Pub in the Park Marlow 2024 was a spectacular celebration of culinary excellence and musical talent, held from May 16th to 19th in the picturesque Higginson Park. This year's festival seamlessly blended gourmet food offerings with outstanding live performances, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
The festival showcased an impressive lineup of renowned chefs and esteemed restaurants, offering a diverse array of delectable dishes. The Chef Demo Stage was a highlight, featuring culinary demonstrations by celebrated figures such as Tom Kerridge, Simon Rimmer, Michel Roux Jnr, Atul Kochhar, José Pizarro and Thom Bateman. Attendees were treated to a variety of cooking styles and cuisines, providing both inspiration and insight into the culinary arts.
In addition to the main stage, The Firepit, hosted by BBQ expert Adam Purnell, offered sizzling cooking sessions throughout the weekend. This area became a hub for barbecue enthusiasts, with chefs and experts sharing their secrets to perfecting the art of outdoor cooking.
The festival also featured a Bookshop, where attendees could purchase the latest cookbooks and have them signed by their favourite chefs. This provided a unique opportunity for food lovers to engage with culinary authors and expand their gastronomic libraries.
"Pub in the Park Marlow 2024 was a spectacular celebration of culinary excellence and musical talent"
We cannot talk about Pub in the Park Marlow without mentioning the exceptional lineup of pubs and restaurants, each showcasing their finest culinary creations. Among the standout highlights was Riwaz by Atul Kochhar, which delivered exquisite Indian flavours with a refined touch, staying true to Kochhar’s signature style. The Abbey Inn by Tommy Banks impressed with its focus on farm-to-table dining, offering dishes that highlighted the best of British produce with creative flair. Naturally, The Hand & Flowers, Tom Kerridge’s two-Michelin-starred pub, was a festival favourite, serving up its legendary pub classics with a gourmet twist.
The Star Inn brought its Yorkshire heritage to Marlow, offering hearty, expertly crafted dishes that celebrated traditional flavours with modern execution. The Oarsman, known for its impeccable balance of seasonal ingredients and bold flavours, delivered standout plates that perfectly complemented the relaxed festival atmosphere. These exceptional establishments, along with many others, made Pub in the Park a true culinary celebration, allowing guests to indulge in some of the best food Britain has to offer.
The musical lineup was equally impressive, featuring a diverse range of artists that catered to various musical tastes. The festival kicked off on Thursday evening with a performance by Van Morrison.
Friday evening saw electrifying sets from Busted and Example. Saturday afternoon featured the Kimberley Wyatt’s Don’t Cha Disco, followed by Boyzlife, Shola Ama which was complete by a DJ set from Vernon Kay. The excitement continued into Saturday evening with the super impressive Ministry of Sound Classical headlining, supported by Judge Jules, Mae Muller and General Levy, ensuring the audience danced the night away.
The festival concluded on Sunday afternoon with captivating performances by Paloma Faith, Scouting for Girls, Rick Parfitt Jr, providing a perfect ending to a weekend filled with exceptional music.
The atmosphere throughout the festival was vibrant and welcoming, with attendees of all ages enjoying the diverse offerings. The layout of Higginson Park was thoughtfully designed, allowing for easy navigation between the various stages, food stalls, and activity areas. The comprehensive public transport system in Marlow ensured that the festival was easily accessible, allowing attendees to immerse themselves fully in the event.
