The food world is celebrating that great British institution - the sandwich - this month, and we’re giving a nod to that fancy green veg, asparagus too. Don’t miss out on the Real Food Festival on the 5th-8th May. And if that’s not enough spoil yourself with something sweet for National Doughnut Week on the 7th, or experiment with honey to celebrate National Honey Week on the 4th.
30th April-2nd May
Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival
Tewekesbury, Gloucestershire
In the heart of the British countryside foodies, farmers and producers gather for the annual Tewkesbury Food and Drink Festival. Three days of the finest regional produce, local crafts and micro-breweries. And brand new for this year is the Fine Foods restaurant village.
30th April-8th May
Grand Designs live
London
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the Grand Designs team have certainly got that right with their live event at London’s ExCel Centre. The show features the best in kitchen gadgets, food technique demonstrations, and plenty of home grown fare to stock up your larder. And if you’re hungry for more you can grab a quick bite to eat in the Grand Designs Live Signature restaurant.
1st-31st May
Asparagus month
Nationwide
May is the month for asparagus. Fancy, delicate and a well-known aphrodisiac, asparagus adorns the menu of many a fine dining establishment. But it’s not just for the Michelin starred chefs, if you want to get more acquainted with this delightful green veg now is the perfect time. Why not try out these asparagus recipes this month.
5th-8th May
The Real Food Festival 2011– A Celebration of Extraordinary Food
London
Take over 400 passionate producers, celebrated chefs and some delicious street food, add a generous helping of live music, workshops, tastings and debates. Mix well with livestock, gardening tips and the ultra-glamorous Mrs Paisley’s Lashings pop up restaurant and you’ve got a fantastic culinary creation.
6th May
Real Food Festival: delicious. special reader dinner
London
For one night only at this year’s Real Food Festival in May, delicious. will be teaming up with the glamorous Mrs Paisley’s Lashings for a special reader dinner. This roving eatery will be serving good food in lavish surroundings, and was created by Jo Wood and eco-friendly chef Arthur Potts Dawson to highlight the importance of eco-conscious eating.
Ingredients for the dinner will be sourced from some of the producers taking part in the event and the setting will be a marquee within the Festival, decorated in the sumptuous style of Jo’s own home.
4th-10th May
National honey Week
Nationwide
Who’s been a busy bee? The bumble bee is the only insect that produces food eaten by man. And what a splendid food it is. Honey, includes all the substances necessary to sustain life. Sticky, sweet and scented, it’s a great natural sweetener for cakes and bakes, stir fries and tagines. Try it with breakfast, brunch and lunch and definitely for dinner. Start cooking with honey with these recipes.
6th-9th May
National Herb Week
Nationwide
Parsley, sage, rosemary or thyme? Celebrate herbs and all things herbal this week. Swap your morning cuppa for a lavender or peppermint tea. Freshen up your lunchtime salad with some fresh parsley or coriander, or knock up a herb butter to accompany a Friday night steak. Why not try these herb filled recipes.
7th-4th May
National Doughnut Week
Nationwide
Now in its 20th year National Doughnut Week raises funds for national charity The Children’s Trust. Every doughnut sold by participating bakers in National Doughnut Week helps to raise money for the charity, which provides specialist care and rehabilitation for children with multiple disabilities. So whether you prefer them sugar coated and oozing with jam, or glazed and covered with sprinkles, indulge in a doughnut or two. It’s all for a good cause.
7th-15th May
Christchurch Food and Wine Festival
Christchurch, Dorset, UK
Head down to the Dorset coast this month for the annual Christchurch Food and Wine festival and you might spot the likes of Lesley Waters, Gary Rhodes, James Martin, Gregg Wallace, Jean-Christophe Novelli, Paul Rankin, Brian Turner and Nick Nairn wandering around. While you’re there you can sample food from around the world at the international food market.
16th-21st May
British Sandwich Week
Nationwide
The sandwich is something of a British institution. Given its name by the 4th Earl of Sandwich in 1762, after he asked for a piece of meat to be brought to him between two slices of bread, it’s become a staple of the British lunchbox. Whether you prefer thick sliced or medium, brown, white or granary, celebrate national sandwich week with these scrumptious sandwich recipes.
21st-22nd May
The Bath Coffee Festival
Bath, Somerset
Whether it’s a caramel Latte with extra shots or a simple Espresso, if you can’t function without your morning coffee then this is the event for you. Listen to live music while talking to coffee experts from across the world. Take part in workshops and watch demonstrations from baristas and chefs. And with plenty of kids’ activities it’s a day out for the whole family.
21st-22nd May
Real Beer and Food Festival
Bury St Edmunds
The picturesque Suffolk town of Bury St Edmunds will play host to the two-day long foodie spectacular, which takes place in Greene King’s Brewery Gardens. Visitors can browse the stalls, sample the ware, learn some of the art of food preparation and take part in tutored tastings. Or they can simply soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the live music on offer.
23rd-29th May
National Vegetarian Week
Nationwide
Can you live without meat for a week? Why not give it a try for National Vegetarian week. There will be a host of events across the country promoting a meat-free lifestyle from a veggie grub tasting night in Manchester to a vegetarian evening in Northampton. So forget that bacon sandwich and get your chops around these exciting vegetarian recipes.