5th Broadstairs Food Festival

Around 40,000 visitors will experience a host of activities including a pop up restaurant run by Jason Freedman, chef-patron of the Minnis Bar and Restaurant, and the popular Kitchen Theatre with award-winning chefs Dev Biswal of The Ambrette in Margate and Rye?, Andy McLeish of Chapter One, Locksbottom and Charlie Lakin of the Marquis at Alkham. They will be supported by a team of catering students from East Kent College,led by Craig Mather.

Festival director Jo Scott said it is vital they keep the event fresh with the addition of different stalls.

“We are having more in the way of fish and vegan and vegetarian stalls this year, which is exciting,” she said.

“Last year the customer feedback told us there was not enough vegan and fish on offer, so when we selected the stalls this year, I targeted them.

“People are more aware of quality fish now and how to work with it.

“Two pubs have stalls too. It’s is good to see the local involvement.

“The festival has grown in the community. When we first started nobody knew really what it was going to be about. They have all realised and are now involved.

“We do have regular traders, but it is important to bring in fresh people, we have to turn down a lot of stalls.”

In the build up to the event there is plenty to keep people entertained. The East Kent Gala dinner has now sold out on Tuesday, October 1, but a second night the day before has been added. There are seven courses of dining and a licenced bar at the 6.30pm event, tickets are £35.

On Wednesday, October 2, Wyatt and Jones will be featuring a special menu designed for the festival. There will be tours and traditional cream teas in Walpole Bay Hotel.

On the Thursday, Graham Ward will host a soiree at Oscar’s Festival Cafe. The Thirty Nine Steps alehouse will host acoustic duo Mike Deavin and Brian Langsdon, with guest Nigel Feist.

Also on this day, Thanet Film Society will screen Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It follows Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master and owner of Michelin three-star restaurant Sukiyabashi. Tickets are £5 on the door and it starts at 8pm. Visit thanetfilm.co.uk to find out more.

The festival proper takes place from Friday to Sunday, 4th-6th October, from 10am-6pm on the first two days and 10am-5pm on the Sunday. Entry is free.

For more information, visit broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk.