Get ready for a mouth-watering journey as the much-anticipated British Food Fortnight returns for its 22nd year, running from September 16th to October 1st, 2023. As one of the biggest national festivals dedicated to food, it promises to support local produce and deliver a taste of Britain to all passionate foodies out there. There will be various events from cooking classes to tasting sessions, but if you fancy a relaxed, low-pressure celebration, there’s also plenty to do in the comfort of your own home or within your local community. While enjoying the dishes, it is a great opportunity to contemplate more thought-provoking issues like the food crisis and healthy diets.

What Is British Food Fortnight?

The story of British Food Fortnight dates back to 2001, a time when the farming crisis had hit hard, leaving many struggling to put food on their tables. It was then that local food hero, Alexia Robinson, had a brilliant idea: to revive rural communities by hosting an event that would boost the sales of farmers’ products and reignite the passion for their trade. Since its inception, British Food Fortnight has evolved into an annual celebration, uniting people in their quest for the finest British ingredients and cuisine.

Anything Special in 2023?

During two flavourful weeks, the entire nation will come alive with themed products and exciting promotions in supermarkets, restaurants, and other culinary establishments. For those with adventurous taste buds, it’s a golden opportunity to sample exotic fruits and vegetables, and experiment with food you’ve never encountered before. Students can also look forward to food-related activities and special menus as they gear up for the back-to-school season. If you’re seeking even more deliciousness, keep an eye out for events organised by Love British Food.

A Brief Guide to British Food: The Must-Haves and Must-Pass

Back in 2019, YouGov created a graphic ranking sweet and savoury British foods according to Britons’ preferences, shedding light on beloved classics and potential palate-confusing options. Unsurprisingly, delicacies like fish and chips and the classic British breakfast top the list. Basics like Yorkshire Pudding and Crumpets also maintain their high standing. However, when it comes to pies, opinions vary, largely influenced by the choice of filling. It’s worth noting that the younger generation tends to shy away from heavy, intense flavours preferred by their older counterparts.

The sweet side of British cuisine appears to be less contentious, offering a selection of delightful options to suit every level of sweetness preference. Let’s not even open the ‘cream or jam first’ debate when it comes to scones; some things are best left unsaid!

Celebrating at Home

For those who want to have a more relaxed and intimate celebration, here are a couple of ideas for you to get that sense of occasion with family and friends.

Food Programmes on TV

MasterChef

Produced by the BBC, MasterChef is a competitive cooking reality show broadcast in over 60 countries. It is not only the stage for amateur cooks to unleash their creativity on the plate. The series also has different versions, but also a place for celebrities and professional chefs to shine. With hundreds of episodes to binge-watch, it’s the ideal show for food enthusiasts.

The Great British Bake Off

As the name suggests, The Great British Bake Off is all about baking. This beloved programme, which first aired in 2010 on the BBC, features amateur bakers aiming to impress judges with their skills across various baking challenges. Tune in to discover the best amateur bakers in the nation.

BBC Good Food

Another gem from THAT broadcasting company, BBC Good Food offers valuable insights into all things culinary. This programme welcomes a diverse array of food journalists for podcasts and features renowned chefs like Marco Pierre White for simple yet enlightening recipe tutorials.

Feeling hungry? Time to savour the flavours, celebrate local produce and embrace the spirit of British Food Fortnight 2023.