Taste & talk sessions
5 SESSIONS DAILY
THORESBY PARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
18th & 19th September 2027
Sponsored by
Our 2027 Taste & Talk Sessions will be announced soon! Expect more inspiring makers, fascinating stories and expert insights from the world of food and drink. In the meantime, take a look back at our 2026 highlights below.
2026 Highlights
Our 2026 Taste & Talk Sessions brought together some of the most exciting names in food and drink, showcasing the stories, passion and expertise behind their products.
Running throughout both days of the festival, these lively and informal talks gave visitors the chance to meet the makers, hear their inspiring journeys and discover what made their products so special. From award-winning producers and Dragons’ Den success stories to master distillers and artisan food creators, every session offered a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.
Whether visitors were looking for cooking inspiration, curious about craft production or simply loved hearing from passionate people who had turned great ideas into thriving businesses, there was something for everyone. The sessions were packed with flavour, expert insights, entertaining stories and a few surprises along the way.
The Taste & Talk Stage was a place to grab a seat, stay a while and join the conversation – where great food, great drink and great stories came together.
Sip and Savour a taste of Italy
Cookin’ Up Good Times
Brendon & Jaydon started Lumberjaxe with a love and passion for outdoor cooking, bbq and american inspired flavours. What started in their mum’s kitchen with £100 each has grown into a brand now stocked nationwide in major supermarkets. Lumberjaxe seasonings are all-natural, contain no preservatives and are lower in salt and sugar, providing wild authentic flavour.
They gained major national recognition when they secured investment on BBC’s Dragons’ Den for their seasonings and sauces. Lumberjaxe is on a mission to get more families together, Cookin’ Up Good Times!
From Farm Kitchen to Flavoured Butter Fame
Join Jamie, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind The Yorkshire Kitchen, producers of flavoured butters, including the UK’s first sweet butters. With roots in British farming and armed with a family recipe, Jamie and Sarah started out in their home kitchen and have grown rapidly, earning Great Taste Awards and appearing on TV with James Martin. Hear about the journey of this family business and their unique products!
The British Golden Ingredient
Discover why oil is the unsung hero of great cooking. Join us as we explore what makes our oil truly great, from field to fork, and how a simple drizzle can elevate everyday food into something exceptional.
Behind the Cheese: From Creamery to Award-Winner
Explore the creamery behind these Peak District cheeses, from traditional cheesemaking methods to the stories behind each variety. Discover what makes these cheeses unique and why some have gone on to become award-winning favourites. They really can talk about cheese until the cows come home!
The Spirit of Craftmanship
Discover the spirit of craftsmanship with John Cherry, founder and Master Distiller of Sheffield’s artisan powerhouse, Locksley Distilling Co. In this exclusive talk and guided tasting, John will reveal the secrets behind creating small-batch, beautifully balanced spirits – including their celebrated flagship gin, Sir Robin of Locksley. Learn about the local inspiration, unique botanicals, and meticulous distillation methods that define their range, all while sampling the incredible spirits themselves. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste and chat with one of the region’s leading craft distilling pioneers!
Taste and Talk Sponsor
Countryside Homes pride themselves on creating places where people love to live, with sustainable communities built to last. They are committed to providing quality homes and creating the best experience for their customers through excellent service. With their development in Nottinghamshire at Bestwood – your next move could be easier and sooner than you think.