Hundreds of food lovers have been enjoying the tastes of Leicestershire at the annual Belgrave Hall food fair.

The hall opened its gardens for the event, which was attended by more than 800 people today and the event continues tomorrow.

Dorothy Francis of Clarendon Park, Leicester, visited with her daughter, Fayola and returned home loaded with goodies.

Dorothy, 53, said: “It was great fun and very interesting so see food from all over the county, including chillies from Charnwood.

“We bought ourselves our own chilli plant, as well as some nice beer, cider, some samosas and an unusual-looking squash.

“We also eat some cake with coconut milk icing.”

Fayloa, 24, said: “The gardens are really beautiful and it’s nice to see the whole space being used like this.”

The early 18th century home, which is Grade II* Listed, belongs to Leicester City Council and used to be a museum.

It is now used for weddings as well as regular public events throughout the summer months and at Christmas.

Operations officer Caroline Frisby said: “This is our last event until Christmas now, so it’s really nice to see so many people and they all seem very happy!

“The weather’s lovely and there are all sorts of stalls this year.”

Naomi Dunmore, 28, of Glenfield, visited with friends.

She said: “It’s been really nice to visit and we’ve had lunch – a really nice kebab with lovely lamb.

“It’s been a really nice day for it and we’ve got some honey and some chilli jam.”

More than 30 local food producers took part in the food fair, selling herbal teas, homemade cakes, gourmet coffee and organic meats, as well as fudge, cider, cupcakes, ice cream, olive oil, beer and pizza.

There were also talks by chefs and food experts including Liam Watson, who is chef at The Smokehouse, a new restaurant based upstairs at the O Bar in Braunstone Gate, Leicester.

He said: “There were lots of people asking about how they could smoke meat at home and looking for tips and advice so it went well.

“It’s been a really nice event and there’s been a good flow of people.”

The fair takes place from 11am to 4pm tomorrow.