Wednesday 26 September 2012

St Albans Food and Drink Festival 2012

News release from St Albans City & District Council on 25 Sep 2012:

This year’s St Albans Food & Drink Festival runs from Wednesday 26 September to Sunday 7 October. This is your opportunity to enjoy 12 days of delicious food and drink throughout the district.

See cookery demonstrations, visit cheese and wine tastings and beer festivals, hear live music, and enjoy fabulous food and drink at great prices.  There are bargains to be had at local pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars including buy-one-get-one-free offers, 25% off offers and complimentary wine when dining.

The Festival kicks off with the St Albans CAMRA Beer Festival at the Alban Arena from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29 September.  There are up to 350 beers and 60 ciders on offer.

The Gourmet Night on Monday 1 October from 7pm is a fabulous cookery demonstration by chefs from two of the city’s Good Food Guide listed restaurants.  The event is held in aid of the Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice. Buy tickets online

Don’t miss the colourful Festival Finale in St Peter’s Street on Sunday 7 October from 10am to 4pm. There are dozens of stalls selling delicious food from all over the world, plus live music entertainment.  Local chefs will also be cooking live for the crowds at the outdoor AGA Rangemaster cookery theatre.

This week is the last opportunity to vote for your favourite venue or producer in the Food & Drink Festival Awards.  Vote for your favourite restaurant, bar, pub, cafĂ©, family friendly venue, local producer and ‘local gem’.  Voting ends 6pm on Sunday 30 September.  This is also the deadline to vote in the Kate D’Arcy Award for Exceptional Customer Service, a reward recognising an individual’s excellence.

Winners of all the awards will be announced at the Award Ceremony at St Michael’s Manor on Thursday 4 October. Buy tickets online

For more information about the event, pick up a brochure at the Tourist & Information Centre and participating venues or visit www.stalbansfoodanddrink.com. You can also join our Facebook page or email foodanddrinkfestival@stalbans.gov.uk to join the mailing list.

Councillor Beric Read, Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Localism at the Council commented.  “The St Albans Food and Drink Festival is a great opportunity for people to sample the delights of our local cafes and restaurants.  You can also vote for your favourite venues and producers across the district.  Make sure you get your Awards votes in by Sunday 30 September.”