PX+ 2019: the festival dedicated to hospitality

by Great British Chefs 1 August 2019

With top chefs, producers and a whole host of hospitality industry people coming together for a weekend of food, drink and engaging talks, from 17–19 August PX+ will transform Duchess Farms in Hertfordshire into one of the best places to be for those working in hospitality. Learn more about the event and see who will be there.

Great British Chefs

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews.

Great British Chefs

Great British Chefs is a team of passionate food lovers dedicated to bringing you the latest food stories, news and reviews as well as access to some of Britain’s greatest chefs. Our posts cover everything we are excited about from the latest openings and hottest food trends to brilliant new producers and exclusive chef interviews.

On any given weekend throughout the summer, you can bet there’s a food festival happening somewhere. From a smattering of stalls in a sleepy market town to full-blown extravaganzas that can last a week, they’re guaranteed to attract crowds from near and far. But PX+ is a food festival with a difference – instead of catering to the general public, it puts on a series of workshops, talks and experiences for those who actually work in the hospitality industry, giving restaurateurs, chefs and front of house staff the opportunity to spend a weekend having fun, eating well and learning from the best.

Taking place from 17–19 August at Duchess Farms, just outside Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire, PX+ is only in its second year but will host an incredible 200 different events over the weekend – all designed for those working in food and drink. Guests can either camp for the whole weekend or buy a day ticket with full access to all the talks. Read on for an idea of what’s on, which top chefs will be in attendance and some of the more unique experiences on offer.

Who's appearing

A mix of homegrown talent and chefs from across the world will be leading talks, cooking delicious food and holding workshops at PX+. Representing the UK are the likes of Clare Smyth (Core), Gareth Ward (Ynyshir), Robin Gill (The Dairy), Asma Khan (Darjeeling Express), Chantelle Nicholson (Tredwells), Alex Bond (Alchemilla) and Matt Worswick (The Latymer). From further afield you’ll be able to see Will Goldfarb, the chef behind the famous Room 4 Dessert in Bali, as well as Peter Gunn of IDES in Australia and Aleksandra Nozdraceva of 21 October in Latvia.

Gareth Ward

Ynyshir

Asma Khan

Darjeeling Express

Whether you’re after an opportunity to learn from high-end, multi-Michelin-starred chefs or want to hear from those who have carved out their own niche in specialist kitchens, there’s something for everyone. It’s not just talks and workshops, though – many of the chefs will also be cooking up a storm at the on-site PX+ Restaurant or around the firepit, meaning there’s plenty of chances to eat some incredible food.

Collaboration is at the heart of the PX+ celebrations as a whole host of farmers, producers, bakers and drink-makers join the top chefs descending on Duchess Farms to share their knowledge and wares. Learn how to build a wine list with sommelier Anja Breit, or hear Phil Clayton of Haxby Bakehouse talk about how using local grains can transform your bread. With such a huge line-up you’re guaranteed to find something that interests you – will plenty to eat between talks

Highlights

There are over 200 experiences to choose from at PX+, covering every aspect of the hospitality industry, food and drink. Sustainability is a big part of the festival, which is aiming to be plastic-free and zero-waste, and many of the talks and workshops focus on how those in the industry can work in a more environmentally friendly way. Carbon-free dining, living without plastic, working sustainably whilst keeping costs down – learn all about it over the weekend. There are also a number of workshops focusing on wellness, yoga and mindfulness, making it the perfect place to relax, unwind and destress.

For those looking to eat well, chefs such as Tom Booton, Alex Bond, Chantelle Nicholson and Gareth Ward will be cooking their signature dishes at the Secret Chefs Table – all experiences guaranteed to inspire. Tom Kerridge’s team will be cooking lunch at the PX+ Restaurant, as will Italy’s own Michelin-starred Costardi brothers, who specialise in risotto. Andrew Clarke and Robin Gill will be serving up delicious dishes cooked around the firepit, while the Crop Circle will see a variety of food and drink doled out throughout the festival.

If you work in hospitality and are looking for a weekend where you can relax, have fun and learn from the best, PX+ should be at the top of your list. For more information, the full line-up and to buy tickets, head to pxplusfestival.com.