Here's a full list to events to look forward to at this year's Food and Drink Festival. Please be aware that some require advance booking! If you'd like to keep in touch with any new developments, join the Facebook page and the Food and Drink Festival mailing list. You can also vote for the finalists in the coveted Food and Drink Awards from 10 September.
|
Day |
Time |
Event |
Venue |
Details |
|
25 Sept |
5.30-6.30pm
|
Risotto Making Class |
Carluccio’s |
They say that risotto is literally a meal in the palm of your hand. We agree - a
handful of rice is all you need for a delicious meal. Join our friendly,
informal class and let us show you how versatile a dish of risotto can be.
You’ll be given easy, step by step guidance from our chef as you prepare your
own risotto using seasonal ingredients. And because risotto must be enjoyed the
moment it is ready, all budding cooks will be invited to enjoy their risotto
with a glass of wine and celebratory pudding off the menu. Tickets: £35 |
|
26 Sept |
5.30pm to 10pm |
Foraging Walk & Banquet |
Foragers at The Verulam Arms |
An introduction to foraging through a guided foraging walk & banquet. Go out
into the wild with us and learn all about foraging & what is available on your
doorstep. Led by a leading foraging expert, and then back to the Verulam Arms
for an interesting selection of dishes incorporating foraged plants, herbs and
fruit that have been seen on the walk combined with game shot locally by our
hunters. To purchase tickets email:
[email protected]. **Please inform us of any dietary requirements.
Tickets: £40 |
|
26-29 Sept |
11am to 11pm |
CAMRA St Albans Beer Festival |
Alban Arena |
The premier event in the Hertfordshire drinkers calendar. Up to 350 different
British real ales will be available to visitors including one off brews,
festival specials and a wide selection of beers from new breweries. But it’s not
just about beer - although most of it is! You will be able to enjoy games, the
tombola, the team quiz, and breweriana auctions in a lively friendly atmosphere.
This year there’s also a Beer Tasting on 28th September with Roger Protz, one of
the world’s leading beer writers, and editor of the Good Beer Guide - Cost
£10.00 (£8.00 CAMRA members). Sponsored by the Herts Advertiser. Spaces are
limited and do not include entry to the festival.Max admission price £4.00
(CAMRA members free) |
|
26-30 Sept |
All day |
Ale House Rocks Weekend |
Blacksmiths Arms |
A 5 day fest of music themed ales. |
|
26-28 Sept |
Various |
Cake Tasting |
The Abbot’s Kitchen |
Try out some of our delicious home-made cakes! The Abbot’s Kitchen will be
serving up some tasty cakes for you to sample when you pop in on weekdays
throughout the Festival. |
|
26 Sept-7 Oct |
All day |
Real Ale Festival |
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks |
Beer festival with up to 10 real ales for the entire festival. |
|
26 Sept
|
5-10pm |
Spice Night
|
Blacksmiths Arms |
A popular selection of Indian curries for £6.45, includes a free drink. |
|
26 Sept |
6-7pm
|
Cheese Evening |
The Boot Inn |
Every Wednesday we supply a great cheeseboard around 6pm. Please bring a piece
of cheese and share a favourite with some of Cheese regulars! |
|
26 Sept |
8-11pm |
Live Jazz and BBQ |
The Peahen |
Live jazz from Gabrielle Ducomble starting at 8pm, plus a BBQ in the garden
(weather permitting). |
|
27 Sept
|
7-9pm |
Introduction to the World of Wine |
County Constitutional Club |
If you like wine but want to know more this evening is for you. We will taste at
least six wines from around the world, learn how wine is made and look at major
grape varieties in a relaxed setting. Booking essential at
www.hertfordshirewineschool.com. |
|
27 Sept
|
9pm |
Live Music from ‘Mouth on a Stick’ |
Blacksmiths Arms |
Live music from ‘Mouth on a Stick’, an acoustic duo performing hits from the
last 4 decades. Ale House Rocks, a festival of music themed ales. |
|
28 Sept |
10am-noon |
MacMillan Coffee Morning |
The Boot Inn |
Join the thousands of people across the UK and support our coffee morning in
memory of good friends lost and those battling cancer. All money taken will be
donated to MacMillan. Join us for home made cakes, coffee & tea. |
|
28 Sept
|
8pm |
Open Mic Night
|
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks |
Live Music with the famous Open Mic night at the Fighting Cocks, hosted by Ledgy
Martin. |
|
28 Sept |
9pm |
The Faith Stealers |
Blacksmiths Arms |
A mod covers band performing the best of the British Mod scene. As our support
to the World’s Biggest Coffee morning, we will be selling muffins all day with
all proceeds going to Macmillan nurses. |
|
29 Sept |
11am |
Orientation tour of St Albans |
White Hart Hotel |
Tour free with lunch at Tudors or £3.00 with a free tea/coffee. Cost:
Free or £3.00 |
|
29 Sept |
12-4pm |
BBQ in the beer garden |
The Peahen |
weather permitting |
|
29 Sept
|
9pm
|
Live music from ‘Scam 69’
|
Blacksmiths Arms |
Scam 69’ are an energetic 4 piece tribute band - widely regarded as the best New
Wave tribute act in the UK. Ale House Rocks, a festival of music themed ales,
runs until 30th September. |
|
29 Sept |
9-11pm |
Live Music - JUKE
|
The Robin Hood |
“JUKE” are possibly the best Rhythm n Blues band on the circuit. |
|
30 Sept |
12.30-3pm |
Traditional Sunday Roast |
The Abbot’s Kitchen |
Tuck in to a hearty Sunday Roast - made with the finest local ingredients - and
an indulgent, tasty pudding. FREE hot or cold soft drink when you order 2
Courses from the Sunday Set Menu. |
|
30 Sept
|
Music from 9pm |
Ale House Rocks/Sunday Roast
|
Blacksmiths Arms |
The last day of our ‘Ale House Rocks’ Weekend and a delicious home cooked roast
for £7.95. |
|
30 Sept |
Music from 6pm |
Live Music and Ales |
The Boot Inn |
A celebration of Local Ales and Local Bands each Sunday during the festival. The
music is free and starts at 6pm. See website for band information! |
|
1-5 Oct
|
Various |
Cake Tasting |
The Abbot’s Kitchen |
Try out some of our delicious home made cakes. See 26th September for full
details. |
|
1-5 Oct |
3-6pm |
Cheese and wine tastings |
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks |
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, the oldest Pub in England, presents cheese tasting
featuring Wobbly Bottom Farm and Wine tasting from our new joint staff and
customer picked wine list. Cost: £5 per head, £1 donated to Earthworks |
|
1 Oct |
7pm |
Gourmet Night |
Poggenpohl Showroom |
Watch chefs from Darcy’s and Lussmanns, two of the district’s Good Food Guide listed restaurants, demonstrate how to cook a mouth-watering three course meal. Drinks, canapés and tasters will be served and there will be a raffle. The proceeds from the event and raffle are going to Iain Rennie Grove House Hospice Care.
Ticket includes drinks, canapes and tasters. Cost: £15.00 available
from the Tourist Information Centre or the
Festival website. More information (PDF) |
|
1 Oct |
7:30pm |
Cocktail Masterclass |
Mokoko |
A cocktail making class, with 2 cocktails, a selection of food and a competiton
cocktail. The winner will get 1 months free membership to St Albans 5 Star Boot
Camps! Cost: £25 |
|
1 Oct
|
7:30-10pm |
The Ultimate Foodie Quiz! |
The Boot Inn |
Join Sean as he quizzes you on a variety of Food subjects. Prizes include
freemeals at The Boot as well as wine and homemade Chutney! All money raised
goes to MacMillan Cancer Care. Cost: £2 per ticket |
|
1-6 Oct |
Various |
Pie Week |
White Hart Tap |
Each day we will be serving a different pot pie, all home made British classics. |
|
2 Oct |
8pm |
Mokoko Comedy Club
|
Mokoko |
Comedy night at Mokoko with £5 cocktails til 8pm and laughter til close. Two
tickets for the comedy night plus a platter and bottle of wine for £40 (bookings
only, not in conjunction with any other offer). |
|
2 Oct |
8-11pm |
Grow it, Cook it, Eat it
|
The Farmers Boy |
The Grow Your Own Food group of Transition St Albans celebrate and share their
harvest. We aim to show how we can address some of the challenges of Climate
Change and Peak Oil in our own gardens. There is a small demonstration garden, a
tour of the Verulam Brewery, apple pressing, advice on growing your own, and
seeds and seedlings to take home. All welcome. |
|
2-3 Oct |
6.30 - 8pm |
Wine Walk: A Tasting Tour of Spain
|
Majestic Wine |
Come and explore some classic Spanish food and wine matches. We’ll be pairing 8 wines with a selection of traditional Spanish nibbles to demonstrate how well they work together. Cost: Free. Booking required.
|
|
3 Oct
|
5:30-7pm |
Get to know your Mushrooms! |
Carluccio’s |
During the autumn months, Italians go mad for mushrooms. With our informal
demos, we bring the wonder of mushrooms to you. Join us for a glass of wine and
a chat whilst one of our chefs cooks a variety of easy-to-please but impressive
mushroom dishes for you to taste. Our food expert will host the event and
encourage you to smell and touch a variety of mushrooms so you can shake your
oyster at your shitake! This is an opportunity to engage with our food lovers
and get passionate about mushrooms. Cost: £20.00 |
|
3 Oct |
6-7pm |
Cheese Evening |
The Boot Inn |
Every Wednesday we supply a great cheeseboard around 6pm. Please bring a piece
of cheese and share a favourite with some of The Boot Cheese regulars! |
|
3 Oct |
8-11pm |
Live Jazz and BBQ |
The Peahen |
Live jazz from The Nick Page Trio starting at 8pm, plus a BBQ in the garden
(weather permitting). |
|
4 Oct |
7.30–9.30 pm |
A Great Vegetarian Dinner Party |
La Cuisine Imaginaire |
Come and attend a friendly cookery demonstration by BBC author Roselyne Masselin at La Cuisine Imaginaire; we will demonstrate exciting vegetarian dishes suitable for a Dinner Party with a difference! The evening will be a ‘watch and taste’ session where you will have the chance to use ingredients you may not have come across before and taste the dishes at the end. A great social evening! Only five places available so book early to avoid disappointment!
Cost: £20. Pre-booking in advance essential online or phone 07855 398788.
|
|
4 Oct |
Various |
History & Haunted tour |
White Hart Hotel |
3 course dinner with a choice including a spooky alcoholic tipple plus a history
and haunted tour. Time: Multiple time slots please book Cost: £24.95 for meal,
tour and drink |
|
4 Oct |
7pm |
Food and Drink Awards |
St Michael’s Manor |
Come and celebrate the Food and Drink Festival Awards at St Michael’s Manor with
a three course meal and a welcome drink. There will be a raffle in aid of the
Mayors Charities. Sponsored by St Michael’s Manor, Mokoko, Flagship Wines, and
Radio Verulam. Time: 7pm for 7.30pm Cost: £30.00. Tickets available from the
Tourist Information centre or
Festival Website. |
|
4 Oct |
9pm |
Open Mic Night with ‘Pimp My Band’ |
Blacksmiths Arms |
Pimp My Band’ are made up of local musicians (and the landlord!) playing a wide
variety of classic tunes. If you know the song, or fancy playing along, just get
up and join in! This is very much an anything-can-happen night. |
|
4-7 Oct |
All day |
Ale and Sausage Festival |
The Jolly Sailor |
Beer festival and locally produced sausage festival, with live entertainment in
the evenings. |
|
5 Oct |
6:30-10pm |
Flagship Wines Autumn Wine Fair |
St Albans School |
Whether you are knowledgeable or new to wine or just want to find out a little
more about wine, this will be a great chance to try many wines from our range
from Champagne and worldwide table wines to dessert wines, sherry and port. At
the event there will be around 100 wines available to taste, tapas, local breads
and cheeses to enjoy, plus wine accessories and gift ideas and special offers.
Flagship Wines is based at 417 Hatfield Road, St Albans AL4 0XP, telephone 01727
865309. Cost: £15.00 per head. Tickets must be bought in advance from
Flagship
Wines or the Tourist Information Centre. |
|
5 Oct |
8pm |
Open Mic Night |
Ye Olde Fighting Cocks |
Live Music with the famous Open Mic night at the Fighting Cocks, hosted by Ledgy
Martin. |
|
5 Oct |
9pm |
Live music with ‘The Push’ |
Blacksmiths Arms |
The Push’ are probably St Albans busiest and most watched covers band. |
|
6 Oct |
12-4pm |
BBQ in the beer garden |
The Peahen |
weather permitting. |
|
6 Oct |
1-4pm |
Terrific Tudors - family event |
Museum of St Albans |
Meet a Tudor wise woman and find out about the interesting cures she makes using
food and herbs. Children can make a plague posie and a fantastic Tudor roundel
to take away with them. Cost for craft activities: £1.00 All children must be
accompanied by an adult. |
|
6 Oct |
9pm |
Live music with ‘Sub City Skank |
Blacksmiths Arms |
Classic Raggae and Ska tunes from a band made up of some of the finest local
talent. |
|
6 Oct |
9-11pm |
Live Music - Kings of Langley |
The Robin Hood |
Live music - Band TBC. |
|
7 Oct |
10am to 4pm |
Festival Finale |
St Peter’s Street |
Come along to the Festival Finale Market for an opportunity to discover the
diverse range of restaurants from around the district. There will be plenty of
food and drink demonstrations to watch on our AGA Rangemaster Cookery Theatre,
and many stalls with local food to try and to buy. So don’t have lunch in - eat
out and experience something new! Also, there will be entertainment with music
from “The Horn Presents…”, and the opportunity to sing along with the choir of
St Peter’s Church as The Vicar blesses the Market on this Harvest festival
Sunday. (Approx 10.45). |
|
7 Oct
|
12.30-3pm |
Traditional Sunday Roast |
The Abbot’s Kitchen |
Tuck in to a hearty Sunday Roast - made with the finest local ingredients - and
an indulgent, tasty pudding. FREE hot or cold soft drink when you order 2
Courses from the Sunday Set Menu. |
|
7 Oct |
3-4pm |
The Great St Albans Cake-Off |
Bakehouse St Albans |
Calling all St Albans bakers - bake a cake and bring it into Bakehouse on Sunday
7th October to enter into the Great St Albans Cake-Off. Categories to enter are:
Adult bakers, Under 16’s and Specialist Cake eg vegan, diabetic, gluten-free
(this category open to any age). Bring in cake by 3pm (with entry form). Winners
announced at 4pm - come down and join the fun. Great prizes to be awarded and
all cakes will be sold with proceeds to be donated to local charity. For more
details pop in or look on the Bakehouse website. Entry forms available in store
on online. Cost: Free |
|
7 Oct |
Music from 6pm
|
Live Music and Ales |
The Boot Inn |
A celebration of Local Ales and Local Bands each Sunday during the festival. The
music is free and starts at 6pm. See www.thebootstalbans.com for band
information! |