Here we go again! It has been a long time since I have visited the BBC Good Food Show for the first time in 2011. If you’re a foodie and love sampling drinks as well. It’s a place to check out brands and businesses from all over the world.
The event is usually held twice a year in Birmingham. The winter show was on last weekend at NEC bringing celebrity chefs, cookery masterclasses, and the best showcase of food and drink producers and companies. And everything else that makes the show so popular over the years.
I will be honest with you. The best thing about the BBC Good Food Show is the opportunity of sampling top-notch craft beer, gin, whiskey, liqueurs and wine from all over the world. And of course, indulge yourself in the best food samples, from award-winning cheese brands to local spice producers.
There is so much to experience and taste that I do recommend making a list of what you want to see and then make choices. Otherwise, you will end up a bit lost (and tipsy, maybe?).
My first stop was the Glen Moray stand to have the chance of trying an award-winning single malt whiskey distilled in the heart of Speyside, just outside of Elgin in Scotland.
Glen Moray produces scotch in time-honoured fashion, by hand, since 1897. Visiting its distillery seems to be an incredible experience and a nice opportunity to know more about the brands’ history as well.
I confess that starting sampling scotch around 12 o’clock was a bit new for me. But at the same time, it’s such a smooth and quality spirit that it’s impossible to resist.
Birmingham is always well-presented at the event with local producers. I quite enjoyed knowing more about The Urban Herbs – a small family run business set up in 2012 that produces a variety of spices and herbs.
Their stand was paradise for amateur chefs that love to spice up the food. The Urban Herbs has a range of spice herbs mixes available at a really affordable price.
That is something to highlight the BBC Good Food show and that made the event so popular all over the years. The products are cheaper than usual and it’s a good opportunity to stock up your favourite type of cheese or wine for example.
Olive Oil is another match at this show. I was overwhelmed by the different infusions and brands. Cotswold Gold, for example, showcased a range of dressing and marinate, rapeseed oil infusions and mayonnaise and white truffle oils. Love it. I could bring every single one back home with me.
The Seasonal Kitchen is another obligated pit stop. Take a seat, relax and enjoying We top chefs cooking alive in the show.
We enjoyed watching the chef and restaurateur Michael Carr preparing some venison. It’s also the time that you rest your feet or grab some food before continuing your adventure in the event.
Talking about eating, that was the first time I visited the event as a vegetarian. Despite, meat being a huge market at BBC Good Food, there is a variety of vegan and vegetarian options as well. From sauces to meat-free snacks.
We decided to try the famous burgers of VBites Food. The brand claims to be the pioneers of plant-based food since 1993. Being also the world’s leading manufacturer of meat-free, vegan meat substitutes.
I had a lovely festive burger that filled me up for the rest of the day. VBites is with no doubts one of the best vegan brands in the market. They offer quality meat-free products and vegetarians are well treated at the show.
What I enjoyed most about this kind of event is certainly have the chance to check the famous brands and their outstanding products. Amarula, for example, was definitely one of the busiest stands at the show.
The famous brand from South Africa was offering samples of their delicious liqueur. Some people were joining the queue for more than one time. I don’t blame them.
Another delicious liqueur finding was the Yorkshire brand Carthy and Black. That was definitely the gem of the day. This Yorkshire Cream liqueur is one of the smoothest and most delicious drinks I ever tried.
What to say about the Lemon Gin Cream Liqueur? They are not afraid of experimenting. And I am glad that I had a bottle to celebrate the taste of Dales on my Christmas. I want to go back to the Dales just to have more Carthy and Black.
Visiting Parmigiano Reggiano is always a must do the task. There is something magic about this legendary parmesan cheese that is only explained when eating it. So, we did. I just wished there were fewer calories involved in this experience.
I have finished my visit to the BBC Good Food Show stopping at Pic’s Peanut Butter. As a peanut butter enthusiast, I was happy to find such a quality product at a quite affordable price. I had a nice chit chat with people at their stand. They were overwhelmed by the success of the product and it was only the first day of the event.
What I like most about the BBC Good Food is the proximity between public and exhibitors. You have the opportunity to chat with local producers and big brands to understand the food and drink market.
This exchange and respect to the public presentation are crucial to gain new consumers and be successful in an event like this.
*NB: I was kindly invited by MPR Communications to visit. The BBC Good Food Show.
