Food Matters: Halifax ready steady to cook

Among the stars lined up to share their culinary talents are Kevin Woodford and his Ready Steady Cook "partner in crime" Lesley Waters.

Now in its third year, Halifax Food & Drink Festival is firmly established as a showcase for the region's top chefs and producers. More than 17,000 visitors attended last year's event.

"We have an abundance of superb food and drink on our doorstep. The festival is a brilliant platform for championing our chefs and producers to the people of Yorkshire and far beyond," said Emma Housman of Marketing Halifax.

Entry to the festival is 2 per adult, 1 for concessions with under-16s free.

Top award

The Shoulder of Mutton at Kirky Overblow has received an award in Alastair Sawday's guide, Pubs & Inns of England & Wales 2010.

The pub, owned by David and Kate Deacon, won a Best Community Pub award from the guide.

Every year Alastair Sawday's team give out 12 awards in four categories including: Local, seasonal & organic produce award; Authentic pub award; Pub with rooms award and Community pub award.

"As there are over 900 pubs in the guide, winning is a terrific achievement for the hard-working landlords, landladies, chefs and staff," says the guide.