VISITORS to York had a tasty treat when they discovered the city’s mini food festival.

The event, which included stalls with hot food, confectionery, cheese and pies, speciality teas, beer, and much more, was held as the first off-shoot to promote the York Food & Drink Festival, which will take place from September 17 to 26.

Hourly performances and tastings from Ashley McCarthy, chef at the Ye Old Sun Inn, Colton; Wine Academy wine tutor Karen Hardwick and cheese maker Tom Wallis of Lowna Dairy, were held in a demonstration area and dishes made with local asparagus, regional beers and Yorkshire wine were served in The Festival Café.

Fran and Peter Guppy were selling Peter’s handmade chocolates at the festival market in Parliament.

They also have a stall at the York Food & Drink Festival, and sell Guppy’s chocolates in independent retailers, including the Yorkshire Pantry, and supply Hazlewood Castle.

Fran said: “It’s been steady. There are so many people and so many different stalls, but it’s busy enough for us.”