FOOD STUFF
Food, glorious, food! If you’re looking to learn some new skills in the kitchen or are just here to find food to devour and digest, then tuck into a feast of foodies events and workshops taking place in Surrey this February…
GROUP TASTING AND DISTILLERY TOUR / FEBRUARY 1 / THE GIN KITCHEN DISTILLERY, DORKING
Thirsty? Celebrate the end of Dry January with a trip to Dorking and enjoy an intimate group tour of this artisan gin producer and its micro-distillery in the Surrey Hills. Sample a variety of gins and get to know more about the botanical business of crafting this popular spirit.
For more information, visit www.gin.kitchen
NIBBS ELDERFLOWER GIN TASTING WORKSHOP / FEBRUARY 7 / THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, TILFORD
Let Farnham-based makers of this alternative gin take your taste buds on a tour of tutelage to understand the process of picking the very best elderflower in order to create this fabulously refreshing beverage.
For more information, visit www.dukeofcambridgetilford.co.uk
CHOCOLATE MIRROR GLAZE WORKSHOP / FEBRUARY 10 / VICTORIA’S KITCHEN, WOKING
Connoisseur of cocoa and leading chocolatier Mark Tilling returns to Victoria’s Kitchen for this tasty workshop in one of life’s finer things. Winner of BBC2’s Bake Off: Crème de la Crème, Tilling will teach you to make two different mirror glazes and wow your mates with your next bake.
For more information, visit www.victorias-kitchen.com
SEASONAL SUPPER CLUB / FEBRUARY 14 / CULLENDERS DELI, REIGATE
Treat or perhaps meet your Valentine for a romantic rendezvous with like-minded lovers of fine food at this seasonal supper club catered by the ever-hospitable team at The Saltbox. Featuring locally sourced and seasonal foodstuffs, expect an evening full of flavour and flirtation.
For more information, visit www.wearethesaltbox.co.uk
MACARON MAKING EVENING / FEBRUARY 14 / ABINGER COOKERY SCHOOL
Whether you like to share your bakes with friends and family or shy away and consume quietly in the corner alone, tuck into and treat yourself to this workshop in Abinger to discover the secrets of crafting this iconic French confection.
For more information, visit www.abingercookeryschool.com
VALENTINES MASQUERADE BALL / FEBRUARY 16 / DENBIES WINE ESTATE, DORKING
Celebrate love in style and dance the night away with your Valentine. Seductively sparkle like the award-winning wine produced on the estate while enjoying a three-course meal accompanied by 15-piece band Perfida.
For more information, visit www.denbies.co.uk
MEET THE VINEYARD MANAGER: PRUNING DEMONSTRATION / FEBRUARY 16 / ALBURY VINEYARD
Learn the tricks of the trade from vineyard manager Alex at this pruning demonstration event. Try your hand at pruning and take home a cutting to tend and grow your very own vine – and maybe someday even produce a drop or two of vino. Tickets naturally include a glass of Albury Estate Sparkling Wine.
For more information, visit www.alburyvineyard.com
THE WHISKEY AFFAIR / FEBRUARY 16 / HASLEMERE HALL
An ode to this discerning drink of choice, celebrate whiskey with a day of celebration, education, and perhaps some kind of inebriation. Discover a plethora of producers from far and wide all vying for the attention of your taste buds. Enjoy masterclasses, tasters, live music and more.
For more information, visit www.thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk
FANNY’S MARMALADE COMPETITION / FEBRUARY 27 / KINGFISHER FARM SHOP, ABINGER HAMMER
The time has come for final tastings and quality control: it’s the annual conserve contest. Make sure your entries are at the farm shop by close of the play on February 21 for judging to take place the following day. May the best marmalade win!
For more information, visit www.kingfisherfarmshop.com
I DON’T LIKE WHISKY / FEBRUARY 21 / THE BEAR, OXSHOTT
Think that all this whisky business isn’t for you? Whether you’re a fan or not, finding a whisky of choice can be a challenging prospect. This deeply complex and diverse drink implores you to take the time to find out more with this workshop and tasting evening.
For more information, visit www.thebearoxshott.co.uk
ALTON BEER FESTIVAL / FEBRUARY 22 – 23 / ALTON COLLEGE
This celebration of all things hop and malt made sees various sessions take place over the weekend, featuring a multitude of ales, beer and cider from near and far – with live music to tempt potentially tipsy toes to tap onto the dance floor.
For more information, visit www.altonbeerfestival.org.uk
THE RAW CAKE WORKSHOP + BRUNCH / FEBRUARY 23 / RIPE + NINE, EPSOM
The raw food revolution continues with this workshop getting to grips sharing the ingredients and techniques you’ll need to create a gloriously indulgent raw cake. Take home recipes and get top tips from those in the know.
For more information, visit www.ripeandnine.com
DORKING BREWERY TOUR / SATURDAYS / ALDHURST FARM, CAPEL
Beer, glorious beer. Found on the borders of Surrey and Sussex, Dorking Brewery holds weekly tours for those keen on finding out more about the process of producing the perfect pint. Booking in advance is a must.
For more information, visit www.dorkingbrewery.com