Full of flavour

If you want to see your culinary heroes up close and in action, head to Bath next weekend

C elebrated chefs from across the region will be among the special guests at next wee- kend's Flavours of the West food festival.

Taking place at Milsom Place in the Octagon, Bath, the event is free to visitors, who can watch cookery demonstrations by the legendary Martin Blunos, who held two Michelin stars at his Bath restaurant for many years, and Masterchef winner James Nathan.

James is now at the Michelin-starred Bath Priory and will be first to take the stage at the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre on Saturday, July 4. The Priory's head chef, James Sheridan, formerly at Gidleigh Park, will be taking the floor on Sunday, July 5.

Other Michelin-starred talent comes from Lucknam Park, where Hywel Jones has carved out a strong reputation, championing local producers and creating the most mouth-watering flavours.

With his gentle Gallic sense of humour and enthusiasm for his craft, Richard Bertinet chose Bath to establish his cookery school with his wife Jo, which now attracts visitors from around the world. After his demonstration, Richard will be signing copies of his two books Dough and Crust, both of which have been hugely successful.

Meanwhile, the creative geniuses behind Bath's arty entertainment venue Komedia invited Hugh Fearnley- Whittingstall to set up shop in their building. Gideon Hitchin is head chef of the new enterprise in Bath and is a River Cottage stalwart. He promises that many of the dishes on offer will be River Cottage earthy and individualistic classics from Hugh's cookery books.

Rachel Demuth will also be taking part, signing copies of her latest book, The Green Seasons Cookbook, after her demonstration. The book is packed with 120 easy to make vegetarian restaurants that change with the seasons. Since 1987, Rachel has been running Demuth's Restaurant in the city, recognised as among the most successful of its kind in the UK.

There will also be talks on Somerset Cider and West Country cheese and tastings of some very fine English wines.

The event takes place on Saturday, July 4, from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, July 5, from 10am to 5pm. For more information, visit www.milsomplace. co.uk or call 01225 789040.