Christmas is a time for celebrating with friends and family, but why not continue the celebrations into the new year? We've selected some lovely food festivals for you to visit around the UK in January.
12pm, 2 January
Mochitsuki Rice Pounding Event
Japan Centre Food Shop, 14-16 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4PH
Mochitsuki is the Japanese New Year tradition of pounding sweet glutinous rice into a cake. Find out more about this tradition at this event, where there will be a ceremony with tastings and free samples of a low-alcohol type of sake will be available to try too.
12-15 January
The outdoors show
ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL
The 2012 show will feature a fantastic range of clothing and equipment, have a go activities, guest speakers and more. The Food Lovers Britain Farmers Market lets you meet, taste and buy from the best of British local and regional quality producers. There's something for everyone at this market with sauces, sausages, breads, biscuits, chocolates, cake and more. Entry £16 for adults, under 16s free entry.
18-21 January
National Winter Ales Festival
Sheridan Suite, Manchester
Manchester Stouts, porters and other dark beers rule at this celebration of cold-weather ale. There will be 300 beers, ciders and perries in all, including top international offerings. Entry from £2.
13 - 15 January
The France Show
Earls Court, London
Francophiles and lovers of fine Gallic food will enjoy this show’s wine seminars, cookery demos and lively French market. Tickets cost £10 – it’s best to book ahead.
17th January
Seven course tasting menu from Raymond Blanc
Texture Restaurant, 34 Portman Street, London W1H 7BY
Marylebone Michelin starred Texture restaurant owners Aggi Sverrisson and Xavier Rousset are delighted to be welcoming renowned chef Raymond Blanc OBE into their kitchen for one night only. On 17th January 2012, Raymond Blanc will reproduce some of his classic dishes from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons alongside Sverrisson who will also be cooking some of his most popular Texture recipes. Tickets £195 and include a Champagne reception, a seven course tasting menu, a glass of wine to accompany each course, water, coffee and petit fours.To book, call the restaurant on 020 7224 0028
22 – 28 January 2012
Farmhouse Breakfast Week: The Breakfast Week Challenge
Various locations in the UK
One in three mums regularly miss breakfast,2 so HGCA have teamed up with Melinda Messenger to challenge mums to eat a healthy breakfast for five days during Farmhouse Breakfast Week.Mums can register at http://www.shakeupyourwakeup.com/challenge to take part and for a chance to win £1,000 of holiday vouchers. The campaign website will form the hub of the campaign, but there are plenty of other ways to get involved too including Facebook and Twitter (@breakfastweek).