Make your culinary taste count by tucking into one of Newcastle’s epic Food Battles, set to take place at the Palace of the Arts in Exhibition Park throughout 2025.
Wylam Brewery’s Food Battles – created by events company 44Events – are a firm fixture in every local foodie’s diary, combining the most delicious culinary creations with a laid-back, outdoorsy festival vibe.
So, how does it work?
Entry into the venue is free. And then you just need to buy a food token for £4, which you can exchange for one serving of your choice.
Buy as many tokens and sample as many plates as you like on the day, before voting for your favourite.
Typically, you can expect 15 foodie pop ups at each event, which runs from midday til late. You’re likely to see familiar names, but it’s also a chance to discover new vendors and kitchens worth keeping on your radar.
After the two-day event has closed its doors, the votes are totted up and the winner of each food battle can claim their undisputed moment of glory!
What makes these events extra special is Wylam Brewery’s lakeside location in Exhibition Park. This is such a gorgeous setting for catching up with friends while gorging on tasty food, especially when it’s sunny. And, put simply, it’s a darn good day out, with DJs, a gin bar and a coffee station completing the feel-good line-up.
Tempted? Here’s the lowdown on this year’s calendar of scrumptiousness.
Battle of the Burger
It’s the OG of food battles that’s now in its 10th year. Enjoy this two-day burger fest to find your tastiest creation in a bun. The Scranners Arms defended its title last year, serving more than 3,000 miniature Radgie sliders over the weekend – averaging 2.6 burgers prepared, cooked and sold every minute!
Slice Wars
Kick-start your early May Bank Holiday weekend by devouring a variety of delicious pizzas. From classic Neapolitan to deep Detroit-style pies – you’re certain to find your perfect pizza slice and topping combo here. Square Slice & Pies, Lucca Pizza Co and Gingerinos claimed the top three spots last year.
Mexican Stand Off
Tuck into all things Mexican – think tacos, enchiladas, tostadas and other tantalising dishes crammed with bold and spicy flavours. Last year, Krunch Corn Dogs x Lobo Rojo won the contest thanks to their tasty Korean-inspired fried chicken tacos, aptly named the ‘Lobo Krunch’.
Battle Royale
It’s the one where the cuisines clash! If you like a little bit of everything and can’t choose between all the different food battles, this one’s for you. Enjoy burgers, curries, pizzas and other street food delights all dished up over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Lord of the Wings
After making its debut last year, Lord of the Wings is back! This event is dedicated to oh-so-moreish chicken wings and the best lip-smacking flavours. More than 20,000 wings were served up at last year’s event, with Parm-O-Rama topping the vote with their sweet and smokey wings doused in a Kraken-infused BBQ sauce.
Argie Bhaji
This spicy foodie finale of the year will see the best curries and fusion dishes battle it out for the coveted curry championship crown. And with local Indian restaurant My Delhi winning an impressive three years in a row – can they clinch the title again?
For more information about this year’s Food Battles at Wylam Brewery, visit: foodbattles.co.uk.
Image credit: 44Events
