Tff 2015

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Photograph by Barefoot Photography

6-7 June 2015

Supported by

Eat&DrinkTowcester1

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

2

Eat&DrinkTowcester

TOWCESTER RACECOURSE

6-7 June 2015

Welcome to the essential guide for this year’s Towcester Food Festival. Last year was amazing. A huge thank you to everyone who came, especially those who braved the elements on the Saturday morning.

Despite the odd downpour, it

appears people had a good time because we’ve had some incredible feedback. And it seems word has spread because this year we have exhibitors travelling from all over the country to bring their tasty delights to Towcester.

With your support, we aim to make the Towcester Food Festival one of the most prestigious in the country and this year’s festival will be even bigger and better.

We have over 100 food and drink stalls, a street food market with flavours from all around the world, wine tastings, afternoon tea, a free circus, a petting farm courtesy of Bell Plantation and pony rides beside the racetrack, and all this alongside the other attractions which helped make last year so good.

Needless to say we couldn’t do any of this without the support

of Kevin Ackerman and the team at Towcester Racecourse, our volunteers who give up their time so generously to help greet and guide our visitors, South Northamptonshire Council who support the festival as part of its commitment to encourage tourism and the local economy in our district and of course you for coming in your droves.

Last year, we gave away nearly £1,500 to good causes in Towcester and Brackley and with your support, we hope to build on this charitable giving in 2015.

it with you on the big day.

We have again deliberately set out to make the festival an event where you can come and spend time: either browsing, enjoying one of the free talks or demonstrations, taking in a food workshop, or simply sitting and relaxing with something good to eat and drink on one of our live music lawns.

With very best wishes for another great festival,

Crispin Slee Founder, Towcester Food Festival.

This guide is packed full of information about the show, including a full schedule of all the chefs who will be demonstrating over both days, the key events, details of the young businesses we are supporting and all the people who are exhibiting. Please bring

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

3

Let

01604 847292 afj@sprattonhall.com www.sprattonhall.com

knock your socks off!

Come along to see for yourself all that Spratton Hall can offer your child Independent Co-educational Preparatory Day School aged 4-13 years in Northamptonshire

Towcester Tea Rooms ...

Contact us for a friendly, cost effective data recovery service

All digital media including: Hard Disks ~ RAIDs Memory Cards ~ CDs & DVDs USB Thumb Drives student, home user or business

4

• • • • • •

Hearty all day Breakfasts Home made Soup Delicious Quiche Mouth-watering Chilli Tasty Jacket Potatoes Freshly made Sandwiches and Baguettes...

, and, of course

!

Tea and Cake

Visit your welcoming, local Tea Rooms and treat yourself next time you are in town ...

TowCeSTeR Tea RooMS 169 watling Street, Towcester Northamptonshire, NN12 6BX 01327 358200 www.towcestertearooms.co.uk e: mail@towcestertearooms.co.uk

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Griffin Forensics - 2015 - Quarter Page Colour 67 x 85 mm.indd 1

Not just Tea and Cake

24/02/2015 21:19:26

O To

All Buf

•W •C •A •B •B •F •N •E •P To

Ca or

e: m ww

Contents Welcome..............................................................................................3

18

All you need to know...................................................................8 What’s on?........................................................................................10 Real Ale Trail around Towcester..........................................15 Become a festivalmaker!.........................................................17 The Launchpad Zone................................................................18 Cookery Classes............................................................................23

44

Chef demonstation stage......................................................26

10

Food festival map........................................................................40 Food News.......................................................................................44 Our exhibitors................................................................................47 Crafti’s..................................................................................................61 Carmela..............................................................................................63 Ode to a Food Festival..............................................................66

26

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

5

OUR REFERENCE: 4008 / 42035 (Please quote at all times)

Clarks Jewellers Ltd Est 1997

Beautiful hand crafted jewellery • Exclusive engagement and wedding rings • Specialist in bespoke jewellery • Remodelling • Remounting • Repairing • Jewellery made to your design We are three generations of a family run business.

We offer quality service and expertise built up over the generations Diamonds and gem stone rings and jewellery made at our workshop (Hatton garden)

10 Sponne House, The Shopping Centre Towcester, NN12 6 BY Telephone 01327-353-624

Brackley Butchers Ltd 22 Market Place Brackley NN13 7DP Tel: 01280 702237

Email: Brackleybutchers@ btconnect.com

Suppliers of all your Barbecue needs.

Aberdeen Angus Steaks and Burgers.

Marinated Chicken Portions.

Delicious Pork and Chicken Kebabs.

Handmade Sausages.

King Ribs

6

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Luxurious food for any occasion Mash caters for weddings, parties, marquee celebrations and corporate events and has built a reputation for serving excellent food using the best ingredients.

The food tasted amazing, presentation was so impressive and service very professional. We genuinely think that was the best food we’ve ever had at a wedding.

hello@mashcatering.co.uk 01280 700016 Find us on Facebook

www.mashcatering.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

7

All you need to know!

Saunter among the stalls with all their tempting goodies, from sweet to spicy we have an amazing array of exhibitors in 2015; enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed artisan coffee; take in one of the ten chef demonstrations we have arranged for the weekend; feast at the street food market; sip a glass (or two) of something cold on one of our two live music lawns; book the kids into a cookery class and take a moment to yourself with afternoon tea, served with freshly-baked scones and jam.

And this year, you don’t have to rush off when the festival closes at 6pm on Saturday. There will be a full evening of greyhound racing to follow if you are tempted by a little flutter.

Towcester Food Festival is a great day out for foodies, families, or spending time with friends. It takes place at Towcester Racecourse on Saturday June 6 and Sunday June 7.

There will even more going on this year with 100+ food and drink stalls, a free circus for kids and pony rides beside the racetrack so whatever you do, don’t rush your visit!

8

Eat&DrinkTowcester

The exhibitors who are coming to the festival are listed at the back of this guide from page 47.

You will find them all located in the marquees and covered stalls within the festival. We’re also delighted to have awarded bursaries to nine start-up food businesses. Read about them from page 18.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought in advance from the Towcester Food Festival website at: towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk, or at the gate on the day. Tickets

All you need to know! are £6 in advance with no booking fee, and £7 on the day. Accompanied children under 18 are free.

Parking

Towcester Racecourse has lots of parking and it is free. Your car will be quite literally right on the doorstep so you can easily come and go to stow your purchases.

The entrance to the main car park is at the rear of the racecourse via the Shutlanger Road. There will be AA road signs directing you to the venue and marshalls will be on hand to direct you to your parking place.

handmade toppings and fresh ‘slaws. They will open at 11am on Friday June 5 and trade through to Sunday evening.

The Saturday sees the return of the Festival Real Ale Trail with a booze-hopping tour around Towcester’s hostelries (See page 15). We’re expecting this year to be even busier so get your tankard early!

Opening Times

Towcester Food Festival is open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday June 6 and 10am to 5pm on Sunday June 7.

There will be disabled parking and a disabled drop-off beside the pedestrian entrance.

William Sitwell

We are delighted to welcome back this year South Northamptonshire’s pre-eminent foodie William Sitwell. The Masterchef judge and food critic will officially open the show at 10am on Saturday morning and tour the stalls seeking out the best local producers.

In Towcester

The town will come alive over the weekend of the food festival. There will be a fringe street food market beside Bury Mount on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with two award winning traders from the SCOFF street food collective in Birmingham showing off their pomp.

Spectacular Goat’s wood-fired sourdough pizzas were a favourite at last year’s festival and they will parking up their vintage caravan alongside Big Daddie’s Diner, serving gourmet hot dogs with

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

9

Whats on?

Wine tasting

Dennis Kingshott from Catchpole Cellars will host a series of free wine tasting sessions throughout the weekend. Dennis will take you on a tour of wines from the New World. There’s no need to book but do get there early as numbers are limited. Dennis will host the following sessions: 11.30am - Wines from New Zealand 13.30pm - Wines from Chile 15.30pm - Wines from South Africa You will sample four different wines from each country and each session will last around 40 minutes.

to make either Summer Truffles or Stuffed Tomatoes. The classes run for 30 minutes and cost £4. They are suitable for children aged three and above. Under fives require supervision and please can you advise if your child has any food allergies. For timing and tickets, please visit: towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk The adult workshops will be run by Bay Tree Cottage.

In the afternoons on both days, you can learn how to make sushi in Sushi Made Simple or brush up your Indian cookery skills in A Taste of India - Samosas and Tamarind Chutney. For details and tickets, please visit: towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk

Food and drink stalls

There are 100+ food, drink and craft stalls. Meet the artisan makers and sample their fayre. Our street food market has grown with flavours from around the world – the Caribbean, Thailand, India and Spain – woodfired pizza, slow-smoked ribs and the good old British banger with gourmet sausages from Brown’s Gourmet in Wollaston. Check out The Launchpad Zone, where you will find some exciting new food businesses. Read more about The Launchpad Zone from page 18.

Chef demos

We’ve got some fabulous cooks on the chef demo stage this year. They’ll be sharing their skills throughout the weekend. The demonstrations take place every hour from 11.30am to 3.30pm and are free. No need to book just turn up and bag a spot in the marquee.

All the chefs will wear microphones and the demonstrations will be streamed live on large TV screens so that you can see every detail of their art. Learn from the experts as they share hints and tips about everything from baking bread to the best pub grub, Italian and Indian cooking.

For the full line-up, please see pages 26 – 29.

Cookery classes

As well as the free chef demos, there are a series of paid-for cookery classes for both adults and kids. The kids classes will run over both days and will be led by Rachel Wilson from Cookery Doodle Doo in Silverstone.

There are two different sessions and kids can learn how

10

Children’s circus

The renowned Panic Circus will be coming to Towcester Food Festival in 2015. It’s not only great entertainment for children – everything is FREE! Professor Panic and his team will be putting on clown shows, Punch and Judy shows and storytelling sessions.

Kids can learn how to walk a tight-rope (at low level of course), ride a unicycle, twirl a hoola-hoop and make giant bubbles. Panic Circus will be open throughout both days. Look out for timings of their shows outside their big top!

Bell Plantation petting farm

The nice people from Bell Plantation are bringing a minipetting farm to Towcester Food Festival in 2015. They’ll be showing off piglets, ducks, geese and chickens.

Throw the chickens a little bit of food or corn, and watch them gobble it up!

Bell Plantation has recently opened its own farm shop and will also be promoting the thriving new venture at the show. The shop stocks fresh meat and veg, bacon, sausages, eggs, bread and a wide array of yummy things to stock your larder.

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Whats on?

Live music lawns

Throughout the weekend, there will be live music on our two music lawns. Each will have its own vibe. One will be an acoustic lawn; the other will dance to the strands of jazz and Irish folk. Sit, eat, drink and lap up the atmosphere. Up and coming singer/songwriter James Gillespie is coming back to the 2015 festival and will headline the acoustic lawn on both days of the festival.

Towcester Museum

Travel back in time to learn about the food the Romans ate when they ruled over the country, courtesy of Towcester Museum. These talks are free and will take place at intervals through the day. As well as a Centurion’s diet, you will learn about the foods the Romans introduced to Britain and see some of the artifacts the conquering army used in the kitchen.

Roman talks at noon, 2pm and 4pm.

At the races

Pony rides

Sue Griggs from Northants Pony Parties will be bringing four cute little ponies to the festival. These rides are suitable for children as young as two years upwards and cost £5 a go. Please make sure your children wash their hands afterwards!

Other things for kids

As well as pony rides and a free circus, the Kids Kitchen will be running free activities, promoting their cookery parties with biscuit and cupcake decorating, and making fruit kebabs. The Kidz Painting Party Company will have a stall where kids can paint pottery and have their faces painted, and there will be a bouncy castle.

Keep up to date via the Website

Well’ be updating the website with our latest news. Keep checking for updates: towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk

In a first for a food festival, on the Sunday there will also be greyhound racing!

There will be a full card of 12 races starting at 2.30pm.

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

11

A firm of chartered accountants with a relish of experience .

• Business Accounting, Auditing & Advice • Tax Returns • Payroll (including full Auto Enrolment support) We offer a buffet of accountancy software Sage, Xero & KashFlow.

For more information, and a FREE consultation, please contact us.

01327 358866 info@cedas.co.uk

Lucas Bridge Business Park, 1 Old Greens Norton Road, Towcester, Northants, NN12 8AX

12

Eat&DrinkTowcester

ge: Also at Bay Tree Cotta

COUNTRY LIVING

re

WORKSHOPS

e Co

tt

age

Bay T

n Parties!

Group Events and He Gift Vouchers

Embrace a new challenge and join us for an inspiring range of Art, Craft, Gardening, Floristry, Foraging and Cookery workshops!

But be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in for some fun and hard work . . . and exceedingly good cake!

For full details on all our workshops visit our website.

Maidford Road Farthingstone Towcester Northants. NN12 8HE Tel: 01327 361720

BESPOKE

ACCOMMODATION

Enjoy a warm welcome at Bay Tree Cottage in our recently renovated self-contained cottages.

Full of charm and character, the cottages have a downstairs kitchen/ reception room with spiral stairs leading to a spaceous double bedroom with ensuite.

With accommodation for between between 2-6 adults, they are perfect for weekend and short breaks.

Available as B&B or self-catering.

www.btcworkshops.co.uk

www.btcaccommodation.co.uk

Mobile: 07909 966806 | Email: jenny@btcworkshops.co.uk

TVS

TVS is a family run business which was established in 1998.

Towcester Vehicle Services MOT & Service Centre 01327 830647

We strive to provide an excellent service to commercial and domestic clients.

• • • • • • • • • •

MOT TESTING SERVICING AIR CONDITIONING REPAIRS TYRES & EXHAUSTS CLUTCHES ELECTRICAL PETROL & DIESEL VEHICLE REPAIRS COMMERCIAL & FLEET BRAKE SAFETY CENTRE

Local collection and delivery. Free Courtesy Cars available. For MOT’s, servicing and all your car and vehicle repairs call us on Towcester (01327) 830647

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

13

Art & Craft Workshop and Art Gallery

Check out www.vitreus-art.co.uk/classes for further details or pop in for a chat See how creative you can get….!!

Art Gallery exhibiting Glass Art, Ceramics, Painting, Print, Photography and much more… come in and take a look!!

Or hire a space by the day to be creative in!!

Find out more at www.vitreus-art.co.uk No. 4 Wakefield Country Courtyard, Potterspury, Northants, NN12 7QX Tel: 01327 810320

14

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Need HR Advice but don’t have an in-house HR department?

We provide one off solutions or tailor – made packages to suit any budget.

KMHR Solutions, offering HR advice and support to small and medium sized businesses. Please visit our website for more details www.kmhrsolutions.co.uk Or contact us on 0775 4201722 or at enquiries@kmhrsolutions.co.uk

Real Ale Trail around Towcester Back by popular demand – the Festival Real Ale Trail promises to be even better this year now everyone has got into the swing of things. It’s exactly the same format as last year with four pubs and the Dolphin Café playing host.

You join in by buying a chunky and exclusive Real Ale Trail tankard that hangs round your neck by a colourful ribbon. When you walk into one of the participating venues and present your tankard, you get a free quarter pint sample of the real ale that they will have tapped specially for Real Ale Trailers.

Each of the five venues will have different ale – all of them beers made by local brewers - and at the end of the trail you get to vote for your favourite using the Real Ale Trail leaflet.

Add your email to the leaflet, and we’ll include you in a free prize draw to win one of five pairs of tickets for Towcester Sausage and Cider Festival taking place at Towcestrians RFC on August 15.

The five participating venues are: n The Brave Old Oak n The Dolphin Café (Closes at 10pm) n The Pickled Pig n The Plough n Towcester Mill Brewery

The Brave Old Oak, Dolphin Café, Pickled Pig and Plough are all within a stone’s throw of each other on Watling Street in the very heart of historic Towcester.

Towcester Mill Brewery is tucked around the back of the town centre, behind Moat Lane. Turn left facing the Town Hall and keep going all the way down Chantry Lane.

Get your Real Ale Trail leaflet stamped at each venue and take it to Towcester Mill Brewery to claim a free ‘Trail Finishers’ half. The Real Ale Trail takes place on Saturday June 6, starting at noon.

Tankards for the trail cost £9. For that you get a commemorative handled tankard, a quarter pint sample in each venue, a free half at the end of the trail at Towcester Mill Brewery, the opportunity to vote for your favourite beer and the chance to win free tickets for the Towcester Sausage and Cider Festival.

Tankards will be on sale from each of the five venues, or you can order via email. Supplies are limited so don’t miss out by leaving it too late! To order you tankard, please email: info@towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

15

enjoyable stay.

Breakfast is served in the light and airy dining room, which typically includes cereals, fruit and yogurts, a choice of juices and the traditional full English Breakfast.

THE COUNTING HOUSE ...

Towcester Tea Rooms BED AND BREAKFAST d Cake

Outside catering by Towcester Tea Rooms

All the rooms include:

• Tea and Coffee making facilities • Hair Dryer • Television • Free All Wi-Fi food Access prepared and cooked fresh on the day • Mini Fridge milk and bottled waterto your door Buffets towith suit fresh all budgets, delivered

Not just Tea an

The Counting House is a family run bed and breakfast in the market town of Towcester, close to good pubs and • Hearty all day Breakfasts restaurants in the town.

• Home made Soup

THE COUNTING HOUSE BED AND BREAKFAST

This delightful Bed & Breakfast has undergone complete • Delicious refurbishment andQuiche decoration during the summer of 2012 you can be assured of a clean, comfortable and • so Mouth-watering Chilli enjoyable stay.

Tasty Jacket The•Counting HousePotatoes is a family run bed and breakfast Breakfast is served inofthe light andclose airy dining room, in the market to good pubs and • typically Freshlytown madeTowcester, Sandwiches which includes restaurants in the town. cereals, fruit and yogurts, a choice and of juices and the traditional full English Breakfast.

Baguettes...

This delightful Bed & Breakfast has undergone complete Cake!the summer of All the rooms include: , Tea and during refurbishment and sedecoration and, of cour 2012 so you can be assured of a clean, comfortable and • Tea and Coffee making facilities enjoyable stay.

• Hair Dryer Visit your welcoming, local Tea Rooms is served in the light and airy dining room, •Breakfast Television andtypically treat yourself time you in town which includesnext cereals, fruit andare yogurts, a ...

• Free Wi-Fi Access choice of juices and themilk traditional full English • Mini Fridge with fresh and bottled water Breakfast.

• Weddings The Counting House Bed and Breakfast Christenings 67 • Brackley Road, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6DH • Anniversaries Telephone: 01327 353611 www.counting-house-b-and-b-silverstone.co.uk • Birthdays e: enquiries@counting-house-b-and-b-silverstone.co.uk • Business lunches • Funerals • Naming days • Engagement • Parties

To discuss your catering requirements

Call 01327 358200 or 07792 189022 (call or text)

TowCeSTeR Tea RooMS

All the rooms include:

watling Street, Towcester The169Counting House Bed and Breakfast

e: mail@towcestertearooms.co.uk www.towcestertearooms.co.uk

• Tea and Coffee makingNN12 facilities Northamptonshire, 6BX NN12 6DH 67 Brackley Road, Towcester, Northants, • Hair Dryer 01327 358200 Telephone: 01327 353611 • Television www.towcestertearooms.co.uk www.counting-house-b-and-b-silverstone.co.uk • enquiries@counting-house-b-and-b-silverstone.co.uk Free Wi-Fi Access e: e: mail@towcestertearooms.co.uk • Mini Fridge with fresh milk and bottled water

Follow us on Twitter: @towcestertea

The Counting House Bed and Breakfast 67 Brackley Road, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6DH Telephone: 01327 353611 www.counting-house-b-and-b-silverstone.co.uk e: enquiries@counting-house-b-and-b-silverstone.co.uk

REAL BREAD FROM REAL INGREDIENTS HAS COME TO TOWCESTER

www.dolphincafe.co.uk www.woodstocksbakery.co.uk

16

Open Mon - Sat 7.30am - 5pm Sun 10am -3pm

Tel: 01327 350808

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Become a Festival Maker!

In the vein of Olympic ‘Gamesmakers’, Towcester Food Festival needs volunteers to help the whole event run smoothly.

Volunteer Festival Makers play a key role at the festival – helping to greet visitors, and guide them around the event.

There’s still time to apply and as well as the satisfaction of being involved in major local event, Festival Makers get two free tickets to the festival, a free food voucher and a branded ‘Festival Maker’ T-shirt.

Crispin Slee, founder of the festival, said: “We were enormously grateful to all our volunteers. They really entered into the spirit of things and did a wonderful job.”

As a consequence of the volunteer programme, Towcester food Festival was able to donate nearly £1,500 to good causes locally.

South Northants Volunteer Bureau (SNVB) help to recruit and manage the Festival Maker programme.

Sarah Findell, who lives and works in Towcester, volunteered last year alongside her husband Malcolm and their two sons – Ross and Thomas.

Mel Bignell, of SNVB, said: “Volunteers will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing something really meaningful to a high profile event.”

Sarah, who has already signed up to help again this year, said: “I saw it is an opportunity to do something for my town and the community in which I live. It was really good fun and I met lots of new people. It was a lovely way to spend the weekend and I can’t wait for this year.”

Volunteers need only give a few hours during the weekend of the event on June 6 and 7.

They will be responsible for stewarding at the event, greeting, guiding and assisting visitors. To volunteer, please email info@ towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

17

The Launchpad Zone

At Towcester Food Festival, we want to help new food businesses get off the ground. To this end, we run a bursary scheme to support foodie startups.

Last year, we helped ten new businesses. Nearly all have gone from strength to strength over the year – and we’re delighted to welcome many of them back to the festival in 2015.

This year, we have nine bursary winners – a mix of local businesses and, as our reputation spreads around the country, some from further afield.

They will all be exhibiting together in our Launchpad Zone. They have some amazing things on offer so please seek them out and support them if you can.

We will be running our bursary scheme again in 2016. If you know anyone who might qualify, please ask them to get in touch: info@ towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk

Penelope’s Vintage Ice Cream

After her oldest child left home for university, mum-of-four Penny Roberts decided it was time to do something for herself. Penny, from Roade, had seen a vintage ice cream van years before and hankered after the prospect of running her own.

So when her first-born had left, she gave up work as a primary school teacher and scoured the web looking for a van. She found one in Scarborough - a 1971 Bedford complete with original fixtures, right down to the fridge and freezer. She splashed out and has had the van lovingly repainted in authentic colours – shell pink and vintage white.

Penelope’s Vintage Ice Cream was born.

18

Penny sells ten different tantalising flavours – from luxury coffee and walnut to blackberry – all made freshly every day by an artisan maker. www.penelopesvintageicream.co.uk

Sorai

When disaster hit her professional career, Maria Stella quite literally returned to her roots for inspiration. Born in Borneo, she grew up in the rural village of Singai where the family often foraged for food in the forest and cooked using pastes made from ground spices, lemon grass, chilli, garlic and ginger.

She moved to Britain when she was 20 after winning a Commonwealth scholarship, married and began a family. Maria loved cooking in her traditional style and her new family loved her food. When freelance work in the public sector dried up, she turned to her first love.

She now makes sauces inspired by the flavours of Borneo and her business is called Sorai, which stands for lemon grass in her native tongue. Her flavours include flaming grilled pepper and the rather scary sounding screaming pineapple. “They are very versatile – you can use them as cooking sauces, as a dressing or marinade,” she said. www.sorai.co.uk

Crayfish Capers

Mark Lees has made a bit of a name for himself in the culinary world since launching his business Crayfish Capers. He’s muscled his way onto the Hairy Bikers and shared a sofa with Heston Blumenthal on The One Show.

Eat&DrinkTowcester

The Launchpad Zone

Mark traps crayfish, a mini fresh water lobster, in the River Ouse near his base in Woburn Sands, Beds. He used to sell the little beasties fresh, direct to restaurants.

But he has recently launched his own range of crayfish fish cakes – Crayfish and Smoked Salmon, Crayfish and Smoked Trout and Crayfish and Smoked Mackerel – which Mark and his family will be bringing to Towcester Food Festival. www.crayfishcapers.co.uk

Doorstep Baking

Former head teacher Cheryl Buckle and her husband Steve, from Mawsley near Kettering, turned their passion for baking into a business just over a year ago. Called Doorstep Baking, they make baking mixes for the less confident baker, with all the ingredients you need measured ready in a jar or box.

They started out with just one product – a Double Chocolate and Walnut Brownie mix in a clip-top jar – but now they have 39 different lines. The couple have just added to their range with a new line - a microwaveable ‘Pudding in a Mug’ in seven tempting flavours including chocolate orange. www.doorstepbaking.co.uk

The Roving Apothecary

Helen and Iain Pearston, from The Lane in Grafton Regis, are another couple who have turned their passion into a business. But in their case, it was their love of history and historical re-enactment rather than baking.

Keen re-enactors themselves, they got to know a herbalist who ran a roving apothecary at the shows they attended, selling medicinal herbs.

When the business came up for sale, they snapped it up.

They have re-invented The Roving Apothecary and now specialise in herbs and spices, handmade pickles made with historic spice blends and long lost flavours, such as long pepper and cubebs which have more complexity than black pepper today. www.rovingapothecary.co.uk

Sedgwick’s Charcuterie

Andrew Sedgwick runs what can truly be described as a farm to fork business. Andrew makes a range of cured British meats, salami and chorizo, using rare-breed pork.

He rears the pigs himself – they range free on his five acre small holding in Cambridgeshire - and butchers, cures, packs and sells everything for Sedgwick’s Charcuterie himself.

All the herbs he uses are grown in his vegetable patch. He also uses his own honey, sloe gin and cider in some of the cures – and hazelnuts taken from the hedgerows. A regular at Ely and St Ives farmers’ markets, coming to Towcester will be a whole new excursion for him. www.sedgwickscharcuterie.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

19

The Launchpad Zone Dhaniya

For years, beauty therapist Usha Verman had wanted to start her own Indian food business. She and husband Roy, a project manger in the financial sector, trod cautiously, spending two years researching the market, and the competition.

Last year, they went for it, launching Dhaniya, specialising in authentic Indian pastes, rubs and marinades, all made according to traditional family recipes, with wonderfully colourful branding, as vibrant as the flavours themselves.

then gave up the rat race altogether, relocating from London to the pretty village of Warkton near Kettering so they could grow their fledgling business.

All IBC’s products are gluten free, dairy free, egg free and soya free, with none of the 14 common food allergens. Additionally all products are vegan and coeliac friendly. They will be bringing their range of delicious breads to the festival. www.incrediblebakerycompany.co.uk

The Indian Orchard

Who would have thought that a boot full of cooking apples would have the potential to inspire a food business. But that’s exactly happened to Jyostshna Savjani, who just couldn’t

Dhaniya, which is Hindi for coriander, boasts ten different products – five pastes and five rubs - from a classic curry paste to the intriguing sounding spiced pomegranate rub. www.dhaniya.co.uk

The Incredible Bakery

You know how seasoned parents delight in telling parents-to-be how having children will change their lives? Well, when Valeria Mizuno-Turner gave birth to her first child, no-one could have guessed the transformation for her and husband James.

They discovered that their son Leon had multiple food allergies and struggled to find products that were not only gluten free but also dairy free, egg free and soya free. In fact, they got so fed up of looking – they started to make their own.

From that, the Incredible Bakery Company (IBC) was born. The couple gave up their jobs and

20

see them go waste.

She used them to create her trademark spiced apple chutney, made according to a traditional family recipe handed down through the generations, and from there, The Indian Orchard was born.

Accountant Jyostshna does all the cooking in her spare time at home in her kitchen in Bletchley and son Kishan is in charge of sales, marketing and product development.

As well as chutney, Jyostshna makes lemon pickle, lime pickle and garlic and tamarind pickle. They are amazing. If you like spice and crave a mouthful of lingering flavour, don’t go home without at least one jar! www.facebook.com/theindianorchardmk

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Taylors Towcester 01327 350687

Are you looking to move in 2015?

If you are, then ensure you contact Taylors Estate Agents Towcester!

With a year on year improvement in our instructions and sales compared to 2014, we know that the current market is buoyant and recently some properties have even sold within 24 hours! So instruct us today and we will get you sold to one of our qualified buyers. As an extra incentive we are offering £1500 discount off our standard fees!

Cut out the coupon below and call the branch TODAY for your no obligation market appraisal.

With unrivalled internet coverage and computer linked branches across the region, we guarantee that your property will be exposed to the greatest number of potential buyers, this ensures we create the maximum number of viewings to get YOU the best possible price!

£1500 OFF VOUCHER! Offer Expires 1/9/2015

This voucher entitles you to £1500 off our our standard selling fee.

You must present this voucher before instructing us to market your property. Only one voucher can be used per transaction.

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

21

The

Fleet e r u t n e v d A

at Union Canal Carriers Established 1968

As a family owned and run business we understand family holidays, taking the young for their first canal boat trip or revisiting old memories with old friends we have just the boat here at Union Canal Carriers.

A canal holiday can be enjoyed by all ages and offers something of interest to everyone. Your boat becomes your home and the canals offer you freedom, adventure and relaxation.

Situated on the border of rural Northamptonshire and Warwickshire our boat yard at Braunston is at the heart of the canal network. With the junction of the Grand Union and Oxford Canals minutes away we can offer wonderful views of the Warwickshire countryside - its an exciting place to start a holiday or a day out.

We are proud of our fleet and you are welcome to visit at any time but please phone first to make sure the craft you wish to view will be available.

We have 15 hire boats sleeping 2-12 people and a very popular 12 seater day boat so if you wish to cruise the Warwick Ring or pootle down to a pub for Sunday lunch the choice is yours.

Union Canal Carriers Ltd, Braunston Pump House, Dark Lane, Braunston, Northants NN11 7HJ Email bo@unioncanalcarriers.co.uk

out For a day ference with a dif You can hire this boat for a day

For up to 12 people Ouzel ll is fully equipped with galley, h & c water, gas ring, flushing toilet, seating for 12 & buoyancy aids on request

Great value! Great fun!

No experience required, Instruction given Choice of scenic routes Ideal for family or other social occasions Have a canalside picnic or lunch in a pub

Monday - Friday ÂŁ125.00 incl Weekends / bank holidays- ÂŁ160 incl Telephone 01788 890784

www.unioncanalcarriers.co.uk Tel: 01788 890784 FRE

festival gE u

2015

26 June to 12 July

ide

Available in June from Rugby Visitor Cen tre and local busi nesses

art | literature | music | dance | food | drink

More information from Rugby Visitor Centre T: 01788 533217 E: visitor.centre@rugby.gov.uk

www.rugbyfestivalofculture.co.uk 22

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Cookery classes at the festival

Is your daughter the next Nigella? Or your son the next Heston? At Towcester Food Festival, your kids can brush up their culinary skills in one of our cookery classes for children.

When you book, please take care to advise us if your child has any allergies. The kids cookery classes take place on the second floor of the Grace Stand. (See map.)

Rachel Wilson of Cookery Doodle Doo in Silverstone will run the cookery classes for kids over both days of the festival. Rachel worked in the food industry before becoming a mum and launching her own cooking school.

If you like Asian food, then the adult cookery classes are just for you. Run by Jenny Dicks’ tutors from Bay Tree Cottage in Farthingstone, the sessions will focus on Japanese and Indian cooking.

Her classes are suitable for children aged three and above, although under fives will need to be accompanied please. Your children can learn how to make summer truffles or Stuffed Tomatoes.

The sessions will take place at 2pm and 3pm on each day of the festival. To book, please visit: towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk. The adult cookery classes also take place on the second floor of the Grace Stand.

The classes last for 30 minutes and will run at the following times:

Noon – Summer truffles 1pm - Stuffed Tomatoes 2pm - Summer truffles 3pm - Stuffed Tomatoes Tickets for the cookery classes are available to buy online at towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk. Cost per session for the children’s classes is £4. Maximum number of eight per class.

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

23

For your perfect kitchen, bathroom or bedroom

0800 002 5903 | contact@systemflushuk.co.uk Central Heating and Boiler Installations Boiler Repairs Power Flushing Kitchens Bathrooms

24

Eat&DrinkTowcester

[JUNE] TH FRIDAY 5 TH SUNDAY 7 TH FRIDAY 12 TH SUNDAY 14 TH FRIDAY 26 TH SUNDAY 28

BIKE NIGHT \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 6.00pm CAFE CHURCH RUN BY CMA \ FROM 9.00am CLASSIC CAR MEET \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 5.00pm FALCON CLASSIC CAR TOUR BREAKFAST MEET \ 9.00am-11.00am VW MEET \ ALL VWS WELCOME \ FROM 6.00pm V-TWIN CUSTOM BIKE DAY

[JULY] RD FRIDAY 3 TH SUNDAY 5 TH FRIDAY 10 TH SATURDAY 11 TH SUNDAY 12 ST FRIDAY 31

BIKE NIGHT \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 6.00pm CAFE CHURCH RUN BY CMA \ FROM 9.00am CLASSIC CAR MEET \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 5.00pm PRE TON UP PARTY \ LIVE: THE STINGRAYS \ FREE \ FROM 6.00pm TON UP DAY 2015 \ LIVE: THE RAPIERS \ FREE \ 9.00am-5.00pm VW MEET \ ALL VWS WELCOME \ FROM 6.00pm

[AUGUST] ND SUNDAY 2 TH FRIDAY 7 TH SUNDAY 9 TH FRIDAY 14 TH FRIDAY 28

CAFE CHURCH RUN BY CMA \ FROM 9.00am BIKE NIGHT \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 6.00pm H J’s BIKE SHOW (CMA) 10.00am-4.30pm CLASSIC CAR MEET \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 5.00pm VW MEET \ ALL VWS WELCOME \ FROM 6.00pm

[SEPTEMBER] TH FRIDAY 4 TH SUNDAY 6

FRIDAY 25 TH SUNDAY 27

BIKE NIGHT \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 6.00pm V-TWIN BUELL DAY CAFE CHURCH RUN BY CMA \ FROM 9.00am CLASSIC CAR MEET \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 5.00pm ROCK ALONG WITH ‘JOHNNY RED & THE JAILBRIDS’ \ TICKETS ONLY 7:30pm TILL LATE. TICKETS ON SALE IN THE CAFE VW MEET \ ALL VWS WELCOME \ FROM 6.00pm FORD OWNERS CLUB AUTUMN SWAP & SELL MEET \ 9.00am – 2:30pm

[OCTOBER] ND FRIDAY 2 th FRIDAY 9 TH SUNDAY 4 TH SUNDAY 18 TH FRIDAY 30

BIKE NIGHT \ CAFE & BAR OPEN \ FROM 6.00pm CLASSIC CAR MEET/CAFE & BAR OPEN/FROM 5.00pm CAFE CHURCH RUN BY CMA \ FROM 9,00am A5 ROAD RUN – VINTAGE TRUCK DAY VW MEET \ ALL VWS WELCOME \ FROM 6.00pm

TH

FRIDAY 11 TH SATURDAY 19 TH

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

25

Chef Demonstration Stage We’ve got some fabulous cooks on the chef demo stage this year. They’ll be sharing their skills throughout the weekend.

The demonstrations take place every hour from 11.30am to 3.30pm and are free. No need to book - just turn up and bag a spot in the marquee.

All the chefs will wear microphones and the demonstrations will be shown on large TV screens so you can see everything close up.

knowledge of authentic Indian cooking, gathered from her upbringing and travels as an adult.

Anita is on a mission to inspire and teach the cooking of practical, interesting and delicious meals using fresh produce. “There is no need for complicated ingredients when you have such great spices for taste and aroma,” she says. https://www.facebook.com/HobbyCooks

12.30pm: Adam Church About Adam: Adam is Head Chef at ‘Franks Steakhouse,’ Northampton’s first dedicated steak restaurant which opened in October 2011 and recently launched a new diner in Towcester.

The chefs will concentrate on using fresh, locallysourced, seasonal produce to prepare their signature dishes.

Katie Johnson from Wot’s Cooking will host the demo stage. Katie is a farmer turned broadcaster and writer, who worked as a presenter and producer for the BBC for 15 years.

The scheduled running order is:

Saturday 11.30am: Anita Chipalkatty – Hobby Cooks

Steaks are cooked over a ‘Josper Oven’ and served on wooden boards accompanied by home-made hand cut chips and side dishes. As you’d imagine, Adam’s speciality is beef.

Adam’s style is Modern British, working with classic flavour combinations but finding his own way to put them together with modern techniques – the restaurant’s steak tartare is an example of his art.

When asked what foods he’d take if he ever found himself on a desert island, on his list were bananas for energy and flour for endless possibilities!

About Anita: Anita is a chef, teacher and mother who has a passion for Indian cuisine. She runs ‘Hobby Cooks’ in Northampton, passing on her

26

www.frankssteakhouse.co.uk

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Chef Demonstration Stage 1.30pm: Carmela Sereno Hayes – Carmela’s Kitchen in Northampton About Carmela: Carmela was born in Bedford to Italian parents who settled in the UK in the late 1950s. Today, half of Carmela’s family have made their way back to Italy, where they carry on the local traditions and cooking styles.

This remains a constant point of reference for Carmela, an Italian food writer and cookery teacher who holds her heritage close to her heart, teaching her ‘Cucina Povera’ cooking style at regular classes and workshops around Northamptonshire.

Carmela’s mantra is to cook simple, inexpensive, flavoursome food with good quality seasonal ingredients. Last November saw the release of her first cookery book ‘Southern Italian Family Cooking’ and already Carmela is working on recipes for her new title on Pasta & Sauces.

Her passion is the family, especially her four children, and making pasta! www.carmelas-kitchen.co.uk

2.30pm: Joe Buckley – The Red Lion in East Haddon Northampton born Joe is the general manager at The Red Lion in East Haddon, but is very much a chef at heart so splits his week between front of house and the kitchen. He’s been lucky enough to work in the kitchens of three Michelin star chefs, and has come to conclude that all chefs share the same love - the seasons!

Seasonality to Joe is the first thing he judges a menu on, so at The Red Lion, they focus on serving great British food cooked using seasonal produce and where possible, sourcing from local suppliers within the county.

Away from his stove, he loves a good quality artisan Gin and eating out. He’s a would-be food blogger and dancer too as he took part in ‘Strictly Northampton’ in 2013, raising money for The Cynthia Spencer Hospice.

3.30pm: Justin Lefevre – the Red Lion in Culworth About Justin: Justin has been creating wonderful food for 23 years, learning his craft at ‘The Wentworth Hotel’ in Aldeburgh before moving on to manage a very successful and popular gastro pub in the county for 10 years, and then opening his own establishment at ‘The Red Lion’ in the lovely village of Culworth in 2009.

Between them, Justin and his wife Bronni, have developed a substantial loyal following of diners who enjoy his keenly-priced, contemporary-style food, sourced locally wherever possible and always with attention to freshness and seasonality.

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

27

Chef Demonstration Stage Seafood is a great favourite at The Red Lion and daily deliveries from Brixham provide plenty of inspiration for the specials board alongside the regular mouthwatering menu.

12.30pm: Geoff Woodburn – Real Artisan Bread near Brackley About Geoff: After years of making bread as a passion, it wasn’t until 2013 that Geoff became so fed up with the availability of ‘real bread that he took the plunge and launched Real Artisan Bread.

Justin’s keen interest in food extends to keeping his own pigs and chickens, and picking up inspiring ideas from his travels abroad. It’s not all about food though as playing golf and following Formula One racing play a big part too! www.theredlionculworth.co.uk

Sunday 11.30am: Jane Wyton - The Barn Restaurant at Upper Stowe About Jane: Cooking is in Jane’s blood. She grew up in London, where her Father was a chef who owned two cafés and her aunts were pastry cooks, and she spent much of her childhood in a kitchen.

Jane is now chef/owner of ‘The Barn’ at Upper Stowe where she has been since May 2013 and where she serves hearty, home cooked meals, snacks and cakes with all food prepared and cooked on the premises.

Set in a 19th century farm building, The Barn is a unique, peaceful location to have breakfast, lunch or just tea & cake. Great for private functions and always a friendly welcome, so much so, a reviewer began his comments with the line ‘is run by one of the nicest chefs I know. The food is absolutely excellent.’

Based in Westbury, on the South Northamptonshire/North Buckinghamshire border, all breads are hand kneaded, slowly proved and individually crafted.

Geoff’s belief is in real bread made with a base of flour, water, yeast and salt, only adding natural produce such as seeds, herbs, oil and cheese. No treatment agents, no emulsifiers, no bleaches or other added ‘ingredients’ used in mass-produced bread. This results in wonderful bread with a unique taste and which is likely a lot better for your health. www.realartisanbread.co.uk

1.30pm: Andrew Kelly - Sophias Mediterranean Restaurant in Northampton

www.thebarnrestaurant.net

28

Eat&DrinkTowcester

About Andrew: Andrew began his catering career at ‘Papacinos’ in Northampton followed by ‘Sophias,’ where he spent several years before moving to Dorset to work in some of the finest establishments on the south coast.

Chef Demonstration Stage It was there that Andrew got into foraging and molecular cooking which then became a feature of his demonstrations alongside various household names.

3.30pm: Louis Myhill and Josh Sheppard – Nelson Street Restaurant in Buckingham

Now back in Northampton and back at ‘Sophias Restaurant’ as a partner, he is working with John Panayis in one of the town’s most successful eateries. www.sophias-restaurant.co.uk

2.30pm: David Ferguson – Ferguson’s of Rugby David is executive chef and director at ‘Ferguson’s of Rugby,’ using seasonal, high quality ingredients to create imaginative, well balanced dishes.

Louis and Josh are old school friends who have worked alongside each other in various kitchens around Buckinghamshire and in London.

Louis trained at ‘The Ivy’, the celebrity hang-out just off Leicester Square, and he and Josh helped to build ‘Eat17’ restaurant chain in North East London.

David’s culinary career began at Nairns, a busy 120 cover restaurant in Glasgow, where he worked alongside TV Chef Nick Nairn.

In 2012, the pair launched their own business, the ‘Nelson Street Restaurant’ in Buckingham, with a trademark modern English menu and an emphasis on local produce.

Since then, he has worked alongside award winning chef Alex Howard and rosette winning Chef Marc Billings, and, among other places, at the Leicester Opera House.

The two friends have just launched their own food brand ‘Swanny and Shepps’, a range of restaurantinspired soups, sauces and condiments based on their own recipes.

David was appointed executive chef at Ferguson’s in 2013 and runs regular cookery demonstrations at the restaurant.

www.nelsonstreetrestaurant.co.uk

www.fergusonsrugby.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

29

STUART NICHOLS WASTE DISPOSAL If you need septic tanks, treatment plants, cess pits, grease traps, oil interceptors, deisel bunds emptied...

THE GUILD OF MASTER CHIMNEY SWEEPS Powering chimney sweeping into the 21st Century

‘

AVONDALE SWEEPS

Or high pressure jetting or drains unblocked or for FREE advice call me on 01327 261476 for a quote Stuart Nichols Liquid Waste Disposal Ltd Highlands Farm, Upper Boddington, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 6DW

T 01327 261 476 M 07970 474 974 E scnichols@btconnect.com www.stuartnicholswaste.com

NO FUSS – NO MESS FULLY RECOGNISED CERTIFICATES ISSUED FULLY TRAINED & QUALIFIED TO A HIGH STANDARD

HETAS REGISTERED

RUSSELL PEACE…01536 510865 MOBILE – 07725 795394 EMAIL– russell.peace@virgin.net

T & S Threadgold Ltd

Vehicle Dismantlers, Parts & Recoveries Services & Repairs 30 Years | ISO9001 Accredited

We Pay for Scrap Cars!

Registered ATF 01604 832572

mail@tsthreadgold.co.uk Based: Sandy Lane, Harpole, Northampton, NN7 4DG

30

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Antique and Vintage Jewellery Centre We have a huge display of antique, vintage, costume and pre owned jewellery together with a wide range of silver, ceramics, glass, lighting and clocks.

Also outside effects and Kadai fire bowls.

Located at Heart of the Shires Shopping Village, A5 Watling Street, Nr Weedon, Northants, NN7 4LB Open 7 days 10am to 5pm.

Tel: 01327 340594

EXCLUSIVE USE VENUE • Oak beamed room for intimate weddings and country barn for larger events.

• 10 - 200 People.

Credit: Rebecca Walters Photography

The Granary’s Tea Room and Restaurant is set within the 17th • 10 Guest bedrooms.

Century farm buildings at the heart of the Fawsley Estate, offering • Dedicated wedding planner.

WE D D Isecluded N G Scountryside. Perfect a blissful, rustic retreat in beautiful for weary travellers, day trippers, or anyone wishing to escape the F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N hustle and bustle of everyday life.

AND TO ARRANGE A VIEWING OF THE VENUE PLEASE GET IN TOUCH

In summer, our terrace and lawn offer stunning views and a The Granary Hotel tranquil environment to enjoy lunch or afternoon tea. In winter, Northamptonshire, NN11 3BU join us in our cosy tea room for something warming. Tel: 01327 361 730 Email: info@granary-hotel.com

From traditional and delicious home made scones to sandwiches www.granary-hotel.com and hot meals, our menu uses the best ingredients, locally sourced wherever possible.

C O C K TA I L

Our three-tiered traditional Afternoon Tea is very popular and A Rin TtheYtop 5Nin the I Gregion H Tin S wasPvoted 2014.

10, 11, 12, 13 DECEMBER 2014

You are welcome to just pop in or you can call us to book a table W I T H O T H E R D AT E S T O B E R E L E A S E D on 01327 361730 or e-mail info@granary-hotel.com

IMAGES COURTESY OF REBECCA WALTERS PHOTOHRAPHY

• Flexible catering options from al a carte wedding breakfasts to hog roasts, buffets to carveries, whatever you want.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE GET IN TOUCH The Granary at Fawsley, Northamptonshire NN11 3BU

Tel: 01327 361730

www.granary-hotel.com

Includes bubbly on arrival, 3 course Christmas dinner, disco and bacon sandwich at the end of the night.

FROM £29 PER PERSON EXCLUSIVE AND MIXED O F F I C E N I G H T S AVA I L A B L E F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N P L E A S E C O N TA C T U S

The Granary Hotel Northamptonshire, NN11 3BU Tel: 01327 361 730 Email: info@granary-hotel.com www.granary-hotel.com

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

31

The traditional bar offers a range of beautifully cared for Ales, & Fine Wines, featuring local brewery ‘Gun Dog Ales’.

Lunch available daily or Tea & Coffee.

‘The Furrow’

Three barns, in the large garden, open daily from 11.00, with a fabulous range of retro & vintage furniture, plants,flowers,collectibles & treasures, perfect for that special gift.

The Plough Inn Everdon

Open Daily from 11.00-11.00pm The Plough offers within a beautiful environment, high quality, freshly prepared food, using local & Seasonal Ingredients – In particular, our own home produced Lamb, Everdon Beef & Sausages.

Please call 01327 361606 or 07866789737

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.theploughinneverdon.com For weekly menus & news

Independent day school for girls and boys aged 2-18 years

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN MORNING Tuesday 9th June 9am to 12pm

OUR DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN - COME AND VISIT US! For further information, help or advice, please contact us on 01604 684828 or visit our website www.quintonhouseschool.co.uk

B1544 QH 85x135L 2.indd 1

32

Eat&DrinkTowcester

18/03/2015 10:55

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

33

Make the right choice for your Windows, Doors & Conservatory It’s no secret why more people are choosing Custom Glaze – and coming back time and again.

We’ll give you our best price first time, every time.

You’ll receive A+ Energy Rated Windows at no extra cost.

Huge choice of Doors

As a local, family-owned business, we’ll take care of you before, during and after installation.

Registered Company

Windows manufactured to BS 7413 and BS 7412

Choice of Conservatory Roofing Systems

Unit 8, Denbigh Hall Industrial Estate, Milton Keynes. MK3 7QT Open 7 days: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Sat 9.30am - 5pm, Sun 10am - 4pm

Follow us on Facebook

and Twitter

Call 01908 650140 or visit www.customglaze.co.uk for an online estimate

M SHOWROO OPEN ON YS DA N SU

ENJOY SUMMER WITH NEW FRIENDS AND MAYBE MEET THAT SPECIAL PERSON !

YOU ARE VERY WELCOME TO JOIN US ON 5th May, 7th June & 5th July at Whately Hall Hotel, Banbury 17th May at Alveston Manor Hotel, Stratford upon Avon 21st June at Billesley Manor Hotel, Billesley 19th July at Lygon Arms Hotel, Broadway We have been established for 12 years and meet twice a month for Sunday lunch in historic hotels full of character and charm where we have the hotel restaurants reserved for ourselves all afternoon and enjoy good company, fine food and wine.

Come along, widen your social circle, meet new friends and possibly find romance. We strive to have an equal number of ladies and gentlemen at each lunch where you will be warmly welcomed.

Make new local friends, book now and join us at the next lunch, for more details phone Mike on: 01564 230025 or 07718 155146 or email: thesundaylunch@hotmail.co.uk If this may be of interest to someone you know, please tell them about us. The lunches are great fun and there is no membership fee or obligation to attend regularly.

SinglesSundayLunchJan15.indd 1

34

Eat&DrinkTowcester

15/12/2014 11:01:54

FOR THOSE WHO

LOVE TO

SHOP

22 Individual & Unique shops a fully licenced tea room and ample free parking Shopping Village: 01327 349 508

www.heartoftheshires.co.uk

Northamptonshire’s hidden gem on the A5 at Weedon

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

35

st and Grow

Explore grow here

n

k is one of the most ment opportunities .

As a planning authority, South Northamptonshire Council can help you to create a thriving business.

Let us: n

Smooth your way through the planning process

n

Help to leverage funding partnerships

n

Liaise with LEPs and government departments

Northampton

CAMBRIDGE Towcester

Bedford Milton Keynes M1(M) M1

LONDON LUTON

Aylesbury

M25

Highest employment rate in the UK

LONDON M4

LONDON HEATHROW

M3

at silverstone Park hants.gov.uk

36

Economic Development Team Tel: 01327 322 322 Email: economicdevelopment@southnorthants.gov.uk

Eat&DrinkTowcester

South Northamptonshire Explore

South Northamptonshire is admired for its beautiful rolling countryside and ancient woodlands, historic canal network and tranquil villages that are reminiscent of the nearby Cotswolds.

The area enjoys excellent connectivity

by Motorways and rail, yet boasts conservation grade villages set in attractive landscapes with the pretty Market Towns of Brackley and Towcester offering a great choice of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Visit www.southnorthants.gov.uk/ tourism.htm for more details of the quality food and drink available across the District, opportunities for walks & cycling and great places to visit.

Work This District is 4th in the latest ‘Halifax Rural Areas Quality of Life Survey’ in the Halifax Bank of Scotland (at March 2015) best rural area to live in the UK, and the second best in the East Midlands. The District has a high skills economy, and an established High Performance Engineering cluster, supported by a network of rural businesses serving this vital sector.

Perhaps you are looking for a new job or to change your job? Take advantage of free advice and guidance from our highly successful Job Club and Jobs Match Service.

Grow your business

Business can expect an extensive range of support in the form of assistance with recruiting Apprentices, solutions for recruitment via the Jobs Match and Jobs Club services, plus premises to suit all needs and a range of bespoke business support tailored by the Economic Development team to ensure all sizes of business feel that their specific business needs are catered for.

Silverstone Park is just one of a number of major employment sites that has been made available in the District for new business growth and investment.

Further Information South Northants is a local council that is ‘open for business and understands business needs’. We would be happy to discuss your requirements and assist in any way we can.

For information about business opportunities or Job Clubs, the Job Match Service or the Enterprise Club – check out the website at: www.southnorthants.gov.uk/jobclub or call the Economic Development Team on 01327 322 087 or 01327 322 255 where our team of dedicated team members will help you with your enquiry.

for A Taste ons all Seas

NEW EDITION

ed food e produc onshir locally ide to thampt Your gu in South Nor k in and dr

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

37

DAILYBREAD.CO.UK Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm Saturday until 5pm

10% OFF Your Bill

When you bring this ad to the store Or

Order Online & Quote Voucher TF2015 One per person Ends 30 JUNE 2015

T: 01604 621531

Old Laundry

Bedford Road

Northampton

NN4 7AD

Great Healthy Food Mixed Fruit, Nuts, Flours, Cereals, Grains & Flakes, Muesli & Granola, Herbs & Spices, and much more Great range of Organic and Fairtrade products

Great Prices

We leave our food to do the talking

The Folly Inn - Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2014

London Road Towcester Northamptonshire NN12 6LB t: 01327 354031 w: www.follyinntowcester.co.uk e: info@follyinntowcester.co.uk

38

Eat&DrinkTowcester

e r m ste al nd ce iv Fi ow est T F at od Fo

Cakes for all your

speCial

CeleBrations.

Made locally in Brackley with love of baking and attention to detail!

When it’s cold outside, keep warm by our open fires while in summer relax in our extensive gardens.

Sample our fine selection of Cask marque cask ales as well as our teas and coffees - the perfect way to spend time with family and friends.

Our menu covers a range of light lunch time snacks through to homemade main meals which can be served in our bar or restaurant.

We look forward to welcoming you, whether you’re having a snack at lunchtime, an evening meal or just coming in for a drink with friends.

30 High Street, Yardley Gobion NN12 7TN

Call 07870 500919 w w w .C a k e s B y k i t . C o m

     

The Coffee Pot Tavern

Tel: 01908 542345 www.coffee-pot-tavern.co.uk

Garden Design Landscaping Artificial Grass Fencing and Decking Brick and Stone Work Patios, Paving and Driveways

Contact us on: 01908 465792 or 07800 888120 www.ouzel-landscapes.co.uk

Ouzel Landscapes, 76 Bradwell Common Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK13 8EU

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

39

11

1

14

4 15 16

17

7 13 8 6

12

40

Eat&DrinkTowcester

1

Stable Block

2

Exhibitor Parking

3

Live Music Lawn with seating & Stalls

4

10

Live Music Lawn with seating & Stalls

5

Chefs Demonstration Marquee

2

9

6

Empress Stand

7

Panic Circus

8

First Aid

9

Food Halls

10 Food Halls

1

11 Main Entrance from

5 3

Car Park

12

Main Pedestrian

Entrance from Towcester

13

Street Food Market

14 Grace Stand Second Floor: Cookery Classes

15 Grace Stand Bar 16 Festival Office: Lost and found

17 Pony Rides

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

41

Wakefield Country Courtyard Your local rural Shopping Experience!

At this lovely farm near Potterspury, with chickens running free, you’ll find a unique rural, shopping experience.

Individual, high-quality shops from “Just 4 You Beauty & Hair”, where you can be pampered from top-to-toe with lotions, potions and all things scented.

Relaxed and rejuvenated, enjoy afternoon tea (any time of day!) at “The ARTtea Rooms”, with a selection of teas and a slice of home-made cake and enjoy artwork by local amateur artists.

Once replete stroll around “Home and Gift” to find beautiful things for your home; the furniture is painted and refurbished or brand new and all at wholesale prices too. They’re the only place you will find the lovely range of Rust-Oleum Chalky Finish paint locally.

For pet lovers a visit to “Bark n Purr” is a must. In this up-market pet boutique you will discover all manner of treats for your pampered pets - from beds, bowls and beyond!

For those wishing to sample some culinary delights you won’t be disappointed. Stocking a range of wines, spirits, sweets and treats, not to

mention the pies - “Upton Smokery” is a sure fire winner!

You’ll also find a wide range of smoked produce (hence the name), smoked by Upton, complete with mouth-watering aromas! Oh, and they bake their own bread too – heaven!!

If that isn’t enough then you can fulfil your creative urge by popping into Vitreus Art – our new and local creative hub!! You will find affordable artwork by local artists - from ceramics, glass, sculpture and more. And if you want to get hands-on there’s a wide range of arts & craft workshops on offer, so it’s certainly worth a visit.

With all of this going-on - will you have time to take in the beautiful woodland walk?

Doggies are welcome, but must be kept on a lead as not to scare the local wildlife!

Wakefield-Country-Courtyard Businesses at Wakefield Country Courtyard

Vitreus Art Run by Mike Caddy & Jenny Timms Art & Craft Workshop and Art Gallery

www.vitreus-art.co.uk Tel: 01327 810320 Mob: 07896 515431 Email: hello@vitreus-art.co.uk

Just 4 You Beauty & Hair Run by Georgina East

www.just4youbeauty.co.uk Tel: 01327 810058 Email: georgina407@btinternet.com

ARTea Rooms Run by James Swansborough-Smith

www.artearoom.co.uk Email: enquiries@artearoom.co.uk Telephone: 01327 810245

Home & Gift, Trading at The Gap Run by Jenni Elsegood

www.homeandgift.net Email: homeandgifttrading@gmail.com Tel: 01327 810294 Mob: 07835318829

Upton Smokery Run by Marie James

www.uptonsmokery.co.uk Tel: 01327 811511

Bark n Purr Pet Boutique Run by Lauren Hearn

www.barknpurrboutique.co.uk Email: lfmhearn@aol.com Tel: 07531169920

Food News

Taking the biscuit . . . online

Louise Walker has taken her business to new heights since exhibiting at Towcester Food Festival last year.

Louise makes the most beautiful, hand-crafted, royal iced biscuits, to celebrate any occasion - birthdays (see picture), weddings, christenings . . . to name but a few.

She said: “As a child I have vivid memories of my grandfather giving me little Iced Gem biscuits as a treat and also of my mother icing rich fruit cakes with thick glossy royal icing. I first made iced biscuits for my daughter’s birthday. I enjoyed it so much I kept on baking them.”

Louise runs Bakery One in Stony Stratford. You can see her incredible selection of iced biscuits and order online at: www.bakeryone.co.uk

Open Air Foods – now open all hours!

Another local business taking the plunge into e-commerce is Open Air Foods, which has recently opened an online shop selling their wares for next day delivery. Based in Buckingham, this family run business boasts a wonderful selection of cheese, picked from independent and unique makers, and artisan produce.

Mother-of-one Gemma Holden is a mainstay of the team.

As a sommelier and lover of fine food, Gemma hosts cheese and wine pairing evenings. Find out more at: www.openairfoods.com

Towcester Racecourse backs two winners

Two more business celebrating after last year’s festival are Friars Farm, makers of homemade jam and chutney, and Hamm Tun Fine Foods, Northampton’s only cheese maker.

Racecourse chief executive Kevin Ackerman was so taken by their produce, he inked a deal for the two businesses to supply his new in-house catering operation, running the hospitality restaurant and private boxes at the greyhound and horse racing.

Friars Farm produce and Cobblers’ Nibble cheese now feature prominently on the racecourse menu. Kevin said: “We’re delighted to be supporting local food businesses.”

It has been a busy year for Steve Reid, the man behind Friars Farm. He plans to marry partner Rachel and the couple have just opened a shop at the Albion Brewery in Northampton.

Open Air Foods will be cooking up a treat in the street food market – brick chicken with seasonal salad.

44

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Food News

Belinda is the Marshmallow queen!

If you came to the food festival last year, you will more than likely have gone home with some of Belinda Clark’s marshmallows. With flavours like salted caramel, raspberry, strawberry and vanilla, and coconut, those little cubes of yummy gooeyness were just too hard to resist. Well, you festival goers aren’t the only ones to be tempted by Belinda’s yummy creations. Her nougat was selected among the nibbles for the buffet when the Queen launched the new Britannia in March!

Belinda is back again at Towcester this year. Look out for her stand – and her new flavours.

Get down to The Rissa

We are delighted to welcome 63 Islands to the street food market at Towcester Food Festival this year. They sell dishes inspired by cuisine from across the West Indies.

Owner Emma-Louise Kerr explains: “The food of the Caribbean has been inspired by settlers from all over the world – Spanish, French, Dutch and Indian. “We take a little morsel from each of the islands to make food which is a tantalising and unique mix of the Caribbean.”

If Caribbean food is your thing, then head on down to The Rissa, tucked away on an the industrial estate in William Street, Northampton. The Rissa is run by Noe Maplanka, who has turned her passion for cooking into an up-and-coming café and takeaway business. Her jerk chicken and rice is fabulous – make sure you go for the spicy gravy option though, to add that extra punch!

You’ll find The Rissa in Unit 30 – first on the right as you go into William Street.

Toast of the town

Towcester is undergoing a something mini-food revival.

Last May, saw the launch of the Towcester Mill Brewery, with beer brewed fresh in town on sale in the tap room.

Now, Cate Casey at the Dolphin Café is offering townsfolk the chance to buy delicious artisan bread. She has teamed up with Woodstock’s Artisan Bakery in Stony Stratford who bake and deliver fresh every day. Good luck Cate!

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

45

Your garden

We’re branching out !

From May 2015 to celebrate our 10 years in business, each magazine will print 10,000 copies going foward Put your business in front of people who read, keep and value The Village Emporium magazines We are a bi-monthly quality magazine, hand-delivered door to door, full of local trades people, services and information. 30,000 copies reach local villages and communities in Warwickshire and Northamptonshire.

Interested? Call us on 01788 298050 thevillageemporiummagazine

@EmporiumVillage

www.villageemporium.co.uk 46

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Akeley Wood School

Our Exhibitors

Akeley Cake decorating and a smoothie-making bike powered by humans! www.akeleywoodschool.co.uk

Angelina Cupcake

Bubble Event Catering

Northampton Thickshakes and mini donuts www.bubbleeventcatering.com

Burtree Puddings

Pattishall Cupcakes, brownies and cookies www.angelinacupcake.co.uk

Darlington Sticky puddings, flapjacks, brownie, fruit cakes, gluten free puddings and tealoaves www.burtreepuddings.co.uk

Bay Tree Cottage

Cakes by Kit

Farthingstone Cookery workshops www.btcworkshops.co.uk

Belinda Clark Gourmet Confectioner Hants Gourmet Marshmallows www.belindaclark.co.uk

Capon and Harvey

Banbury Liqueurs, rare whiskeys and spirits, mustards and chutneys

Bell Plantation

Capsicana Chilli Co

Towcester Fresh meat, veg and eggs www.bellplantation.co.uk

Hitchin Gourmet chilli sauces and pre-packed dried and smoked chillies www.capsicana.co.uk

BigHorn Biltong

Flyford, Worcs Rare breed, grass fed, free range, air dried beef Biltong in five different flavours www.bighornbiltong.co.uk

Bite Me Spices

Northampton Spice mixes, rubs and BBQ sauces and freshly ground chilli powders www.bite-me-spices.co.uk

Brown’s Gourmet Sausages

Brackley Celebration cake dummies and samples of cakes and cookies. Prize draw. www.cakesbykit.co.uk

Wollaston Hand-made artisan sausages inc. gluten-free and vegan varieties www.brownsgourmet.co.uk

Catchpole Cellars

Leics Personal wine tastings www.catchpolecellars.co.uk

Celtic Spirit Co.

Anglesey Whiskey, Liqueurs, and Poteen (48% Triple Distilled Spirit) www.celticspirit.co.uk

Chiltern Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil

Tring Plain and infused rapeseed oil, and salad dressings www.chilterncoldpressedrapeseedoil.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

47

Our Exhibitors Chiltern Natural Foods

French Flavour

Chilton Liqueurs

Friars Farm Home Produce

High Wycombe Granola breakfast cereals, roasted and flavoured nuts and seeds, yoghurt and chocolate snacks www.chilternnaturalfoods.com Shropshire Damson gin, raspberry vodka, Seville orange gin, damson vinegar www.chiltondamsongin.co.uk

Coopers Gourmet

Shrewsbury Gourmet sausage rolls www.coopers-sausage-rolls.co.uk

Costco

Milton Keynes Food display www.costco.co.uk

Creating Smiles

Old Stratford Natural and fun portrait photographers, offering free prize draw www.creating-smiles.co.uk

Daniel’s Delights

Stoke Chocolate bars, chocolate lollipops, mallow bars, enrobed fruits and confectionery and handmade truffles. www.daniels-delights.co.uk

Daily Bread Co-Operative Northampton Ethical food co-operative www.dailybread.co.uk

First Avenue Supplies

Wrexham French artisan products – saucisson, confits, rillettes, mustards and garlic www.frenchflavour.co.uk Northampton Homemade jams, chutneys and sauces www.friars-farm.com

Fudgeheaven

Bromsgrove Fuffle bars – is it a fudge, or is it a truffle?

Granny Tigg’s

Bodenham Granny Tigg’s famous dressing and drizzle www.grannytiggs.com

Greek Best Foods

Greenford Olives, olive oil, Baklava, Italian biscuits, liquorice, dates and nuts

Gun Dog Ales

Woodford Halse Locally brewed real ale www.gundogales.co.uk

Gwatkin Cider

Herefordshire Artisan cider and perry from Herefordshire’s Golden Valley www.gwatkincider.co.uk

Hamm Tun Fine Foods

Northampton Artisan maker of Cobblers Nibble – the only cheese made in Northampton www.hammtunfinefoods.co.uk

Bletchley Embroidered clothing www.firstavenuesupplies.co.uk

48

Eat&DrinkTowcester

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

49

SIMPLY STUNNING PET & COUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY

To book contact Tracey now on 07788 524204 or email tracey@barefootphotographics.co.uk www.barefootphotographics.co.uk CRB number 110100109983290

50

Eat&DrinkTowcester

barefootphotographics

Our Exhibitors Hedonist Bakery

Hereford Part-baked artisan breads and freshly baked patisserie

Just Add

Crewe Flavor concentrates for luxury sauces, rubs, marinades and stir fry www.justaddsauces.co.uk

Northampton Curry sauces and Indian chutneys

Natural Game

Uttoxeter Game, exotic meats, steaks, burgers and sausages www.naturalgame.co.uk

Naturally Created

Caldicot Hand-crafted wooden chopping and serving boards www.natruallycreated.co.uk

Just Biscuits

Stoke Mandeville Handmade sweet and savoury biscuits www.justbiscuits.co.uk

Nature’s Fayre

Lymn Bank Farm

Kettering Honey, marmalades, preserves, chutneys, pickles, honey fudge, dressings and sauces

Wainfleet St Mary Flavoured and smoked cheese www.postacheese.com

Nene View Dairy

Maison Rustique

Stanwick Artisan goats’ cheese www.neneviewdairy.co.uk

Churchdown Handmade Spanish ceramics www.maisonrustique.net

Nibble Nose Cheese

Merrimen Brewing

Lincs Cheese truckles www.nibblenose.co.uk

Litchborough Locally brewed cask ale www.merrimen.co.uk

Ocean Classic

Monkshood Coffee

Buckingham Speciality gourmet coffee and artisan tea www.monkshoodcoffee.com

Morgan’s Brew Tea

Mum’s Curry Sauces

Telford Frozen seafood and complimentary sauces www.oceanclassic.co.uk

Oliphant & Pomeroy

Welshpool 43 kinds of loose leaf tea and tea flavoured water

Twyford Artisan ice cream www.oliphantandpomeroy.co.uk

Moulton Pie Company

Pen-y-Lan Pork

Northampton Cooked, cold pies and cured meats www.themoultonpiecompany.co.uk

Wrexham Award-winning sausages and gourmet meatballs www.penylan.site40.net

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

51

THE LOST FARM Grandborough Fields Visit us at THE TOWCESTER FOOD FESTIVAL on 6th and 7th June 2015

Pure Bred Beef, Manx Loaghtan & Tamworth Pork and on request Quality Mutton.

www.thelostfarm.com pure breeding

01788 521469

Be in it in 2016!

We print and distribute 20,000 copies of this programme.

If you are interested in advertising in 2016 call us on

01788 298050 email: info@villageemporium.co.uk

www.villageemporium.co.uk

Private orders taken

The Barley Mow (Cosgrove)

Beautiful countryside pub backing onto the Grand Union Canal in the village of Cosgrove. Just 15 minutes drive from Milton Keynes or if you are on a boat you can find us at bridge number 65.

Opening Hours

12pm till 11pm Mon – Sat, 12pm till 10:30pm Sunday

Food available

12pm till 2:30pm & 6pm till 9pm Mon – Thurs 12pm till 9pm Fri– Sun

Mucky boots and dogs welcome!

Supporting local business since 2005 thevillageemporiummagazine @EmporiumVillage

52

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Tel: 01908 562 957

www.thebarleymowcosgrove.co.uk

Our Exhibitors Perfect Tipple

Sarah’s Cake Boutique

Pimento

Sauce Shop

Burntwood Sparkling wine infused with edible 23 carat gold leaf www.perfecttipple.co.uk Chesham Pimento Ginger Beer, cocktails and Gallia beers www.pimentodrink.com

Queens Park Preserves

Hinckley Handmade jams, preserves and chutneys

Roberts Country Fayre

Wrexham Award-winning pies from Wales www.robertscountryfayre.co.uk

Nottingham Sweet, savoury and hot sauces – natural and handmade. www.sauce-shop.co.uk

Saxby’s Cider

Farndish Artisan cider from Northants www.saxbyscider.co.uk

Silverstone Brewery

Silverstone Locally brewed bottle beers and beer soap www.silverstonebrewingcompany.com

Real Artisan Bread

Westbury Artisan breadmaker www.realartisanbread.co.uk

Sinclair Condiments

Milton Keynes Artisan condiments – tomato ketchup, English mustard, brown sauce, BBQ sauce, mushroom ketchup, hot banana ketchup, sweet chilli sauce, chilli ketchup, fermented green chilli sauce, scotch bonnet sauce, naga sauce www.sinclaircondiments.co.uk

Really Awesome Coffee

Banbury Gourmet coffee, tea and cold drinks www.awesomecafe.co.uk

Replete Flatbreads

Springfield Kitchen

Rushden Delicious filled flatbreads inc. gluten free www.repleteflatbreads.co.uk

Rugby Additive and gluten free chutneys, jams, marmalades and mustards www.springfieldkitchen.co.uk

Riverford Organic Farms

Peterborough Award winning organic fruit and veg boxes www.riverford.co.uk/sacrewell/

Saporito Fine Foods

Towcester Cupcakes, cookie pops and dummy celebration cakes www.sarahscakeboutique.com

Stainswick Farm

Shrivenham Cold pressed rapeseed oil and salad dressing www.stainswickfarm.co.uk

Market Harborough Artisan produced truffle oil, truffle sauces, rice, pasta and Italian sausages www.saporitofinefoods.com

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

53

Is your website working for you?

Are you getting the most from your social media?

Find out with our Digital Health Check now only £79* (normally £99*) • Are you getting conversions from your website?

• Are you active on the correct social media sites for your business?

• Our assessors are very frank and honest so be warned!

If you want to take your business to the next level, then take action now...

Crucially, we will provide you with a full action plan that you can implement now!

To book your health check call now on 01604 726758 or visit www.green-umbrella.biz

greenumbr3lla

*excluding VAT

54

greenumbrellabiz

juliadohertygu

green umbrella

juliadohertygu

juliadoherty

info@green-umbrella.biz

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Our Exhibitors Sue Gilmour Chocolate

The Old Chapel Fudge Co.

Tempting Teas

The Pip Stop

The Buffet Company

The Wonder Kitchen

Bromyard Chocolate bars, shards and truffles www.suegilmour.co.uk

Woodford Halse Scottish butter tablet www.fudgecompany.co.uk

Stoke A range of loose teas – black, green, fruit and herb – and tea accessories Woodford Halse Home made terrines: gammon; chicken and apricot; game; pork, liver and walnut www.buffetcompany.co.uk

The English Chocolate Fountain

Mansfield Fruit and marshmallow covered in hot Belgian chocolate www.tecfc.co.uk

The Gift of Oil

Bury Extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar of Modena www.thegiftofoil.co.uk

The Granary at Fawsley

Fawsley Classic cream tea – tea and scones www.granary-hotel.com

The Grapevine

Rugby Pure bred meat from forgotten breeds www.thelostfarm.com

Brackley Cupcakes www.thewonderkitchen.co.uk

Towcester Mill Brewery

Towcester Locally brewed real ale www.towcestermillbrewery.co.uk

Ultimate Fudge Outlet

Middlewich Speciality and traditional homemade fudges

Unique Chocolates

Towcester Hot chocolate shots and premium chocolate buttons www.uniquechocolate.co.uk

Upton Smokery

Culworth Expertly sourced wines from around the world and rapeseed oil produced locally www.the-grapvine.org.uk

The Lost Farm

Blakesley Real lemonade – freshly squeezed lemon mixed with ice, sugar and water

Wakefield Farm Shop at Potterspury Smoked meat, fish, salt and peppers, oils and sauces, chutneys, garlic www.wakefieldfarmshop.co.uk

Village Bakery

Milton Keynes Pastries, breads and donuts

Warner Edwards

Harrington, Northants Award-winning artisan gin www.warneredwards.com

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

55

Your print made easy.

No hidden extras!

your entire basket Enter code TOWFF20

The price you see is the price you pay! folded leaflets starting from… flyers starting from… posters starting from… business cards starting from… postcards starting from…

£24 £18 £21 £16.50 £18

£19.20 £14.40 £16.80 £13.20 £14.40

All prices include delivery and VAT* *see our website for more details

prices as of 15/04/2015

Sterling House, Kettering Venture Park, Kettering, NN15 6XU

56

View our full range of products, quantities and prices at

Eat&DrinkTowcester

info@sterlingdirect.co.uk

Our Exhibitors When It’s Scone It’s Gone

Leek Wootton Savoury bakery and bread – gluten free, wheat free and dairy free www.whenitssconeitsgone.com

Yau’s

Peterborough Authentic Thai cooking sauces, rice and noodles www.bonnieyau.co.uk

Bursary Winners

Warkton ‘Free from’ breads - gluten free, dairy free, egg free and soya free, with none of the 14 common food allergens www.incrediblebakerycompany.co.uk

The Indian Orchard

Bletchley Handmade Indian pickles www.facebook.com/theindianorchardmk

The Roving Apothecary

Grafton Regis Herbs and spices, handmade pickles made with historic spice blends and long lost flavours www.rovingapothecary.co.uk

Crayfish Capers

Woburn Sands Crayfish fishcakes www.crayfishcapers.co.uk

Street food

Dhaniya

Milton Keynes Authentic Indian pastes and spice rubs www.dhaniya.co.uk

63 Islands

Birmingham Street food from the Caribbean www.scoffstreetfood.co.uk/street-foodtraders

Doorstep Baking

Warkton Ready-to-go baking and pudding mixes www.doorstepbaking.co.uk

Bangers

Wollaston Handmade artisan sausages

Penelope’s Vintage Ice Cream

Roade Artisan ice cream from a vintage ice cream van www.penelopesvintageicream.co.uk

Sedgwick’s Charcuterie

Cambs Artisan charcuterie www.sedgwickscharcuterie.co.uk

Sorai

The Incredible Bakery

Barebones Pizza

Birmingham Wood-fired pizza www.barebonespizza.co.uk

Becky’s Bhaji’s

Worcester Freshly cooked bhajis and koftas www.beckybhajis.com

Abergavenny Cooking sauces inspired by the flavours of Borneo www.sorai.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

57

SATURDAY 20 JUNE

ts £5 Adul Free Kids

NOON TO 11PM

SUNDAY 21 JUNE NOON TO 8PM

live music • real ciders gourmet sausage 58

Old Scouts RFC, Rushmere Road Eat&DrinkTowcester Northampton NN1 5RY

Our Exhibitors Information stands

Burger Meister

Leics Gourmet Aberdeen Angus burgers

Beds, Cambs and Northants Wildlife Trust

Churros Susanna

Promoting local nature reserves, wildlife gardening and the children’s watch club www.wildlifebcn.org

Birmingham Churros and chocolate www.churrossusanna.com

Ken Christy Rural Support

Open Air Foods

Consultancy for food businesses www.kenchristy-ruralsupport.com

Buckingham Brick chicken and seasonal salad www.openairfoods.com

Made in Northamptonshire

Rolling Smoke BBQ

Rutland Slow smoked pork, brisket, St Louis ribs, chicken, Mac and cheese, beans and ‘slaw www.rollingsmoke.co.uk

Guide to all of the county’s artisan producers and stockists

South Northamptonshire Council Tourism stand, with free information about recreation in the district

Som Tum Thai

Worthing Thai food – Home made vegetable and duck spring rolls; chow mein: Thai green curry, panang curry and yellow curry; Pork skewers and chicken satay; prawns on toast, prawns tempura.

Spanish Buffet

Cardiff Authentic Spanish paella and tapas www.thespanishbuffet.co.uk

Steak Out

Christchurch West country rump steak

The Original Welsh Oggie Company Chacombe Welsh Oggies, vegetarian Oggies, sausage rolls and Welsh cakes www.welshoggie.co.uk

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

59

Enjoy Seasonal Taste Sensations at Ferguson’s of Rugby Ferguson’s is Rugby’s hidden gem, with spectacularly scrumptious dishes and an ambiance to match. This treasure of an eating house is beautiful inside and out, with its stunning walled garden just ready for that spring sunshine to peep through!

The Ferguson’s team are welcoming an ever growing customer base to their restaurant and rewarding their patrons with a frequently changing, seasonal menu.

Ferguson’s regularly holds special events throughout the year such as cooking classes, demo days, curry nights and jazz evenings.

The seasonal menu this spring has some truly mouthwatering treats on display, how about starting your eating sensation with ‘Scallops, Watercress, Oysters, Tomatoes & Cashew Nuts’ and follow with ‘Slow Cooked Rump Cap Pave of Beef, Confit Potato, Ox Check & Spring Vegetables’. And to finish, who could resist desserts such as ‘Rocky Road Brownie Marshmallow Milkshake & Vanilla Ice Cream’.

Once you arrive, relax and let the friendly front of house team take care of you. Choose from a carefully selected wine list or enjoy a glass of award winning ale from Warwickshire craft brewery, Purity Brewing Company.

01788 550222 www.fergusonsrugby.co.uk Fergusons-rugby Fergusons Restaurant 7A Eastfield Place Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3AT

60

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Crafti’s ‘Bizzi’ Activity Bags Every small child who arrives at this year’s festival – well the first 1,000 at least – will be handed a goodie bag, full of colouring in and stickers.

With a product in place, Suzanne used her irresistible Northern charm to build a market – and a business.

And they – and their mums and dads – have two very kind people to thank: Michael and Suzanne Halpin who run Crafti’s.

Nine years later, Crafti’s supplies five million ‘Bizzi’ bags to household names like John Lewis, easyjet and Hilton Hotels each year.

From their base in Towcester, Michael and Suzanne are putting smiles on the faces of children all over the world.

Michael has left his job to join the business fulltime and Crafti’s now employ 12 people at their base above the brewery at Towcester Mill.

From humble beginnings, Crafti’s, which makes ‘Bizzi’ activity bags for restaurants and other businesses, has expanded to open an office in New York.

The couple aim to double the business and hit 10 million units in two years time.

Many of the bags are branded, to bespoke designs.

Suzanne launched the business quite literally from the kitchen table of the couple’s home in Pattishall in 2006.

Crispin Slee, who runs Towcester Food Festival, said: “Suzanne and Michael are an amazing success story and we are bowled over by their support for the festival.”

At the time, she didn’t know much about the world of commerce, but she knew a gap in the market when she spotted one.

The mum-of-two said: “I used to get frustrated when we went out to restaurants and there was nothing to keep the kids entertained.

I used to carry my own goody bags to save any tantrums at the table and one day I thought to myself, what if . . . .”

With husband Michael, then a senior salesman in the toy industry, the couple travelled to China to find a supplier.

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

61

62

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Carmela – the flaming success story

One minute she was teaching classes on how to make perfect pasta at Towcester Food Festival – and the next, her first ever cookery book is flying off the shelves.

Carmela Sereno Hayes is Northampton’s answer to Nigella Lawson – sassy with flowing, flame red hair and a pout that wouldn’t look out of place on a Vogue photo shoot. And who knows, if the success of her book launch is anything to go by, she might even be gracing our television screens with her own series before too long.

Southern Italian Family Cooking is Carmela’s first literary creation. It is a treasure trove of over 120 rustic recipes gleaned from her upbringing.

She said: “It’s not just a cook book. It’s a journey, a journey through my memories of cooking with my mother Solidea and my grandmother, Nonna Carmela.”

Available via Amazon and book chains online, the first edition of 4,500 copies has almost sold out and her publishers have just ordered a second print run. Southern Italian Family Cooking is full of ‘Cucina Povera’ recipes, which literally translates as ‘poor kitchen’, the food of the Italian south. It is a collection of honest and original recipes, many of which are never seen outside of the family kitchen, says Carmela, a mum-of-four who runs Carmela’s Kitchen, a cookery school in Northampton. She added: “The recipes use fresh, seasonal and inexpensive ingredients, creating delicious dishes the whole family can enjoy time and time again.

“These are the recipes I grew up with as child and which were passed down from a mother to her sons and daughters through the generations. Sadly, this is a practice that is under threat in modern Italy today so I’m delighted to have been able to preserve some of those recipes in this book.”

Carmela was born in Bedford to Italian parents from Puglia and Molise, who migrated to the UK in the 1950s. Today half of Carmela’s family have returned to Italy, and carry on the traditional cooking styles, which remain a constant point of reference for Carmela. Following the success of Southern Italian Family Cooking, she is currently researching and writing a new book on ‘Pasta & Sauces’.

Carmela will be demonstrating her cooking style on the chef demo stage at 1.30pm on Saturday and will be selling signed copies of her book afterwards.

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

63

Greyhound Racing at its best Experience the thrill of the track in beautiful surroundings

64

Eat&DrinkTowcester

Every Friday & Saturday Night 1st race from 6.30pm Every Sunday Afternoon 1st race from 2.30pm Free Admission and Free Parking

www.towcester-racecourse.co.uk www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

65

Ode to a Food Festival

Masterchef judge and food writer William Sitwell added a sprinkling of stardust to the inaugural Towcester Food Festival last year – and we’re delighted to welcome him back this year.

William, who lives in south Northamptonshire, will officially open the show at 10am on Saturday June 6 and tour the food stalls. He added depth and colour to the festival in 2014 with a fascinating Q&A with broadcaster Mark Lawson and a talk about his book: ‘Sitwell’s Foodie History: 4000 years in 3000 seconds’, with vignettes from his acclaimed book ‘A History of Food in 100 Recipes’ The scion of a famous literary family, he also made an erudite contribution with an ode which he wrote especially for the occasion and which ended with a reference to his fierce loathing of square plates.

Here is William’s ode, reprinted with his kind permission.

Ode to a Food Festival,

by William Sitwell This fine old place, once Lactodorum Is today a tasting forum Standing here on Watling Street Now bustling with things to eat Towcester may be far from seas We’ve got no fish or strawberries We don’t grow spuds, make ham or pasties Bannocks, clangers, fondant fancies We can’t shoot grouse, catch crab or lobsters Or buy eels from dodgy mobsters Make champagne, grow tea, grow hops No liquorish, no chocolate shops But my friends, fear not. You see I know a man called Crispin Slee A foodie chap, that’s clear to me He’s standing here right next to me So here today are ales and waffles Cupcakes, cider, fudge and truffles Nibbles, starters, puddings, main course All right here at Towcester Racecourse So thank you Crispin for this favour You tell the world that we’ve got flavour Come here and drink and stuff your face For Towcester is a foodie place Bring friends, bring chums, bring every cousin Pile ‘em in here by the dozen Eat fine food with your best mates Just promise me, no square plates!

66

Eat&DrinkTowcester

www.TowcesterFoodFestival.co.uk

67

68

Eat&DrinkTowcester