By Laura Wignall, Melissa Massey & William Denny
Families and friends gathered on St John’s Hill for the annual Open Kitchen food festival where an array of produce from local businesses was proudly displayed on stalls.
On a scorching Saturday, the residents of Battersea were glad to sample fresh, homemade food and drink al fresco in a festive atmosphere of music and dancing.
Steve Orme, leader of the trader’s association and owner of award-winning restaurant the Fish Club, has been the brains behind this event now in its third year.
He said that they chose St John’s Hill because it had ‘a real village feel’.
He added: “You end up knowing your neighbours, knowing your postman and knowing all the locals.”
Steve opened his restaurant nine and a half years ago and said that their aim was to put fish and chips back on the menu where they make everything from batter to mayonnaise from scratch.
Eric Lanlard, TV chef whose bakery and café is in Battersea and used to live on St John’s Hill, was judging the baking competition.
“I have got a great infinity with the street and the area,” he said.
“I am a great fan of supporting local shops and local businesses and bringing people together which is very rare in London these days.”
Eric said that the cakes were being kept in the fridge until the last minute because of the hot weather so he hadn’t seen what had been created yet.
There were lots of food demonstrations along the Hill, including Kaosarn’s head chef making a green Thai curry from scratch.
Cocktail Bar 366 had a Mexican theme with fresh chorizo fajitas and live music from a traditional mariachi band.
Steve said that they will be back in the summer to hold a traditional village fete themed summer festival on the Hill.
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