The tastiest tickets in town

Expect Taste Festivals to be the hottest tickets in town when they go on sale on 5th March. Thousands of passionate foodies will be booking for the fabulous events at London, Bath, Birmingham, Leeds and Edinburgh that will showcase the country’s best restaurants, chefs and fine food and drink companies.

This year, the tickets are almost too hot to handle. To coincide with the launch, Taste Festivals are giving food lovers who book on 5th March the chance to win a place on the Chefs’ Table at Taste of London. With gastro luminaries such as Tom Aikens and Michel Roux Jr as hosts, the winner will be guaranteed an unforgettable culinary experience.

So what are you waiting for? Make your reservation for Taste Festivals now.

Taste of London, Regent’s Park, 19 ­ 22 June
In partnership with British Airways
Now enjoying truly World Class status, Taste of London marks the start of the season. It features over 40 of the capital’s top restaurants, including Le Gavroche, L’Atelier du Joel Robuchon, Arbutus, Dorchester Grill Room, Le Café Anglais, Tom’s Place and Angela Hartnett’s forthcoming gastropub, York & Albany.

Visitors will also be able to lose themselves among the 100 food and drink stalls, including the delicious. magazine Producers Market and enjoy demonstrations and tastings at the Sainsbury’s Taste Kitchen. Luxury train operator Orient-Express will be showcasing its fine food and drink offering through a restaurant and dedicated bar.

For the first time, Taste of London will also have an international flavour. Taste of China, sponsored by Amoy and Harbin, will play host to four Chinese restaurants including China Tang, Kai, Snazz Sichuan and Lan, the Philippe Starck designed restaurant in Beijing. Expect to see cooking demonstrations from top Chinese chefs and food experts, tea and Chinese lifestyle talks along with dim sum and noodle demonstrations at the Amoy Theatre.

Taste of Edinburgh, The Meadows, 29 May ­ 1 June
Taste of Edinburgh will feature some of Scotland’s best restaurants and food and drink producers. Meet celebrated chefs Martin Wishart from Restaurant Martin Wishart, Stuart Muir from Forth Floor at Harvey Nichols and watch Scottish Chef of the Year, Andrew Fairlie from Gleneagles, demonstrating his recipes. Plus, enjoy signature dishes from David Bann, The Tower and Duck’s at Le Marché Noir. Then shop for produce from the likes of Ashers Bakery and Berry Scrumptious.

Taste of Leeds, Millennium Square, 5-8 June
New for 2008, Taste of Leeds is a four-day celebration bringing together leading restaurants and bars and the best food and drink in the North. Restaurants already signed up include Harvey Nichols, The Star Inn at Harome, Casa Mia Grande and El Gato Negro and Anthony’s Restaurant, whose chef Anthony Flinn learned his craft from Ferran Adrià of famed restaurant El Bulli. Leeds legendary bar scene will be represented as well as serving up champagne and cocktail creations.

Taste of Bath, Royal Victoria Park, 3 ­ 6 July
The beautiful surroundings of Royal Victoria Park will host Taste of Bath for the second year. Fifteen of the region’s best restaurants will top the bill, including favourites such as The Bath Priory Hotel & Restaurant, Lucknam Park, Hole in the Wall, the Dower House at the Royal Crescent Hotel and the Olive Tree.

New additions for 2008 include Martin Burge of Whatley Manor and the Wheatsheaf at Combe Hay, listed as one of only five Orising stars’ in the country in this year’s Michelin Guide. There will also be more than 100 stalls featuring the South West’s best produce including Great Western Wine, The Crackling Pig and Cotleigh Brewery.

Taste of Birmingham, Cannon Hill Park, 10-13 July
Taste of Birmingham continues to grow with restaurants such as Michelin-starred Simpsons and neighbouring restaurants from Ludlow, often described as a centre for some of the best food and drink in Britain. Quality food and drink from producers such as Gaymer Cider and Flights Orchard Organics will ensure that Taste of Birmingham is a fabulous day out for all.

Taste Festivals are a unique opportunity to be up close and personal with the best restaurants and chefs in the country, reflecting the diversity and talent of each city’s culinary scene. They’re also a chance to discover, experience and buy some of the best food and drink on offer.

Visit channel4.com/taste to join the reservations list and for more information.