Judith Schrut heads to a cozy corner of Cornwall for good food and more, at the Port Eliot Festival.
Summertime Britain is a food lovers’ paradise, with dozens of festivals, fairs and other tasty offerings where food and cooking take centre stage. That’s certainly true at the Port Eliot Festival in Cornwall.
Enjoying a magnificent setting on the grounds, woodlands and riverside of an historic house and former medieval monastery, Port Eliot has grown a reputation for words, music, fashion, flowers and extremely good food. It’s been described as one of the coolest festivals on the summer circuit.
Over four packed days and nights, Port Eliot Festival-goers can savour a delicious blend of chefs, cooks, bakers, brewers and growers as they share skills, kitchen secrets and top quality eats. A mellow mix of local chefs and top foodie legends offer talks, tastes and demonstrations celebrating all aspects of food from planting and growing to prepping and eating. Caught by the River and other stages welcome writers, musicians, conversationalists and comedians. A sampler of those making an appearance this year are comedian Shappi Khorsandi, poet Brian Patten, food writer Grace Dent, designer Orla Kiely and the London Community Gospel Choir. Sipsmith Gin Palace hosts jazz parties, Martini masterclasses and plenty of opportunities for G&T by the river, and the Fashion Foundation takes fashion to imaginative new heights.
Wellbeing and wildlife always have a big part to play at Port Eliot. There are activities like astronomy walks, wild cookery, fire building, flamenco dancing, herbal first aid and wild swimming. You can stop by Larks Haven for wellness workshops, disco yoga, hot tubs and mindful masculinity sessions. We recommend signing up early for the wilderness survival masterclass with award-winning actress Teri Hatcher (aka Susan from Desperate Housewives). This year sees the debut of Wildlings Wood, a magical forest glade where children can dance, sing, frolic and forage all day long. As nowhere is considered off limits, the Festival also wends its way into Port Eliot House itself for tours, talks and films.
The Port Eliot Festival takes place at St Germans, Cornwall from 26-29 July 2018. Adult tickets range from £62-170. Reduced price under 18s. More at porteliotfestival.com.
