THE only Hampshire man at this year's Foodies Festival in Winchester will be an artisan knifemaker
Alexander O’Neill, who attended The Westgate School and Peter Symonds College, is the only Hampshire artisan exhibiting at the event.
Originally trained in jewellery, Alexander makes unique kitchen tools under his brand, Gorse Knives.
Since leaving London a few months ago with his young family, he has set up a new forge near Fisher’s Pond.
READ MORE: Your complete guide to what's on at Winchester Food Festival
Alexander said: "I use my ten years of experience and craftsmanship to create kitchen tools that will enhance a lifetime of cooking pleasure for the owner.
"It’s great to be back in beautiful Hampshire after the intensity of London," he added.
"And I’m excited to demonstrate my knives to what I know will be an appreciative audience at this year’s festival."
SEE MORE: Winchester Food Festival: Everything you need know
The festival, which takes place between Friday, July 19 and Sunday, July 21, will host a series of big names within the restaurant industry, with live cooking demonstrations from TV celebrities and chefs drawn from the ranks of MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu.
MasterChef champions, Thomas Frake and Hampshire-based Shelina Permaloo will be rustling up some of their signature dishes in front of audiences.
Pop superstars Blue and Sister Sledge will also be performing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here