Forks at the ready for food festival

Heroes in Norden has been shortlisted as one of the best Food and Drink outlets in Greater Manchester

After the appetiser events of last year, Rochdale borough is ready to serve up its mouth-watering second course at The Manchester Food and Drink Festival 2008.

Six borough venues will be tickling our taste-buds with a medley of Mediterranean delights and local Lancashire favourites at events from 3rd to 13th October under the banner of ‘Rochdale Food and Drink Festival’ so there’s sure to be something to suit every pallet.

After Nutters whet our appetites by taking part in last year’s festival, more outlets from across the borough are joining them this year. They will include a taste of the Mediterranean at Littleborough’s Coach House Bistro and The Rake Tapas, and at The Baum and Madisons in Rochdale. Heroes Fine Foods in Norden, The Cedar Tree in Newhey and Hollingworth Lake chippy Mr Thomas’ are promoting good local food.

Councillor Mohammed Sharif, cabinet member for regeneration on Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The Manchester Food and Drink Festival is in its eleventh year and it’s the first time a number of outlets from across our borough are taking part. This is an exciting starter and we’ll be building on the experience for a full-scale a la carte menu in 2009”.

Heroes Fine Foods has an extra special reason to be taking part in the celebrations – they’ve been nominated for the ‘Best Food and Drink Outlet Award’ at this years festival. They will find out their fate at a glitzy gala dinner at the Palace Hotel in Manchester on 13 October.

As an added extra, Milnrow artist Christopher Rainham will be holding an exhibition of his food-inspired paintings at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre throughout the festival from 3 to 13 October.

Full details about the events being held in the borough can be found at Rochdale Food and Drink Festival Events