Did you know we make over 700 types of cheese? It’s something of a national obsession and nowhere is this more evident than at the Nantwich International Cheese Show, billed as the ‘greatest cheese show on earth.’
If you want some spice with your cheese, head to the West Dean Chilli Fiesta in August to try chilli jam, chilli chocolate and some of the hottest sauces known to man. And for some garlic on the side, there’s always the Isle of Wight Garlic Festival which celebrates garlic and garlic-flavoured food from sausages to ice cream and even beer!
Britain is, of course, an island, so we have some of the best and freshest seafood in the world. It was the Romans who first celebrated the tasty oysters of Whitstable, now home of the world-famous Whitstable Oyster Festival. Pembrokeshire Fish Week in Wales is also a fishy feast not to miss with an entire week devoted to the crab, bass and mackerel found off the coast of this gorgeous National Park.
For serious foodies, the Ludlow Food Festival is a must. It hosts 130 independent food and drink producers and events include cookery competitions, tutorials and contests judging the best sausages, pork pies and sandwiches. Equally well known is the Abergavenny Food Festival that takes place in September. Check out the best local produce, join cookery workshops and indulge in samples and tastings from across Wales.
And what about something to drink? The Great British Beer Festival in London is the place to get acquainted with Britain’s finest brews while the Craft Cider Festival celebrates the English West Country’s finest export. In Scotland, of course, it’s all about the whisky…
