Three Counties Food Festival returns to the showground Malvern across the weekend of Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July 2026. Boasting a packed programme including TV chef demonstrations, free kids cookery school, fire barbecue stage, more than 160 delicious traders and lots more, it promises to be a fabulous foodie weekend. 

Respected British chef and TV presenter Rosemary Shrager will be appearing at the festival on Sunday 26th July. The Local Answer’s Editor Emma Luther caught up with her to chat about forging and sustaining a delicious career that celebrates nature’s finest produce.

You’ve achieved a lot in your lifetime, where do you get your energy from – is it food as fuel or passion for life?

I think it’s my passion for life and for creating wonderful food. I’m endlessly curious and love learning something new every day – there’s always more to discover! While I absolutely adore teaching and sharing my knowledge with others, I truly believe you never stop learning, no matter how much experience you have.

What are some of your favourite ingredients from July crops and what do you like to make with them?

For me, summer is all about celebrating the very best fresh produce. I absolutely adore fragrant herbs, crisp salad leaves, and all the wonderful fruits and vegetables that come into season. There’s nothing quite like the true flavour of ingredients picked at their peak. I love creating beautiful, colourful salads that let those natural tastes shine. The secret, I think, is not to overcomplicate things – summer food should be simple, fresh, and full of life.

What will you be cooking at Three Counties Food Festival?

I'll be doing an assortment of delicious mezze dishes in each demonstration. From a delicious sea bass escabeche to meat triangles and delicious chickpea and tomato stew. There's something there for everyone and each dish is super easy to prepare and cook.

We’re a magazine that celebrates the greatness of Gloucestershire – where are some of your favourite spots if you’re visiting? 

I love exploring the beautiful villages of the Cotswolds. There’s something so special about wandering through places like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury with its picture-perfect Arlington Row, and the charming streets of Stow-on-the-Wold.

In Gloucestershire, I also love visiting Painswick, often called the ‘Queen of the Cotswolds’, and the lovely market town of Tetbury. They’re full of character, history and wonderful local food. For me, a perfect summer day is discovering a beautiful village, finding a lovely local producer or market, and coming home with fresh ingredients to create something delicious and seasonal.

In today’s tumultuous times, how important would you say it is to forge a strong career?

I think it’s incredibly important to build a strong career, particularly in uncertain times. My advice is to find something you truly love and become really good at it. Strive to be an expert in your field, because knowledge is something nobody can ever take away from you. Skills, experience and expertise are invaluable – they give you confidence, purpose and a solid foundation to fall back on throughout your life.

A strong career isn’t just about earning a living; it’s about continually learning, growing and developing your craft. The more knowledge you gain, the better equipped you are to adapt to change and embrace new opportunities. If you’re passionate about what you do and committed to learning, you’ll always be in a good position, whatever challenges come your way.

If you could sum up some of the best lessons you’ve learned in life, what would they be?

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned in life is to always listen. We can learn so much from other people if we take the time to hear them properly. I also believe in speaking from the heart – say what you feel, be honest, and always tell the truth. Integrity is incredibly important.

Never be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. None of us can know everything, and there’s no shame in saying ‘I don’t know, but I’d love to learn’. In fact, I think that’s one of the most valuable qualities a person can have. Stay curious, keep learning, be kind, and be genuine. Those simple principles have served me well throughout my life and career.

Is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to highlight – either about the state of the UK today or food and farming and cooking?

I think one thing that’s incredibly important to highlight is the vital role our farmers play in putting food on our tables. Farming is one of the toughest professions there is, and I have enormous admiration for the people who dedicate their lives to it.

I particularly feel for smaller family farms, who are facing increasing challenges year after year, from rising costs and sustainability pressures to concerns around inheritance tax and the future of their businesses.

I’m a huge believer in supporting local farmers wherever we can. Choosing local produce not only gives us fresher, more flavourful food, but it also helps sustain the communities and landscapes that make Britain so special. Locality matters enormously to me. Our farmers are the custodians of our countryside, our traditions and, ultimately, our food security.

As consumers, we all have a part to play. By valuing seasonal, locally produced food and understanding the challenges farmers face, we can help ensure that these hardworking people continue to thrive for generations to come. They deserve our support, our respect and our gratitude.

See Rosemary and a host of other TV guests across the weekend at Three Counties Food Festival, including John Torode and Lisa Faulkner, many fabulous farming businesses and local producers and more. For the latest news, what’s on and to buy tickets pop to the festival website www.threecountiesfoodfestival.com