Market Place returned to Newcastle for the annual and much anticipated International Food Festival along the popular Greys and Grainger Street and the area around Greys Monument. Between Friday 11th – Sunday 20th September 2015 the centre of Newcastle was treated to a huge variety of delicious Continental goodies as traders proudly represented their country of origin.
Market Place have been organising this high profile International Food Festival for a number of years and each year it gets better and better attracting visitors from all over the North East.
Traders from around the world arrived in Newcastle to celebrate global flavours. Although the trading area is quite compact Market Place managed to pack it full of flavour with over 34 traders representing 15 different countries including France, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Poland, Greece, Belgium and Thailand as well as the home countries.
Solsolet Tapas a unique stall from the Catalan / French border Basque region of Spain visited Newcastle for the first time with a range of Catalan cuisine and Sicily was also represented with Tentazioni operated by Gaspar De Luca from Palermo in Sicily. Gaspar operates one of the best Italian delicatessens selling a range of hams, cheeses, biscotti, nougat and chocolate. From a little further South came Dimitriou Kokkalis who is from the beautiful Island of Zante cooking up one of Greeces favourite dishes Gyros probably one of the best you will ever try.
There was also a wide huge range of appetising Street Foods available including a Thai Noodle bar, Crepes from both Normandy and Brittany vying for position, Moroccan Street Food, Rare Breed Hog Roast and one of the events regulars Meats of the World bringing an interesting variety of exotic meats, all ethically sourced including Ostrich, Wild Boar, Crocodile and Impala.
Karl Heinz Langfeldt was back again with his traditional German Schwenkgrille selling giant Bratwurst and Currywurst Sausages which always prove to be a great hit. Indian Delights also brought a fantastic range of Indian Cuisine including different and authentic flavoured curries, onion bhajis, meat and vegetable samosas, wraps and much more.
The Wiltshire Chilli Farm brought along a fantastic variety of homemade products using their home-grown chillis. This stall dared visitors to test their taste buds and strength through a range of chilli sauces, jams and even chilli chocolate!
One of the highlights is the Le Petit Gascon operated by Jeffs Quignon whose staff brought a real buzz to the Festival singing proudly whilst demonstrating the art of French Baking. All the products are baked fresh regulalrly throughout the day including a fantastic selection of tasty French breads, viennoiserie and tarts attracting thousands of visitors through the irresistible smell of a fresh bakery!
Visitors with a sweet tooth were also spoilt for choice with plenty of confectionery and sugary treats on offer including fudge and liquorice, Designer Cakes, and even Belgian Chocolate Cards which all proved very popular with the people of the North East.
Market Place Operational Manager, Chris Hulley has said:
“Market Place and our Global traders were thrilled to be a part of the ongoing success of the annual International Food Festival for another consecutive year. The Festival was again fantastic with plenty of choice for hungry visitors as well as a huge choice of flavours from all corners of the globe. Our traders had a fantastic time and would like to thank the people of Newcastle for again being so welcoming.”
Market Place look forward to returning to Newcastle in November for the Christmas Market from Saturday 14th – Sunday 29th November 2015 along Grey Street and Grainger Street. Not only will we be returning with a fantastic selection of Continental traders but Santa will be joining us within a beautiful grotto where families can visit! Donations are to be given to St Oswald’s Hospice who aim to provide specialist palliative care to adults, children and young people from the North East of England.
Market Place have a packed programme of events each year operating on average 60 events annually and in the last two years they have a growing involvement with Food and Drink Festivals organising or participating in the Food and Drink Festivals in – Wigan; Castlefield (Manchester): Accrington; Bradford; Bolton; Market Harborough and Newcastle.
For more information, please contact Emma Rhodes on emma@marketplaceeurope.co.uk
or call the Market Place office on 0161 478 6060.