THE sun well and truly shone for the first weekend of the month-long Hampshire Food Festival.

Organised by local food group, Hampshire Fare, the festival begun with fresh fish and pork pies.

Foodies flocked to Shamrock Quay in Southampton where the family-run fishmonger, J & S Fresh Fish, hosted a pop-up restaurant for the weekend.

The concept was designed to give customers the chance to enjoy the freshest of fish.

Diners chose their catch from the shop’s fish counter, it was then cooked by the guest chef and then served with a choice of accompaniments and a glass of local Chalkdown Cider.

Sylvia Puckett, owner of J & S Fresh Fish said: “The atmosphere here today is wonderful, a real celebration of fish.

“From sardines to lobster, customers are enjoying the full array of what our counter has to offer.

“And we hope that having seen the chef cook up the fish the customers will go away inspired to cook more fish at home.”

Over at Crow Farm Shop in Ringwood, award-winning pork pies and cider were celebrated.

Customers were invited to sample a selection of ciders while munching on pork pie.

The King’s Head at Hursley, near Winchester, hosted A Celebration of Hampshire with a range of producers offering tasters, a BBQ and live music.

Lasting throughout the whole month of July the festival is packed with over 60 events taking place across Hampshire.

From cookery masterclasses to vineyard tours, farm visits to tasting menus there is something for all tastes.