Autumn brings us a blaze of colour, as well as one of the most exciting annual events to take place in the Forest of Dean: the Forest Showcase Food & Drink Festival, set in the grounds of the historic Speech House Hotel.
Live demonstrations from local talent
The demonstrations given by our talented local chefs and food producers are always amongst the main attractions, so we can expect more of the same this year.
Something fishy? You’re in for a pleasant surprise!
We have a mysterious demonstration called “Something Fishy” from Tudor Farmhouse Hotel’s Head Chef, Martin Adams. Martin previously demoed at the Showcase before being snapped up by the hotel which, incidentally, received a Cotswold Life Food and Drinks Award in 2014 and was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor this year (2014). Martin is a talented young man who made it to the quarter finals of Master Chef, and his style is traditional a la carte French cuisine. However, he likes to add his own spin to create signature dishes of his own.
Watch Lawrence Jeffries in action butchering breakfast with Cameron!
You can also watch Chef Lecturer at Gloucestershire College, Lawrence Jeffries who will also be taking part in the demonstrations. Lawrence has been a professional chef for 30 years and he’s also run the kitchens at the Forest’s popular Beechwood restaurant for the last three years.
From fast food to Cheltenham Racecourse!
He has a passion for seeing young people develop an interest in the food and drink industry. In fact, his interest in the hospitality industry began in a rather unlikely place; a fast food restaurant. He then went on to achieve a HND in Hotel and Catering Management.
Since leaving full time education, he has travelled as far afield as New Zealand, acquiring culinary skills on the way and, upon his return, enjoyed a stint as a chef at the prestigious Cheltenham Racecourse. However, he has now settled in Gloucestershire, where he can teach aspiring chefs how to sharpen their skills. Although he actively encourages fledgling chefs to travel and explore the world, he also feels it’s important to retain some of this talent in the Forest.
Lawrence believes that it’s important for people to understand how their food is produced and where it comes from, as do we! So, we look forward to seeing both him and Martin in action on Sunday October 5th at the Forest Showcase.
Ready Steady Cook with the Chefs on Tour!
Using food donated by a range of local producers. Here’s one demo you won’t want to miss out on.
Get the full details at Forest Showcase Food & Drink Festival online.
watch Martin Adams & Lawrence Jeffries in action at this year’s Forest Showcase 2014
Lawrence Jeffries (left) and Martin Adams (right). Watch these two talented chaps in action as they showcase their skills live on 5th October.