Food and drink
A nation that invented afternoon tea to satisfy that long gap between lunch and dinner is clearly a nation obsessed with food. Fresh-from-the-sea fish ‘n’ chips and sizzling Baltis, vibrant street food and Michelin-starred establishments: you’ll find a treat to suit your tastes in England. Tuck into regional specialities, from pikelets to pork pies, stinky cheeses to sizzling sausages. Wash it all down with a carefully crafted real ale, cider, G&T or award-winning wine. England is also famed for its gastro pubs, buzzing food festivals and quirky celebrations of produce – asparagus festival or garlic fiesta, anyone? You’ll find the best food and drink in England.
Discover a foodie’s heaven on the quayside
Enjoy fine dining, traditional pubs and a long history of oyster fishing in Emsworth, near Portsmouth.
Location: Emsworth, Hampshire
A foodie break in the forest
Get a taste of the New Forest where locally produced and caught food takes pride of place on the menu.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
August events: Trout ‘n About Food Festival
Take your pick from hand-crafted jewellery to award-winning sausages at this gourmet event in the heart of the Test Valley.
Location: Test Valley, Hampshire
Sample oysters at Portsmouth Fish Market
Visit Viviers Fish Market located in the picturesque Camber Dock fishing marina and try some of the freshest seafood on the south coast.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Eat local and stay in the luxurious rooms at The Pig
Foraged food and beautiful shabby chic décor are the order of the day at this unusual, but luxurious, country house hotel.
Location: Brockenhurst, Hampshire
Forage tasty mushrooms for your dinner at Fungi Foray
Get an insight into the wonderful world of mushrooms, and find out what you can pick, and what you should avoid.
Location: New Forest, Hampshire
Enjoy really high tea at the Spinnaker Tower
Visit the Café in the Clouds for a high tea with a difference.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Explore the home of Bombay Sapphire on a distillery tour
Become a cocktail-making master at the home of Bombay Sapphire gin. Enjoy a hands-on experience with gin experts, before embarking on a self-discovery tour.
Location: Laverstoke, Hampshire
Sample local craft beers brewed in Henry VIII's Southsea Castle
Discover the taste of Southsea Brewing Co., brewed in Southsea Castle's micro-brewery.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
