Sussex Foodie News Spring 2014

Read Sussex Foodie News Spring 2014 at http://t.co/oBIzzbxzkn

Sussex Food and Drink Awards 2014 Winners

Enjoy The Spin at Circus Street Bike Hub Saturday 22nd Feb

Brighton's first ‘Love Your Bike Week’ culminates in The Spin this Saturday 22nd February - an amazing FREE event from 12 noon to 4pm, celebrating all things 'bike', with stunt riders, award winning performance artists, bike workshops and more in the old market in Circus Street, Brighton, BN2 9QF.

Among the entertainments, see Nik, who won a Guinness World Record for jumping over 400 times on the wheel of his penny farthing bicycle! He will be showing his skills on Saturday, including contact juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, playing his ‘Victorian Gent’ character and demonstrating daring tricks on his BMX bike.

Event goers can also try out the Pump Track bicycle assault course, Cycle Spirograph, displays and craft workshops and the Colourwheel with Boo Hodges, as well as all kinds of fun with hula hoops, bouncy slide, kids play area and great food and beer stalls from Street Diner. www.circusstreetbrighton.com

The spin is the final big event in Brighton’s first 'Love Your Bike Week' at the Circus Street Bike Hub, a partnership between the charity Groundwork and Cathedral Group, who are the developers behind proposals to regenerate the Circus Street old market area.  It aims to help people get their bikes back in action, offering free maintenance services and organising events to build bike riding confidence.

Caroline Lucas MP launched the week on Valentine's Day, when she formally opened the new Circus Street Bike Hub. She said: "The Circus Street Bike Hub is a great example of the way Brighton and Hove is showing the way on pro-cycling initiatives - I hope very much that it will help inspire more people to get on their bikes in the city.

During ‘Love Your Bike Week’, Groundwork volunteers have been available daily from 11am-3pm for local people to drop in with their bikes and get free help to fix them, or learn to maintain them. Anyone who has an old, unused bike can drop it off there and it will be recycled. There have also been several fun group rides on offer, inviting people to meet at Circus Street and join up with a group to cycle to Shoreham or Saltdean. 

Said Martyn Evans, Creative Director of Cathedral Group, “Love Your Bike Week and our free public event on 22nd February, The Spin, are going to be great fun at the same time as offering practical help to people to get back on their bikes. We hope this special week will become a fixture in Brighton’s calendar in the future.

“The Circus Street Bike Hub is a precursor to our ground breaking cycle friendly development proposals on the site. We are absolutely committed to encouraging pedal power and will be going one step further, giving free bikes and secure storage to all our new residents as one of many sustainable features to help make Brighton a healthier and cleaner city.”

Cathedral Group in partnership with McLaren Property submitted a planning application in December for a development on the site estimated to bring over £200million into Brighton & Hove over the next ten years, create over 600 jobs, deliver two landmark public buildings: The Dance Space, a new home for South East Dance, and a library and teaching building for the University of Brighton, as well as much needed new homes and managed student accommodation.

"In light of the ever improving cycling conditions around Brighton & Hove, we aim to support more people to get on a bike and enjoy the benefits of this most affordable, efficient and healthy way to get around,” said Duncan Blinkhorn, Community Projects Co-ordinator at Groundwork South.

Groundwork South is a registered charity which works in partnership with local communities, business and government to improve neighbourhoods, develop skills and promote greener ways of living and working. The group intends to use Circus Street as a temporary home for the Bike Hub before moving to Lewes Road after the Circus Street development begins. People can drop in on Saturdays and Thursdays, 11am-5pm time with their bikes. Further opening times will be announced later.
www.circusstreetbrighton.com 

Valentine's at the Amex Stadium

Choose The American Express Community stadium to treat yourself and your partner to something different this Valentine’s and celebrate the most romantic day of the year.

On arrival, you will each receive a glass of sparkling wine. The table is yours for the whole night so you can relax and enjoy your fabulous three course dinner in this elegant setting whilst listening to the sounds of a live singer and pianist.

Includes a red carpet arrival, delicious three course dinner, a glass of sparkling wine and live singer with pianist.

£35.00 per person inc. VAT

FRIDAY 14TH FEBRUARY 2014, 7.45PM

TO BOOK, PLEASE CONTACT THE EVENTS TEAM ON 01273 878272 OR EMAILEVENTS@BHAFC.CO.UK

Taste of Dance Future at Circus Street Brighton

A partnership between South East Dance and Cathedral Group, will give children in the Tarner area of Brighton an exciting taste of what’s to come in Circus Street, where a new home for dance is proposed to be built.

With the support of Cathedral PLC, South East Dance is building relationships with local community organisations including Carlton Hill Primary School, running taster dance sessions for children and their families from February.

Jamie Watton, Chief Executive of South East Dance said: “We hope this will lead to a full programme of activity, especially for those that so far have had little opportunity to engage with the arts. We are currently fundraising for this programme which we hope will commence in June.

“We want to build solid relationships with Carlton Hill Primary School, local families and other schools and nurseries in the area now, working towards developing a long- term programme of community dance work, which we can take forward in our new Dance Space to be built on the site.”

Headteacher Louise Willard said: "I am very excited about this new partnership as the children will benefit from working directly with dance professionals and get the opportunity to watch and take part in dance performances. It will really add value to our offer for the children and their families at Carlton Hill Primary School."

Following two successful taster sessions, and subject to further funding, the South East Dance team is also planning to work with Brighton Oasis Project, which supports women affected by substance misuse.

Said Martyn Evans, Creative Director of Cathedral Group: “We are delighted to support these initial projects, which are the start of a proposed ongoing programme of dance activity in Brighton and Hove led by South East Dance, building towards The Dance Space, which will help bring dance to everyone in the city.” 

Eight Sussex Food Heroes, a MasterChef and a Proposal!

Winners of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2013/14 were announced at a spectacular awards ceremony last night [Thursday 30th January) at the Amex Stadium in Brighton, but awards patron Sally Gunnell OBE DL and Danny Pike of BBC Sussex, who were hosting the evening, were stopped in their tracks when a proposal of marriage raised the roof!

This year’s winner of Sussex Farmer of the Year, Charlie Hughes, ended his emotional winning speech with a surprise proposal of marriage to his girlfriend Sarah Butler and as he got down on one knee, the cheers filled the entire stadium with her acceptance making it a night they would never forget.

The evening was a sell out, with over 350 leaders in the food, drink and farming industry gathering for what is now dubbed ‘the Sussex foodie event of the year’.  Guests were treated to a wonderful ‘Sussex bubbly reception’, followed by a stunning seven-course banquet created by new stadium caterers, Sodexo Prestige, using the best local ingredients.

Former Sussex Young Chef of the Year and recently crowned MasterChef Professional Champion, Steven Edwards, attended the awards ceremony and was hugely supportive of the awards when he was interviewed on stage saying, “The Sussex Young Chef of the Year is one of the best categories in these awards and the physical challenge that all the chefs have to face in the cook off is very similar to my experiences on MasterChef.”

Steven also helped to pick the winning ticket for the prize draw with the Wallace & Gromit Children's Charity, raising £2,400 for Sussex’s only children’s hospice, Chestnut Tree House during the evening.

The Sussex Food & Drink Awards, now in their eighth year, are all about supporting and boosting local farmers, food and drink producers and the outlets which use and sell superb local fare.  Starting from small beginnings, the awards have grown to become prestigious and respected, with huge support from business in the county, bringing together the whole local food and farming community.

Said Sally Gunnell OBE DL, “This is my second year as patron for the Sussex Food & Drink Awards and just one look at the Grand Finalists list reassures me that these awards are just getting better and better!  I am thrilled to see a wonderful range of
small, young companies and larger, established
businesses coming forward to win these
awards. They are innovative, imaginative, sustainable and – very importantly – make us delicious food and drink to enjoy.”

Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2013/14 Winners:

Best Sussex Eating Experience, sponsored by Mayo Wynne Baxter Solicitors

Winner - Jeremy’s Restaurant, Balcombe, West Sussex

Runners up - The Crabtree, Lower Beeding, West Sussex and The Horse Guards Inn, Tillington, West Sussex

Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Spofforths Chartered Accountants

Winner - Charlie Hughes, Southview Farm Dairy, Pulborough, West Sussex

Runners up - David and Marian Harding, Court Lodge Farm, Hailsham, East Sussex and Tim and Charles Harrison, Harrisons Farm, Rudgwick, West Sussex

Sussex Food Producer of the Year, sponsored by The Southern Co-operative

Winner - Goodwood Home Farm, Chichester, West Sussex

Runners up - Kate’s Cookhouse, Steyning, West Sussex and Montezuma’s, Birdham, West Sussex

Sussex Farmers Market of the Year, sponsored by Harveys

Winner – Horsham Local Produce Market, West Sussex

Runners up - Lewes, East Sussex and Steyning, West Sussex

Sussex Drink Producer of the Year, sponsored by Sussex Food & Drink Network

Winner - Hepworth and Co Brewers, Horsham, West Sussex

Runners up - Plumpton College, Plumpton, East Sussex and Wobblegate, Bolney, West Sussex

Best Sussex Food/Farm Shop, sponsored by Natural PR and Cheese Please

Winner - Veasey and Sons Fishmonger, Forest Row, East Sussex

Runners up - Sharnfold Farm Shop, Hailsham, East Sussex and Rushfields Farm Shop, Poynings, West Sussex

Sussex Butcher of the Year, sponsored by Natural Farms

Winner - Archers of Westfield, Hastings, East Sussex

Runners up - J Heath and Son, Eastbourne, East Sussex and John Murray Butchers, Loxwood, West Sussex

Sussex Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Sodexo Prestige

Winner - Nick Bennet, The Curlew Restaurant, Bodium, East Sussex

Runners up - Joseph Otway, The Ginger Pig, Hove, East Sussex and Ricki Weston, South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding, West Sussex

The awards scheme is run by Natural Partnerships Community Interest Company (CIC), co-directed by Hilary Knight of the Sussex Food & Drink Network and Paula Seager, Managing Director of Natural PR Ltd, with support from a loyal and high ranking group of sponsor judges.

Said Paula Seager, “We are proud of the Sussex Food & Drink Awards and want to wish our winners, grand finalists and finalists this year our warmest congratulations. We would also like to thank our patron Sally Gunnell OBE DL and our sponsors, judges and media partners, who all share a vital role in making these awards a success.”

For more information visit www.sussexfoodawards.biz

 For media enquiries call Isabel Gander on 01273 857242, mobile 07879 424400 or email isabel@naturalpr.biz

Top Score for Event Organisers at The Amex

Great deals for conferencing and events are on offer at the Amex Stadium with £5 off per delegate for silver, gold and platinum day packages for bookings taking place within January, February and March 2014

“For a limited period, we can offer this price in our outstanding facilities, which are suitable for any size event, with great service and plenty of complimentary parking,” said Polly Harrison, Sales and Marketing Manager of Sodexo Prestige, who manages events at the stadium.

“Conference and event organisers can also treat their delegates to mouthwatering new menus and a range of local produce, thanks to our terrific award-winning chefs.”

David Flower, Heineken’s Regional Manager, who sponsors one of the Amex lounges and holds many events there, said: “The hospitality team at the Amex are brilliant to work with and the flexible space and easy road and rail links make it a great venue for all kinds of events, from conferences to Christmas parties, product launches to private dining in the executive boxes.”

The Stadium has a range of rooms with pitch and downland views available for use as event or exhibition space. Brighton's vibrant arts scene blends seamlessly into the sporting setting with each of the main spaces decorated differently, featuring signature wave ceiling designs which reflect the seaside location. The Bupa Lounge seats 500 people for a banquet and features a stunning double height wave ceiling as well as a full length glass facade and the Overline Lounge seats 350 for a dinner. 

Sodexo Prestige has won a host of accolades for catering at their two Premier league football clubs, Everton and Newcastle United as well as Ascot Racecourse including Stadium Experience Awards for Hospitality and Directors choice awards and the acclaimed Catering Excellence Award at the 2012 National Racecourse Catering Awards.

Jeremy Dicks, Managing Director for Sodexo Prestige, said: “The Amex may only be two years old but there are still plenty of new features to come. The Stadium has been selected to host two Rugby World Cup 2015 Group B Games, a new museum featuring the story of the Seagulls and the Stadium will open soon and Sodexo Prestige will be offering event organisers the opportunity to hold drinks receptions within this brand new attraction.”

Big names including Bupa and American Express and local companies such as Overline and legal firm Mayo Wynne Baxter regularly hold conferences and events at the Amex.

Fast Facts

- The American Express Community Stadium opened in 2011 and cost £93 million. Its curved roof reflects the beauty of the adjacent South Downs National Park.

-  Sodexo Prestige is encouraging the next generation of caterers by sponsoring the Young Chef of the Year category in the Sussex Food and Drink Awards and will create the seven-course Sussex banquet at the Amex in January 2014.

- Originally seating 22,500, the Amex has become so popular that seating has been increased to 30,000, with a new South Stand of seating with corporate lounge.

- The Amex has entertained over 10,000 party goers in the past two years and bookings for private and shared Christmas parties are now available. 

Contact the Amex Stadium events team on 01273 878 272 or email events@bhafc.co.uk

www.amexstadium.co.uk

Oliver Peyton serves tea in Brighton

Tea is the new coffee, according to TV foodie Oliver Peyton, who treated VIP guests, including Brighton and Hove Mayor Cllr Denise Cobb, to a ‘tutored tea tasting and cake matching’ event to launch the Pavilion Tea Company by Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Gift Shop.

“Tea is better for your health than coffee, it has a slower and longer-lasting pick me up quality and there is huge variety of flavour to suit every time of day or occasion or to match any meal or snack,” said Oliver Peyton, owner of Peyton & Byrne which caters the Royal Pavilion Estate and The Dome.

The newly-opened Pavilion Tea Company sells over 40 varieties of loose leaf tea, daintily packaged to take away, or you can sit and enjoy your choice of cuppa with a tantalising selection of cakes and light meals, with expert advice from the team’s knowledgeable and welcoming team.

“We have brought our own in house tea experts to Brighton to train our team of staff and they were able to help our guests through the range of tea tastes available. Their expertise and service is second to none, so we encourage people to call in and meet them.”

The tiny tea room, which has walls adorned with attractive wooden tea caddies and drawers will be open 9am to 6pm daily.

The room is also available for booking as a venue in the evenings, with Peyton Events. See www.peytonandbyrne.co.uk