Drink

The Best Global Food & Drinks Events in September

27 Aug, 2018

September doesn’t have to mean back to school, back to work and putting away your summer things.  With the UK heatwave forecast to continue, and September often a great month for a European getaway, how about packing your passport, and some loose clothing to enjoy a trip to one of these food and drink events happening in the UK, Europe or USA

London Brunch Fest, 1-2 September

It’s no secret that Londoners love brunch.  You only have to look at the day long queues outside any branch of the Breakfast Club to see that.  So why not indulge in a full weekend of the best of London’s many brunch menus? 

That’s the pitch behind the first ever London Brunch Fest which will take place at the Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane on the first weekend in September.  Granted you might not need a ticket to four back to back sessions of hardcore brunching, but with all the fry-ups, cocktails and masterclasses on offer, you might just be tempted.

www.londonbrunchfest.com.  Tickets from £15.

Budapest Wine Festival, Hungary, 6-9 September

Budapest Wine Festival

Hungarian wine is about more than just Tokaji, and where better to discover it than in the capital city – especially when it is taken over for three days each year in a riot of performers, organised tasting and a whole lot of local colour. 

The Budapest Wine Festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a major event on the European wine scene.  So why not find a cheap flight to Hungary and learn to tell your Bull’s Blood from your Kékfrankos?

www.aborfesztival.hu.  From €7.

Aarhus Food Festival, Denmark, 7-9 September

Danish hot dog

While we’re on the road in continental Europe, why not swing a left and head for Europe’s largest food festival – the Aarhus Food Festival in Denmark.  This historic coastal town boasts no less than four Michelin stars, so it’s fair to say it deserves its reputation as one of Europe’s tastiest destinations.

The festival is a big hit every year with around 30,000 flocking to learn more about the cooking culture of northern Europe.  With a focus on ecology and history as well as cooking, this is your chance to participate in ‘seaweed safaris’ and ‘cabbage workshops’ and watch as the Danish Hot Dog Champion is crowned – sadly the Danish Hot Dog Championship is not under any circumstances to be confused with the  Danish Hot Dog Eating Championship (no, this isn’t a tortured attempt at a Monty Python reference; and yes, the current record is 35, since you asked).

www.foodfestival.dk/en.  From DKK 65

London Mezcal Week, UK, 10-16 September

Mezcal

Back for a second year, LMW aims to inspire and educate with a host of traditional mezcal brands, pop-up mezcalerias and parties across the capital celebrating Mexican culture, art and food as well as the smokey agave spirit.  With top DJs and mariachi acts providing the back drop, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve been transported to Oaxaca – although that may just be the oft-claimed hallucinogenic effect of the seventh mezcal of the weekend…

Various events listed at www.londonmezcalweek.com

Feast Portland, Oregon, 13-16 September

Hipster central Portland is not going to miss out on the food festival scene and with Feast, it stakes its claim for ‘most original’ food festival programme.  Now in its seventh year, Feast is also closing in on a running total of $500,000 raised for good causes, so why not head west this September to check out the programme of demonstrations from local and international chefs, pie and sauerkraut classes and drinks events?

www.feastportland.com.  From $25. 

Great American Beer Festival, Denver, Colorado, 20-22 September

Colorado is the home of American brewing, boasting four of the top fifty brewing companies in the US, and producing over 23million barrels of beer a year.  Granted, around 22million of those are Coors, but it is not just for this that Denver has been nicknamed “the Napa Valley of beer”.  Beyond that, the Great American Beer Festival is, as the name would suggest simply vast.  With an estimated 4,000 beers from 800 of the US’s finest breweries, the festival has already broken records for largest collection of U.S. beer ever served.  And this year, it is set to be 17% bigger.  If you like US craft beer, can you really afford not to be there?

www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com.

I Primi d’Italia, Foligno, Italy, 27-30 September

If you love Italian food as much as me, there’s no doubt that their primi plati will be one of the reasons why.  So why not enjoy a long weekend in Umbria dedicated to these pasta dishes that bring so much joy?

Now in its twentieth year, this bustling festival in the historic town of Foligno, just 40km from Perugia celebrates the life and reputation of Italian pasta and rice dishes and la cultura del primo piatto.  What’s more, it takes place in the heart of Sangiovese territory – not that you needed any more convincing. 

www.iprimiditalia.it – free entry.

Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival, Ireland, 28-30 September

World-renowned and now in its 64th year, there really is no better place to try the best oysters the Atlantic has to offer.  Who knows, there may even be a pint of Guinness on offer to wash them down.  Events range from the formal masquerade ball to the highly competitive oyster Olympics  – best get exercising that shucking hand now – there’s still time… 

www.galwayoysterfestival.com.  From €40.

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show, London, 29-30 September

The UK’s largest whisky show, and a great opportunity to see over 120 of the world’s finest distillers under one roof, many of whom will be showing off premium products and Whisky Show exclusives.  Tickets for the tenth anniversary show include a branded glass, a two course lunch, and samples as well as entry to the show, its seminars and a Dream Dram token you can exchange for one of the super-premium whiskies available at the show.

Expect food pairings, cocktails, free seminars and incredible masterclasses, as well as the biggest range of whiskies that the UK has ever seen (til next year).

www.whiskyshow.com. From £110.

Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival, UK, 29-30 September

Late September is a great time to be beside the seaside, and foodie heaven Aldeburgh is a great place to spend it.  The festival celebrates Suffolk’s thriving food scene and is set in the impressive surroundings of nearby Snape Maltings – year-round home to a selection of independent shops and cafes.  Featuring demonstrations from a range of well-known chefs and beers and spirits from local producer Adnams, there’s something for everyone in Aldeburgh this September.

www.aldeburghfoodanddrink.co.uk.  From £8.

We love food & drinks festivals: here’s our round up of the UK’s best – there are still a few coming up!

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