2022 was the 17th year of the Bolton Food & Drink Festival. After an unwelcome interlude due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival was back to full strength, including the 12th appearance for perennial star of the event, James Martin.
In the past, James has often stated that he loves coming to Bolton for the August Bank Holiday weekend, and that he considers this food festival to be one of the biggest of its kind in the country. This year, notably, he described it as the biggest in the country – and possibly in Europe.
James was here on Monday 29th, the final day of the festival. His day began with a live interview in Victoria Square for BBC1’s ‘Morning Live’ programme, then on to his first cookery demonstration of the day, in its new location inside the Albert Halls.
His arrival was greeted with much clapping, cheering and camera/phone flashes.
“My 12th time here and you’re STILL taking photographs!”
James prepared a smoked mackerel pâté starter, with Melba toast – before moving on to the main course of a Vichy-style plaice dish, with potted shrimps, asparagus and beurre noisette with – unsurprisingly – lots of butter! Then there was a Knickerbocker Glory dessert, with deep-fried toffee bananas.
As always, James communicated effortlessly with his rapt audience, and provided some little nuggets of information about his plans. The first bit of news was his Saturday Morning show for ITV has been commissioned until he retires.
Later, he talked about the fact that he acquired the late Keith Floyd’s Citroen 2CV and that he will be doing a trip through Spain in it, for a TV show next year.
During his cookery demonstration, James also took question from audience members. One lady asked if he had any rules on use of slated or unsalted butter. He said that he didn’t as the salt content is rarely noticeable in the dish – it’s the quality of the butter that really matters, ideally being pressed so it doesn’t contain too much moisture.
Another audience member asked if he had a favourite country to eat in. In reply he said that the USA has many excellent restaurants, and likewise Japan, but also emphasised that we should be proud of the fact that here in the UK we have many of the world’s finest restaurants and chefs.
Pete Thompson