A POPULAR Artisan Food Fair will make a triumphant return to a five-star North-East hotel this weekend.

Live cooking demonstrations, hot and cold food, tasty treats, and beer, wine, and gin tasting classes are on the menu at the multi-award-winning Rockliffe Hall, in Hurworth, near Darlington.

The celebration of gourmet food and drink was launched at the luxury hotel last year to great acclaim, attracting visitors from all over the region.

The Northern Echo: The Fair will showcase a wealth of delicious, gourmet delicacies from local producersThe Fair will showcase a wealth of delicious, gourmet delicacies from local producers

One of the hotel’s executive chefs, Aaron Craig, who previously worked for Heston Blumenthal and now runs Rockliffe’s Brasserie restaurant, said: “We’re very excited that so many people are planning to visit Rockliffe Hall’s Artisan Food Fair this weekend.

“Rockliffe Hall’s ambition is to showcase fantastic food, and to source from local producers wherever possible, and the Food Fair is a great chance for us to celebrate and share the rich variety of artisanal food and drink in our area.

“My colleagues and I are looking forward to sharing our love of cooking with visitors, and everyone at the hotel is anticipating a brilliant weekend.”

The Northern Echo: Aaron Craig, one of Rockliffe's executive chefs, will be among the experts performing free cooking demonstrationsAaron Craig, one of Rockliffe's executive chefs, will be among the experts performing free cooking demonstrations

Cooking demonstrations will take place in The Looking Glass House every hour from 11:30am until 2:30pm, led by Rockliffe’s own expert chefs, alongside guest chefs from respected local restaurants.

Gin, Wine, and Beer School workshops will also be held on both days. Knowledgeable local producers will host visitors on a delicious ‘Think While You Drink’ journey through the arts of brewing and distilling, with plenty to sample along the way.

The Northern Echo: Visitors can sample locally-produced spirits, wines, and beers at the different Tasting ClassesVisitors can sample locally-produced spirits, wines, and beers at the different Tasting Classes

Organisers have also arranged a complimentary ‘park and ride’ bus service to the hotel from nearby Mowden Rugby Club, in Darlington. Visitors can park at the club and catch the free, regular shuttle to and from the hotel.

This means visitors can relax and enjoy the mouth-watering treats and expert instruction on offer, knowing they have one less thing to worry about.

The free event runs 10am to 4pm on Saturday, February 1 and Sunday, February 2. The fair kicks off the week-long Festival of Food, which will climax on Saturday, February 8 with an exclusive black-tie gala.

For more information, visit www.rockliffehall.com/festival-food. To book a place at the Gin, Wine and Beer Schools, call 01325 729999 or email vip.event@rockliffehall.com. The Gin and Wine Schools cost £25 per place, and the Beer School costs £20 per place. Entry to the fair is free.

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