Catalonia’s rich culinary identity is celebrated across the destination, encompassing a gastronomic scene as renowned for its 65 Michelin stars as it is for its tradition of local ingredients and producers. From 14 – 16 July, the Catalan Tourist Board invites consumers to sample the best of Catalan gastronomy at an all new, free event on London’s Southbank.

Taking place at Bernie Spain Gardens, located next to the Oxo Tower Wharf, the inaugural ‘Taste of Catalonia’ will showcase the country through its acclaimed food and wine. The weekend event will feature a recreation of an authentic Catalan market, featuring stalls from nine local producers offering samples and traditional fresh produce for purchase.

Producers attending include Caviaroli, featuring Drops by Albert Adrià – Catalan olive oil in small caviar-like spheres. Other products on offer will include meats from organic butcher Can Pistraques; wild mushroom and truffle products from Urdet; organic handmade jams and sauces from Can Moragues; Catalan handmade sausages from Leo Boeck; Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Migjorn; Catalan ‘pa de coca’ bread from Cal Mossèn; Cold Brew Coffee from Fred; organic and handcrafted herbal infusions from the botanical garden of Ecoherbes; and sparkling and flavoured waters and alcohol-free mojito by Vichy Catalan.

The Estrella Damm bar will be serving the beer of Barcelona, which to this day is brewed with Mediterranean ingredients since 1876. Visitors interested in planning their own trip to Catalonia will find resources at the Catalan Tourist Board booth, including information on Costa Brava, Barcelona Province and the Catalan Pyrenees.

Free activities will offer attendees the opportunity to enjoy tasting sessions featuring local products of the Pyrenees, savour fine wine and cava from Catalonia’s 12 official Denominations of Origin and take part in exclusive demonstrations of Catalan culinary techniques with Michelin-starred chef Xesc Rovira. Participants can register for activity sessions in the Catalan Tourist Board marquee on-site. All activities throughout the weekend are free to attend, with a full programme listed below.

• Saturday 15th July
  • Wine tastings at 16:30h and 18:30h
  • Catalan Pyrenees tastings paired with Estrella Damm beer at 11:30h and 15:30h
  • Show cookings by Michelin-starred chef Xesc Rovira at 13:00h and 17:30h
• Sunday 16th July
  • Wine tasting at 12:00h
  • Catalan Pyrenees tasting paired with Estrella Damm beer at 13:00h
  • Show cooking by Michelin-starred chef Xesc Rovira at 14:00h

Giveaways over the weekend include a grand prize of return train tickets to Barcelona with two nights of eco-friendly accommodation and a wine tasting in Trossos del Priorat. 

Taste of Catalonia will take place on Friday 14 July from 4pm to 9pm, Saturday 15 July from 10.30am to 8pm and Sunday 16 July from 11am to 3pm.

For information on Taste of Catalonia, visit
www.facebook.com/events/427357217642199/

For information on culinary experiences in Catalonia, visit
www.experience.catalunya.com/en/