The lush, green grounds of Dean Castle in Kilmarnock provided the perfect setting for an afternoon devoted to the highest quality local food and drink THE sun shone and the crowds came out in force for the latest Ayrshire food event when Ayrshire Food an a’ that returned to Dean Castle in Kilmarnock last Sunday to celebrate the very best of local produce. Within the courtyard, stall holders tempted visitors with fresh strawberries, artisan cakes and butchers’ meat with an impeccable pedigree, while beyond the high walls the circle of food vans offered mouth-watering street food for picnics on the grass. Just half an hour after the event opened there were already lengthy queues at the barbecue being operated by Cedar Cottage Country Food.

Adam McIntyre, whose family have run the business for many years, explained how they used meat from their own Highland Cattle and other heritage breeds, both on the barbecue, at the adjacent fresh meat stall and also in their shop in Paisley. “Customers love the taste of our beef which is all raised on our farm outside of Ayr,” he said. Nearby Joanna’s Traditional Fish & Chips were doing a roaring trade and the Espresso Kart was serving up lattes and cappuccinos made from freshly-roasted beans to a succession of coffee connoisseurs.

For those with a sweet tooth, Threepwood Fayre’s traditional handmade confectionery, sold from a heritage food van, was happily near at hand, while just across the way The Donut Den was providing fresh.