Tom Kerridge's Pub in the Park festival returns

Tom Kerridge, the UK’s favourite pub proprietor, will be bringing his chef mates to the party for a relaxed gathering, celebrating local talent, as well as presenting some of the biggest names in food and music at his Pub in the Park festival. The festival is touring eight locations across the UK, and comes to St Albans from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15.

Each pop-up pub has named its menu, and there is lots to look forward to.

The Hand & Flowers will be serving their take on the pub classic the great British pie, while Kerridge’s other establishment The Coach will also be bringing a classic with fish and chips with a twist. The Hind’s Head is bringing its infamous Scotch egg, Berners Tavern will be bringing everyone’s favourite comfort dish mac and cheese but with added braised beef, The Star Inn will be taking the humble burger up a notch with a Yorkshire game and blue cheese burger, Rick Stein will be bringing all the seafood with dishes such as lemon sole with salsa verde mayo and Paul Ainsworth will be bringing back his Dog’s Pollock due to its popularity last year.

Due to popular demand returning pubs include Jason Atherton’s Berners Tavern, Josh Eggleton’s The Pony & Trap, Andrew Pern’s The Star Inn, Michel Roux Jr’s The Wigmore, Stephen Terry’s The Hardwick, James MacKenzie’s The Pipe & Glass, and the brilliant Italian cooking of Angela Hartnett’s Cafe Murano.

A proper pub wouldn’t be complete without its live music, and there will be plenty of acts to keep visitors entertained. The first names announced include singer songwriters Jake Bugg and David Gray and internationally acclaimed British indie rock gods Kaiser Chiefs. Other chart-topping singing sensations joining the tour include Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Soul II Soul Sound System, Rick Astley, Will Young, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Razorlight and Gabrielle.

Support acts include up-and-coming singer-songwriters Rob Green and Cecil, along with indie-folk sensations Huw Eddy & the Carnival and Liverpool band Polar States. Other support acts include Holloway Road, Courthouse Band, Chalk Drawing, The Jay Rayner Quartet, Suncharmer and the fantastic Sinéad Campbell.

Tom Kerridge said: “Last year’s Pub in the Park festivals were so much fun. I can’t wait to bring excellence in food, world class chefs, ace music and an awesome vibe to eight locations across the UK this year.”

Verulamium Park, St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15. Details: pubintheparkuk.com