Big-name chefs cook up a storm at Fringe

Published on Thursday 25 June 2009 00:13

A HOST of big-name chefs are being lined up to appear at a major food event being staged at the height of the Edinburgh Fringe.

Michelin-rated chefs Tony Borthwick, of The Plumed Horse, and the Balmoral's Jeff Bland will be topping the bill at the Foodies at the Festival event at Holyrood Park.

More than 100 food and drink producers will be showcasing their wares over three days in August, while the event will also feature masterclasses, tastings, a whisky theatre and a champagne tent.

Other big-name guests who will be giving demonstrations include Stuart Muir, head chef at Harvey Nichols in Edinburgh, Neil Forbes, of Atrium/Blue, and John Quigley, of Red Onion, in Glasgow, as well as authors Sue Lawrence and Ravinder Bhogal.

The event, which runs from 21-23 August, is being staged for a third successive year on a hugely expanded site after previously being held at the Roxburghe Hotel and Festival Square.

Organisers say they will also be running a "Foodies" event in Edinburgh at Christmas for the first time, at the Assembly Rooms, on George Street, as part of the capital's winter festival.

Director Sue Hitchen, who has gone on to stage similar events in Brighton and Hampton Court, said: "We are delighted Foodies at the Festival goes from strength to strength. This year will see its biggest show yet."