May diary dates for foodies

5-8 Real Food Festival, Earls Court
Now in its fourth year and back at Earls Court, this festival has worked hard to put farmers and small producers on the London map. Ethical, sustainable production lies at the heart of this
four-day event with 400 stallholders, debates, tasting sessions and cookery demonstrations on offer. Other features include the Sheep Show, the festival’s main debate chaired by BBC Radio 4’s Sheila Dillion and butchery demos.
www.realfoodfestival.co.uk/home

14-15 Loch Fyne Food Fair, Cairndow
Loch Fyne began with one idea - to grow oysters in the clear waters of Loch Fyne. It has since developed its seafood produce, nationwide restaurants and a farm and online shop. Held near the company’s original oyster bar on the banks of Loch Fyne, the fair aims to offer food that has been conscientiously farmed. As well as the usual fish and oysters, there will also be stands offering cheese, wine and meat from local livestock farms. Live music, wine and a craft tent feature alongside this two-day Scottish festival.
www.lochfyne.com

15 Watercress Festival, Alresford, Hampshire
It’s said to be one of the original ‘superfoods’, and to help raise its profile, this week is dedicated to British watercress. Co-organised by the town council, The Watercress Alliance and Hampshire Farmers’ Markets (to name but a few) the event hosts many competitions and recognises the work done by retailers, groups and chefs to promote the product using their culinary skills. Last year’s highlights included a 22-year-old builder from Alresford, who broke all previous records for eating two bags of watercress in the fastest time - 49.69 seconds. Will another record be achieved this year?
www.watercress.co.uk/home

16 - 22 Gluten Free Week
In a world where more people are being diagnosed with food intolerances, many food producers now offer a ‘free from’ option in their ranges. The campaign aims to improve communications to make clear to the catering industry that gluten-free food is in high demand and new recipes are more sought-after than ever.
All the recipes this month are gluten free.
www.coeliac.org.uk/coeliac-disease

May 28 - June 5 English Wine Week
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Bacchus are no longer just a feature around the European vineyards, but increasingly popular varieties for English wine producers to nurture and harvest. English wine is no longer to be sniffed at, and with more producers and vineyards appearing year on year, English Wine Week celebrates the best of British wine. This festival, held in various venues across the country, offers a series of tours, tastings, special menus and lots of celebration.

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