Food, glorious food at Farnham Maltings 

Following last year's successful launch, Farnham Maltings once again became a cavern of culinary delights as the historic arts centre hosted its second annual food festival, glorious food on Sunday 13 November 2011.

Over 1,000 visitors to glorious food were treated to a myriad of tantalising treats.  The festival saw a diverse range of exhibitors displaying everything from cheese to bread and cakes to home-made preserves and spices.  There was something to tickle every taste bud with plenty to sample and take away.

The Great Hall was transformed into a buzzing marketplace with stalls selling smoked meat and fish, British made chorizo, artisan bread and cakes, home made preserves, garlic and authentic curry sauces.

Keen to support local farm producers, both established and new, glorious food featured a large number of local companies and individuals who often work from their homes, stores, allotments and independent farms.  One such farm, Imbhams Farm Granary of Haselmere exhibited their fresh whole foods, mills and grains which they produce for their regional communities.  J4jelly supplied their range of homemade jellies, chutneys and fruit cheeses while Farnham Maltings'  Riverside Cafe proved a popular choice selling homemade soups made from their very own cafe recipes.

Exhibitors from further a field included The Garlic Farm from the Isle of Wight, Tiger Spring Tea, a fresh loose tea company from London and The Dorset Blueberry Company who brought along their famous deep dish blueberry pies. 

The wonderfully indulgent chocolate room featured some beautiful creations that were almost too good to eat.  Mummy Makes' crumbly chunks of delicious fudge and Blondelicious' mouth-watering homemade cupcakes were scrumptious treats while the Farnham based Party Pop Bakery, with their cake-pops proved to be a big hit with the younger visitors.

Local drinks producers were also on hand to provide liquid refreshment.  The renowned Hogs Back Brewery quenched a thirst with their range of real ales. Jenkyn Place Vineyard raised a glass with their sparkling wine from vines grown at nearby Bentley while Appledram Farm Products offered up fine cider, apple juice and ginger cordial. 

Guided by a diverse range of experts and enthusiasts, visitors were treated to an exciting range of workshops, talks and demonstrations.  Hampshire's leading Cookery School, Cook Academy took over the Long Kiln Gallery delighting children with their biscuit making workshops while their parents picked up some top tips for easy entertaining and making edible Christmas presents.  Lerlak Frith provided tuition on how to create the most amazingly intricate vegetable carvings, while Imbhams Granary demonstrated how to make the perfect bowl of porridge. 

Festival organised Fiona Knight commented "glorious food 2011 was a real family orientated festival with a wonderful atmosphere.  We were delighted to see so many people taking the opportunity to support local producers and to sample something new."

For more information contact Fiona Knight, festival organiser, on 01252 745444.