THE FIRST PLACE
TASTE OUR TRADITION ARMAGH FOOD & CIDER FESTIVAL
Thursday 20 - Sunday 23 September 2018
VisitArmagh.com
Imagine the autumnal mists rising to meet the apple-laden branches as dawn breaks… Imagine the heady aroma of a perfect oak barrel, fermented cider… Imagine foraging for lunch and uncovering a bounty of secreted treats… Imagine intimate 5-star dining with old friends (and new) under the canopy of elegant tepees… Imagine creating your own story on painted canvas, nestled amongst the gnarled, decades-old branches… Imagine top class produce and flavours in buzzing artisan markets… Imagine no more…. live our passion, hear our story, and taste our tradition!
We encourage everyone to drink plenty of water, eat heaps of yummy food and consume alcohol responsibly. We embrace the craft cider way: drink local, drink less & drink better!
2 /3 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
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Saturday 22 September
Friday 21 September
Thursday 20 September
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS EVENT
VENUE
TIME
PRICE
Perfect Cheeseboard
The Yellow Door Deli, Portadown
7.00pm - 9.00pm
£20.00
Flash Fiction in the Orchard
Armagh Cider Company, Portadown
7.00pm - 9.00pm
£7.50
Cocktail Mixology Workshop
Uluru Bar and Grill, Armagh
7.00pm - 8.30pm
£20.00
Wine v Cider & Pintxos
Crannagael House, Ardress
8.00pm - 11.30pm
£40.00
Art in the Orchard with Deborah Malcomson
Long Meadow Cider, Portadown
10.00am - 4.00pm
£45.00
Sundown Food Market
Solitude Park, Banbridge
4.00pm - 9.00pm
Wright’s Pudding Evening
Wright’s Interiors, Armagh
7.30pm - 9.00pm
£13.00
Foodie Film Night “Chef”
Uluru Bar and Grill, Armagh
8.00pm - 10.30pm
£20.00
Harvest Supper
Armagh Cider Company, Portadown
8.00pm - 11.30pm
£40.00
Orchard Murder Mystery Dinner
Crannagael House, Ardress
8.00pm - 12.00 midnight
£50.00
Retox/Detox Open-Air Breakfast
Armagh Franciscan Friary
9.30am - 11.30am
£7.00
Art in the Orchard with Bill Gatt
Long Meadow Cider, Portadown
10.00am - 4.00pm
£45.00
Pizza Making Masterclass for Kids aged 7-12 years
The Market Place Theatre, Armagh
10.00am 12.00noon
£15.00
Orchard Walking Tours
Loughgall Country Park
11.00am - 12.30pm 2.00pm - 3.30pm
£5.00/ £2.50
The “Art of BBQ” Masterclass
Armagh City Hotel
12.00noon 4.00pm
£40.00
ADULT/ CHILD
(Strictly over 18’s only)
F
(Strictly over 15’s only)
Pop Up Food Heartland 4 Vicars Restaurant, Hub Armagh
12.00noon 4.00pm
Orchard Afternoon Teas Vintage Style
12.00noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm
The Big Red Bus, Loughgall Country Park
4 /5 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
F £18.00/ £7.00
Saturday 22 September Sunday 23 September
EVENT
VENUE
TIME
PRICE
Wright’s Crumble Taster
Wright’s Interiors, Armagh
2.30pm - 4.30pm
Cidery Tour
Armagh Cider Company, Portadown
3.00pm - 4.00pm
£15.00
Orchard Coach Tour
Departing & finishing at Loughgall Country Park
3.00pm - 4.30pm
£12.50/ £6.50
Walking Food Tour
Armagh
3.00pm - 6.30pm
£35.00
Sundown Food Market
The Shambles Yard, Armagh
5.00pm - 10.00pm
Beef Baron’s Dinner
Quails at The Gallery, Banbridge
7.30pm - 11.30pm
£45.00
Bramley Apple Banquet
Crannagael House, Ardress
8.00pm - 12.00 midnight
£60.00
Foraged Wild Food Lunch
Crannagael House, Ardress
11.00am - 3.00pm
£25.00
Walking Tours
Loughgall Country Park
11.00am - 12.30pm, 2.00pm - 3.30pm
£5.00/ £2.50
Cidery Tour
Long Meadow Cider Company, Portadown
12.00noon 1.00pm
£20.00
ADULT/ CHILD
F
F
Pop Up Food Heartland 4 Vicars Restaurant, Hub Armagh
12.00noon 4.00pm
F
Food & Cider Market
The Shambles Yard, Armagh
12.00noon 5.00pm
F
Orchard Afternoon Teas Vintage Style
The Big Red Bus, Loughgall Country Park
12.00noon, 2.00pm, 4.00pm
£18.00/ £7.00
George Egg: DIY Chef
The Market Place Theatre, Armagh
2.30pm - 4.00pm
£14.00/ £12.00
Orchard Coach Tour
Departing & finishing at Loughgall Country Park
3.00pm - 5.30pm
£12.50/ £6.50
Foodie Film Night - The Godfather
The Vault Wood Fired Pizza Restaurant, Banbridge
7.30pm - 10.00pm
£20.00
(Strictly over 18’s only)
FINAL DATE FOR BOOKING SOME EVENTS IS MON 17 SEPTEMBER 2018. PLEASE REFER TO WEBSITE FOR FULL DETAILS.
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THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER PERFECT CHEESEBOARD 7.00pm - 9.00pm // £20.00 // The Yellow Door Deli, Portadown Enjoy an evening with artisan cheese maker Dean Wright from Ballylisk of Armagh and Simon Dougan from The Yellow Door Deli. The duo will create the perfect Northern Ireland cheeseboard, accompanied by other fantastic local produce including Armagh Black Butter and local cider. The ticket price includes tasting and drinks.
COCKTAIL MIXOLOGY WORKSHOP 7.00pm - 8.30pm // £20.00 // Uluru Bar and Grill, Armagh Learn how to mix, muddle and shake like a pro in this masterclass. Paul McElligott, Uluru’s Bar Manager will teach you the tools and tricks of the trade including free pouring skills, history of cocktails and detailed information on spirits. Learn about, make and drink your own creations of classic and contemporary cocktails. This event is strictly over 18’s only.
FLASH FICTION IN THE ORCHARD WINE V CIDER & 7.00pm - 9.00pm // £7.50 // Armagh Cider Company, Portadown PINTXOS Flash Fiction writers will be reading their short pieces to an audience at the Armagh Cider Company. The event will take place in the barn and the audience can enjoy nibbles of locally produced food accompanied with award winning ciders. Readers will be pre-selected based on their submission and Flash Fiction Armagh provides a valuable resource for writers to experience immediate audience reaction to their work. Should you wish to submit a work for assessment (closing date of 20th August 2018), please check the festival website for further information.
8.00pm - 11.30pm // £40.00 // Crannagael House, Ardress
Join local cider producers and a local wine merchant pairing ciders and wine with “pintxos”. Pintxos are small plate style bites, similar to tapas and will be prepared by Gareth Reid of 4 Vicars Restaurant. Challenge your palate at this event with guidance from the experts and decide which drink matches the food best!
6/ 7 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
SIMON DOUGAN THE YELLOW DOOR DELI, PORTADOWN
Growing up in the beautiful Armagh countryside, Simon Dougan inherited a passion for the area’s rich food heritage from his two grandmothers, both traditional bakers, each with their own recipes, neither using scales, judging instead by the eye and feel. One reason his acclaimed Yellow Door Deli in Portadown is famous countrywide for its fabulous breads. Wheatens, sodas and barnbrack are all baked the traditional way, while breads from around the world are given a local twist, including a delicious beetroot sourdough. A pioneering champion of local produce and traditional methods, Simon, a founder member of the Food Heartland, will be working with local cheesemaker Dean Wright of Ballylisk Dairies, at the Armagh Food and Cider Festival.
“
We have fantastic breads in this country. Simon says. It’s something I have been passionate about since I used to take my grandmother’s warm wheaten bread from the Aga. I try to persuade local people that real bread is now on the move here and they are at the heart of it. You only need four ingredients, flour, water, salt and yeast. If anything else is on the label it’s not real bread.
” VisitArmagh.com
THE MCKEEVERS LONG MEADOW CIDER, PORTADOWN
The recent high profile of Armagh ciders is down to a new generation of cider makers, reclaiming the traditional art - apples grown, pressed and fermented the natural way with no additives, colouring or, indeed, anything but pure apples. Typical of these pioneers are the McKeever family of Long Meadow Cider, near Portadown. Peter McKeever has joined parents Pat and Catherine at the family apple growing business initiated by his grandfather. Peter has helped Long Meadow become an integral part of this cider renaissance. Using a variety of apples from their orchards to enhance the flavour, they pick the apples in September and October, pressing within 48 hours to preserve the flavour. The fermentation, which takes place over the winter months, is completely natural and, apart from a champagne yeast, only apples are used in the whole process. The result? People tasting the multiaward winning cider say it’s like biting into an apple, Catherine says. From cider fermented in oak barrels for 18 months to Rhubarb and Honey cider, not to mention wonderful still and sparkling apple juice and apple cider vinegar, their range continues to expand.
Image: Pat McKeever
“
Cider is now a very popular drink again and not just in summer months but all year around, Catherine says. T hese days we are busy right up to Christmas and beyond. People we meet at various shows and events have said they haven’t drunk cider for decades but traditionally made artisan cider, actually tasting of apples, has brought them back into the fold again. We’re proud to be part of the Armagh cider renaissance.
”
8 /9 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER ART IN THE ORCHARD WITH DEBORAH MALCOMSON 10.00am - 4.00pm // £45.00 // Long Meadow Cider Company, Portadown Enjoy a day of creativity, good food and a taste of locally brewed cider in the heart of one of Armagh’s beautiful orchards. Whether you are a complete beginner, a budding artist or a seasoned painter, this workshop presents a unique opportunity for you to get out into the orchards and enjoy the challenge of producing your own creative response to the trees, the apples and the wider landscape. Professional visual artist Deborah Malcomson will guide and support you through the process of exploring line, colour and form through a range of media as we investigate the orchard and its produce. Ticket price includes morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea and all materials and equipment.
SUNDOWN FOOD MARKET 4.00pm - 9.00pm // F Solitude Park, Banbridge Solitude Park will be buzzing with a special Sundown Food Market highlighting a vast range of home-grown food and drink producers. Local food providers will be serving delicious street food accompanied by talented musicians. Join in the fun after a busy day of work or shopping and unwind with colleagues, friends or family.
WRIGHT’S PUDDING EVENING 7.30pm - 9.00pm // £13.00 // Wright’s Interiors, Armagh “Life’s a pudding full of plums” (W.S Gilbert), or in our case apples and plums! You can enjoy crumbles, pies and tarts, all served with lashings of custard, cream and homemade ice-creams served in the beautiful surroundings of Wright’s Interiors. Just have your main meal at home and allow us to take care of dessert! This event is perfect for those with a sweet tooth...do not worry about calorie counting and allow us to tempt you with sumptuous puddings and desserts.
FOODIE FILM NIGHT “CHEF” STRICTLY OVER 15’S
8.00pm - 10.30pm // £20.00 // Uluru Bar and Grill, Armagh Featuring an all-star cast including Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr and Scarlett Johansson, Jon Favreau is the titular ‘Chef’ who gets fired by his manager (played by Hoffman) before setting up a food truck, touring the country and rediscovering his passion for cooking along the way. Sit back and relax whilst the Uluru chefs cook-a-long to the screening and food will be served while the film is playing. Expect cocktails, cubanos (Cuban sandwiches), sweet potato fries, mariquitas (Cuban snacks) and of course, popcorn too. The ticket price includes food and the screening. Drinks are sold separately.
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FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
HARVEST SUPPER
RETOX/DETOX OPEN-AIR BREAKFAST
8.00pm - 11.30pm // £40.00 // Armagh Cider Company, Portadown Head Chef Mervyn Steenson from the awardwinning Groucho’s in Richhill will be preparing a rustic supper menu, served in a very special barn, using locally sourced produce with each course accompanied by award-winning ciders. The night will commence with drinks served in the orchard and conclude with musical entertainment. Armagh Cider Company will be launching their limited edition, festival cider “Orchard Bramble Cider” at this event.
ORCHARD MURDER MYSTERY DINNER 8.00pm - 12.00 midnight £50.00 // Crannagael House, Ardress
Enjoy four courses of local dishes on sharing platters accompanied by Armagh artisan ciders and prepared by chef, Gareth Reid of 4 Vicars Restaurant. As you dine in luxury tepees, alongside an open, apple wood fire, enjoy the surroundings of the spectacular natural environment and help to solve the mystery! This is a humorous interactive evening of food, drink (ciders and wines), and musical entertainment.
9.30am - 11.30am // £7.00 // Franciscan Friary, The Palace Demesne, Armagh John Whyte, Head Chef of Armagh City Hotel presents the RETOX/DETOX breakfast featuring a range of tempting dishes made with local produce. To retox try some mini cheese and ham omelettes with heritage tomato chutney, Armagh lean bacon and sausage baps and ‘Whites’ porridge with Bramley apple puree and Bushmills whiskey. Detox at the smoothie bar, with mixed berry smoothies with Linwood’s flax seeds, Armagh yoghurt and homemade granola pots, exotic fruit skewers with ‘Waggle Dance’ orchard honey and mint and a selection of local cheeses and meats with ‘Yellow Door’ buttermilk rolls.
ART IN THE ORCHARD WITH BILL GATT 10.00am - 4.00pm // £45.00 // Long Meadow Cider Company, Portadown Enjoy a day of creativity, good food and a taste of locally brewed cider in the heart of one of Armagh’s beautiful orchards. Whether you are a complete beginner, a budding artist or a seasoned painter, this workshop presents a unique opportunity for you to get out into the orchards and enjoy the challenge of producing your own creative response to the trees, the apples and the wider landscape. Professional artist and lecturer Bill Gatt will guide and support you through the process of exploring line, colour and form through a range of media.
10/11 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
MERVYN STEENSON GROUCHO’S ON THE SQUARE, RICHHILL
Based in a 17th century building (linked to nearby Richhill Castle by a red bricked vaulted tunnel), the hugely atmospheric Groucho’s is famous for its marvellous fayre, created from the finest local produce. Using the best local artisan producers is key to the ethos of Head Chef Mervyn Steenson, who has made the gastro pub a mecca for foodies since pub owner Peter Lyness chose him to head the kitchen at Groucho’s, twelve years ago. A founding member of the Food Heartland Chef’s Forum, Mervyn has gone the extra mile to source locally. This includes vegetables grown in the grounds of Richhill Castle, herbs from an artisan producer just down the road, mussels (cooked in cider from the Armagh Cider Company) from Strangford Lough and unique pollan from Lough Neagh, smoked by the acclaimed O’Chatten Smokery (who supply Fortnum and Mason) in nearby Bluestone. Mervyn uses Harnett’s Oils, infusing them with wild garlic from the castle grounds. After Peter brought back apple butter from the U.S, Mervyn created his own version, using apples from the Armagh Cider Company. With the consistency of a smooth jam, it is wonderful with bread and smoked fish.
“
Chefs in the Food Heartland help each other, Mervyn says. We find and share the best local suppliers and offer advice to each other. Networking, like our breakfasts with food producers, is vital. It means you’re not tied to the kitchen and can get out there and see what is new and good.
”
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JOHN WHYTE ARMAGH CITY HOTEL
Being a Head Chef can be challenging at the best of times but when you’re Head Chef at a major hotel, it’s a whole different ball game. John Whyte should know, after starting his career at London’s Copthorne Tara Hotel, he worked as a second chef at the iconic Europa Hotel in Belfast before joining the Armagh City Hotel as head chef thirteen years ago. So when John won the respected Janus Award for Hotel Chef of the Year a few years ago, it wasn’t something he took lightly. For John, a long time member of the Food Heartland, as well as Taste of Ulster, Armagh now has some
of the finest produce around and this has an important influence on the menus he devises. John takes his large team of chefs on regular day tours to meet local producers. John, who has cooked for the likes of Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, recently prepared a dish at the Balmoral Show he calls ‘Armagh on a Plate’, which he feels embodies the ethos of this Food Heartland. The dish consists of glazed ‘Quail’s of Banbridge’ sugar pit bacon loin, stuffed Loughgall cabbage leaf, spiced Bramley apple relish, mashed McCormack’s potatoes and wholegrain mustard and orchard honey sauce (made with local Waggle Dance honey). Jane Harnett’s orange and rosemary rapeseed oil was also used.
“
When I am training the young chefs just out of college, I want them to put a face to the people who supply us with this fabulous food, he says. T he visitors from overseas who stay with us want to taste local culture, not the food they are used to at home, so I try to instil in my chefs how important it is we use our fantastic local produce and how proud they should be of it.
”
1 2 /13 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER PIZZA MAKING THE ART OF BBQ MASTERCLASS MASTERCLASS FOR KIDS (7-12 YEARS) 12.00noon - 4.00pm // £40.00 // 10.00am - 12.00noon // £15.00 // The Market Place Theatre, Armagh Aprons on and sleeves rolled up! Get ready to become an Italian chef for the morning in this fun filled pizza-making workshop with Rosie’s Country Kitchen. Create and produce your ultimate dream 12” pizza from scratch. Start by making your own pizza dough, roll and stretch it like a pro, pour on your delicious pizza sauce, prepare and add your favourite ingredients and finally garnish your masterpiece before cooking. Pizza boxes will be available to take your pizza home if there is any left! This class will cover the use of utensils and basics of food preparation hygiene. All local ingredients, materials and aprons provided. Please inform us if your child has any food allergies.
ORCHARD WALKING TOURS (SAT 22 AND SUN 23 SEP)
11.00am - 12.30pm & 2.00pm - 3.30pm £5.00 Adult / £2.50 Child // Loughgall Country Park, Loughgall Savour the sights, sounds and smells of the orchards during this guided sensory walking tour. Along the way participants will enjoy listening to stories of ‘Cabbage Lake’ and the features of this lake including the original Bawn, the Lime Kilns, The Hermitage , The Crannog, Cottage and the Walled Garden. Hear about The Orchard Trust and the rare breeds of apples. This event is suitable for all age groups and families. Please come dressed in suitable walking shoes and prepared for all weather conditions.
Armagh City Hotel
This extensive 4-hour course is aimed at anyone wanting to learn how to barbeque perfectly. Learn barbeque skills, such as lighting, controlling temperature and how to tell when your food is cooked to perfection. Chef John Whyte will teach you how to prepare and cook a variety of recipes to develop your skills in different techniques, such as smoking, direct grilling and roasting. The course will conclude with lunch, prepared in class, accompanied by a glass of cider or wine.
POP UP FOOD HEARTLAND HUB (SAT 22 & SUN 23 SEP) 12.00noon - 4.00pm // F 4 Vicars Restaurant, Armagh To celebrate Armagh Food and Cider Festival, 4 Vicars Restaurant will transform into a ‘Food Heartland’ hub. A retail space will be provided for you to purchase your favourite local produce, from Burren Balsamic Vinegars to Harnett’s Oils, O’Chatten Smokery produce and 4 Vicars homemade jams and chutneys. Andrew Chatten from O’Chatten Smokery has developed an exciting, casual menu featuring the best of ‘Food Heartland’ produce with his own special twist for your enjoyment. Tantalise your taste buds with dishes like smoky bacon and lentil soup, Reuben sandwich and smoked dollaghan trout bagel accompanied by cider and hot mulled apple juice. Costs for casual dining apply.
ORCHARD
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SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER AFTERNOON TEAS VINTAGE STYLE
CIDERY TOUR
12.00noon, 2.00pm & 4.00pm £18.00 Adult / £7.00 Child // The Big Red Bus, Loughgall Country Park
Learn about the Bramley apple and its unique PGI status, the history of Ballinteggart House and Armagh Cider Company. The Troughton family have been growing apples at Ballinteggart for four generations since 1898. The tour will take you through the orchards, the mill and the bottling hall for you to see the complete cider making process ‘from blossom to bottle’, showing the production of their own cider and apple juice. The tour includes tea/ coffee and slice of apple tart and a bottle of cider.
(SAT 22 AND SUN 23)
Treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea aboard the Big Red Bus at Loughgall Country Park, right in the heart of the Orchard County. Served on vintage crockery, you will be treated to a wide selection of savoury and sweet courses using the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from within the ‘Food Heartland’ area. Enjoy your scones, sandwiches, meringues and cakes to the sounds of vintage 50’s and 60’s music.
WRIGHT’S CRUMBLE TASTING AFTERNOON 2.30pm - 4.30pm // F Wright’s Interiors, Armagh We say “why grumble when you can eat crumble” and this is what we are inviting you to do. Pay a visit to watch crumble being made, sample different flavours and enjoy a taste of traditional pudding in sumptuous surroundings. You will have the opportunity to purchase your favourite to take home. For further details contact Jane on T: + 44 (0)28 3751 5455.
3.00pm - 4.00pm // £15.00 // Armagh Cider Company, Portadown
ARMAGH CITY WALKING FOOD TOUR 3.00pm - 6.30pm // £35.00 // Departing from McAnerney’s Supermarket, Armagh Enjoy a guided walking and tasting food tour around Armagh City Centre providing an insight into local history and traditions. Gain foodpairing ideas from the experts and sample and savour local produce prepared by awardwinning chefs including an assortment of fresh flavoursome delicacies, local breads, cheeses and charcuterie, smoked meat and fish and a selection of beverages from the Orchard County and beyond. Venues visited on the way include McAnerney’s award-winning Delicatessen, ‘Food Heartland’ hub at 4 Vicars Restaurant and Uluru Bar and Grill.
14 /15 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
THE TROUGHTONS ARMAGH CIDER COMPANY, PORTADOWN
Now among several acclaimed artisan cider makers in Armagh, Philip and Helen Troughton of Ballinteggart House near Portadown were the first to see the gap in the market that reflected the growing appetite for natural, traditionally produced ‘craft’ ciders. Inheriting an extensive range of orchards, some dating back to the 1700s, they now have over 100 acres of orchards, 80 acres of which are in production. The apples are harvested between September and November. After being picked, the apples are hand pressed in what is called the rack and cloth press, and left to ferment. By May or June they are ready to be bottled. Nothing but pure apple juice is used in Armagh Cider Company cider, which proudly bears the PGI logo. Not only do they produce many different kinds of cider, as well as wonderful apple juices, but each one is a different mix of apples - Helen and Philip grow over 30 varieties. Helen and Philip will be launching a new cider during the festival, Orchard Bramble, flavoured with Damson plums and blackberries grown in their grounds!
Image: Helen Troughton
“
We can guarantee the provenance of our produce from blossom to bottle, everything we use is grown here, Helen says. Our ongoing investment in upgrading our machinery is to enable us to continue using only traditional methods to produce our cider.
”
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SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER ORCHARD COUNTRY GUIDED COACH TOUR (SAT 22 AND SUN 23 SEP)
3.00pm - 4.30pm approx £12.50 Adults / £6.50 Child // Departing and returning to Loughgall Country Park This guided tour will showcase the picturesque orchard landscape right in harvest season. You will follow a route through the drumlin belt to and from Loughgall village. Hear why the area is ideal for apple growing and why the honeybee is so important in apple growing. You will have the opportunity to stop off and sample a range of apple-related produce in a local cidery. This tour is suitable for individuals, couples, small groups or families.
SUNDOWN FOOD MARKET 5.00pm - 10.00pm // F The Shambles Yard, Armagh An Urban Orchard, Food and Cider Market in The Shambles Yard, Armagh is at the heart of the Festival providing gastro experiences and food adventures. The Orchard Bar offers amazing live music; take a chair in the cocktail lounge for a deluxe food experience and explore the artisan market. There will be amazing things to do so spend some time to eat and drink your fill.
BEEF BARON’S DINNER 7.30pm - 11.30pm // £45.00 // Quails at The Gallery, Banbridge The Beef Baron’s Dinner celebrates all things bovine, paying homage to the best of Northern Ireland beef, bred, reared, salt dry aged and butchered by the restaurant owners, the Quail family. The mouth-watering 5-course menu, prepared by head chef Fernando Correa, will use a fantastic variety of beef cuts combined with the best of locally sourced seasonal ingredients. There will be complimentary Prosecco on arrival and musical entertainment. Additional drinks at extra cost.
BRAMLEY APPLE BANQUET 8.00pm - 12.00midnight £60.00 // Crannagael House, Ardress
Presented by Chef Gareth Reid, this 4-course culinary adventure, right in the heart of the bountiful Orchard County, offers guests great food, delicious cider, wines, music and company at the home of Jane and John Nicholson whose ancestors planted the first Bramley seedling in Northern Ireland. Enjoy dining in luxury tepees, alongside an open apple wood fire and surrounded by the picturesque natural environment.
16/17 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
JOE QUAIL JUNIOR QUAILS, BANBRIDGE
Even in an area renowned for the quality of its meat, Quails of Banbridge have become something of a legend, with thousands making their way each week to their famous deli/food hall in Newry Street. Tens of thousands of visitors to the area each year also enjoy their acclaimed home cooked food at Quails at the FE McWilliam Gallery, just off the A1 at the entrance to Banbridge. Joe Quail (junior) is the fourth generation of the family to work in the firm, which was founded by Matthew Alexander Quail in 1898. It was his father, Jim, who introduced the high quality, fine boned Limousin cattle from France, for whom Quails are famous, as well as award-winning Hampshire Down sheep. Sourcing animals from trusted local farms, as well as their own farm at Tullyear, Quails have won 27 Great Taste awards, including ones for their 28-day aged Himalayan salt aged bone-in rib, salt aged flat iron steak and pork sausages. Want to discover what all the fuss is about? At the Food and Cider Festival, Joe and head chef Fernando will be hosting a Beef Baron’s Dinner at Quails at the Gallery (FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio).
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We can stand by the provenance and quality of every animal we use, Joe says. Apart from our own animals, we source only from local farmers we know well. T hen it’s down to our team of skilled artisans - butchers, deli staff and cooks, many of whom have been with us for decades, who are passionate about their craft.
”
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THE NICHOLSONS CRANNAGAEL HOUSE, ARDRESS
Wander the apple orchard at John and Jane Nicholson’s delightful 1760 home, Crannagael House, three miles from Loughgall and you can actually taste the origins of Armagh’s famous apple growing industry. The apple trees you see in the two acre-gardens are the descendants of the first Bramley apple trees to be planted in Armagh, courtesy of John’s ancestor, Charles Nicholson. The Bramley, which was recently granted coveted PGI status, then spread like wildfire through the area and remains the basis of its famous apple and cider industries. Guests who come from all over the world to stay at the Grade 2 listed Georgian house are encouraged to wander freely in the beautiful gardens, sampling the wonderful produce - micro greens, small salad leaves, baby turnips, baby radish, cherry tomatoes and edible flowers – the Nicholsons supply for local restaurants like Armagh’s 4 Vicars. For the Armagh Food and Cider Festival, John and Jane are hosting a whole series of dining events in their magnificent grounds, under the cover of beautiful tepees.
Image: Jane Nicholson
“
Tending our gardens is hard work but it’s a labour of love, John says. Wandering through the orchards covered in apple blossom in May, listening to the bird song, is very hard to beat. And, as we’re on a hill, we enjoy spectacular views of the Armagh countryside, one of the most beautiful areas in Europe. No wonder it’s an experience we love to share with others.
”
18 /19 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER FORAGED WILD FOOD LUNCH
CIDERY TOUR
11.00am - 3.00pm // £25.00 // Crannagael House, Ardress
12.00noon - 1.00pm // £20.00 // Long Meadow Cider, Portadown
Take a walk on the wild side in the grounds of Crannagael House and forage for edible wild plants and fruits in the abundant natural habitat. Increase your knowledge of local plants and experiment with food preparation, guided by local chefs. Guests will dine under the shelter of a luxury tepee in the magnificent gardens of Crannagael House. Ticket price includes a twocourse lunch, which you will help to prepare, and a glass of local cider or apple juice.
ORCHARD WALKING TOUR (SAT 22 AND SUN 23 SEP)
11.00am - 12.30pm & 2.00pm - 3.30pm £5.00 Adult / £2.50 Child // Loughgall Country Park, Loughgall
POP UP FOOD HEARTLAND HUB
Now in their third generation, The McKeever family of Long Meadow Cider have been growing apples for over 50 years on their 28-acre farm. Walking through the orchards, visitors will learn about the different apple growing systems. Visit the cider premises to view apple storage facilities, see the cider press and learn about the fermentation process. As part of the tour, visitors will receive a bottle of their choosing from the Long Meadow product range. The tour also includes tea/coffee and a slice of apple tart.
ORCHARD AFTERNOON TEAS VINTAGE STYLE (SAT 22 AND SUN 23)
12.00noon, 2.00pm & 4.00pm £18.00 Adult / £7.00 Child // The Big Red Bus, Loughgall Country Park
(SAT 22 & SUN 23 SEP) 12.00pm - 4.00pm // F 4 Vicars Restaurant, Armagh
VisitArmagh.com
SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER FOOD & CIDER MARKET 12.00noon - 5.00pm // F The Shambles Yard, Armagh An Urban Orchard, Food and Cider Market in The Shambles Yard, Armagh is at the heart of the Festival providing gastro experiences and food adventures. The Orchard Bar offers amazing live music; take a chair in the cocktail lounge for a deluxe food experience and explore the artisan market. There will be amazing things to do so plan to spend some time to eat and drink your fill.
GEORGE EGG: DIY CHEF 2.30pm - 4.00pm // £14.00 // The Market Place Theatre, Armagh In ‘George Egg: DIY Chef,” a health scare sees George banned from the family kitchen, but relocated to the garden shed his imagination and resourcefulness lead him to build an improvised kitchen there instead. During an inspiring and inventive evening of stand-up, live cooking and comedy lecture, George prepares a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner using the most unconventional of methods.
ORCHARD COUNTRY GUIDED COACH TOUR (SAT 22 AND SUN 23 SEP)
3.00pm - 4.30pm approx £12.50 Adult /£6.50 Child // Departing and returning to Loughgall Country Park
FOODIE FILM NIGHT - “THE GODFATHER” STRICTLY OVER 18’S
7.30pm - 10.00pm // £20 // The Vault Wood Fired Pizza Restaurant, Banbridge The Vault wood fired pizza restaurant will be going all out Italian with a screening of “The Godfather”, accompanied by delicious Italian pizza. Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece will be screened while we serve you some delicious pizza. This mob drama, based on Mario Puzo’s novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). When the don’s youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Drinks will be sold separately
2 0/21 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
FIONA CHAPMAN THE RED BUS COMPANY
A vintage 1965 Routemaster London Bus has found a new life in Armagh. The latest venture from Fiona Chapman and her family, ‘Ruby’ has been lovingly restored and re-fitted by her son Rory, offering a unique, moveable space for creative events of all kinds. With a built in sound system, music from the 40s, 50s or 60s might be playing, all kinds of delicious artisan food enjoyed and including afternoon teas - delicious finger sandwiches, little scones with cream and crab apple jelly and baby apple pies - served with antique china. As part of the Armagh Cider and Food Festival, Fiona will be hosting afternoon teas all weekend on the bus, located at Loughall Country Park.
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At the Red Bus Company we believe that the only limit to what we can achieve is our imagination, Fiona says, and we’ve designed Ruby so that the possible uses of the bus are endless. We can adapt the décor, the music and the menus to suit any occasion or celebration. T here’s enough space for a pop-up or gallery and we can bring seating for the outside too. What will never change is the quality of the local produce we serve.
” VisitArmagh.com
GARETH REID 4 VICARS RESTAURANT, ARMAGH
Situated by Saint Patrick’s (COI) Cathedral, whose roots go back to the first stone church built by Saint Patrick, and with views of the ancient Navan Fort from its garden terrace, 4 Vicars is at the heart of Armagh’s unique heritage. Award-winning chef/owner Gareth Reid, who opened the restaurant back in 2014 with wife Kasia, is at the heart of Armagh’s unique food culture too. Renowned for his creativity and flair, he is one of many chefs and local producers who are developing Armagh into a gourmet food destination through the Food Heartland. A county Armagh man, Gareth has travelled the globe as a chef, absorbing influences from local cuisines as diverse as France and the Bahamas. His insistence on the finest produce sees him source salads and vegetables from the nearby gardens of Crannagael House and fish and seafood from Kilkeel. He also serves unique pollan from Lough Neagh and the equally unique wild Lough Neagh trout, dollaghan, both cold smoked locally. Despite its relative youth, 4 Vicars has already managed to notch up some very prestigious awards from the all-Ireland ‘Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year 2017’ from Georgina Campbell to ‘Best Chef in Armagh’ and ‘Best Restaurant in Armagh’ in the 2017 Irish Restaurant Awards. In 2018, 4 Vicars won ‘Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year 2018’ in the Irish Restaurant Awards.
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T he most important thing to me is flavour, Gareth says, and that means having the best produce to work with. T he produce we use is sourced because it’s so good, in some cases the very best, not just because it’s local.
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22 /2 3 | Book online // F Free event // Free transport to and from event from local hubs
GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION ACCOMMODATION PACKAGES Local hotels and accommodation providers are offering fabulous Festival Accommodation Packages. For more information on these visitarmagh.com/foodandcider
NORTHERN IRELAND CRAIGAVON
ARMAGH
HOW TO GET HERE Armagh is easily accessible by private and public transport (bus and rail). Close proximity to airports, ferries, rail stations and excellent road networks | Dublin 1 hr 20 mins and Belfast 45 mins. Go to the Getting Here section on visitarmagh.com to help plan your route.
LARNE BELFAST
BELFAST
LURGAN PORTADOWN
BANBRIDGE
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
DUBLIN
GALWAY
Motorway Dual Carrigeway Rail Network Airport
CORK
Ferry / Port
Please note that during these events, photographers and videographers may be present and will capture images that may be used on social media, online and for other publicity purposes. If you would prefer that your image was not used for such purposes, please speak directly to staff. VisitArmagh.com
Food Heartla n Armagh
City, Banb
Northern
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ridge & Cra igavon
Ireland
For further information about the Food and Cider Festival and to book tickets, please contact: Armagh Visitor Information at p +44 (0)28 3752 1800 // e info@visitarmagh.com or Banbridge Visitor Information Centre at p + 44 (0) 28 4062 3322 // e info@visitarmagh.com w VisitArmagh.com/foodandcider // f /VisitArmagh // t @Visit_Armagh
NORTHERN IRELAND REGIONAL FOOD PROGRAMME
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Front cover Image courtesy of: Adam and Grace Photography and Assembly Community