Food Event is Streets Ahead

What we are seeing is a grassroots revolution in British food and leading the revolution in Lancashire is Dan Johnson and his Crafty Vintage Street Food events.

The gatherings are enabling budding entrepreneurs who have chosen wheels over bricks-and-mortar to peddle their wares to thousands of people on the floating Brockholes Nature Reserve and at the historic Hoghton Tower near Preston every month.

The Spicy Jack Deli which serves up pulled pork and the All Fired Up Pizza Oven are just two of the Street Food outlets who serve up mouthwatering portions that have people flocking from miles around.

Lee Birtwistle, owner of All Fired Up Pizzas said "The modern street food movement started in California. During the credit crunch many chefs found themselves out of work or unable to afford the rent, so they kitted out old postal trucks and hit the sidewalks to provide high quality, no frills food for the people."

But it wasn't until a trip to America that Johnson picked up the baton. Inspired by an awesome tasting falafel he ate in a New York City park while nursing a hangover, he set about forming a concept to round up and showcase the best of British street food vendors on his return home to Lancashire.

Starting with pop-up markets in Whalley, Clitheroe and then Preston, the phenomenon has now spread and can be seen in many of the country's major cities from Leeds to London.

Dan explained; "Our Crafty Vintage Street Food events give those with passion and talent, but little capital, the chance to make their food business dream a reality. It's back to basics and it makes people feel a part of the community they live in. Plus it's beautiful to have the food you've ordered, be cooked in front of you, just for you, it really does taste better.'

Tiago Velasco, who operates his Bread and Butter pop up cocktail bar in Lancashire and London believes it's as much about the social side of the experience as the food and drinks. He said 'We see Crafty Vintage as a rival to the pubs and clubs. It's a festival atmosphere where people come to drink, eat and have a good time with their friends and families.

Crafty Vintage kick start their 2015 series of events at Hoghton Tower on the 28th and 29th of March. Entry is £2 for adults and under 16's are free. For the latest information and full line up visit craftyvintage.com

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