harry’s Gourmet Dog Treats will be there, offering a selection of healthy everyday and special occasion snacks for visitors’ canine companions.
There will be plenty to see and do at the event. In addition to the tempting stalls, visitors will find a careers space offering a chance to learn more about opportunities in the food and drink industry.
Advice will be available about working in hospitality, farming and manufacturing both from colleges and training providers, as well as professionals who are forging successful careers themselves.
Also on the programme is a dedicated children’s zone with Halloween-themed activities for younger visitors.
Expect youngsters to come away armed with spook-tacular decorations for cupcakes, biscuits and witches’ brews, as well as special Halloween mocktails.
An exciting line-up of chefs, producers and distillers will be sharing their secrets through cooking demonstrations and master classes, too.
With so much going on, visitors to the Scotland Food & Drink Show 2017 are likely to work up an appetite.
Fortunately, caterers including the Spice Lounge Kitchen, Well Hung & Tender and Saltire Catering have got that covered.
With a spacious restaurant and bar in Corstorphine, the Spice Lounge Kitchen has been voted the Edinburgh Evening News Curry House of the Year two years running.
Owner Jasvir Singh and his team combine traditional Indian cuisine with new and exciting flavours and they’ll be selling hot dishes to keep visitors well fed over the two days of the event.
Well Hung & Tender’s menu is based around different variations on burgers and steak sandwiches which are cooked fresh to order.
It’s a meat-lovers paradise where the generous portions are topped with various condiments including caramelised onions and mustard mayonnaise.
Meanwhile, Saltire Catering will be putting on a hog roast and coffee and patisserie bar.
The popular – and award-winning – event caterer has joined the growing line-up of exhibitors, caterers and chefs from across the country who will be at the show.
“The Scotland Food & Drink Show 2017 takes place on 14 to 15 October, so there is still time for food and drink businesses to get involved,” says show organiser Rebecca Thompson. Anyone interested in signing up as an exhibitor can contact her on 0131 311 7237.
The Scotsman is working with sponsors and exhibitors to create a great family day out and with Lothian Buses as a partner there will be a free bus service from Edinburgh city centre to the venue, the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.
Watch out for more details of the Scotland Food & Drink Show 2017 in the coming weeks.