Welcome to the annual Free Food Festival in Alresford, Hampshire!

This year marks the Festival’s 20^th anniversary and new for this year will be the chance for three local producers to talk about, and sample, their wares to a live audience at the Cookery Theatre alongside a line up of world class chefs who will be demonstrating in the cookery theatre.

This years list has been revealed and it’s headed up by 2023 Master Chef: The Professionals winner, Tom Hamblet. Come and see what Tom does with fresh peppery watercress! Tom will also be presenting the “Barters Best” award to the trader with the most awesome use of watercress.

Sharing the Cookery Theatre Stage with Tom will be Suki Pantal, founder of Suki’s Curries and Spices.

Passionate about bringing the rich tapestry of Indian flavours to curry enthusiasts, Suki is a culinary ambassador and storyteller of Indian culture through food. In 2022, she participated in The Great Cookbook Challenge with Jamie Oliver, on Channel 4, showcasing her exquisite Butter Chicken dish.

Suki’s debut cookbook – Garnish with Garam Masala – will be released in May – come and get a signed copy at the Festival and see how brilliantly watercress can be incorporated into curries.

Martin Dawkins aka The Rustic Chef will also be there.  Having worked under Marcus Wareing and Alex Aitken he has over two decades in the kitchen and has earned three rosettes and even a nod from the Michelin guide. The Rustic Chef vibe is all about epic food with a sustainable twist.  Martin sources ingredients with a low carbon footprint, supporting local producers in Hampshire.

Finally, perennial favourites, Andy Mackenzie and Phil Yeomans from Lainston House will be there.  Andy is Executive chef for the Chef’s Academy Programme for the Exclusive Collection which is run from the 17th-century country house hotel, while Phil is executive chef there.  Their double act on the Cookery stage is a popular attraction for many foodies and they never fail to surprise and delight with their interesting use of watercress in their dishes.

For more information and to keep up to date with other new attractions being added to the festival visit www.watercressfestival.org or follow their social media:

https://www.facebook.com/WatercressFestival

https://twitter.com/WatercressFest https://www.instagram.com/watercressfest/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjH1QX_TfbBEi7uFYS78BUA/featured

For recipes, visit www.watercress.co.uk and for information about the health benefits of watercress go to www.thewatercresscompany.com