Gullane brought to life by first ever food and drink festival

The Gullane Festival of Food and Drink took place between April 4 and 10, offering more than a dozen food and drink related activities across the village, bringing together people and businesses to celebrate the area's diverse food and drink offerings, while aiding the financial recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The week kicked off in style with an Evening of Chocolate with La Potiniere and concluded with a community picnic.

Long queue at food producers market day held at Goose Green, Gullane. Hundreds attended from all over East Lothian and from far and wide. Picture: Joyce Hunam

Louise Pickering, festival founder and owner of Cherish Tearoom, Gullane: “What a great week it was.

"The inaugural Gullane food and drink festival has been a huge success, better than we could possibly have hoped for.

“The feedback from residents, visitors and participating local businesses has been overwhelmingly positive. Hundreds of people from far and wide attended our market day on Goose Green, Gullane where East Lothian’s brilliant food producers reported brisk trade all day.

“It’s given the village a boost and proves what can be achieved when a community mobilises and comes together for the benefit of all. Thanks to everyone that made it happen.”

Richard (Yarrow Cookery School) and James (Bonnie Badger) competed at Gullane Primary School in the 'Ready Steady Cook' live cook off! Picture: Joyce Hunam

Karen Chapman, director of The Watchman Hotel and Restaurant, said: "The Gullane Food and Drink Festival was an amazing showcase of what Gullane has to offer and we at The Watchman were delighted to be part of it.

"The village came alive and we had a hotel full of happy guests who had come from far and near to experience Gullane at its best."

Families taking part in a farm tour at Luffness Mains Farm. Picture: Joyce Hunam

Allan Stevenson, Luffness Mains Farm, added: "We are passionate about food production and enjoyed welcoming families who took part in the farm tours that took place last week.

“It was an opportunity to explain how we grow our crops and it was particularly pleasing to see so many children attending and having fun in the fields. My thanks to festival organisers for an amazing job bringing everyone together around our love of great food and drink."

Children from Gullane Primary School entered a competition to design an amazing foodie creation. Here they are showing off their designs. Picture: Joyce Hunam

Meanwhile, Robert Clark, general manager at The Bonnie Badger said; “The organisers worked incredibly hard to bring the community together – there was a great buzz around the village throughout the week.

“Our local and seasonal festival menu proved very popular with our guests and our chefs had a lot of fun being part of the local school activity.

“We hope the Festival becomes an annual event and are looking forward to The Bonnie Badger getting involved again, in celebration of the outstanding food and drink the area boasts.”

Dominic Campanille, general manager at The Old Clubhouse said: "A hugely enjoyable festival.

"The wine and canapé pairing event was a fun and informative evening supported by both familiar and new faces. Our thanks go to Jay from Majestic Wines, Beata, who was pouring on the night, and the hard work of our kitchen team behind the scenes."