Porthleven Food Festival brings together chefs, producers, and food lovers for a weekend of tasting and learning in a weekend long celebration of Cornish produce.
We sat down with festival chef patron, and founder of Kota & Jota Kai restaurants, Jude Kereama to talk food, inspiration, and what makes Porthleven a standout festival.
Jude, what does it mean to you to be the festival’s chef patron?
Being part of the Porthleven Food Festival is a real honour. Cornwall has such a rich food culture, and Porthleven itself has this amazing community vibe. As chef patron, I get to share that love for fresh, local ingredients and connect with visitors who are genuinely curious about where their food comes from. It’s all about celebrating the very best of Cornish produce.
Are there particular dishes or ingredients you’re excited to highlight this year?
Absolutely! Cornish seafood is always a highlight – mackerel, crab, and scallops that are just out of this world. But I also love exploring the farm-to-fork journey of meat, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. This year, I’m keen to show people how simple, high-quality ingredients can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Festivals can be hectic – how do you balance creativity with the practical side of cooking for large crowds?
It’s a challenge, but I see it as part of the fun. I like to plan dishes that are both approachable and memorable. It’s about technique and timing as much as it is about flavour. And, of course, having a great team makes all the difference!
What’s your advice for festival-goers this year?
Come with an empty stomach and an open mind! Don’t just stick to what you know – try something new, ask the chefs questions, and explore the local produce. The festival is a chance to taste Cornwall in all its delicious diversity.
What are your top 3 things for people to try at the festival this year?
Well, you want to stick around and soak up up the whole weekend! But my top three recommendations would have to be:
1 – stop by the Chef’s Theatre and catch the live demonstrations from top chefs, its free to attend and is home to some incredible culinary talent.
2 – book a ticket to one of the hands-on food & drink masterclasses in the new Chef’s Table venue we’ve created with our good friends at Sharp’s Brewing Co – we’re talking fish filleting, knife sharpening, wine tasting, beer quizzes and lots more.
3 – get stuck into the food! There is so much to enjoy from the street food stalls, the local restaurants and pop-up events like our Grape & Grain dinner, which is a lot of fun, at Kota too.
Porthleven Food Festival promises more than just food – it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and Cornish pride. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, prepare to feast, learn, and be inspired.
