With under eight weeks to go, the countdown to the Hertfordshire County Show is well and truly on, and with so much fantastic food and drink on offer, we thought we’d get the inside scoop from the organisers on some of the sensational fayre to expect! Whether you’re a craft beer fanatic, or you’re in search of the best local food and drink, you’re sure to find plenty to tempt you at this year’s show, running from 25th – 26th May.
The Hertfordshire County Show celebrates all things Hertfordshire and a huge part of that is food! Whether you’re arriving early on site for good coffee and a delicious breakfast, or coming by later for pizza and Prosecco, there’s bound to be something to suit your culinary tastes.
New Farmers Bar and Kitchen
For 2019, the Farmers Bar and Kitchen has been taken over by Harpenden company Gusto, who are renovating it into a rustic hub of Hertfordshire food and drink. They will be serving up both cooked and continental breakfasts, before moving onto lunch - including sharing boards and a customisable burger menu – and then later you can stop by for an afternoon or cream tea. With a team who have previously taken on VIP areas at festivals such as Glastonbury and Latitude, the Farmers Bar and Kitchen is a must visit at the 2019 Show.
Bigger and Better Food Hall
Due to increasing demand, Show organisers have moved this much loved marquee from its traditional site so it can hold even more delicious treats to take home with you. The Food Hall is one of the most visited shopping locations at the Show and it’s hard to leave without at least sampling some of the many options; homemade fudge, huge varieties of cheese, bread, pastries and cakes, pork pies, sausage rolls, seafood, as well as boutique whiskeys, gins and rums!
Three Hertfordshire Food Courts
The three ‘grab and go’ local food options found across the whole of 2018 Show were a huge success and will be back for 2019 in the Village Green, Under the Oak Tree and in ‘Eat and Drink Hertfordshire’, in the Countryside area. You’ll find everything from award winning British sausages, burgers and crispy duck wraps with vegan options, through to veggie Indian, South African, Greek salads, artisan pizzas, crepes and churros, to name a few!
Craft beers, prosecco and Pimms
In 2019 there will be seven bars available to the public, three with views of the Jubilee Arena! This year there will cottage cider on offer, while Farr Brew and McMullen will be bringing back their craft beers and all your favourite tipples. McMullen will be providing a special Show beer, as well as setting up their own pop up bars; Farr Brew will be bringing back their tepee bar and Prosecco truck. If a pint or Prosecco doesn’t take your fancy, stop by the Pimms Teapot in the Village Green!
Hertfordshire Farmyard – make your own Hertfordshire lunch!
The Hertfordshire Farmyard is the go-to location on the Showground to learn all about your local food production, and to speak to the farmers who make it happen. This year they’ve upped their game again and are giving you the opportunity to make your own Hertfordshire lunch – starting from grinding grain into a flatbread base, all the way through to adding locally grown toppings! A local farmer will be on hand at all times to talk you through the process and to teach you about exactly where your food has come from.
Made In Hertfordshire
The two Made In Hertfordshire Marquees are full of Hertfordshire’s finest artisan crafters and makers, including locally produced food and drink. You’ll find gins, beers and vodkas, as well as speciality items such as salami, biltong, oils, spice rubs and rolled ice cream. You’ll also find all your traditional favourites including jams and conserves, biscuits and fruit juices. Everything in the marquee is made in Hertfordshire, giving you a great opportunity to shop local while treating yourself!
You’re not going to go hungry with so many options on offer and might even get to try something completely new. Tickets to the Show are 20% off until May 20th.