A CELEBRATION of world food took over Reading town centre at the weekend, with crowds flocking to enjoy a bite of the action.
More than 30 stalls were set up in Broad Street, running between WHSmith and Marks & Spencer, each one specialising in a different cuisine.
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They included samosas, paella, hot dogs, pizzas, sushi, Jamaican patties, Ethiopian dishes, and tapas.
Organised by Blue Collar on behalf of REDA, the event had a pop-up bar featuring Double-Barrelled Brewery beers, including Parka and Ding.
Canteen-style benches were set up for people to use while eating their meals, and there was live music on both Saturday and Sunday, including Phoenix Ukuele Band, Natalie Gray, RASPO steel band, and swing singer Russell Jones.
It’s been a busy month for Blue Collar. Over the May Day bank holiday weekend they organised a Cheese Wars contest, with stalls serving a range of cheese-themed meals.
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Customers could vote for their favourites, and they opted for The Cheese Wheel. The firm was presented with a cheque for £2,500, and a free residency at the Hosier Street venue.
Claudio, who works for The Cheese Wheel said the team were overjoyed: “It means that people really do like our products.
“We put a lot of effort into our pasta from beginning to the end, so we’re really pleased.
“We’ve had a brilliant time. We like Reading – it’s a very nice city, and we like Blue Collar as well, it’s a very friendly environment.”
There is no let up for the Blue Collar team: not content with their town centre takeover, they will be hosting The British Street Food Awards over the bank holiday weekend from their Hosier Street base.
Running over the entire Whitsun bank holiday, including Monday, they have invited the best traders in the south of England to cook up meals. Customers can vote for their favourite stall, with the winner going on to the UK final.
Entry is free.
For more details, log on to: https://www.bluecollarstreetfood.co.uk/
