Our Executive Chef, Simon Hartnett, was among a galaxy of culinary artists at a brand new event launching Hampshire Food Festival 2023.

Running over Saturday and Sunday, 1^st and 2^nd July, Celebrating Hampshire was a collaboration between Festival Place in Basingstoke and Hampshire Fare. The focus was on a chefs’ kitchen in Festival Place’s Porchester Square with an artisan produce market plus sampling.

Cookery theatre

Tracy Nash, Hampshire Fare, said: “It was so great to have a cookery theatre in the centre of this popular shopping centre showcasing our region’s great chefs. Thanks to Festival Place supporting local, this event was a true celebration of Hampshire. Cooking demos featured Hampshire ingredients, while local growers, makers and producers sold their products. What is not to LOVE!”

Hampshire Fare

Queens Hotel General Manager, Paul Playford, said: “It was great that Simon was part of such an exciting showcase event that launched the Hampshire Food Festival 2023.

“We are great supporters of Hampshire Fare and Simon loves to use local produce in his menus. There’s so much great produce on our doorstep and we are proud to champion it at the Queens.”

Hampshire Food Festival 2023

Organised by Hampshire Fare, the Festival encompasses a delicious programme of events running across the region: including chef demos, menus, markets, tours, tastings and workshops. What’s more, the 21^st Hampshire Food Festival has been given a makeover. It will now run throughout the summer across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Photo credit: The Electric Eye Photographer