Since its foundation in 2014 the Emsworth British Food Fortnight has not only won National Awards but has become one of the most successful Food events of its type in the UK celebrating local food, local people and Emsworth itself. Emsworth will once again be participating in British Food Fortnight, which this year runs from 23rd September to 8th October. The brainchild of Love British Food, British Food Fortnight is a wonderful opportunity for Emsworth to showcase its food heritage but more than that it’s about the community coming together to celebrate itself through food.
Three words sum up what this fortnight is all about:
Community Education Celebration
There is an amazing programme of events and activities over the fortnight from local producer Markets to Apple Pressing Day, from a Community Seafood Lunch on the Quay to a Beer and Cider Festival and so, so much more. Emsworth businesses will be pushing the boat out this year too with tastings, demonstrations and special offers. Once again Emsworth is working with local Primary Schools, Colleges of Further Education and supporting the local Beacon Food Bank.
Some of this year’s main events have included:
23rd September - Apple Pressing Day - The Square
A real community event. Local apples grown by residents producing ‘Emsworth Apple Presse 2017’ in the Square. The label for this year will be unveiled on the day, designed by a local primary school pupil.
The ‘Great British Menu’ College Lunches - Brookfield Hotel
3 local catering colleges take over the Brookfield Hotel and design, prepare and serve a ‘Great British Menu’ Highbury College – 27th September, Chichester College – 28th September, Fareham College- 5th October
Emsworth’ Beer and Cider Festival - Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st Octobe
Enjoy up to 30 great British beers, both local and from further afield, combined with some astonishingly good English wines and cider, as well as live entertainment and local food producers.
The Emsworth Wine Fair - Saturday 30th September
Organised by the areas 4 local independent wine merchants, this is a wonderful opportunity to taste over 40 wines and spirits. While focusing on award winning English wines, there will also be some fantastic wines from other regions from Rioja to Stellenbosch.
However its not just wine on offer, there will be a range of British Gins and the English Whisky Co will also be there as well.
Emsworth Community Seafood Lunch - Sunday 1st October
The Emsworth Community Seafood lunch will once again celebrate our fishing heritage; the lunch will be served on the Quay, on long communal tables and will be prepared by five of the areas leading Chefs: Lawrence Murphy – Fat Olives Restaurant, Giles Babb – Bluebell Inn, Gary Pearce – Restaurant 36 on the Quay Jon Scourfield – Brookfield Hotel – Barbara Crick – Emsworth Cookery School .
The lunch will see the launch of this years Emsworth’s Lobster pot Christmas Tree and all profits from the Lunch will go to Emsworth’s two Primary Schools
A ‘Thought for Food’ Local Showcase Market - Saturday 7th October
Created to enable local food & drink producers from West Sussex and Hampshire to come together and showcase their products here in Emsworth, this outdoor market has proved a big hit with both visitors and producers.
There will be live music from local young performers including the brilliant Heronshaw, food safaris and food demonstrations throughout the day so this market should have something to appeal to just about everyone!
Taking the Harvest to Primary Schools In conjunction with Hampshire Farmers’ Market
