Introducing...... the NEW Slow Food Barrel Talks 

We are building on the success of last year's Slow Food Garden at Ludlow Food Festival by introducing the Slow Food Barrel Talks which will be replacing the Taste Workshops as of this year.  Find the Barrel Talks marquee near the Slow Food Bar with a vibrant programme of free talks and tastings (see below). They will feature many of our dedicated Slow Food chefs and business members that champion the Slow Food message, which we are all so passionate about.

Friday

1pm Laura Hadland pairs two great local products - Craft Beer and Artisan Charcuterie.

Laura, award-winning author and ale aficionado will be explaining the history of beer festivals through an innovative selection of beer pairings, matched with Will Macken’s delicious Shropshire Salumi. Ales include a fine selection from some stunning local breweries; Salopian, Spilsbury & Jones, Noblecraft, Stonehouse and Hobsons.

3pm An Introduction to Miso with Jackie Bailey, Umami Chef

Do you know the difference between red and white miso? Join Jackie Bailey — analytical chemist, fermentation expert, and founder of Umami Chef — for an introduction to the world of miso. In this guided tasting, you’ll sample a variety of miso styles, learn how each is used to enhance flavour, and discover how Jackie makes her award-winning miso from British-grown beans. You’ll also be among the first to try her innovative new “soy sauce” — made without soy — as she reveals how you can experiment with making your own miso and soy sauces at home.

Saturday

12pm Chef Andy Link investigates Invasive Foods, Time for Change

Human impact on our environment often causes unexpected consequences that have a long-lasting negative impact. From the introduction of American crayfish into our rivers to Muntjak Deer to our forests and as Himalayan Balsam spreads along our riverbanks and Grey Squirrel decimate our native population. 

Join us in eating some invasive foods, that will raise important questions about the benefits and consequences of our eating habits, from current industrial processes to potential positive impacts it could have in the future. 

1.30pm Serious Wine Makers, Twin sisters, Farmers daughters, meet Rowton Vineyard

Sisters, Zoe and Melissa Evans have been crafting honest, characterful wines that showcase the Shropshire terroir since planting vines in 2020 on land that’s been in the family for three generations. Sustainability is key, so they decided to champion hybrid variety vines that require minimal chemical inputs as sustainability is key to their way of making wine. Hear their story and taste their wines.

3pm Nature at its Core - Artistraw Cider & Appleby’s Dairy

Try out some wild, fermented natural ciders paired with one of the UK’s last true ‘farmhouse’ dairy cheeses in this stimulating tasting. Introducing his cider, Tom Tibbits of Artistraw, the curator of natural, unpasteurised cider fermented with apples’ wild yeasts will be matched with Sarah Appleby’s provenance focused traditional territorial cheeses from Hawkstone Abbey Farm.

Sunday

1pm Chef Mark Harris 'The Great British Pub'

All the elements that make a great country pub a classic can be found at the Tally Ho Inn, just 12 miles outside of Ludlow. Chef Mark Harris will be sharing some of his culinary triumphs with us on a classic Sunday lunchtime slot. Championing local distinct ingredients with convivial dining experiences that include sharing platters are what matters and you’ll get a slice of Shropshire rural life at its best here today. 

2.30pm Passion Wine Creation with Gavin Patterson of Stonebird Wines

From the savanna of Zimbabwe to the dramatic southern coastline of South Africa and now the cool rolling hillsides of Shropshire, Gavin’s winemaking goal has always been to make wines that remain close to the source with concise expression. Gavin’s passion, pedigree and experience has made his wines an exacting discipline. Join us to hear his story and love of winemaking.