Celebrate the first feast of summer at unique venues and treat yourself to authentic food and drink experiences with Taste Summer in Ards and North Down.
Running over two weeks, from June 18-July 3, Taste Summer will feature restaurant showcases, breakfast and brunches, picnics, food markets, guided walks and tours, as well as the much-anticipated return of the Comber Earlies Food Festival.
This popular free festival is scheduled for Saturday, June 25, right in the middle of the delicious two-week Taste Summer food and drink extravaganza which will delight families and foodies alike.
It will feature up to 40 food stalls in St Mary’s Car Park, Comber Square, with local artisan producers, artisan bar, plus celebrity chef demonstrations by Theo Randall and local favourites such as Jim Crawford from No.14 at the Georgian House, brass bands, children’s entertainment and even a vintage tractor display, so don’t miss out and add the date to your diary.
Perhaps you could even ‘sandwich’ your visit with a Comber Earlies Food Festival Spud Tour (Friday, June 24, tickets must be pre-booked) or take part in National Picnic Week with the Comber Earlies Food Festival Picnic at Island Hill (Sunday, June 26).
Beyond the Comber Earlies Food Festival and its related events there is a packed two-week programme to tantalise the taste buds with unique foodie showcases across the borough.
Celebrate the summer solstice with music and a sing-along or two at the Vegetarian Evening Picnic (Tuesday, June 21) at Kylestone Nurseries, Groomsport.
Or join Horner’s Farm and Friends Celebrate Comber Earlies (Wednesday, June 22) where you can enjoy an evening barbeque with local beef and those gorgeous homegrown Earlies.
The Bangor Breakfast Banquet Showcase (Wednesday, June 29) will have plenty to satisfy the appetites of all early birds at the Salty Dog Bistro, while a Vegan Brunch at Princetown Guesthouse (Saturday, July 2) will offer a seven-course taster menu where brunch gets an imaginative makeover with plants taking the centre stage.
Also on Saturday, July 2, the Taste Summer Picnic in the Park is a free event at Ward Park, Bangor.
Really get into the spirit of the season and feel those summer vibes with this picnic event that will feature local chefs providing kitchen demos and a glorious artisanal food market featuring 30 local producers combined with live music and kids’ entertainment.
The two-week Taste Summer events will conclude with a Comber Earlies Sunday Lunch Tour (Sunday, July 3).
Wind your way around Comber town and stop in renowned places that offer food to invigorate all your senses.
n For a full list of Taste Summer events and to purchase tickets go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/tastesummer
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