ALCESTER’S very own aristocrat mixologist is set to cause a stir among visitors to next week’s Stratford Food Festival.
Earl of Yarmouth, William Seymour, will be demonstrating his skills as well as showcasing his locally made award-winning liqueur during a series of live demonstrations throughout the event.
The event was due to take place from September 16 to 18 but, following the death of The Late Queen Elizabeth II, it will now take place between September 30, October 1 and 2.
The festival will showcase more than 120 artisan food and drink producers allowing visitors to eat their way around the world courtesy of more than 120 stalls, pop-up bars and demos.
It heralds a first appearance for Lord Yarmouth who is the driving force behind the award-winning St Maur brand.
William, who counts among his ancestors Henry VIII’s wife Jane Seymour, established the business in lockdown with his wife Kelsey after first producing the drink uniquely for guests at Ragley Hall on their wedding day in 2018.
The Earl grew up on the Ragley Estate, and is the eldest son of the Marquess of Hertford. But now himself a young father of two, he has stepped away to build a new life for his family as an entrepreneur.
Lord Yarmouth is also embracing his latest role as a self-taught mixologist and is looking forward to passing on his knowledge and passion to others on the festival’s Main Stage between 2-4pm each day.
He said: “I am very excited for the upcoming Stratford Food Festival. It will be the first one in Stratford that I personally will be attending as a vendor instead as a visitor. Given how close it is to us, and the quality of other local goods and produce that will be there, it’s bound to be a packed weekend.
“Learning more about the skill and art of making cocktails has been a logical choice and it makes sense for us to bring that expertise in-house at St Maur.”
The Stratford Food Festival is open 10am until 8pm on September 30, October 1 and 2 and further information is available at https://stratforduponavonbid.co.uk/food.
Visit https://drinkstmaur.com/ for more information about St Maur.
