News

News

Lisa Higginson

It may have been Christopher Columbus’ discovery of cocoa in the 16th Century that first brought the decadence of chocolate to these shores, but it is a small Lancashire town that has put the indulgent ingredient on the foodie map. Ramsbottom has established itself as the country’s number one chocolate destination following the launch of a dedicated festival last year and the charming town is getting ready to celebrate once more with the Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival 2010.

This annual event, which takes place on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28, promises to be the ultimate celebration of all things chocolate, with an array of tastings, children's workshops, artisan products, delicious cakes, themed fine dining delights and even chocolate beauty products all on offer. The town will be transformed into a chocolate heaven and visitors will be able to eat their way around the famous Chocolate Trail (www.ramsbottomchocolatetrail.com).Over the weekend there will be in store demos and tastings and on the Sunday catch the East Lancashire Railway’s chocolate train to reach the festival.


Paul Morris, owner of The Chocolate Café, on behalf of Ramsbottom business group, said: “We definitely captured the public’s imagination with the chocolate festival in 2009, and this year we want to build on the success to make Ramsbottom, a town which is associated with good food, quality chocolate and superb shopping outlets.”

Highlights of the weekend include ‘An Evening with Hot Chocolate’ on Saturday (March 27), when Ramsbottom Civic Hall hosts a mouthwatering feast for chocolate lovers. Award-winning chocolatiers have teamed up with chefs to create a tantalising menu, which features dishes such as Black pudding dipped in 70% bitter chocolate, Smoked salmon and white chocolate crostini, Moroccan lamb koftas with chilli and chocolate sauce and Chicken Mole made with Willie’s 100% Cocoa. Entertainment will be provided by the UK’s top Hot Chocolate tribute act Kennie Simon and the bar will open until late. Among those taking part in the event will be Slattery’s, Zest Fine Food, The Chocolate Café and The Vineyard. Tickets cost £35; contact Bury Tourist Information on 0161 253 5111. To see the full menu visit www.ramsbottomchocolatefestival.com


The fine dining chocolate theme will continue at acclaimed eatery Ramsons, where an innovative menu (served Saturday and Sunday lunch and Saturday dinner) will fuse cocoa with fine ingredients to create a series of unique dishes. These include Chicken and chocolate spring roll with chilli and chocolate sauce, Squid ink and chocolate shot with tarragon and chocolate infusion and Lyme park venison with pumpkin puree and bitter chocolate sauce. Visit www.ramsons-restaurant.com to find out more.

Chocolate fever will sweep through the town when Market Place is transformed into an outdoor bistro for Chocolate Alfresco-Style during the two-day event and businesses will be offering tastings and special offers. Among those taking part are The Chocolate Café, on Bolton Street, which is offering Zotter and Fairtrade chocolate tasting; The Vineyard, on Square Street, which will be serving up chocolate wine and chocolate beer and The Lounge, on Prince Street, where mixologists will be shaking up chocolate cocktails.

And if you thought chocolate was just for eating, then think again. The Herbal Practice, on Bolton Street, will reveal how to create chocolate beauty products through a series of demonstrations over the weekend, while White Rock, on Square Street, is showcasing chocolate shampoos and conditioners and offering free hair treatments, which all need pre booking.

If the festival has already whet your appetite for chocolate, then why not take part in the Guinness World Record attempt for eating the most Ferrero Rocher in one minute? The record currently stands at eight, but it’s not as easy as it sounds. Participants must start with all Ferrero Rochers wrapped and must finish eating each chocolate before starting the next, with no liquids allowed. To apply, email towncentresteam@bury.gov.uk and state in no more than 50 words why you should take part in the challenge. The event takes place on Sunday, March 28 at Ramsbottom Theatre Royal at 2pm.

For more information and full festival listings visit www.ramsbottomchocolatefestival.com