Cupcake Monday! The Tynemouth Food Festival

Hot Chilli & Fennel popcorrn from Corn Again, and a Lemon Blueberry cupcake from Pet Lamb Patisserie

This past weekend, my favourite coastal village celebrated the first Tynemouth Food Festival, and it was a smashing, drool-worthy, success. The event included cooking demonstrations from some of the region's best chefs, and samplings at local restaurants and shops - I tried and subsequently bought some Black Bomber Cheddar (the best cheddar I've ever had) and the most gorgeous Stilton, plus a bottle of red wine from The Deli Around the Corner, a friendly, fine foods shop we're so lucky to have on our doorstep.

Queen Victoria Park was transformed into a fabulous food market with north east food companies selling everything from Australian 'Safari' takeaway (I ate a springbok burger which was delicious and am feeling a bit guilty now) to savoury pies - my favourites were the Steak and Cheese from the New Zealand Gourmet Pie Company, to posh condiments, chocolate and cakes of all kinds. The queue for Sachins' wildly popular Punjabi dishes was long and well worth the wait for their freshly made naan. The crowds were so ravenous, many stalls sold out hours before the day finished at 4pm! (So pleased for Katie of Pet Lamb Patisserie whose yummy cupcakes were so popular they virtually blew out of there with the wind!)

I'd like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who worked tireless hours, including my friend Katherine, to bring this incredible food, and some education as well, to us gluttonous insatiables.

Speaking of ravenous, I'm now addicted to Corn Again's Hot Chilli & Fennel and Garlic & Herb popcorn who also sell online (I'm in such trouble.) Presented in another new love, my crumpled ceramic Revol espresso cup.

Photos © The Swelle Life