April was as packed with foodie events as wild garlic is packed with flavour, and somehow we’re getting involved with a whole load of them.

Eat local in the city

Right at the beginning I’m heading to Bristol tomorrow to feel the heat from the Bristol Food Connections festival, which is committed to raising the profile of locally sourced ingredients from the whole of the South West. There are loads of events on from cookery demonstrations and exhibitors market to a cook off from local chefs. We love anything  that encourages people to change the way they look at food and eating, and this is set to be a really good fun event.

Sail ship of delights

Ironically, this same weekend is when the New Dawn Traders’ sail cargo will hit Falmouth’s harbour, bringing with it rum, cocoa beans and coffee from the West Indies. To celebrate the renaissance of this ancient form of sailing there will be several events on in Falmouth, including a talk from Mike Longman of Cornwall’s ethical chocolate compant Chocolarder. More details of the events taking place can be found on the New Dawn Traders website.

Forage and Feast

Later on at the Gurnard’s Head in Zennor, we’re excited to hear about two interesting May events; the Forage and Feast event wherein we’ll be taken on a walk around the Cornish coastline to learn more about the foraged food on offer in the local area. Following the forage, we have a meal cooked by chefs from the Gurnard’s Head, which uses local and seasonal produce, and is hosted by EatDrinkSleep founder Charles Inkin. At £50 each, this should be a lunch to remember, set within a beautiful location. Booking details can be found at www.gurnardshead.co.uk.

Also within the stunning grounds of the Gurnard’s Head, a lovely free event is set for the May bank holiday weekend is the Don’t Wake the Fish festival. In its fourth year, this looks set to be a fun feast, with local bands and a celebration of Cornish ales from the many breweries across the county. Over 30 different real ales will be available; offering something for most palates. Food will be a collaborated effort from The Gurnard’s Head and local producers, with a barbecue and the normal restaurant opening.

BBQ and adventure

Since we have recently celebrated the 2nd anniversary of local chef James Nathan at Retallack Resort and Spa, we’re excited about the introduction of the new wake park. The launch party is on the 22nd of May and will feature a barbecue, live local music, prizes and of course the wakeboarding demo. More details will follow from the resort, but we can definitely recommend it for an amazing, friendly atmosphere.

Folk festival in Bude

Our friend Jim Causley will be playing at the folk festival in Bude on the same weekend of the 22nd-25th May. This seaside town has got a really exciting food and drink scene, including the Beach House Hotel at Widemouth Bay, which we think is well worth a visit.

Fal River Festival

Back in my home town, and all around the riparian banks of the Carrick Roads and River Fal, is the Fal River Festival, taking place from the 22nd of May to the 31st. With craft beers, food, drama arts and much more, this is a not for profit event which will see thousands of visitors to the river, celebrating everything from sailing to swimming. With lots of delicious eating at the food and craft market at Falmouth’s events square, and a wild food walk in St. Mawes on the 28th with expert Rachel Lambert. Accommodation in the town is booking up, and we recommend The Oceanic for a spot of nautical luxury.

With so much to see and do across the whole county, we will update with a few other events as we hear about them; it’s a busy time in Cornwall now as the busiest summer season takes hold, following the enormous success of Poldark!

Comments

comments