OUTDOOR FILM & FOOD FESTIVALS - SUMMER 2021
We have yet another incredibly exciting trading opportunity to announce…
We are working with a major company in the outdoor cinema game (it's hush hush at the moment, you'll have to stay tuned to find out exactly who it is we're working with!). It’s safe to say these guys will have the film side of things covered, but who will be on the food? You’ve guessed it, Street Food Warehouse. After working on a couple of drive-in cinema events over the past few weeks, we cannot wait to delve into outdoor cinemas on this festival tour for next year!
From Bournemouth to Edinburgh, Cardiff to Milton Keynes, it’s fair to say that there’ll be a festival stop-off at an incredible location near you, whatever corner of the UK you’re in. The festival tour will be stopping at the following locations:
Cardiff: 17th - 20th June
Newcastle: 24th - 27th June
Leicester: 1st - 4th July
Wolverhampton: 8th - 11th July
Nottingham: 14th - 18th July
Liverpool: 22nd - 25th July
Huddersfield: 29th July - 1st August
Bristol: 5th - 8th August
Leeds: 12th - 15th August
Bournemouth: 19th - 22nd August
South London: 26th - 29th August
Milton Keynes: 2th - 5th September
North London: 9th - 12th September
Northampton: 16th - 19th September
Manchester: 23rd - 26th September
Street food traders… if any of these events tickle your fancy, make sure you apply HERE. Applications are now open to trade at all events.
Keep up to date with Street Food Warehouse's future partnerships on Facebook and Instagram.
WORKING WITH: PARKING LOT SOCIAL
After some bleak news for all of our fellow Welshies this week.. we have an awesome announcement to make. We are thrilled to be working alongside the XL Event Lab on their incredible Parking Lot Social: Winter Festivals drive-in events across the UK this December!
There's no doubt that Covid hit the event industry like a ton of bricks this year... meaning drive-in events have become all the rage, being socially distant by nature. With drive-in cinemas popping up in every corner of the UK this summer, XL Event Lab have hit the industry by storm, announcing their Parking Lot Socials. These events are not just your average drive-in cinemas by any means, from Christmas Pantos to comedy nights, family socials to Christmas movies, they're absolutely not to be missed.
What would an event be without street food? Well, this is where we come in! Calling all street food traders, you know the drill. Interested in trading at some awesome drive-in events this Christmas (why wouldn't you be)? See below for the full list events:
London: 3rd - 7th December 2020
Liverpool: 9th -13th December 2020
Cardiff: 9th - 13th December 2020
Coventry: 19th - 24th December 2020
Bristol: 27th - 30th December 2020
Newcastle: 27th - 30th December 2020
To apply to trade at any of the above events, fill out an application form here: APPLY!
ABOUT TOWN: CORPORATION YARD
Here at Street Food Warehouse HQ, there's nothing we love more than exploring new foodie hot stops in and around Cardiff. Our latest find being Corporation Yard, just a stone's throw away from our office.
Corporation Yard has been an unused yard for some time, located smack bang in the middle of Canton, before some foodie fanatics transformed it into what we know it to be today. From coffee to street food to cocktails, it truly is a social hub for the young professionals of Cardiff.
Meet The Traders
As street food fiends, when discovering Corporation Yard for ourselves, we of course wanted to right into the thick of it and find out who's trading. We found some newbies and some cult favourites...
Jollof House Party
Making their street food debut at Corporation Yard, is Jollof House Party! They're the perfect example of a brilliant lockdown start-up. Owner, Tumi Williams, found himself with a plethora of free time when lockdown hit, meaning he had to put his music career on pause. With a love for the Nigerian classic, Tumi decided to turn his passion into a new street food venture! All we can say is we cannot wait to get our hands on some veggie Jollof Rice.. watch this space.
Makasih
Well, what do we even need to say? Makasih are a firm favourite with the Street Food Warehouse gang, making appearances at many of our events over the years. It's been a pleasure to watch these guys expand into their brand spanking new street food van (or, Eddie... as the Makasih gang named him). We can't wait to be reunited with some Malaysian Fried Chicken at a Street Food Warehouse event, but for now... Corporation Yard is definitely on the cards for a street food fix!
Pwdin
After popping up at the Welsh Street Food Awards this year, we haven't been able to get Pwdin out of our minds. First of all, we LOVE to see a new dessert trader on the radar. Especially when their ethos is all about championing Welsh produce. It's safe to say we're super excited to get a taste of a Pwdin Pudding!
Welsh Street Food Awards - Words from the Winners
So, the Welsh Street Food Awards returned for 2020 last weekend. With Street Food Warehouse having hosted the awards for the past 2 years, we felt it only fair to let another local street food outlet take the lead for 2020! The awards were held at Talbot Gardens, Pontcanna and entailed some of Cardiff’s most loved street food traders, such as That Street Food, The Queen Pepiada and plenty more.
The winners of the weekend, Makasih and Bao Selecta, just so happen to be two of our most trusted traders in the local foodie scene. So we just couldn’t wait to catch up with them on the weekend’s antics and to chat about their wins!
Makasih – Welsh Street Food Award Champion
Makasih took home the people’s choice award at last year’s Welsh Street Food Awards, hosted by Street Food Warehouse. So, we were thrilled to find out that they had walked away with the champion award this year! Makasih have traded with us for years, so it really is amazing for us to see one of our faves be recognised for their incredible Malaysian street food.
The Makasih team “made changes to our much loved Malaysian Fried Chicken Roti as well as debuting a new dish very much inspired by our travels in Malaysian King Prawn Laksa and presented these to the judges and crossed our fingers.”
Ruth, co-founder of Makasih said “it was so good to be back out trading after a very different summer for us. We traded in our new van Eddie alongside 6 other great traders competing for the title of Welsh Street Food Champions. After winning the People’s choice last year and coming so close to the Judges choice we wanted to go one better.”
Check out Makasih and their mouthwatering grub here.
Bao Selecta – People’s Choice Welsh Street Food Award
Bao Selecta are another one of our most loved street food traders in Cardiff. Their bao buns truly are one to try. With Nick and the team due to make appearances at a number of our 2020 street food festivals, we were gutted to not be working with them this year, but we have plenty of events scheduled for summer 2021, so watch this space!
The Bao Selecta team said "the weekend was great, the sun came out and everybody seemed to have a lovely time. We were just glad to be trading outdoors at an event, so to win the people's vote too was the icing on an already super cake! We are grateful for every vote and have respect for all the tasty food that we tried from the other traders too. A good bunch!"
Stay up to date with the Bao Bun gang here.
Did you know Street Food Warehouse also offers street food catering services to third party events? Learn more here.
WORKING WITH: THE AA GETAWAY, DRIVE IN CINEMA
Working With: The AA Getaway
Alongside our own street food festival tour across the UK, here at Street Food Warehouse HQ, we thrive on working with external event companies to share our love for street food. So when we were contacted to manage the street food provision for The AA Getaway Drive In Cinema, we of course jumped on the opportunity without hesitation!
With Drive-in Cinemas becoming incredibly popular due to Miss Rona (Covid-19), we couldn’t wait to get involved with this event, that took place in Bicester Heritage last weekend. We’re also currently in the process of working with some more incredible drive-in events that we can’t wait to shout about!
What was on the menu at the Drive In Cinema?
Bicester Heritage welcomed The Handmade Pizza Co. and The Rolling Kitchen to the weekend long cinema event. Pizzas galore, served up alongside a plethora of gourmet burgers with all the toppings imaginable. Movie night classics, as we’re sure you agree.
How do the Street Food Warehouse services work?
As an event organiser, you might have a pretty good idea of what sort of street food you’re looking for, or you might need some suggestions from our end. We’ll cherry pick our best suited traders from our (huge) database of foodie contacts from all corners of the UK. We can manage everything, from booking the street food of your dreams to dealing with the dreaded health and safety side of things.
So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch today to discuss how we can take your event to the next level with street food.
Top things to do on your Staycation to South Wales
2020 is the year of the Staycation and whether we like it or not, it appears it’s pretty much our only option. We had been hoping for that perfect Instagram pic, with the clear blue sea and the cloudless sky as a sensational backdrop, and now? That is looking fairly unlikely (thanks, Corona). But do not fear! We’re here to give you some pretty good news. What if we told you there was a staycation location that could provide you with stunning views, exceptional landscapes and a huge variety of cuisine?
South Wales is one of the most beautiful spots within Great Britain and it has so much on offer. If you’re hoping to get away then look no further. Here is a list of some incredible things you can do while in South Wales this Summer:
Climb Pen y Fan
Located in the Brecon Beacons, Pen y Fan is the highest peak in South Wales standing at 886 metres above sea level. The views from the summit are incredible. With the trip taking approximately 3 hours (up and back down) and the terrain good, this climb is really accessible and definitely worthwhile... even if it is for an Insta pic at the summit.
Stuff Your Face at a Street Food Market
If you’re missing out on trying foreign cuisine this year, then Street Food Warehouse can help to satisfy your foodie cravings. With a series of street food markets across South Wales, there will be the opportunity to try a plethora of different cuisines, from Greek to Afghan, from Italian to Mexican. With something for everyone here, these markets promise to be a great day out for the whole family.
Milford Haven Street Food Market is kicking off 2020's Summer of Street Food, on the 28th - 30th August at Milford Waterfront. Tickets can be found HERE.
Visit the Sunflower Field at Rhossili Bay
An extremely Instagrammable spot, for anyone still pining after their perfect holiday snap. A field full of sunflowers is bound to put a smile one everyone’s face. With Worm’s Head in the background, this isn’t one to miss! After you’ve explored the sunflowers, head down to the beach to appreciate a truly gorgeous coastline.
A Beach Day at Barry Island
Would a trip to South Wales be complete without visiting Barry Island? We think not! The birthplace of Gavin and Stacey is a bit of a tourist hotspot! With Nessa’s arcade being a big attraction. Barry Beach is a great place to spend time with your family and there are classic food options close by for when you get a little hungry.
Take a Trip to Caerphilly Castle
For the history lovers among us, South Wales is a tropical paradise. There are hundreds of castles to check out while in Wales. One of our personal favourites is Caerphilly, originally built in 1290, it has been around for quite some time! Welsh history is fascinating, if you’re visiting from elsewhere take some time to learn more about the culture of Wales.
Visit the Dan yr Ogof caves
This 17km cave system is unmissable! A really unique experience situated in the Brecon Beacons that will entertain the whole family. Following exploring the caves, take a trip to a local market town, such as Brecon, to try some local delicacies.
While it may not have been the Summer holiday you had planned, South Wales has so much on offer. Whether you like to hike, swim, eat or drink, everything you could possibly need for a successful holiday is right here on our Celtic country we like to call home.
Stay up to date on Street Food Warehouse on Facebook and Instagram
Street Food Warehouse brings new Street Food Market to Huddersfield & Kent!
Are you bored of Bolognese in lockdown? Don’t fear, Street Food Warehouse is here.
With our Summer of Street Food being cut short (thanks a lot, Corona) we have been working on some fresh new foodie experiences in new territories for us at Street Food Warehouse. We are thrilled to announce that we have partnered up with the Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre, Chatham and Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Huddersfield, to open two brand spanking new street food markets!
We have searched high and low to bring together the best of local street food, and popped them all into two street food markets for you to enjoy. Both markets feature local street food and indoor seating, with Dockside also offering up a bar and rooftop terrace.
MEET THE TRADERS: DOCKSIDE
Home of the best bang bang prawns in the south east… James and his Seawise crew have set up camp at Dockside for the foreseeable to feed the hungry masses with their seafood dishes.
Kent’s very own Curry Cook House will be on hand with all the Pakistani street food you could ever wish for. Their Malai Chicken Naan Wrap is not one to be missed!
THE PICK N GO
Pizza? Pasta? Lasagne? You name it, the Pick n Go has it. These guys will be bringing a taste of Italy to Dockside this summer.
Street Food Warehouse at Dockside Outlet is now open daily, from midday. Boasting a bar, both indoor and outdoor seating on an incredible rooftop terrace, with endless views over the water.
MEET THE TRADERS: KINGSGATE
Cheese and potato with endless toppings… what more could you want? This family duo is bringing a taste of Canadian Poutine to Huddersfield at The Street, Kingsgate.
These guys’ goal is exactly as the name says… getting the people of Hudderfield to eat like a Greek! Meat-eaters, vegans and veggies alike can get their souvlaki fix from Eat like a Greek at The Street this summer.
The Street at Kingsgate is now open daily, with both traders taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme throughout August.
More traders will be added to both street food markets in the coming weeks, keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram pages for updates!
ABOUT TOWN: WILD THING
In an era of climate change, severe homelessness and millenials having quarter life crises left right and centre, street food can bring a little sparkle of joy into your day. At Street Food Warehouse, we often say ‘everyone’s got to eat’, which has led savvy entrepreneurs to turn to street food and pop up food events to provide the young, free and fabulous with the entertainment they crave.
Lauren is one of those entrepreneurs, who just a year ago set up her fabulous cafe, Wild Thing. Street Food Warehouse received the coveted invite to their first birthday party and went along for a fabulous 6 course vegan banquet. The Wild Thing team have created a menu that is plant based, delicious and full of texture and flavour. On arrival the party was in full swing; a sophisticated, candlelit dinner among friends and the whole evening was a delightful new experience. We managed to catch up with Lauren for all Wild Thing related gossip.
How did Wild Thing start out?
I was working at the Big Issue and absolutely loved working there, but I wanted to do something for myself. I had been vegan for a while and loved experimenting at home, but I wanted to take my passion and do it as my work. And just like that Wild Thing was born!
You are a year in now, how has the first year been?
The first few months were so intense. Everyone says that working for yourself is hard, but much like having a kid, no one can prepare you for how demanding it is. A steep learning curve, but lots of fun. We opened the Cathays cafe in September only 7 months after this one (in Grangetown). We started as a five person team and I now employ 14 members of staff. What does this prove? That this is the food that people want to eat.
Tell me about you, who is Lauren @ Wild Thing?
Wow, what a question. Well, I’m really into yoga and I stopped drinking alcohol about 4 years ago and that was when my life really started changing. Yoga gave me the creativity I felt was lacking in my life and with that and my new found health kick, I just really wanted to create something new and a cafe like this didn’t exist. I also live close to the coast and I love it.
On Wild Thing's website, you say you are a cafe with ‘social goals’, what are they?
We have three main goals: get more people eating veg, reduce environmental impacts and fight food poverty. We have no single use products, we have a fully vegan menu and we really want to make healthy food more accessible. We always have a pay what you can menu option and we do have a few regulars who use this option and pay a really small amount, but we love that, it was the whole idea. And then there are those that pay more than they should, so that they pay for those who can’t. It’s amazing.
This year, we are focusing on food poverty. We looked at the main drivers of eating badly: lack of finance, education and access. To combat this we provide living wage jobs, we offer work placements through Big Issue and Huggard and we offer free community suppers full of nutrition. We also already run sustainability and health food workshops.
If a customer asked you for a recommendation, what would be your perfect meal?
I normally ask what kind of mood people are in before giving a recommendation. Do they want to be comforted? Then go for the hearty brunch. If they’re looking for indulgence, then the pancakes, or to be nourished go for our main bowl, which is always full of lots of veg and healthy goodness. I just tend to ask questions and go from there.
What are your future plans for Wild Thing?
We are going to concentrate on the community work that we are doing, like our community super next month and our nutrition courses. Our 1st year was really about getting up and running and now we can actually focus on our social goals and show that ethical businesses can exist and thrive.
Here at Street Food Warehouse, we highly recommend Wild Thing, their Beetroot and Walnut Puree dish is an absolute show stopper!
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WILD THING ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
STEPS TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE EVENT INDUSTRY
It's no surprise that the hottest topic of 2020 is climate change and people are fired up to not only create change but reduce their carbon footprint too. Basic steps such as recycling and reusing products has become second nature to most, but what other ways can we lower our carbon footprint? Consumers are not all to blame, which is why companies and events are shifting their ethics in reaction to the unavoidable change. Here are some of the ways that festivals, including our 2020 Summer of Street Food, have taken steps to be more eco-friendly.
Avoiding Single-Use Plastic
Single-use plastic is the most overproduced and wasteful forms of plastic. Over 100 million single-use plastic cups are thrown away at events annually in the UK alone. That’s why most festivals have switched to reusable cups. By buying a cup at any bar for a small additional fee, it can be reused and cleaned by a bar or vendor at the event. At the end of the festival, the cups can be taken home a fun piece of memorabilia or returned at the event to be recycled. Research shows that using reusable cups are an ideal switch, as long as they are reused 2 to 3 times… it’s a no brainer! Keep an eye out for Street Food Warehouse reusable cups this summer!
Repurposing Food
Thousands of tons of perfectly good food is thrown away from events annually. Such large-scale festivals have so many unknown variables, which is why food is usually overproduced. However, organisations such as the 8th Plate have taken initiative to give leftover food to the most vulnerable in our society. The food is distributed to the elderly, homeless, and people living with chronic health issues. Not only does this help feed people in need, but reduces CO2 emission from the environment. Well done 8th Plate!
Sustainable Food Options
Recently, you may have noticed that many festivals and events have promoted more sustainable and locally sourced foods. Scientists have noted the carbon emission of animal production, which may be the reason why plant-based options have increased in all events and even in supermarkets. Caterers are also becoming far more conscious of the meat they source, by aiming to source only organic and local food producers.
Transportation
Cars are the most common mode of transportation to festivals, constituting 80% of the carbon emissions. By rewarding those who take alternative forms of transport, some festivals have found fun and creative ways to reduce their carbon production from attendees. The Belgian Festival, Pukkelpop, included free public transport with every paid ticket. California’s Coachella also debuted Carpoolchella, awarding car-poolers with festival benefits!
Are you taking steps to be more eco - friendly? Tell us how on Facebook!
THE BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE SIX NATIONS CITIES
Can you hear that? The ‘thwack’ of a leather boot against an egg-shaped ball as its sent sailing though the crisp February air? The gentle gush of innumerable pints of Guinness being poured? Thousands of stomachs rumbling as hungry fans contemplate what are the best places to eat in the Six Nations cities?
Yes, it’s that time of year again. With that in mind, the globetrotting team at SFW have got you with some top picks to go and get yourself fuelled up if you’re attending a game.
Cardiff
We’ve gone deep on our home city before. However, there are some great new additions to the city centre in the past year, including the truly excellent Souvlike. Try the stunning gyros, which will go down a treat after a day on the Brains SA.
Caroline St is as much part of the ritual for rugby fans as belting out ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ is. Souvlike, along with Tortilla and the increasingly ubiquitous Five Guys have added some variety to the beloved assortment of chips-in-a-tray merchants. But if you’re finding town too much to bear then consider hot-footing it to either City Road. It has a fantastic array of foods from around the world. On the other side of the city, Cowbridge Road in Canton will also leave you spoiled for choice.
Image: Jon Candy via Flickr
Dublin
The posh Aviva stadium isn’t in central Dublin. So, you might have to trek in to the city itself to sort yourself out with some top notch food. Bunsen, which specialises in burgers, is legendary among locals. It has restaurants in Temple Bar, Wexford St and Ranelagh. Thankfully, there’s a few destination street food markets too. Eatyard, near the Portobello canal being one of the most well-known. It offers a wide selection of street food and slow food with influences from around the world.
Image: Rennett Stowe via Flickr
Edinburgh
Edinburgh offers no shortage of excellent locations for a good food. Here, you can find everything from from new twists on traditional Scottish favourites to dishes from around the world. Once the match is over, hop on the light railway that’s located at Murrayfield stadium and cruise back into the City Centre to Haymarket. You'll be greeted by has no shortage of Chinese restaurants. Xiang Bala is an all-you-can-eat Chinese hotpot joint that’s sure to sort you out after a cold day at the ruggers.
Image: Puffin11k via Flickr
London
London is a city which your every culinary desire can be satisfied.
'Twickers' is served by Richmond Underground station, and also has its own train station which goes to Waterloo in less than half an hour. From here, London is your Oyster. Camden, Brixton, Islington, Shoreditch, with their embarrassments of good places to eat, are all accessible directly or with a change or two.
Image: Oatsy44 via Flickr
Paris
Like London, Paris is a city which allows you to scratch every gastronomic itch imaginable. Stade de France is about around 10km from the city centre, but hop on the Metro in and check out Belleville’s vast array of Asian restaurants. Canal Saint-Martin has a selection of eateries from around the world – and they’re relatively affordable too, which is a big plus in pricey Paris.
Image: Guillem Vellhue via Flickr
Rome
Rome’s great for a post-match bite to eat: just grab a pizza by the slice from one of the city’s countless little food shops if you're in the mood for a quick hit. For some boho charm head up to Trastavere, tucked up behind the Colosseum, for some of Rome’s most interesting and quirky restaurants. Monti is also blessed with a selection of terrific restaurants.
Image: Gigi Rimini via Flickr
Tell us what you think the best places to eat in the Six Nations cities are on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Keep an eye out on our calendar for forthcoming Street Food Warehouse events throughout the year. We're also available for hire.