Nibble - St Albans

Food & Drink festival
25 September to 3 October 2016
St Albans Street Finale 2 October
Feast
DEVOUR Chop Crunch
Slurp Savour Grow
e
k
a
M
Nibble Co
e
DELIGHT
Learn
p
ChoEm
RI N G
W AT
MOUTH
ok
Celebrate
E xp
l or e
www.enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink
Tast
n
i
a
t
s
Su
FLAVOURS
delicious
WELCOME
The magnificent St Albans &
Harpenden Food & Drink Festival is
back for its ninth year to celebrate the
craft, diversity and creation of food
across our District. The Festival week
kicks off with a Launch Party at Britain’s
Oldest Pub, the Fighting Cocks, and
culminates in the Street Finale. We’ll
be exhibiting over 100 of the finest
food and drink producers, a variety of
expert demonstrations and a line-up
of outstanding chefs, welcoming over
12,000 visitors. Impressive varieties of
top quality produce are being showcased,
from fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meat
products, ice cream, wines and beers to
homemade chocolates and preserves.
All are from local and regional
producers, suppliers and restaurants.
What’s new?
Brand new for 2016 is our
Culinary Academy at our
Street Finale. As well as our
free Cookery Theatre Stage,
we thought some of you might
like to get a little bit closer
to the action and spend 45
minutes in the company of
some of our fabulous local
producers or chefs. See page
14 for more details and how
to book tickets.
This will be a week of fantastic fun for
all who enjoy culinary delights, a drink
or two and sharing time with friends,
families and loved ones. We can’t wait
to share it with you.
Travelling to St Albans for any of the events? Check out up to date information on
the trains at thameslinkrailway.com and abbeyline.org.uk. Bus information can be
found at intalink.org.uk and parking and cycling information at enjoystalbans.com
Food & Drink Festival 2016 3
Events
Throughout the festival, local venues
will be opening their doors for a range of
festival events and activities. Be sure to
check out enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink
for up to date information before starting
your journey. Events are FREE unless
otherwise stated.
Photo: Ren Behan
Box Local Food
Festival Box
Delivered to your door!
Box Local delivers locally
produced fruit, vegetables,
free-range meat and eggs
as well as recipe bundles
to homes in St. Albans
throughout the year. Their
Food Festival box includes
8 seasonal fruit and veg as
well as one of two meals
for you to make at home
– Butternut Squash and
Sage Speltotto (V) or Pork
and Ginger noodles with
Kale crisps. Price includes
seasonal fruit and veg, a
veggie meal and a dozen
eggs OR fruit and veg with
a meaty meal: you choose
the size of the box based
on your needs. For every
box ordered Box Local will
donate £2 / £4 worth of
fresh veggies to FEED food
bank at Vineyard.
£17 including delivery
for two persons or £30
including delivery for
four persons
Order your box at
boxlocalfood.co.uk
26 September
(delivery 29 September)
St Albans Cathedral
Afternoon Teas & Tours
Call my Bluff
Wine Tasting
Call my Bluff
Wine Tasting
Enjoy a captivating tour
of the Cathedral with our
expert guides followed by
delicious teas and treats
in the Abbot’s Kitchen.
Hear the story of Alban,
Britain’s first saint, and visit
his shrine; see stunning
medieval wall paintings
and marvel at architecture
through the ages. After
your tour, relax in the
Abbot’s Kitchen and choose
between a sumptuous
Cream Tea (£5.50) or
Afternoon Tea (£9.50),
at special Festival prices!
Flagship Wines,
417 Hatfield Road,
St Albans, AL4 0XP
Flagship Wines,
417 Hatfield Road,
St Albans, AL4 0XP
A fun evening of guessing
the names of some mystery
wines with a little help from
a wine expert – join the
fun in the shop.
A fun event of guessing the
names of some mystery
wines with a little help from
a wine expert – join the fun
in the shop.
Fri 23 Sept 6pm – 7.30pm
Sat 24 Sept 11am – 6pm
A Taste of France
in Harpenden
Harpenden
Farmers’ Market
Harpenden Common
Lower High Street,
Harpenden
Tickets at least 3 days in
advance from abbots@
elior.com
25 Sept – 2 Oct (but not
Saturday) Tour at 2.30pm,
followed by tea at 3.30pm
4 St Albans & Harpendon
Cheeses, smoked ham,
olives, wines, breads,
croissants and more to
taste and buy from across
the Channel including
street food and produce
to take home.
Fri 23 and Sat 24 Sept
9am – 5pm
Over 70 stalls offering
meats, pies, sausages,
preserves, cheeses,
vegetables, fresh bread,
cakes and pastries, eggs
and other local produce,
some organic.
Sun 25 Sept 10am – 2pm
Food & Drink Festival 2016 5
Events
Food Festival
Launch Party
@Ye Olde
Fighting Cocks
Turkish-Polish Sharing
Supper with the team
at Tabure and Ren Behan
Tabure, 6 Spencer St,
St Albans AL3 5EG
A unique opportunity to
sample a selection of
modern Mezze & Zakaski
dishes from two of the most
up-and-coming cuisines of
the moment – Turkish and
Polish. Buy your tickets on
Eventbrite (search ‘TurkishPolish Sharing Supper’)
then call Tabure to confirm
your time and party size.
Profits to Mayor’s Charity –
Herts Young Homeless.
£40 including sharing
plates, Turkish wine, shot
of vodka, Ottoman-Polish
Cocktail
Mon 26 Sept Tables
from 7pm
16 Abbey Mill Lane,
St Albans AL3 4HE
Live music, comedy,
local craft beers and
a barbecue and stone
fired pizza in the garden.
Pre-order hampers to
enjoy in Verulamium Park.
Sun 25 Sept from 4pm
An Introduction
to Nyetimber
Dylan’s at the King’s Arms,
7 George St, St Albans
AL3 4ER
Join Dylans and a
Nyetimber Ambassador
for an exclusive flight of
England’s Finest Premier
Sparkling Wine and
listen to their success
story as their company
flourishes year on year.
Ticket includes 3 glasses
of Nyetimber. This is
an informal event with
unreserved seating. A
selection of cheese will be
served in our Bar Area.
Prosecco Lunch @Dylans
Dylan’s at the King’s Arms,
7 George St, St Albans
AL3 4ER
Ready Steady St Albans
The Snug Bar, 1 French
Row, St Albans AL3 5DU
Poggenpohl Showroom, 100 London Road,
St Albans AL1 1NX
Learn the tricks of the
trade to make expertly
handcrafted cocktails,
enjoy yourself with friends
whilst our bartenders show
you how to mix, muddle,
shake and pour like a pro!
We’ll walk and talk you
through the process of
making some of the
world’s most loved
cocktails. Ticket includes
2 cocktails and nibbles.
Enjoy a fast-paced, energetic cooking event and learn the
secrets of the professional kitchen and preparing food
under pressure. Local chefs will demonstrate, prepare and
share samples of seasonal delicacies. Ticket price includes
a glass of Prosecco on arrival and a further two drinks
from Flagship Wines and Mokoko. All proceeds to go to
Herts Young Homeless.
£20 – Just pop in to book
or call 01727 856631
£22 Available from enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink
Tues 27 Sept from 7pm
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of St Albans City and
District, Councillor Frances Leonard will also be tasting
her Food Heaven or her Food Hell, based on the results of
the community poll on Radio Verulam and at our website
enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink. Cast your vote to decide
what the chefs will provide!
Wed 28 Sept from 7pm for a 7.30pm start
Free glass of Prosecco with
every 2 Course Bill of Fayre
at the 2015 Best Newcomer!
One deal per person. Over
18. Please quote the FADF
when booking.
Tues 27 Sept
12pm – 2.30pm
The Wines of Burgundy
& The Loire
Prosecco Lunch
@ Dylans
The Skew Bridge,
Southdown Road,
Harpenden
Dylan’s at the King’s Arms,
7 George St,
St Albans AL3 4ER
£18.00 email
nyetimber@
dylanskingsarms.com
or call (01727) 530332
A tutored tasting of wines
from two of the leading
French wine regions.
Over 18s only.
Mon 26 Sept 7.30pm with
introduction starting 8pm
£25 Available from
hertfordshirewineschool.
com
Free glass of Prosecco
with every 2 Course Bill
of Fayre at the 2015 Best
Newcomer! One deal per
person. Over 18. Please
quote the FADF when
booking.
Tues 27 Sept 7pm – 9pm
6 St Albans & Harpendon
Cocktail Class
Wed 28 Sept
12pm – 2.30pm
Food & Drink Festival 2016 7
Events
Just Eat It – a film
about food waste
Sir John Lawes School
Drama Studio, Harpenden,
AL5 4QP
We all love food! So why are
we throwing nearly 50%
of it in the bin? Explores
the issues and devastating
consequences of food
waste. Brought to you by
Sustainable St Albans Week
and Sir John Lawes School.
More about the film
www.foodwastemovie.com
Tickets £5 Available from
https://v1.bookwhen.com/
sustainablestalbans
Wed 28 Sept 7.30pm
The historic pubs of St
Albans – a guided walk
Meet at White Hart Tap
Pub, 4 Keyfield Terrace,
St Albans AL1 1QJ
The inns and alehouses
of St Albans catered for
pilgrims, travellers and
locals for centuries.Hear
about the development
of the pubs in the town
and some of the colourful
characters and stories
associated with them.
Numbers limited to 20 per
walk. Much of the route is
along narrow and uneven
pavements.
£5 Available from
enjoystalbans.com/
foodanddrink
Wed 28 Sept 7.30pm – 9pm
8 St Albans & Harpendon
Understanding Eating
Disorders in Children
and Teens
Jubilee Hall, St Albans
High School for Girls,
St Albans, AL1 3SJ
What’s going on in the mind
of someone with an eating
disorder? And what’s it
like for the family? What’s
normal, what’s faddy and
what’s a disorder? A rare
and vital opportunity for
parents and carers to hear
Dasha Nicholls, Consultant
Child and Adolescent
Psychiatrist at Great
Ormond Street Hospital,
describe the early signs
of, risk factors for and
latest research on eating
disorders in young people,
along with pointers to
useful sources of support.
£18 Available at www.
keystoneworkshops.co.uk
Wed 28 Sept
7.30pm – 9pm
Pub Quiz @ Britain’s
Oldest Pub
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks,
16 Abbey Mill Lane,
St Albans AL3 4HE
Does what it says on the
tin. Come along to test your
knowledge of all things
foodie, and possibly partake
of the stone deck pizza oven
in the beer garden.
Wed 28 Sept from 8pm
Prosecco Lunch @
Dylans
An evening with William Sitwell
St Michael’s Manor Hotel, Fishpool Street,
St Albans AL3 4RY
Dylan’s at the King’s
Arms, 7 George St,
St Albans AL3 4ER
Free glass of
Prosecco with every
2 Course Bill of
Fayre at the 2015
Best Newcomer!
One deal per person.
Over 18, Please
Quote the FADF
when booking.
Coffee, Canapés
& Conversation
Thurs 29 Sept
12pm – 2.30pm
Charlie’s Coffee &
Company, 87 London Road,
AL1 1LN, St Albans
Introduction
to Wine Tasting
An evening of coffee
tasting paired with creative
canapés designed to
explore the unique and
complex flavours of coffee.
Hosted by special guest
Steve Leighton from Has
Bean Coffee and food in
collaboration with Chappell
and Caldwell of St Albans.
The County Club,
29 Ridgmont Rd,
St Albans AL1 3AG
A tutored tasting of wines
from around the world for
anyone who likes wine and
would like to learn more.
Over-18s only.
£25 Available from
www.hertfordshirewine
school.com
Join one of Britain’s best food writers, William Sitwell, for
a four-course tasting dinner at St Albans’ finest manor
hotel. Sitwell, editor of the award-winning Waitrose Food
magazine and critic on MasterChef, will discuss his new
book, Eggs or Anarchy, which tells the remarkable story
of how Minister of Food Lord Woolton fed Britain during
the Second World War. The book has already been hailed
as a ‘riveting read’ (Red magazine) ‘meticulous [and]
absorbing’ (The Spectator) and ‘a feast of fascinating
detail’ (The Times).
£49.50 for a four course tasting menu, glass of Prosecco
on arrival and a signed copy of William Sitwell’s book,
Eggs or Anarchy.
Please advise of dietary requirements when booking
on 01727 864444
Thurs 29 September 7pm arrival for dinner 7.30pm
£35 Available from
Charlie’s Coffee Shop
Thurs 29 Sept 7pm
Thurs 29 Sept 7pm – 9pm
Wheels on Debussy
The Wheels on Debussy St Peter’s Church,
St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3HG
A high quality classical music experience for you and your child with a yummy
foodie twist! The Wheels on Debussy debuts in St Albans with its impressive
combination of exceptionally talented world-class musicians in a relaxed
environment. Babies and toddlers are able to roam free while they and their
carers experience wonderful music by international solo cellist and bassbaritone Matthew Sharp. Ticket price includes craft followed by concert.
£5 adult and £3 baby/child Available from www.billetto.co.uk
Fri 30 Sept 10am with concert 10.30am – 11.15am
Food & Drink Festival 2016 9
Events
Rioja & Tapas
Flagship Wines, 417 Hatfield Road, St Albans, AL4 0XP
Wines from Rioja & tapas: a great combination! Come
& see for yourselves.
Fri 30 Sept 5pm – 7.30pm
End Of Season Garden Party at the Snug
The Snug Bar, 1 French Row, St Albans AL3 5DU
Join us in our brand spanking new garden and enjoy the
last few drops of summer. With an outside bar, live music
and a BBQ, alongside our fantastic cocktails and delicious
food, you don’t want to miss out!
Tickets £20 – Just pop in to book or call 01727 856631
Tues 27 at 7pm, Fri 30 Sept from 7pm
Radio Verulam Food and Drink Quiz Night
The Conservative Club, 57 Hatfield Road,
St Albans AL1 4JE
If you are a pub quiz whizz
who loves food and drink
– grab a table and put
in a team of up to 6 people for our gastronomic
extravaganza. There will be a light buffet supper
from local food and drink award nominees and a
raffle for prizes including Dine and Ride Electric
Bike Tours and a box of local groceries from Box
Local. All proceeds go to your favourite not for
profit community radio station Radio Verulam
92.6FM and Home Start. Over 18s only.
Fri 30 Sept 7.30pm
£10 per head (includes light supper buffet)
Available from Ian Rogers 07714 145862
Open Mic Night
Love Food Hate Waste
Training Session
Paella and a Pint
Central St Albans –
location upon booking
Farr Brew Brewery, The Courtyard,
Samuels Farm, Coleman Green Lane,
Wheathampstead AL4 8ER
Get ready for St Albans
District Community Food
Waste Challenge! Learn
how to make use of all your
food: planning, storage,
freezing, food dates,
portions and leftovers.
Open to representatives
from community / faith/
education/ business/
residents groups to
cascade to groups. See
www.sustainablestalbans.
org
Come and enjoy authentic Spanish Paella
cooked alfresco by Danielle Durant from
The Cobbled Kitchen. She will demonstrate
how to make meat, veggie and seafood
Paellas, using equipment provided by
Feeling Outdoorsy. There will also be
some great outdoor cooking and picnic
products on sale along with beers from
the brewery shop with brewery tours too!
Tickets include the demonstration, one
portion of paella and a bottle/pint of Farr
Brew (over 18s only – ID may be required).
Bring deck chairs or a blanket to sit on.
Car parking is available.
£15 / £4 (under 18): Family £35 Available
from www.thecobbledkitchen.co.uk or
www.feelingoutdoorsy.com
Sat 1 Oct 11am – 3pm
£5/ £1 Available
from sustweek@
transitionstalbans
FoodSmiles Open
Volunteer Day at
Hammonds End Farm
Sat 1 Oct 9.30am – 1pm
Hammonds End Lane
(off Redbourn Lane),
Harpenden AL5 2AY
Rioja & Tapas
Flagship Wines,
417 Hatfield Road,
St Albans, AL4 0XP
Wines from Rioja
& tapas: a great
combination! Come
and see for yourselves.
Sat 1 Oct 11am – 6pm
Oktoberfest
The Foragers at The Verulam Arms,
41 Lower Dagnall Street, St Albans AL3 4QE
Established six years ago, the busiest open mic night in
St Albans has become the place to be on a Friday night and
has been the birthplace of albums and new bands. All styles
welcome at Britain’s oldest pub.
Put on your best lederhosen and come down from noon ‘til
late to enjoy authentic Oktoberfest festbiers imported from
Munich, along with our already-exemplary craft beer line-up
of 20 draft products, and fresh festbier brewed by the pub’s
microbrewery. Live Oompah music from 6.30 alongside our
unique brand of wild food with a German Twist: smoked
sausages, homemade stews and lashings of sauerkraut.
Fri 30 Sept from 8pm
Sat 1 Oct from 12pm
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, 16 Abbey Mill Lane,
St Albans AL3 4HE
10 St Albans & Harpendon
At FoodSmiles our
members grow organic
veg together, sharing
skills and learning about
growing, and share the
harvest once a week. Come
along for a free tour of
our little farm, or bring
your gardening gloves
and volunteer for the
afternoon as we sow and
plant crops for the winter.
Refreshments provided,
including a selection
of cakes made with
vegetables!
(Paths are uneven;
please wear strong shoes.)
Sat 1 Oct 1pm – 5pm
Food & Drink Festival 2016 11
Events
Historic pubs of St
Albans – a guided walk
Meet at White Hart Tap
Pub, 4 Keyfield Terrace,
St Albans AL1 1QJ
The inns and alehouses
of St Albans catered for
pilgrims, travellers and
locals for centuries. Many
of the establishments still
thrive today; some are
long gone. Hear about the
development of the pubs
in the town and some of
the colourful characters
and stories associated with
them. Numbers limited to
20 per walk. Much of the
route is along narrow and
uneven pavements.
My Kitchen Social’s Supperclub
St Albans Street Finale
Fleetville area, St Albans – exact address to be confirmed
on booking
St Peter’s Street, St Albans AL1 3JG
An alternative dining experience: a supperclub for 8 people
hosted around my kitchen table. A chance to eat great food
and meet people in the area. Come alone, with a partner
or friends. We will be serving up a three course Mexican/
Asian inspired menu. Over 18’s only. There are only 8 seats,
so early booking is recommended!
£25 per head, including a complimentary cocktail & BYOB
Available from
mykitchensocial
or [email protected]
Sat 1 Oct 7pm
The highlight of the Festival calendar, Sunday will see St
Peter’s Street closed to become a gastronomic wonderland!
See map on page 14 for more details. The Cookery Theatre
will be formally blessed at 11am by the Rev’d Mark
Dearnley of St Peter’s, St Albans, and opened at 12noon
by The Right Worshipful the Mayor of St Albans City and
District, Councillor Frances Leonard. A day of food, fun and
festival feasting will include the return of the Chef’s Theatre
and the Everblades Pop Up Village Green showcasing the
thriving pub culture of St Albans. Oakland’s City Farm
will return alongside a Butchery demonstration. Ticketed
workshops will provide a more in-depth look at specialist
subjects: pre-booking recommended.
Many activities free, some require pre-booking.
See enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink for more details
and tickets where appropriate
2 Oct 12pm – 6pm
£5 Available from
enjoystalbans.com/
foodanddrink
Sat 1 Oct 2.30pm – 4pm
Holywell Hill Trail
Rock Pop Candy 10
Holywell Hill,
St Albans AL1 1BZ
Visit Holywell Hill on
Saturday and Sunday for
a host of offers and events.
Pop in and see what’s
on offer at each venue,
spot each store’s special
trail letter. Unjumble all
8 letters to make a prize
winning word. Collect your
trail flier and your prize at
Rock Pop Candy!
Sat 1 10am – 5pm and
Sun 2 Oct 11am – 4pm
12 St Albans & Harpendon
Photo: Ren Behan
St Albans Cathedral Harvest Festival
St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard,
St Albans AL1 1BY
Everyone is welcome at St Albans Cathedral
to celebrate the Harvest Festival. As we give
thanks for all that we have, we consider the
challenge of how to help those throughout the
world who do not have easy access to food or
water. This is also a chance to donate gifts of
food to support the work of our local FoodBank
– please give generously to help those in need:
stalbansdistrict.foodbank.org.uk
Sun 2 Oct 9.30am
St Albans & Harpenden
Food & Drink Awards
Dinner
Sopwell House Hotel,
Cottonmill Lane,
St Albans AL1 2HQ
Celebrate the best of the
best at the annual Awards
Ceremony for the local
hospitality industry, with
an additional award this
year for the Market Stall
of the Year! Welcome
drinks provided by Mokoko,
Flagship Wines and CAMRA
followed by a delicious
three course seasonal
dinner. Dinner wine
available from Flagship
Wines for £10 per bottle.
Black tie.
£49.50 tickets Available
from enjoystalbans.com/
foodanddrink
Photo: Ren Behan
3 Oct from 7.30pm
For more information and latest news go to:
enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink
stalbansfoodanddrink
stalbansfdf
The Festival team have collated these events in good
faith but are not delivering the majority of the events.
The published programmes, speakers and venues may
therefore alter without prior notice. We will do our best
to share this information online.
Food & Drink Festival 2016 13
Culinary Academy
Don’t forget to pop in to try
exclusive drinks from Tomoka,
Asian Fusion food from Wagamama,
Italian food from Carluccio’s and
much, much more.11am – 4pm
Everblades Pop Up Village Green
Chef’s Theatre
Programmed with local
excellence and inspiring
creatives including
Phil Thompson, Theo
Michaels and Ye Olde
Fighting Cocks.
Flapjack
factory
Nyetimber & Snacking
butchery Oaklands
farm
ce
pla
t
e
k
ar
Dylan’s Kings Arms will
be hosting Nyetimber on
a Red Double Decker Bus.
Tickets available for private
seating upstairs! Email
[email protected]
for more info.
en
d
en
rp
ha
Deliveroo Stage
DON
LON
et
tre
ET
ia S
tor
TRE
HS
Vic
HIG
t
ree
t
S
r
ue
cheq
holywell hill trail
Kitchen music making
with The Rig and
Pattacakes with a
Flapjack Factory too
(£2). The Deliveroo stage
will include suitablysized bikes for smalls.
Facepainters in aid of
local charities at various
spots all day.
ld
fie
Hat
The most popular space in 2015:
get there early to bagsy your
deckchair. Local pubs clustered
around one beautifully relaxing
space. Grab a bite, grab a pint
and grab a haybale.
Something
for the kids
urn
No need to book for a full
restaurant experience
al fresco. Choose from
Lussmann’s, St Michael’s
Manor and Tabure.
Christopher place
m
The Restaurant
Quarter
Redbo
STREET F
I NA L E
Workshops and tutored
tastings throughout the
day. Tickets limited to 20
students per session. For
full range of workshops
for adults and children
and to buy tickets go to
enjoystalbans. com/
foodanddrink
D
ROA
Jump on a bike and
help power the music
stage! Local musicians
will play while you
pedal, all with the help
and encouragement of
Deliveroo riders! BC
Cycles will be on hand to
give you a mini-MOT or
have a go on their range
of new wheels on their
test track!
Oaklands College
Pop Up Farm featuring farm animals bred and reared at
Oaklands College
Butchery Demonstrations by a master butcher from
Oaklands College Hospitality & Catering team will
demonstrate their skills, explain the different cuts of
meat and how to prepare and cook them at home. In an
enclosed marquee on a first come first served basis. All
meat will be available to buy on the day. Viewer discretion
advised. 12.30pm – 1.30pm and 2.30pm – 3.30 pm
DATES for YOUR DIARY
Flagship Wines Wine Fair
St Albans School, Abbey Gateway
A chance to taste new wines and old
friends from around the world with a
winemaker or two to chat to. Enjoy canapés
specially chosen to complement the wines,
all included in the ticket price. Find some
Christmas gift ideas here too. Special
offers, great wines and good company.
£15 from Flagship Wines, 417 Hatfield
Road, St Albans AL4 0XP, 01727 865309
and online at www.flagshipwines.co.uk
Fri 16 Oct 7pm – 10pm
2016 Sustainable St Albans Week
There’s something for everyone during
award-winning Sustainable St Albans
Week. All kinds of events and activities
will raise awareness of environmental
sustainability. Specifically for 2016, join in
with the Food Waste Challenge; slim your
bin and your food bills!
St Albans Christmas Lights Switch
On & Market Launch
Entertainment throughout the city to mark
the official start of the Christmas shopping
season. You can choose which one of four
switch-on events suits your style: Enjoy
Panto stars at the Alban Arena, music
on the St Peter’s Street stage, festive
brass at the Clock Tower or after-hours
entertainment at the Christmas Market.
Sun 27 Nov 12pm – 6pm
Harpenden Christmas Carnival
This year’s event will once again be held
in conjunction with the monthly Farmers’
Market. With the event running from 12
noon to 5.00pm, the Farmers Market
running from 12 noon to 6.00pm, stage
acts on the stage area at Church Green
from 1.00pm and the main event of the
switching on of the Christmas Lights
from the stage at 5.00pm.
See www.sustainablestalbans.org to keep
up to date with the final programme.
Sun 27 Nov 12pm – 6pm
19 – 26 Nov
St Albans Christmas Market
Monthly Farmers’ Markets:
St Albans: 2nd Sunday each month,
from 8am to 2pm
Harpenden: 4th Sunday each month,
from 10am to 2pm
The fourth year of the beautiful and
atmospheric Christmas market, housed
in purpose-built wooden chalets around
the magnificent 11th Century St Albans
Cathedral. Speciality food and drink as
well as artisan gifts, decorations and
homewares will be available alongside
activities and events throughout its 25 days.
24 Nov – 18 Dec
For more information and latest news go to: enjoystalbans.com/foodanddrink
stalbansfoodanddrink
stalbansfdf
16 St Albans & Harpendon
A word about
Food Writing
Becky Alexander,
food columnist
at The Herts Advertiser
You can follow Becky on twitter
@thelocalfoodie
There is a LOT of food writing about. We seem to be endlessly fascinated with
what is new to eat, what the new restaurant is like, how to eat “healthily”,
how to bake the perfect cake. When anyone can start a blog or write a review
on tripadvisor, and be published for the world to see, how can you stand out?
Be original? Or at least not embarrass yourself? The F&D Festival organisers
asked me to share a few “tips” for anyone interested in giving it a go:
1. Write about what you know.
3. Food cliches.
2.Writing reviews
on tripadvisor.
4. Meet other writers.
Think about if you have something new
to write about, a new angle? Are you
from the same country as the chef? Do
you always take your kids with you, or
are you on a budget? Bring your writing
to life with some personal experience.
Everyone is a critic now. Sometimes
reviews say more about the writer than
the restaurant; we don’t all like the
same things, so if the menu doesn’t look
like the sort of thing you like, then you
probably won’t. Just choose somewhere
else. But if you do have a genuinely bad
experience, talk to the staff first. Then
when you write your review you can give
a fair view of the restaurant.
There’s so much writing out there, and
there are some words and phrases I
don’t think we need to read again for
a long time: washed down with; on a
bed of; “proper” food; eatery and Enjoy!
(Look out for that at the end of a lot of
book introductions.)
If you get paid for your writing, did you
know there is a Guild of Food Writers?
You can meet with over 400 other
writers, go to talks and workshops,
share ideas, and maybe win an award
one day. Look at www.gfw.co.uk for
all the info.
5. Keep it short.
Food & Drink Festival 2016 21
Look out for your guide
to Christmas in St Albans
Available from November throughout the District
and online at www.enjoystalbans.com/christmas
Magical Christmas Market in the grounds of
St Albans Cathedral 24 November to 18 December
Become a
part of the
St Albans story...
For a gift of £250 your name
will be engraved on the Oak
Panel Honours Board in the
benefactors’ walk of fame.
www.honoursboard.org.uk
St Albans Tastes
Food Blog Competition
If you love to eat, drink and blog and have a desire
to be on the radio then this is for you. Simply visit
one of the Food and Drink award nominees during
the Festival Week and send your blog review to
[email protected] by midnight on October
the 4th. The most entertaining blog reviewer will
join us on St Albans Tastes Thursday October
6th to read out their winning review and deliver
their Taste Sensation – celebrating and uplifting
all that is good to eat and drink in St Albans and
Harpenden. And there will be chocolate.
Waste and
Recycling
Like the famers and producers who are involved, green values are at the heart of
what we do. So we work closely with our local waste management team to minimise
our impact during the Festival. We recycle as much as possible and try to increase
the volume recycled each year. We are continuing to work with our refuse collection
partner, Veolia, and their staff and our volunteers will be litterpicking throughout each day so that our site is pristine while you
enjoy your visit. Of course, while the Food Festival and St Albans City
& District Council do all that they can to make the event sustainable,
we also need your help. Please take your waste products to bins and
separate your waste where you can.