Congratulations to new baking sensation Jack Sturgess who won the ‘Local Food Hero’ category in the Fantastic British Food Festivals new Fantastic Food stars competition at Sandown Park.  Jack was also later crowned overall winner of the food festival by BBC Bake off winner Nadiya Hussain.

Jack who is based in Camberley, Surrey, knew he wanted to work in the food and drink industry from a young age.  After eight year’s working in professional kitchens he launched ‘Bake with Jack’ in 2013.  A dream come true for Jack he teaches people to bake in their own homes showing that homemade bread is achievable in any location. He visits with all the ingredients and makes a few dishes for you to enjoy with your bread and a glass of wine.  The best bit of all is you don’t even have to clear up because Jack sees to that whilst you carry on enjoying yourself with friends and family.  What more could you ask for?

Merry Hill Mushrooms recipient of the ‘New Product Winner,’ demonstrated their grow your own mushroom kits.  Over six generations of mushroom growing experience in West Sussex has gone into the development of these grow your own kits.  The idea came about after hearing people say over and over again that they had never found a mushroom growing kit that actually worked.  The family saw a gap in the market and produced a kit guaranteed to work and grown in organic soil.  Now everyone can harvest fresh chestnut and white & yellow oyster mushrooms that taste better than anything you can buy on the high street.

Coombe Farm Organic were delighted to win the ‘Rising Star,’ category.  I thoroughly enjoyed the carving demonstration and the lamb tasting on the main stage.  Since launching in October 2015 to produce quality organic grass fed beef and lamb the family run team have already picked up three gold awards in ‘Taste of the West Awards 2016.’  The farm draws and purifies its own water from a spring beneath the farm, doesn’t use chemicals or pesticides and has the highest animal welfare standards.  Another unique selling point is the sustainable packaging insulated with sheep’s wool used for all meat deliveries.

Other highlights of the festival for SurreyK included learning how to make scones the LA way with Mimi from Mimi’s tea room.  Her top tip is by using double cream you can create a scone with a shortbread like texture.  Perfect for blueberry scones drizzled with lemon juice.

CBeebies Katy Ashworth was on hand to keep the kids entertained with the ‘Banana Milkshake Song.’  There were also face painting and children’s cooking workshops to ensure the whole family enjoyed the festival.

I had a delicious lamb wrap for lunch from @meatstreetBBQ.  SurreyK thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the stallholders and exhibitors and sampling their fine food and drink.  All in all a fantastic day out for all the family.