Foodie adventures are the best adventures at Seasonal Food and Drink Festival

Sunday morning drizzle didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of Norfolk food and drink producers as they set up their stands at the first West Norfolk Seasonal Food and Drink Festival in Hunstanton High Street today.

Producers spoke with a passion about their products that was inspiring, and their entrepreneurial spirit was evident as they described their production methods and innovative marketing and distribution skills.

Whilst there isn’t room in this issue of Town and around to talk about all the participants, here is a flavour of the event.

I am thinking about a ‘Norfolk producer of the month’ column in future editions. Do let me know at editor@townandaround.net if that would interest you.

Just north of Norwich, the husband and wife team at KK Bees have created a one-stop shop for all things bee-related and are about to start a bee experience at Eves Hill Farm Call 07780 596490 or visit kkbees.co.uk

They also collaborate with Jesse Plunkett-Hall at the Norfolk Chilli Farm, who grows and produces a wide range of chilli products at Wolton Hall, in the creation of a super-hot honey perfect for drizzling on a variety of dishes.

In the middle of the Wensum Valley The Walnut Tree distillery produces farm crafted gin with botanicals from the farm.

Slightly closer to home is Brancaster Gin, made with sea buckthorn, samphire, gorse, elderflower and a dash of Brancaster honey. Delicious.

Producing a range of spirits using natural products are Sunfire Spirits who pride themselves on supporting local growers and beekeepers.

Moving to a different spirit, Rusty Krab invites customers to explore the world of Rum. Husband and wife team Joe and Lisa operate from Tower Street in King’s Lynn and are passionate about their re-use and refill packs, perfect for mail order as a 1 litre refill pack not only saves you money but will also go through your letterbox. Their own Norfolk rums are complemented by their stock of 170 rums from around the UK.

Handcrafted rums were on offer from Harry from Norfolk Rum who also have a Rum Club.

Wines were well represented at the event and included Chet Valley, Burn Valley and Cobble Hill Vineyards

Dad and daughter Marcus & Emily Pruden from Cobble Hill

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Wine buff Steve enjoying a Sunday tipple at the Burn Vally Stand

The High Street’s ‘by the book’ store supported the event with a range of cooking and foodie books. Co-owner Anna Pugh said: “It’s much busier than a usual Sunday.”

The event was spearheaded by Mark Kacary, Managing Director of The Norfolk Deli who said: “It’s all about community and breathing life into the High Street.

Mark Kacary believes that the high street should be the beating heart of the town. “We have managed to secure the attendance of some fantastic Norfolk producers; every business attending is a small Norfolk business and the festival’s purpose is to provide a delightful culinary journey, combining local gastronomy with the unique charm of Hunstanton.

Hunstanton’s Mayor Michael Ruston commented;” In my opinion Mark has done an excellent job getting all this together and his idea is to have a regular market here to showcase Norfolk food and bring people into the High Street; it’s got to be a winner!”

Drove Orchards

The next market will be held on 16th June 2024.