FOR top chefs look to Ludlow not London.

At least that will be the case on the second weekend of September when some of the top chefs in the country will be in town for the Ludlow Food Festival.

There will be some fresh new names, chefs at the very top of their game and a real treat for baking fans.

Joining local chef and host Marcus Bean on stage on Friday, September 8 will be Ashley Palmer-Watts, group executive head chef for the Fat Duck group.

Ashley currently heads up the kitchen at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. Also, taking to the stage that day will be Chantelle Nicholson, Chef Patron at Tredwell’s in London’s Covent Garden and Group Operations director at Marcus Wareing Restaurants.

Also on the Friday there will be, award-winning food-writer, journalist and broadcaster Elisabeth Luard as well as internationally acclaimed food artist Prudence Staite will be sharing their passion and creativity.

There’s a lot to look forward to on Saturday (September 9) with former Masterchef Professionals winner Mark Stinchcombe and former Great British Menu star Sue Stinchcombe returning to the festival.

BBC Radio 4's 'Best Street Food Winners' Hang Fire Smokehouse, vegan chef Lee Watson and one of the leading television producers in the food genre - Pete Lawrence will be on stage with his 'Allotment Cookbook'.

Sunday at the food festival has a relaxed feel with Michelin starred chef and Ludlow friend Shaun Hill on stage.

He will be joined by Birmingham's newest Michelin starred chef Brad Carter, Great British Menu favourite Richard Bainbridge and Radio 2's Allotment Doctor Terry Walton.