The Sud de France Festival is a two-week celebration of the Mediterranean lifestyle, which kicks off on Friday 17 September 2010 with a one-day, Sud de France food and wine market in central London’s Cavendish Square (W1), in front of the Maison de la Région Languedoc-Roussillon.

Food and wine producers from the sunny south of France will be presenting their wares and bringing some Mediterranean vibes to London. Open to the general public, this free event is a unique chance to sample some of Languedoc-Roussillon’s most authentic food products and taste a selection of the region’s extensive range of wines, in a fun, French and informal atmosphere (full-size packs and bottles will be available to purchase, meaning visitors can try before they buy).

A Sud de France marquee will host a seafood bar serving oysters and mussels accompanied by sparkling Limoux wines, wine and olive oil tasting sessions, and a chill- out area in which to relax after savouring these culinary delights.

A tourist information stand will provide maps and details of the latest holiday hot spots in Languedoc-Roussillon, and visitors can pick up a free Sud de France “passport” info booklet.

Enjoy free wine tasting with producers including Gérard Bertrand, Skalli, Sainte Cécile du Parc, Domaine Grandes Causses, Sieur d’Arques, Tradition et Innovation, Château le Bouis, Château de Cabezac, Mont Tauch, Domaine du Traginer, Château de Péna and La Coume du Roi.

Fancy a tasty morsel to match? Sample the wares of Verfeuille (chestnut specialities), Domaine de l’Olivie (olive oil), Prosain (organic ready meals), Sud Primeurs (tapenade), Eugène Brunel (olive oil), CMJ (sweet & savoury biscuits), La Confiserie du Tech (biscuits and chocolate) and Bienmanger.com (online retailer of gourmet foods).

A second Sud de France market will be held on Saturday September 18 in Chelsea’s Duke of York Square, from 10 am – 4 pm.

For further information: www.festival-suddefrance.com

This September, Buxton is bringing the tranquillity of the Peak District straight to the heart of London. Replicating the unique Buxton water filtration process, the first ever Buxton Filter, hosted in Soho Square, invites Londoners to filter out the noise, hectic lifestyles and chaos of London life.

Busy Londoners will find a sanctuary in the centre of the media buzz, where they will be able to step into a microcosm of the beautiful Peak District. Complete with the relaxing sound of trickling water, and noise cancelling headphones, the Buxton Filter will allow Londoners to take a moment to appreciate the tranquillity of the Peak District.

Buxton water goes through a unique filter process of 5,000 years to provide the purest water. In the same way Buxton will filter out London’s noise with a unique event in Soho Square.

Running from 1st September to 2nd September, Londoners can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Peak District, as well as taking away a Drop of Pure Britain.

On Friday 30 July, Bombay Sapphire, the iconic London Dry Gin and Official Drinks Partner to the V&A this Summer, will be serving the season’s most eye-catching cocktail – Bombay Sapphire Summer Gin Punch served in sustainable cardboard cocktail glasses – on the first night of the V&A’s exciting new summer concept – V&A Summer Camp – a free two-day celebration of design which replaces the popular annual V&A Village Fête.

V&A Summer Camp will showcase six tents, dotted throughout the Museum, curated by leading lights from the cultural scene (including Markus Bergström and Fabien Cappello), featuring inspirational, interactive workshops and displays around the themes of sustainability and ‘make do and mend’. One of the evening’s central features will be the Communal Campfire tent situated in The John Madejski Garden at the centre of the courtyard. Poets and folk musicians will perform in the campfire tent to visitors seated on specially commissioned benches by designer Peter Marigold, whilst sipping a
Bombay Sapphire Gin Punch.

Hot, young designer Giles Miller has been commissioned by Bombay Sapphire to add to the sustainability theme of the event by creating striking martini-style glasses made entirely from card. In addition, Giles will design a ‘log cabin-esque’ cardboard encased bar from which the Bombay Sapphire cocktails will be served.

The Bombay Sapphire Summer Gin Punch, which was created by legendary mixologist, Jake Burger, is made from: Bombay Sapphire, claret (Queen Victoria’s favourite) rhubarb, cloudy apple juice and lemon ice tea. “My aim was to create a fantastically refreshing cocktail that complimented the balance of botanicals and smooth flavour that Bombay Sapphire gin offers,” explains Jake Burger.

Bombay Sapphire’s partnership with the V&A this summer follows the brand’s commitment to cultural experience which saw the creation of the Bombay Sapphire Dusk Bar at Somerset House last Summer.
In addition to making an appearance at the Friday Late: V&A Summer Camp, the Bombay Sapphire Summer Gin Punch will also be available throughout July and August at The Portobello Star, Notting Hill, and Jakes Bar & Grill, Leeds.

FRIDAY LATE: V&A SUMMER CAMP
Friday 30 July 2010; 6,30pm – 10pm, Admission free

Visitors to London’s Soho Square will be in for a surprise next week as the famous park space is transformed into the IT HAS TO BE HEINZ City Allotment.

The ‘crop-up’ plot encourages visitors to get a taste of the good life by allowing them to pick a selection of vegetables, straight from the growing vegetable beds. After getting hands on with the veggies, visitors can have their fresh ‘pick-n-mix’ washed before preparing their own salads or sandwiches using the on site facilities.

The allotment will be fully staffed and everything will be supplied for everyone to really get the feel of a genuine urban, vegetable patch. Heinz Salad Cream, the perfect accompaniment to a salad or sandwich, will also be available in plentiful supply.

So, if you want to brighten up your normal lunchtime routine, get yourself down to the IT HAS TO BE HEINZ City Allotment and enjoy the ultimate in fresh food.

WHAT: ‘IT HAS TO BE HEINZ’ City Allotment
WHERE: Soho Square, London, W1D
NEAREST TUBE: Tottenham Court Road or Oxford Circus
WHEN: Tuesday 3rd August and Wednesday 4th August.
TIMES: Open 11:00am – 4:00pm
PRICE: FREE – Suggested donation to raise money for Help a London Child

Following the success of last years’ ‘Enjoy the Taste of Scotland’ event in Glasgow’s George Square, Tesco is taking its free food and drink event on a road trip around the country this summer.

The events promise a fantastic day out for families and foodies alike with a variety of food and drink from local Scottish producers to sample as well as a host of entertainment.

‘Enjoy the Taste of Scotland’ will be visiting:

• Perth Extra 7th August 2010
• Silverburn Extra (Glasgow) 28th August 2010

Tesco Chairman, David Reid said: “Enjoy the Taste of Scotland celebrates the very best of Scottish fare from Tesco’s many local food and drink producers. We are committed to getting even closer to local suppliers across Scotland and this series of events are testament to that.”

Visitors will be able to take a culinary tour of the region, browsing stalls and meeting the enthusiastic producers from all over Scotland. Each event will be unique to the area but will include:
The Tesco Cookery Theatre – featuring local producers, well-known chefs, restaurateurs and hoteliers.

The Tesco Fair– a collection of producer marquees and stands as well as a variety of activities and great entertainment including the Haggis Shy, milking ‘Bella’ the Wiseman’s life size cow, a craft corner, face painting and even the chance for kids to come and taste, plant and grow their own herbs.

Each event will be open to the public and free to attend.