As the commentators were chewing over the results of yesterday's election, we were tucking into a divine breakfast, courtesy of the Riverford Organic field kitchen at this year's Real Food Festival. And what a breakfast it was! Juicy bacon sandwiches, poached egg served atop a slice of crusty bread and sprinkled with chillies, hot melt-in-the-mouth asparagus – even their black puddings managed to tempt. Taste bud tantalising food created by small, artisan producers – that's what this festival's all about. Running from May 7–10, the festival takes place in London's Earl's Court exhibition centre, with stalls laden with tangy cheeses, chocolates like miniature artworks (including some fabulous teetering chocolate stiletto sculptures), cured meats, jars of pesto, crisps exploding with natural flavour and loose leaf teas for the perfect, earthy brew.
And to highlight the link between field and fork, some farmyard animals are visiting the festival too - among them Petal the waterbuffalo, some slightly skittish sheep and a sty of cute little piglets.
With fabulous food, lots of opportunities to try before you buy, cookery classes and demos by top chefs, this festival definitely gets our vote.
The Real Food Festival runs at Earl's Court exhibition centre 11am–5pm (Fri, Sun), 11am–6pm (Sat), 11am–5pm (Mon, trade only).
Tickets are £15 for adults, children under 16 go free. For further deatils, visti www.realfoodfestival.co.uk
