Regulars at a city centre pub got stuck into some meaty fare, as the York Festival Of Food And Drink continued apace.

The annual Pork Pie Festival at the Tap & Spile, in Monkgate, saw ten local butchers go head-to-head.

The contest, on Saturday afternoon, was one of a feast of events held over the weekend as part of the popular festival.

The event was won by David Wilson, of D W Wilson Family Butchers, in Brockfield Park Drive.

Tap & Spile landlady Mel Merry said: "It went very well. We were absolutely packed."

Other events held on Saturday included the glamorous Feast Of Fish, at Guildhall. The multi-course banquet was prepared live on the hall's stage, and dished up to the guests.

Earlier in the day, Guildhall hosted an Adult Education Day, with a series of mouth-watering demonstrations, tasting sessions, and food and drink stalls. Among the highlights was a Chilean tutored wine tasting.

Yesterday, it was the children's turn to get stuck in at the historic venue. The Kids' Day event included a carousel of workshops, offering activities such as making pasta, cookies and smoothies.

Debbie Waite, of the festival, said: "We've had lots and lots of positive feedback. On Saturday night, everybody seemed to have a great time. It got quite rowdy towards the end. I think people were surprised at what good value it was."

The festival continues today, with a chocolate fountain demonstration and a "guess the cheese" challenge in Parliament Street. Local chefs were also giving demonstrations in the Guildhall as part of an event by North Yorkshire food company Moors Fresh.

Visitors this evening can go on a mystery Mediterranean rove, enjoying a different course in three different restaurants.

For more details, visit www.york festivaloffoodanddrink.com or phone 01904 466687.


Beer that bubbles!

IT'S bottled in France, costs £30 a time, and is billed as the perfect toast for that special occasion.

But this isn't Champagne. It's the new, exquisite beer on offer at one York restaurant - at £22.72 a pint.

Staff at Four High Petergate have added Deus to their drinks menu, ahead of their Beer And Food Matching event tomorrow night.

Brewed in Buggenhout, in Belgium, and bottled in the Champagne region of France, the beer has a unique character and taste. At £30 for a 750ml bottle, it is not cheap, but Four High Petergate owner Lewis Hull is confident it will be a big hit with customers. "It's the kind of beer you would probably share between people, to try a different beer available," he said.

Deus - which is the Latin name for God - went on sale at Four High Petergate from the weekend.

Tickets for tomorrow night's event are £35, and include a five-course dinner with matching beers, with introductions and commentary from expert Zak Avery. For tickets, phone 01904 658516.

...and it's not bad at all

Beer enthusiast GAVIN AITCHISON sampled some Deus.

"IT certainly isn't your typical beer. Open a bottle of Deus and you don't smell hops and malt. Instead, you get the resounding pop and burst of bubbles, normally associated with Champagne.

"So how does it taste? In a nutshell: bold, crisp, and delicious, with an intricate, fruity aroma.

"The price tag of £30 a bottle is perhaps a tad excessive, but there's no doubting this is a quality product, and an enjoyable alternative to Champagne."