Local producers are the stars of the Malton Food Festival
The Malton Food Lovers’ Festival is an annual event that takes place in the market town of (you’ve guessed it) Malton, north Yorkshire. This quintessential Yorkshire town has become Yorkshire’s food capital, a working town with flat-capped farmers at livestock sales, young jockeys grabbing lunch between rides, butchers, fishmongers, and its own Malton Cookery School. It is also home to that famous chef, James Martin.
The two-day event on May 28 and 29 involved tasting our way around the town, joining a cookery school session at Malton Cookery School, watching a live cooking demo, enjoying free music on the open stage and discovering the ‘Made in Malton’ family of several artisan food producers in Talbot Food Court. People in Malton always have time to chat, and a tour of the ‘Made in Malton’ producers was perfect for that.
Michelle at The Groovy Moo Ice Cream Co is passionate about her handmade Italian gelato, using only the best Yorkshire cream, and dreams up new flavours regularly. The queue proved its success.
The Bluebird Bakery
Al Kippax opened the Bluebird Bakery, and the smell is so good as you walk by. His speciality breads include artisan loaves and sourdoughs made from local organic flour, wild and organic yeast, and use long-fermentation methods. Most loaves are suitable for vegans.
David and Ruth Elkington started Roost Coffee and Roastery and have developed a firm following locally for their hand-roasted coffee. This is a very popular little café, selling several different roasts.
Aldo Valerio makes fresh pasta just like his grandparents taught him. His knowledge of all things pasta clearly shows – his business is called ‘Passione Della Pasta‘.
Back in the Market Square was the huge beer tent hosted by Brass Castle Brewery, run by Phil and Ian. They make 12 beers on site in their microbrewery – the door is always open and you can walk in off the street to marvel at the sights and smells of this award-winning brewery.
On the Sunday there was a great buzz about the place and as the black clouds refrained from opening, the sun came out, coats came off and refreshments were sought.
Bad Seed Brewery, selling hand crafted beer brewed in Malton. It’s becoming quite a microbrewery town.
Yorkshire Heart, is a small family run vineyard and microbrewery based in Nun Monkton, just off the York to Harrogate road.
Bridge Cottage Bistro, situated in the lovely seaside village of Sandsend, demonstrated their superb food presented on these old wooden French baguette trays, and the tempting dish of meringues.
I loved this idea of handpicked artisan foods delivered through your letterbox by Posted Pantry. This is the Yorkshire selection, of course.
We came away with pies, cheeses, beer, bread, fresh fruit and veg… as food-lovers, t’was the perfect event to attend!
Check out the Food Lovers’ Festival website here
