Southwest foodies head to Taste of Bath festival

Forget horse racing, rowing and tennis the new focus for “the season” is firmly on food. Taste Festivals are in such demand that a whole series of UK regional events in five UK cities are planned for summer 2008.

Foodies in the south-west will be pleased to hear that the inaugural event in Bath in 2007 was such a success that Taste of Bath is to become an annual fixture. From 3rd to 6th July 2008 “foodie heaven” will be staged once again in Royal Victoria Park against the stunning backdrop of the iconic Royal Crescent.

With fifteen of the region’s great restaurants topping the bill, food enthusiasts from around the region will be able to rub shoulders with their culinary heroes and sample their cooking.

Bath favourites like the Hole in the Wall, the Dower House at the Royal Crescent Hotel and the Olive Tree will be in the company of Michelin starred restaurants the Bath Priory Hotel & Restaurant and Lucknam Park. New additions for 2008 include talented Martin Burge of Whatley Manor and the Wheatsheaf at Combe Hay, listed as one of only five “rising stars“ in the country in this year’s Michelin Guide.

The event will be buzzing with more than 100 exhibitors of fine food and drink showcasing the best in their class; a champagne and seafood bar and non-stop action at the brand new Sainsbury’s Taste Kitchen, where guest chefs perform their magic and the freshest of local flavours with tempt the taste buds. The chefs will undoubtedly be the stars of the show but the programme of music from the bandstand will create the perfect atmosphere for a day out to remember.

The Delicious Magazine Producer’s Market is set to attract the very best regional produce and centre stage will be Bath’s own cookery school, the Bertinet Kitchen with hands-on taster classes for budding cooks.

This lively event has proved popular for corporate hospitality and is selling out fast. Four hour sessions give time to get to know clients and treat them to a unique interactive experience.

In partnership with Bath Tourism Plus, Taste of Bath will attract visitors from the whole south-west region and beyond. Many visitors will stay for the whole weekend to enjoy the delights of Bath so early booking is recommended.

For further information on the UK’s largest food and drink festival go to Visitbath.co.uk.