Taste and Talk Sessions
Sponsored by
Visitors delved into delicious flavours and discovered the key ingredients, stories and techniques behind a fantastic range of artisan products in these free Taste & Talk sessions.
From homemade tonics and British-grown oils to underwater-aged wines, each session offered a fascinating insight into the passion, craftsmanship and innovation behind these unique products.
The sessions proved to be a popular addition to the 2026 festival, with limited places available throughout the weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to learn directly from the producers themselvesโall completely free to attend.
The Art of Pancake Cakes
with Laura Evans
SISU Pancakes
Laura, founder of SISU Pancakes, took visitors behind the scenes to discover how her distinctive pancake cakes were created. From the very first crรชpe to the final layer, guests learned the process and enjoyed tasting these delicious creations for themselves.
Crafting Homemade Tonics,
Roots and Seeds
with Sam Lawson-King
Co-Founder of the award winning Roots + Seeds Cafe & Kitchen
Sam demonstrated how to create homemade tonics, including the signature Lavender + Chilli Thyme Spritz and Summer Berry Shrub. Visitors discovered the health benefits of each recipe and learned how easy they were to recreate at home using fresh garden herbs.
From hobby to award winning -
The Spirit of Ilmington
with Bill Buckley
Spirit of Ilmington
Bill shared the story of how Grumpy Frog Cider grew from a small hobby into an award-winning range of ciders, spirits and liqueurs. Visitors enjoyed tasting these unique Cotswold creations while learning about the journey behind the brand.
Aging Wine Under the Sea
with Simona and Joe
Sirenโs Amphora
Simona and Joe introduced visitors to the fascinating world of underwater wine ageing, explaining how natural marine conditions enhanced texture, complexity and character. The session explored this innovative, low-energy approach to winemaking and its potential to support more sustainable practices.
The British Golden Ingredient
- Borderfields
with Shelley Knottenbelt
Borderfields Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oils
Shelley explored why cold-pressed rapeseed oil is such an important ingredient in everyday cooking. Visitors discovered the journey from field to fork and learned how a simple drizzle of quality oil could transform everyday dishes into something truly special.
