04 Aug 2023
Pub in the Park returns to St Albans’ Verulamium Park for another year on September 8-10, and includes a new feature on each menu – the Chef’s Special, a dish that first inspired our chefs or conjures up a personal memory.
Whether reimagining a family favourite or taking inspiration from a childhood holiday, each dish has a heartfelt narrative and history.
Ready, Steady Cook star Ainsley Harriott (pictured) will be closing the three-day event, and Michelin starred chef and TV royalty Tom Kerridge is returning to host the proceedings on Friday and Saturday.
The Hand & Flowers’ Chef’s Special will be Tom’s take on a classic curry dog, served with curry ketchup, chilli and mint chutney with bombay mix.
Tom said: “This hot dog is a massive trip down memory lane, and reminds me of going for a deep fried sausage and curry sauce at the local chippy when growing up in Matson, Gloucestershire.”
Hoppers will be showcasing their Mutton Rolls. Karan Gokani takes inspiration from one of his favourite memories: “The mutton roll is quintessential Sri Lankan food. It’s something that I ate for the first time on a trip to Sri Lanka with friends, back in 2008. It was something that really stuck in my mind and ever since then it’s been one of my favourite things.”
Tom added: “I’m so excited to be coming to St Albans to host Pub in the Park. We’ve got some incredible chef hosts topping the bill and I can’t wait for a weekend of good food and good vibes.
“Top notch food is at the heart of what we’re all about and I know we’ll have the very best festival food around from our incredible restaurants… we can’t wait for you to try it!”
Mouth-watering authentic Spanish flavours from the stand-out Tapas Brindisa will be taking centre stage, while local legend Dylans at The Kings Arms will be bringing gastropub classics to the mix. Hoppers will be serving South Asian inspired street food you won’t want to miss, and The Beehive will be bringing their village pub favourites.
Back by popular demand, culinary talents from the likes of Tom Kerridge’s two Michelin- starred The Hand and Flowers, tasty Indian flavours from Atul Kochhar Restaurants, hearty British dishes from The Bull & Last and unmatched flavours from local fine dining restaurant Thompson St Albans will all be featuring.
Get ready for big beats and event bigger bass as legendary British drum and bass band Rudimental (DJ Set) headline Friday night at the festival, joined by British singer Shola Ama.
For Saturday, look no further than the iconic Craig David TS5 who will be providing the silky-smooth vibes all evening along with the amazing Furnace and the Fundamentals, right after the TikTok sensation and Eurovision 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder and London pop band Deco take to the Pub in the Park stage in the afternoon.
Eighties reggae sensation UB40 featuring Ali Campbell along with The Beatles Dub Club and Jay Rayner Sextet will be closing the fun-filled festival on Lazy Sunday.
Tickets are on sale now from pubintheparkuk.com.
