THE 2015 Hampshire Food Festival's first event will celebrate the county's finest food and drink.

Sparsholt College’s Taste of Hampshire will take place on Saturday, July 4. The event is run as part of the Hampshire Food Festival in conjunction with Hampshire Fare.

Taste of Hampshire will have the very best of the county’s produce for visitors to sample and experience with demonstrations from no less than seven leading chefs to inspire including Andy Mackenzie and Olly Rouse (Lainston House), Damian Brown (Chesil Rectory), James Golding (The Pig), Luke Matthews (Chewton Glen), Mark Price (River Cottage Canteen) and Phil Yeomans (Marwell Hotel).

Luke Matthews  

Basingstoke Gazette:

The doors to the college’s library gardens doors will be open from 10am, with the professional chefs donning their aprons from 10.30am.

Sparsholt College’s events organiser Martin Simpson-Scott said: “Taste of Hampshire aims to encourage people to truly experience locally produced food, to understand its provenance and to be inspired to support this county’s producers.

“This year we are thrilled to have a huge number of Hampshire’s leading chefs demonstrating how to create dishes from locally produced food which we hope will be replicated in homes across the county. “I hope taste buds are positively tingling at the prospect!”

Tracy Nash, commercial manager for Hampshire Fare, added: “Hampshire is fast becoming known nationally as a top destination for local food lovers. The Taste of Hampshire event shows that this reputation is well-deserved with some of the county’s finest chefs showing off their skills.

“Come along and meet local producers, try their lovingly made food and drink and watch the talented chefs in action.”

There will be lots of opportunities to sample and buy local food, wine and ale. Producers attending on the day will showcase the best of local fish and meats, fruit preserves and chutneys and cordials and gin.

A children’s activity tent will keep young visitors busy and entertained.

Admission costs £4 per adult, and is free for children. Some activities may include a small additional charge.

For further information, log on to sparsholt.ac.uk or call 01962 776441.

The 2015 Hampshire Food Festival runs throughout the month of July. Find out more online at hampshirefare.co.uk.