LOOE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL HAILED ‘BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER’
SET TO RETURN ON SEPTEMBER 15th
- BBC Great British Menu Winner Ben Palmer heads up chef demos with some very familiar faces
- Sharp’s Brewing Co and Cornish Collection announced as official partners of the picturesque foodie event
- Local food vendor stalls
- Live music and bar
- FREE ENTRY
LOOE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL makes a highly anticipated return this September with an all-new team at its helm – and wow, have they come back with a bang! The festival, which will be held at East Looe’s Buller Quay, will showcase the region’s very best local food vendors, celebrity headline chefs and fantastic drinks offerings.
A one-day spectacular, the festival will be completely free of charge to visit, making this a fantastic and affordable day out for local residents and holidaymakers alike. In an exciting move, BBC Great British MenuWinner and local restaurateur Chef Ben Palmer is set to gather a whole host of famous friends and treat visitors to an entire day of impressive chef demos.
While the full line up has yet to be announced, Festival Chef Director Ben has already confirmed that his fellow Great British Menu Regional Finalists Andi Tuck, Elly Wentworth and Mike Naidoo will all be making an appearance, preparing to cook up a storm in the scenic quayside location.
Ben said, “It’s been such an exciting journey working with this fantastic team to reignite such an incredible historic moment in the local calendar, an event like this really brings the community together, a true celebration of ‘everything Looe’. I’m absolutely buzzing to announce all of the incredible chefs we have lined up for our live demos – but you’ll have to wait for all the names a little while longer! All will be revealed very soon! It’s going to be very special indeed, bigger and better than ever! The support from regional chef talent has blown me away.”
Over twenty local food producers and suppliers will be showcasing their culinary delights at the event, in addition to the incredible array of local cafes, restaurants and shops already trading in the town – all shining a light on Looe’s integral part of the Cornish foodie scene. With everything on offer from Cornish street food to local organic peanut butter, there really is something for everyone at this vibrant new food and drink festival.
Cornwall’s longstanding, and now, biggest supporter of food and drinks festivals, Sharp’s Brewing Co will be bringing their multi-award-winning UK’s number 1 cask ale Doom Bar to the harbourside setting alongside contemporary classics such as Offshore, Atlantic and Cold River Cider.
Sharp’s Brewing Co’s Beer Sommelier, Ed Hughes, said, “Alongside the Sharp’s team, I’ve been cheerleading Ben’s hard work and commitment to his hometown of Looe for many years. As a company, we’ve been honoured to be stocked in The Sardine Factory. We were beyond delighted, but not surprised, to see his high scoring run in this year’s Great British Menu, and we’re so happy to be supporting Ben and the team behind Looe Food & Drink Festival in shining a light on this beguiling, characterful East Cornwall port, and its exceptional foodie scene.”
Amongst the high points of the weekend is the Sharp’s Brewing Co’s Grape Vs Grain event taking place at The Sardine Factoryon the Saturday 14th eve prior to the festival itself. For this special event, Sharp’s Beer Sommelier Ed will also collaborate with Ffion Evans, from Molson Coors to create an intriguing wine versus beer matching ‘contest’ at The Sardine Factory, with generous proceeds going towards the Fisherman’s Mission fund.
Ben Palmer will mastermind a set of tasting dishes whilst Ed and Ffion will compete (in the friendliest way) to confirm which drink – beer or wine – best pairs with each dish. Throughout the Sunday, Ed Hughes will also host all of the demos on the Looe Food & Drink Festival stage.
The food festival itself runs from 10am – 6.30pm on Sunday 15th September with the Live Chef Demos starting at 11am, and local band DIVISION playing live between 5pm and 6.30pm, entertaining the festival crowd next to a well-stocked bar in the main marquee.
Those who want to make a weekend of it and experience all that Looe has to offer should look no further than a stay with event sponsors Cornish Collection, who also join forces with the festival as official accommodation partner. A 2024 Visit Cornwall Gold Member, Cornish Collectionpromises an unrivalled lettings service to holidaymakers offering the largest selection of luxury holiday lettings in Looe.
The company, which specialises in self-catering holidays in the area, features overs 100 properties ranging from sea and river view apartments to stunning 14 person houses, with just a few still available to rent over the festival weekend in mid-September, make sure you don’t miss out!
Fancy being a little further out from the hustle and bustle? Look no further than Tregoad Holiday Park. Just a stone’s throw from Looe, the park offers a wide selection of holiday accommodation, from a luxury static caravan holiday homes to luxury lodges, many of which are Dog Friendly. Those who choose a static caravan or luxury lodge have the option of their own private hot tub on furnished deck with stunning views. This family run company has been welcoming families and couples of all ages for over 60 years, truly understanding what makes for an unforgettable family holiday in Cornwall.
While a stay in the charming town of Looe is highly recommended, travel to the area is extremely easy with several easy routes on offer. Fancy trying a few ales at the event and don’t want to drive? Why not take a train to Looe for the day – Plymouth to Looe trains run on the hour, every hour and only cost £8.20 return, while routes from Bodmin Parkway are a similar cost at £8.70. Making this an incredibly accessible event for Cornwall and South Devon.
MORE INFORMATION
For more details and to keep up to date with chef and vendor announcements, plus other festival news, follow the official event Instagram & Facebook page & the event’s Website
