Gunwharf Quays has announced its partnership with The British Street Food Awards to host the Southern heats of the competition, marking the fourth consecutive year the event will take place at the largest outlet shopping destination on the South Coast. Scheduled for the weekend of 8th-9th June, the event promises a celebration of culinary talents with activities running from 12-8pm on Saturday and 12-5pm on Sunday.
The eagerly anticipated event will convene the finest street food vendors of the region at The Plaza at Gunwharf Quays. Throughout the weekend, these traders will engage in a gastronomic battle, hoping to garner the public’s favour and clinch the top spot by the event’s conclusion.
The victorious vendor will advance to the UK finals and aspire to represent the UK at the grand finale of the European Street Food Awards in Germany. Looking ahead, next year’s winners will collaborate to form a European team set to challenge the winners of the USA Street Food Awards.
This year introduces new participants including Sourdoughlicious, known for their Neapolitan pizzas; Dirty Boy Burgers; and Flats, renowned for their Canadian-inspired vegan doughnuts. Among the other notable finalists from the Southern heat is Portsmouth’s Justasia, which specialises in Halal Filipino cuisine.
Attendees can vote for their preferred vendor using a ballot box provided at Gunwharf Quays. In addition to enjoying the food offerings, guests can explore over 90 retail stores, a 14-screen cinema, a bowling alley, an art gallery, and a miniport. The Bone Bar, a new feature for 2024 offered by Southsea’s Coastguard Studio, invites guests to unwind with a cocktail or local beer while enjoying live DJ performances.
Since its inception in 2009, The British Street Food Awards have provided a platform for emerging street food traders to demonstrate their culinary skills and have significantly contributed to popularising street food across 16 European countries and the USA. This year, Andrew Du Bourg, the esteemed Head Chef at Hampshire’s Elderflower Restaurant, will preside as the head judge.
Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at Gunwharf Quays, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, stating, “We are delighted to once again be hosting the British Street Food Awards at Gunwharf Quays. This event is something we always look forward to, as we can come together to celebrate the region’s immense talent. We can’t wait to try all the delicious dishes that will be on offer and find out which Southern vendor will be crowned the winner.”
Richard Johnson, founder of the British Street Food Awards, also shared his excitement: “We are very excited to return to Gunwharf Quays this year and showcase the region’s best street food traders once again! We can’t wait to see the innovation that the up-and-coming talent will bring to this year’s awards.”
Publisher of Hospitality and Leisure News, 365 Retail, Retail Source and organiser of the Creative Retail Awards.
