Food festivals in April

So it’s that time of year again where we unashamedly eat large volumes of chocolate and because it's in the shapes of eggs we don’t feel guilty about it right? It is after all spring and a time for feeling good, so how about we ride on this feeling of freshness and celebrate all things food (and drink) with a host of festivals happening up and down the country throughout April.

First up is the London Coffee Festival

When: 3^rd – 6^th April Where: Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London

With an estimated 70 million cups drunk on a daily basis in the UK it’s no wonder that there is a festival dedicated to the energy-boosting stuff. Hosted in the ever-trendy East London the festival will feature over 250 artisan coffee and gourmet food stalls, tastings and demonstrations from world-class baristas, workshops, street food and coffee-based cocktails; all with live music, exhibitions and much more to keep you entertained. The festival is also the official launch event of the UK Coffee Week.

The Chocolate Festival

Bristol 5^th-6^th April Brunel's Old Station London 11^th-13^th April Business Design Centre, Islington Oxford 18^th-19^th April Oxford Town Hall What better festival to coincide with the Easter month than a chocolate festival? All three locations include a chocolate market, live music, ‘a journey of discovery with world renowned chocolate expert Martin Christy, a hunt for the best brownie and a cocoa spa. This choc-fest was nominated and shortlisted as the Best Event at London Lifestyle Awards last year and celebrates all things chocolate. The London festival this year also has a truffle making workshop with The Paul.A.young Chocolate Academy.

Great Missenden Food

Close Message - I might contribute in the future

I love what you do, let me contribute right now

Festival

When: 18^th-21^st April Where: Buryfileds, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire This Easter weekend festival has even more to offer this year with new famous faces on board, more competitions, demonstrations and activities,

New additions include: Cathryn Dresser (from series 3 of The Great British Bake Off) who will be offering hints and tips with her own baking demonstration. Mark Lloyd (ex head chef of River Cottage) who will join the festival on the Friday and Saturday and as a wild food expert and author I’m sure will have more than a few pearls of wisdom to impart.

Exeter Festival of South West food and drink

When: 25^th-27^th April Where: Exeter Castle

Called the ‘Ultimate foodie event’ this three day event certainly has enough on offer this year to live up to its name. Taking place in the courtyard of Exeter castle, now in its 11^th year, the festival also includes two evening festival after dark events featuring live music and chef demos. Expect to witness well-known chefs, including Michael Caines, Sam Moody, and Russell Brown, demonstrating their skills as well as workshops, food stalls, activities and cook-offs. As well as: two large food pavilions and outdoor catering stalls featuring over 100 individual producers selling an array of food and drink, the Food is Fun Teepees with demonstrations and hands on activities, the Festival Gardens bar, the Little Cookies at the Festival, Fermoys Grow Your Own and far more which you can see here. Other festivals appearing in April include: British Asparagus Festival, 23^rd April – 21^st June World Street Food Festival, 18th-21st Birmingham Spring Market, Start 12th April

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.