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The Englefield Estate hosted the Great British Food Festival for the first time this summer. Over two sunny days in June, more than 4,200 people were welcomed to the grounds for a packed weekend of foodie fun.
Highlights from the weekend included demonstrations from ‘Great British Bake Off’ star Briony May, who provided top tips on how to get a perfect bake.
She was joined by fellow Bake Off contestant Howard Middleton to judge the ‘Cake Off’ competition, which saw one talented amateur baker take home a Kenwood Spiralizer and coveted GBFF Cake Off apron.
Tom Clarke, Head Chef of L’Ortolan restaurant - the only Michelin starred restaurant in Reading - took to the chef demonstration stage to show how they combine French fine dining with modern techniques.
Other demonstrations included Richie Sanderson, Chef Patron from the multi-award-winning The Bladebone; ‘BBQ Ben’ providing tips on how to make your summer BBQ a success; Nick Galer, Chef patron of The Miller of Mansfield in Oxfordshire; and acclaimed food writer and author, Anjula Devi.
Peter Carson, House and Events Manager at Englefield Estate, said: “This was our first time hosting the Great British Food Festival and we were thrilled to see it was such a success. We welcomed a host of local producers, suppliers and chefs, and the tents were packed with food-lovers looking for new ingredients and new ideas.
“Englefield House is the ideal location for events like this, with plenty of space for exhibitors, stages and guests, and stunning views across the lake and deer park.”
As well as cooking and baking demonstrations, guests enjoyed live music throughout the day, ‘Man versus Food’ challenges and plenty of food and drink to sample and buy, from cheeses and chutneys, to street food and sweet treats.
Children got their hands dirty in the kids’ cookery classes and also took part in circus skills and treasure hunt activities.
Guests took to social media to commend the event for its atmosphere, the demonstrations and the “beautiful building and gorgeous grounds.”
