(Update, courtesy of Keith Kellett)

Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival
Sept. 19 – 20, 2009

An estimated 50,000 visitors are expected at the fourth annual Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival this September. Hastings won “Flavour of the South East” category in Tourism South’s 2008 East ExSellence awards.

Hastings, of course, has an indelible place in British history as the chosen landing spot of Duke William of Normandy during his Norman Conquest of 1066, but, these days, it’s noted for its food.

Craig Sams and Jo Fairley are a fixture at Judges Bakery; and the fishing fleet is accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council. On the outskirts of Hastings, Roy and Irma Cooke run the oldest organic vineyard in the UK, (Sedlescombe Organic).

Noted restaurants, all serving good modern British, include: Maggie’s Fish and Chips on the beach; Pomegranate in Hastings Old Town; Dragon Bar in George Street (where else?); and on the outskirts, The Wild Mushroom at Westfield.

Taste of Rye
October 9-18, 2009

No, not  rye whiskey, Rye, an East Sussex English town. In mediaeval times, it was a busy port, but due to silting, is now actually two miles from the sea.

A Taste of Rye food festival runs from October 9-18, 2009 and showcases the skills of top restaurants by creating menus that use locally sourced fish, meat, game, fruit and vegetables. Cooking demonstrations and cookery schools will teach new skills; gala dinners are planned; farmers’ markets will sell delicious local treats on the Strand Quay.

A packed events programme includes The Ship Inn Foraging Experience; Cookery Escape at The Place at the Beach in Camber; and Try Before You Buy, at Rye Bay Fish on Simmonds’ Quay.

A leading consumer magazine recently voted Rye one of the UK’s top 10 visitor destinations. The best restaurants, historic pubs and award-winning guest houses and hotels are found in along Rye’s picturesque cobbled streets. Rye is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns in England, and is renowned for its fine antiques and cosy tea shops.

For more information visit:

www.visit1066country.com/hastings/events/seafoodfestival

www.tasteofrye.org.uk