Henley Food Festival

Theatre for the culinary delights

Over 15,000 people visited the first Henley Food Festival, which took place in the South Oxfordshire market town in the summer of 2006. That encouraged the organisers to stage a second festival in 2007 and now a third in 2009.

It takes place at Phyllis Court Club over two days on May 16 and 17. Admission to the festival is £1-£6; children under the age of five can go for free.

This year the festival patrons include Raymond Blanc from La Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Mike Robinson from the Pot Kiln, TV Chef Giancarlo Caldesi and author Roy Ackerman CBE.

As a spokesman for the festival explained: " it puts the spotlight on the excellence of South Oxfordshire's winging and dining experience."

A feature of the festival is the Cook Off competition where each contestant will compete "cook off" against one other contestant. The overall winner is offered a complimentary day for two people at the 'Mike Robinson Game and Wild Food Cookery School,' attached to the Kiln in Yattendon.

To encourage flair and initiative, contestants are only allowed to spend £10 on ingredients. In addition, they will have access to oil, seasoning and herbs.

The final will take place early in the evening on May 17th in the Chef Demonstration Arena at the Henley Food Festival in front of the general public and will be judged by Antony Worrall Thompson.

A restaurant arena, food producers & suppliers arena, chef demonstrations, exhibitions, live music and entertainment are all taking place over the two-day festival.