FOOD-STUFF
Dine out on some delicious treats this month, and try your hand at these seasonably inspired food and drink events taking place in Surrey this month.
THE CHEESE & CHILLI FESTIVAL / JULY 16 – 17 / SHALFORD PARK, GUILDFORD
Feel the heat this July at this celebration of chillies and cheese. This wildly popular travelling foodfest regularly sees between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors at each event, drawn to nearly 100 traders and the chance to sample some of the best chillies and cheeses from the UK and beyond. Back in Guildford for its fifth year, if you’re feeling brave, take part in the chilli eating or man v food competition, or just take in demos and talks, live music, bars, children’s entertainment and much more.
For more information, visit cheeseandchillifestival.com
WILD VENISON BUTCHERY COURSE / JULY 24 / THE SALT BOX, PRIORY FARM ESTATE, SOUTH NUTFIELD
Did you know that Venison is incredible wild meat available in abundance and is not only nutritious and flavourful but also the most sustainable meat we can source here in the UK? So why not learn more about it and sign up for this Wild Venison Butchery & Cookery Course with wild cooking enthusiasts, The Salt Box. Based over at Priory Farm Estate near Redhill, spend the day breaking down a carcass in the fur, learning how to make the most of the whole animal from nose to tail, and turning it into a selection of delicious dishes.
For more information, visit wearethesaltbox.co.uk
HOP GARDEN TOUR / JULY 24 + 31 / HOGS BACK BREWERY, TONGHAM
Returning to the events calendar this July, join this Hop Garden Tour in the great outdoors and ogle at the beautiful 8.5-acre hop garden while learning about the history of hop growing. You will, of course, get the chance to sample a great range of some of Hogs Back Brewery’s best beers at the same time.
For more information, visit hogsback.co.uk
GUILDFORD BEER FESTIVAL / JULY 29 – 30 / GUILDFORD CRICKET CLUB
Guildford Beer Festival is back an astonishing line-up of craft beers and local talent. Featuring around 130 cask ales and craft keg beers sourced from around 25 independent and microbreweries in Surrey and beyond, a second bar will have an eclectic range of ciders, wines and gins from local producers along with soft drinks. With sessions selling out quicker than a sip from a snifter, you best snap up some tickets fast.
For more information, visit guildfordbeerfestival.co.uk
PYO / GARSONS FARM, ESHER
With over 150 acres of fruit, vegetables and flowers, Garsons is the largest pick-your-own farm in the UK. From May to October, there is a choice of over 28 crops available to harvest at their farm in Esher, Surrey. They include strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, runner beans and peas, among many others. They also have an excellent farm shop full of delicious local produce. You can even pick up radiant sunflowers for your garden.
For more information, visit garsons.co.uk
SURREY FOOD FESTIVAL / JULY 30 / OLD DEER PARK, RICHMOND
Ready your bellies for a feast-ival of foodstuffs this July as the Surrey Food Festival returns to Old Deer Park in Richmond. Get tips and tricks from those in the know, with live cooking demonstrations, tastings and talks taking place throughout the day. Tuck into a tasty treat or two as you’re met by an array of cuisines from around the world.
For more information, visit thelocalfoodfestival.com