TASTE WORKSHOPS IN THE BEACON ROOMS - BOOKING ESSENTIAL DETAILS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Taste Workshops are led by expert producers or chefs who will guide you through a tutored tasting of selected food and drink. They last about an hour and take place in the splendid surroundings of Ludlow Castle's Beacon Room, which you enter via the Castle Gardens.

FRIDAY 9th September
11.30 pm - PORK PIE & PICKLE
Ludlow and the Marches have been chomping Reg May’s delicious pork pies for over 40 years.
Available throughout the region in good butchers and delis, now it’s your turn to find out the story behind the pie maker.

Reg’s son Nick will demonstrate the wonderful art of hand raising a pork pie and talk you through their popular variations, all made on site at Ditton Priors. Lifelong fan of Reg’s pie, Sara-Jane from Ludlow Jam Pan will also be offering you tips and tastings to show how different pickles can complement the pies. Served with a glass of local cider.
Ref W1 Cost £10 (members £8)

1.30 pm - A TASTE OF THE COUNTRY
Last year Chef Dave Watts’ workshop on Welsh food was such a success that he’s taking up the challenge again to present a menu rich with the produce of one area, this time from his favourite Oxfordshire smallholding.

Featuring free range meat, plus vegetables grown especially for this workshop, it’s a fabulous feast of flavours. Accompanied by a specially selected Oxfordshire ale.
Ref W2 Cost £15 (members £12)

3.30 pm - ICE CREAM - CAN YOU TELL THE SHEEP FROM THE GOATS?
You will adore this opportunity to learn more about the production of ice cream from two of the country’s leading artisan producers. Juliet Noble from Shepherds in Herefordshire and Jo Knight from Lovespoon in Carmarthenshire will be talking about their story to date, the significance of the milk origin, the difference in taste and their latest developments in production for the contemporary customer. This is the perfect taste experience for all those in need of pure
Ref W3 Cost £7 (members £5)

5.00 pm - THE FABULOUS SHERRIES OF FERNANDO DE CASTILLA - WITH JAN PETTERSEN
Come and change your ideas about sherry forever! One of the most exceptional of the small, independent sherry houses, Fernando de Castilla was revitalized in 1999 by Jan Pettersen, a Norwegian with a passion for top quality sherry and 15 years’ experience at Osborne. Jan quickly established Fernando de Castilla as masters of the production and ageing of fine, unblended, untreated Sherries. The bodega’s reputation is based on the excellence of the Antique range of intensely pure and complex single solera sherries. The list of awards speaks for itself. We will be tasting 6 sherries, from Fino through to PX, accompanied by a variety of tasty treats, to give an idea of sherry’s amazing food matching ability. Prepare to be converted! experience!
Ref W4 Cost £18 (members £15)


SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER

11.30 pm - NEW 'LOCAL TO LUDLOW' PRODUCERS
Two exciting new artisan food producers whose skill Is matched by their passion. Introducing Sally and Jez Lavell of Forest Pig with delicious charcuterie from pigs that roam the Wyre Forest, and Sarah Hampton with her gorgeous goats cheeses from Brock Hall Farm Dairy. Sarah has been raising pedigree pure Saanen goats for 10 years and now has the largest herd of these special animals in the UK. Take the opportunity to hear delightful stories and taste their products, accompanied by local ale..
Ref W5 Cost £10 (members £8)

1.30 pm - STAR FISH
An exclusive masterclass with Michelin-starred chef Will Holland, in which you will enjoy seven exquisite dishes each made with a different sustainable fish. This is your chance to enjoy a tutored tasting lunch of some very special dishes from the kitchen of La Bécasse.
Sustainable fish expert Laky Zervudachi of Direct Seafoods, suppliers to top restaurants, will share his knowledge and experience in this unique event. Accompanied by local wine specialists Harlington Wines’ choice of white wine.
Ref W6 Cost £20 (members £15)

3.30 pm - TASTING HISTORY - THE SHROPSHIRE PRUNE DAMSON
Celebrating the versatility of this traditional local fruit, which has recently been accepted into the Slow Food Ark of Taste.
A local chef, an artisan food producer, and a damson grower explore the deliciousness of the Shropshire Prune damson with dishes such as damson cheese, damson vinegar, damson chutney and luscious damson icecream.
Ref W7 Cost £7 (members £5)

5.30 pm - THE ESSENCE OF TASTE - THE ART OF FRUIT DISTILLATION
Ludlow Vineyard’s distillery is one of only a handful of fruit distilleries in England. Owner and proprietor Mike Hardingham explains how the ancient art of distilling works with modern day local produce.
Mike will talk you through a variety of his own fruit based eau-de-vies and brandies including his highly popular and unique Shropshire Prune Damson eau-de-vie. Accompanied by locally made cheese and sweet bites.
Ref W8 Cost £15 (members £13)

SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER

10.30 pm - SUNDAY BREAKFAST WITH LUDLOW FOOD CENTRE
For the ultimate breakfast, come and enjoy Gloucester Old Spot black pudding, homecured bacon and handmade sausages all made at the Food Centre with produce from the surrounding fields.
Freshly baked sourdough bread, their own take on tomato ketchup and brown sauce, locally grown tomatoes and local free range eggs complete the perfect Shropshire breakfast.
Ref W9 Cost £12 (members £10)

12.30 pm - SNOUT TO TAIL
Alan Dann's arrival in Shropshire has got the Michelin Star grapevine going again. Alan's extensive experience in many acclaimed French and British star rated restaurants, helped earn his own star at Lower Slaughter Manor in the Cotswolds. Now working at the chic boutique townhouse hotel, the Lion and Pheasant in Shrewsbury he's here to impress.
We’ve challenged Alan to work with the 'whole of the pig'. Using his favourite local producer 'Wenlock Edge Farm' he will be serving a range of different dishes that illustrate the versatility and diversity of great British pork. Accompanied by a glass of local Perry.
Ref W10 Cost £12 (members £10)

2.30 pm - A FEAST OF APPLES AND PEARS
September is harvest time for a fantastic range of apples and pears at Breinton Manor Fruit Farm in rural Herefordshire. Join Laura Edwards and Richard Wall to enjoy the season’s fruits, to try different varieties and to experience delicious dishes both sweet and savoury, made with these versatile local treats. products.
Ref W11 Cost £7 (members £5)

Some events get booked up quickly so to avoid disappointment please call 01584 878398 or email slowludlow@googlemail.com to book your tickets now.
Workshops that start at 5.30pm do not require Food Festival entry. Access to the Beacon Room in the evening is via a separate entrance just right of the main Castle entrance.

Tickets will also be on sale during the Food Festival.