Local chefs in spotlight at BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair to be held at Beaulieu

HOMEGROWN produce will take centre stage at Beaulieu’s BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair next weekend, with a demonstration kitchen hosted by BBC TV food presenter Chris Bavin.

Local chefs and food producers are also set to serve up some tasty treats with a rich veg-packed menu which will be showcased throughout the weekend.

In the Palace House Victorian Kitchen, The Pig’s James Golding, Lime Wood Hotel’s Luke Holder and pastry chef Kelvin Mullins will be joined by The Pig head kitchen gardener, Ollie Hutson, for some cooking demonstrations.

These will be hosted by Chris Bavin, host of BBC One’s Eat Well for Less, and inspired by produce grown at The Pig.

Meanwhile the Theatre of Greens showcase garden, designed by multi award-winning garden designer, Paul Stone, will feature a display of seasonal vegetables, providing the backdrop to a daily programme of food demos and expert advice.

This will include an intimate, integrated talks area hosted by Chris, who will be leading ‘plot-to-plate’ discussions with a host of veg-loving guests. James Golding, Kelvin Mullins, Luke Holder and Ollie Hutson will join barman Remi Bennett to share some gourmet no-cook recipes, accompanied by refreshing kitchen garden cocktails.

Life-long veg grower, Chris Collins from Garden Organic (former Blue Peter gardener), will also be sharing his tips, and visitors can learn all about the benefits of mushroom growing from Caley Brothers, who use recycled coffee grounds and a low tech, sustainable growing environment to grow gourmet mushrooms.

Organic market gardener Alex Horne will be demonstrating a classic brunch dish with a twist, allotmenteer Jess Hunter will be whizzing up a nasturtium pesto from homegrown ingredients, and Jason Williams will be inspiring visitors to create a small space container garden that’s perfect for urban veg growing.

Those keen to find out more about Beaulieu’s own history of produce growing can join head gardener, Kelvin Yapp, and experts Lucy Chamberlain and Saul Walker for tours of the Victorian Kitchen and Ornamental Gardens.

Visitors can also savour seasonal delights in the BBC Good Food Market, which will be bursting with artisan food and drink producers, street food options and an alfresco bar.

The Pig’s Ollie Hutson said: “The kitchen garden is the heart of our operations, from our restaurant menus and cocktails to our wellness treatments. Our ethos is to only use produce that we grow ourselves or can source from within 25 miles.”

Frances Tophill, Gardeners’ World presenter and expert, said “With food security much in the news, it’s great to be shining a light on home growing and I’m looking forward to talking to visitors about growing food to eat.

“No matter what kind of space you have for growing, planting and gardening, the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair is a great place to find inspiration, expertise, practical advice and some wonderful plants. There’s delicious food and drink to be tempted by too!”

The BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu runs from 28th to 30th April. Tickets include admission to Beaulieu’s attractions and are available from £15.

To book visit www.bbcgardenersworldfair.com