Taste of Grampian is making its highly anticipated return today with the doors of P&J Live in Aberdeen opening at 10am.
Organisers are preparing to welcome thousands of food and drink fans to the state-of-the-art Dyce venue, which also played host to the one-day festival in 2022.
Offering something for all the family, there will be a stellar line-up of more than 150 exhibitors as well as a children’s zone, live acoustic music, masterclasses from local chefs, drinks tastings and workshops.
Celebrity chefs James Martin and Poppy O’Toole will be hosting live cooking demonstrations throughout the day-long event, too.
James is best-known for being one of the UK’s top chefs, while Poppy is a Michelin trained chef who rose to fame on TikTok.
With so much to look forward to throughout the day, here’s what not to miss today at Taste of Grampian 2023.
Taste of Grampian Live Kitchen
Taste of Grampian’s Live Kitchen is a redevelopment of the former Chef’s Kitchen that has been in place for several years and is set to bring a whole different feel to the event.
Sponsored by Inverurie kitchen and bathroom firm Laings and Cala Homes, it will be hosted by food and drink editor at DC Thomson, Julia Bryce, and Craig Wilson, otherwise known locally as The Kilted Chef.
Craig has owned acclaimed Udny Green restaurant Eat On The Green, which was recently put on the market, for nearly 20 years.
The Live Kitchen is running from roughly 10.20am to 4.30pm.
Craig, Kevin Dalgleish, chef proprietor of Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish, Poppy O’Toole and Vegan Bay Baker’s Steve Buchan are among the line-up.
“The TOG Live Kitchen will be something really different for festivalgoers to get involved in this year,” says Julia Bryce.
“We’ll have a series of chefs and multiple guests gracing the stage with Craig and I, some of whom I know those in attendance will be really excited by.”
All masterclasses and tastings are free to enjoy and are included in the £15 Taste of Grampian general ticket price. Children under 12 go free and parking on the day is also free.
James Martin’s live cooking demos
Celebrity chef and TV presenter James Martin will take centre stage as the headline act.
James, who is best known for his ITV cookery show James Martin’s Saturday Morning, is hosting two live cooking demonstrations at the event. The first will be at 11am and the second at 3pm.
His three demonstrations sold out last year so festivalgoers are encouraged to grab tickets, which are on sale now for £18 plus booking fees, while they can.
Children’s zone
Foodies taking their children to Taste of Grampian can rest assured there will be plenty to keep their little ones entertained.
With a bounce and slide area including a dinosaur slide, air jugglers, a ball pit area and an enclosed play area, the Dino-Play zone will prove popular with younger festivalgoers.
There will also be dance mats, giant games and foot darts – an activity that combines a dart board with football.
Stellar street food
Patisserie, coffee, cheese, fruit and vegetables, preserves, gin and seafood are among the items to expect on offer at the various stalls.
However, there will also be plenty of street food vendors to ensure you’re well fed.
They include The Crab Company, JP’s Kitchen, G&M Whyte, Seafood Bothy and Seasonal Flavour, which offers high quality street food using locally sourced game from the Scottish Highlands.
On the drinks front, head over to Morley’s Coffee or Italian Coffee Bar for a quick pick-me-up.
And Lolly’s Ice Cream, run by Portlethen entrepreneur Lauren Milne, will be dishing out a range of sweet treats.
The festival is in association with Opportunity North East and ANM Group.
It is brought to you by The Press and Journal, Evening Express and Original 106.
Please note: There is a booking fee of £1 and a £1 service charge on Ticketmaster for all tickets.
Conversation