Thousands of food-lovers experienced Rockingham Castle’s first ever Food & Drink Fair at the weekend – and owner, James Saunders Watson has pledged to make it an annual event.
Thirty food and drink specialists from Northamptonshire and surrounding areas showcased their fine artisan products to crowds of local foodies on the 13th and 14th July.
Taking place mostly inside the historic castle, the two-day show was the county’s only indoor event of its kind. It will now become a regular occurrence on the local food and drink calendar.
“The castle was absolutely buzzing, and our ancient rooms came alive as people enjoyed some of the finest handcrafted food and drink our county has to offer”
James added, “Our vast grounds were perfect for guests to sit and enjoy some of their delicious purchases too – we had all sorts from sweets, fudge and high-quality alcohol, to baked products, condiments and spices, and fine meats. We hosted this event because 2019 is the Northamptonshire Year of Food & Drink, but it was such a success that we will be doing it again. We’ll make sure Rockingham Food & Drink Fair gets better and better each year, and keeping it open to local exhibitors will always be a big focus.”
The one-off reduced entry fee into the Food & Drink Fair allowed guests to experience the castle too, with many visiting for the first time.
Some comments:
“Rockingham Castle is such a beautiful place to have a food fair.”
“It was a great opportunity to see the castle. We live locally but have never been.”
“Brilliantly organised with just the right variations of stalls and producers.”
“The quality of foods from local independent traders was amazing.”
Full list of exhibitors:
Phipps Albion Bar
Friars Farm
Hoppy Family Brewery
Whittlebury Bakery
Neneview Dairy
Hamm Tun Fine Foods
The Little Smokehouse
Nature’s Fayre
Rutland Fudge
Vicky’s Kitchen
Stonyfield Wine
Brockleby’s Pies
Fleur Fields
Rutland Gourmet
Ganders Goat
Lutton Farm
Mildred & Jones
Meah’s Curry Sauces
Farmer Lou
Fotheringhay Gin
Well Roasted Coffee
MIN/Surprise
Wharf Distillery
The Marshmallow Kitchen
The Stuffed Pig Co
Dutch Delights
Shires Country Kitchen