Thousands flocked to Food and Ale Fringe

Thousands of people from Norwich, Norfolk and Northern Europe flocked to the first Food and Ale Fringe held at Earlham Road Shops Norwich in October held as part of the Bidwell’s Norfolk and Norwich Food Festival.
PIN is now planning the next event to be held on Sunday 12th october 2008. If you would like to be involved as a producer or sponsor please get in touch by emailing info@producedinnorfolk.com

The small but Tasty festival was alive with demonstrations, tastings and talks with a real cosmopolitan feel as people who truly care about the food they eat came to meet genuine Norfolk producers, farmers and growers.

Stars in the Ale marquee were Grain Brewery who won high praise for their new IPA; a great bitter full of malty notes with a great hop aroma and clean finish.
The food marquee sparkled as award winning Strattons gave a stunning demonstration of vegetarian dishes all made with local ingredients and the great barley guru Teddy Maufe from the Real Ale shop enthused about malting barley with  tastings of Norfolk real ale and what to serve with them.

Award winning cook Joanna Burdett of the The Cooking Angel had prepared a special festival snack; Cheesey Bites made with Binham Blue and caraway; they proved so popular they will soon be available at the Produced In Norfolk stalls on Norwich market.

One of the most colourful stalls was The Herbary with a stunning array of Norfolk produce including swiss chard, red cabbage and wet walnuts all grown on their plot in Shouldham Thorpe.Congratulations to them for winning the prize for the best stand.

The aim of the Food and Ale Fringe was to support Norfolk’s rural economy; open markets for small artisan producers and to put them in touch with local people who are passionate about the food they eat and protecting the Norfolk environment in which they live.

Many visitors drew similarities between the Food and Ale Fringe and a vibrant London market; look out for news of next years event on the Produced In Norfolk website.
If you would like to get involved in next years market either as sponsors or participants please contact us at info@producedinnorfolk.com
Food and Ale Fringe 2008 takes place on Sunday 12th October 10-4