SHOPPERS and tourists got a taste of something special in the centre of York this weekend.

The York Food and Drink “Taster Festival” took over Parliament Street on Saturday and Sunday, with everything from homemade bread and mead to smoked game on offer.

The two days gave a small flavour of what will be offered at the main food and drink festival in September. Among the food producers taking part were York’s own Haxby Bakehouse, and Ampleforth Abbey’s drinks. Keeley Bowtell, from the Haxby Bakehouse, said the rain may have kept people away earlier on Saturday, but trade soon picked up.

“We’ve had a mix of locals and tourists - a lot of people in York for the weekend in self-catering.”