The EDP Adnams Norfolk Food and Drink Festival's culinary tour of the county starts with the North Norfolk Food Festival at Holkham on August 31 and September 1. Emma Lee meets chairman Chris Coubrough.
For Chris Coubrough the reason north Norfolk is home to such tasty produce is a simple one.
'We've got the sea on one side and arable land on the other – it's the best of both worlds,' he says.
And an array of that home-grown and made food and drink will be showcased at the North Norfolk Food Festival. The first course of the EDP Adnams Food and Drink Festival will once again be held in the stately surroundings of Holkham Hall on August 31 and September 1.
The New Zealand-born north Norfolk-based owner of the Flying Kiwi Inns chain of boutique hotels has long been a champion of Norfolk produce and is a proud to be chairman of the event, as well as one of the EDP Adnams Food and Drink Festival patrons.
'North Norfolk is home to such great produce, from Teddy Maufe's malting barley to Frary's crabs,' he says.
The food community shares a passion for what they do – and this is a chance for them to pass that on.
'We've got about 60 exhibitors coming,' he says. 'It's so exciting to be able to speak to the person who lives and breathes a product and knows how, where and why.'
They're also hoping to get younger visitors fired up about food, with the help of the team from Bewilderwood who will be doing some cookery demonstrations with a magical twist.
'That will be a lot of fun for the kids,' says Chris.
Norfolk food writer Mary Kemp is curating the cookery theatre, where some well-known faces from eateries around the coast will be showing off their skills throughout the weekend.
'Mary's put together a fantastic range of people,' says chef Chris. 'And I'll be one of them. I'll be there with my trusty butcher Arthur Howell.'
It could also be an opportunity for one lucky local producer to take their wares to a wider audience.
'Our headline sponsor, Kettle Chips, has offered £1,000 of mentoring to the stand that shows the most promise,' explains Chris. 'Kettle Chips is a big success story and if you are, for example, a tiny little outfit making cheese or yoghurt that sort of knowledge is invaluable. I would have liked that 10 years ago when I was starting out!'
The North Norfolk Food Festival is being held at the Courtyard, Holkham Hall, on August 31 and September 1 from 10am to 5pm.
Visit www.northnorfolkfoodfestival.co.uk for more information.
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