Aylesford Food and Drink Festival Workshop Sunday 28th June 2026

Join us for an exclusive series of 45-minute workshops at the Aylesford Food & Drink Festival. We’ve paired the UK’s leading voice in sustainable food, Shane Holland (Executive Chairman of Slow Food UK), with Kent’s finest artisan producers to bring you a hands-on journey through flavour, heritage, and ethics.Whether you are a coffee lover, a BBQ enthusiast, or a craft lover, these sessions are designed to elevate your palate and change the way you think about what’s in your shopping basket.

Freedom Coffee x Slow Food UK This is not a lecture; it’s a conversation. Join Daniel from Freedom Coffee and Shane Holland to explore how your morning brew connects Kent communities to coffee farmers across the globe.

• The Experience: A hands-on tasting of locally roasted beans.
• The Lesson: Discover how different origins and roast styles unlock notes of rich chocolate, bright citrus, and summer fruits while protecting biodiversity.

The British Cheese Company x Slow Food UK Indulge in a masterclass that celebrates the "Slow" way of dairy. Move beyond mass-produced blocks and discover the heritage of British cheesemaking.

• The Experience: A curated tasting of award-winning artisan cheeses.
• The Lesson: Learn to identify complex flavour notes, curate the ultimate cheeseboard, and support small-scale producers.

Kromanti Rum x Slow Food UK Step into a world of "liquid history." This session explores the vibrant Caribbean heritage of botanically-infused rums and ancestral knowledge.

• The Experience: A guided flight of Kromanti’s signature rums infused with tamarind and plantain.
• The Lesson: Understand the importance of preserving authentic food cultures and sustainable spirit production.

North Charcuterie x Slow Food UK Master the craft of traditional curing. This session takes you on a journey from "nose-to-tail" ethics to the complex flavours of aged British meats.

• The Experience: A guided tasting of North Charcuterie’s finest range, including Salami and Coppa.
• The Lesson: Learn the importance of high-welfare, rare-breed British pork and how salt, time, and temperature create award-winning flavours.

Dust Bros x Slow Food UK Elevate your home cooking without sacrificing health or ethics. Join master blenders Dan and James for a high-energy session on the power of seasoning.

• The Experience: Learn the secrets of balancing smoke, spice, and zest using all-natural, sugar-free blends.
• The Lesson: Discover how choosing "Good, Clean, and Fair" pantry staples can support local biodiversity.

Made by M x Slow Food UK A sustainable home should smell as good as a sustainable kitchen feels. Join Maria from Made by M Craft Shack for an immersive session in mindful crafting.

• The Experience: Blend your own bespoke room spray using a curated selection of essential oils.
• The Lesson: Learn why avoiding "synthetic nasties" aligns with the Slow Food philosophy of a healthy, natural lifestyle.

The BBQ Hub x Slow Food UK Join award-winning fire-cook Ben and Shane Holland for a deep dive into the "low and slow" lifestyle. This is the ultimate session for anyone looking to master the grill.

• The Experience: Watch a live demo of temperature control and fuel selection, followed by a tasting of Ben’s signature "Cluck It" rubbed meats.
• The Lesson: Discover why the source of your meat matters and how sustainable sourcing leads to superior flavour.

• Duration: Each workshop is approximately 45 minutes.
• What’s Included: Entry to the workshop, expert tuition, guided tastings (or a luxury handmade product for the Room Spray session), and a Q&A with the hosts.
• Capacity: Spaces are strictly limited to ensure an intimate experience.

Book your spot today and discover the true taste of Kent!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Friars Aylesford Priory, The Friars, Aylesford, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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