Taste & talk sessions
5 SESSIONS DAILY
THORESBY PARK, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
19th + 20th September 2026
Sponsored by
Get ready to discover the stories, passion and expertise behind some of the most exciting names in food and drink at our Taste & Talk Sessions.
Running throughout both days of the festival, these lively and informal talks give you the chance to meet the makers, hear their inspiring journeys and learn what makes their products so special. From award-winning producers and Dragonsโ Den success stories to master distillers and artisan food creators, every session offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of the food and drink world.
Whether you’re looking for cooking inspiration, curious about craft production, or simply love hearing from passionate people who have turned great ideas into thriving businesses, there’s something for everyone. Expect plenty of flavour, expert insights, entertaining stories and a few surprises along the way.
So grab a seat, stay a while, and join the conversation at the Taste & Talk Stage โ where great food, great drink and great stories come together.
Pastrami Smoked Salmon - The Piggy Pete Way
11am both days
with Piggy Peteโs Deli,
Specialists in smoked and cured foods
A behind-the-scenes look at crafting pastrami smoked salmon – from sourcing exceptional salmon to curing and smoking it with a bespoke pastrami spice blend. Expect practical insight, artisan passion (and maybe a little bit of flying pig magic).
Cookinโ Up Good Times
12noon both days
withย Brendon & Jaydon, Lumberjaxe
Brendon & Jaydon started Lumberjaxe with a love and passion for outdoor cooking, bbq and american inspiredย flavours.ย Whatย started in their mum’s kitchen with ยฃ100 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.
ย
They gained major national recognitionย when they secured investment on BBC’s Dragons’ Den for their seasoningsย and sauces. Lumberjaxe is on a mission to get more families together, Cookin’ Up Good Times!
From Farm Kitchen to Flavoured Butter Fame
1pm both days
with Jamie Stokes, The Yorkshire Kitchen
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
2pm both days
with Shelley Knottenbelt, Borderfields
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.
The Spirit of Craftmanship
3pm both days
with John Cherry
Locksley Distilling
Discover the spirit of craftsmanship with John Cherry, founder and Master Distiller of Sheffieldโs 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,ย 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. Donโt 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.ย They are committed to providing quality homes and creating the best experience for their customers through excellent service.ย With developments in Nottinghamshire at Bestwood and Fairham – your next move could be easier and sooner than you think.
