ALFRESCO dining will be on the menu this summer with plans to bring a European atmosphere to Malton’s Market Place.

Pedestrianised dining areas will be created in the town centre to attract visitors and residents to make the most of Yorkshire’s Food Capital.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, director of Malton Food Lovers Festival, said the plans were just one of a number of ideas discussed at a public meeting last week. “Initially, the outdoor dining areas will be outside The Yard and Rory’s Bar, but we hope to extend these around the Market Place to create an atmosphere that visitors would recognise as similar to their favourite European destination.

The aim is to think in a different way as to how we use the Market Place, so people can come here and spend some time enjoying relaxed dining. I really think this is something that could be developed.”

The Made in Malton brand is also something Tom said the town was keen to develop. “The Talbot Hotel yard, opposite the hotel, has space for several artisan food producers, which could provide a new hub and visitor attraction,” he said.

He said the arrangements for the annual Malton Food Lovers Festival in May were also well underway, with plans for a larger beer tent.

“With beer now being brewed here it is something we want to make more of,” he said. “Food writer James Ramsden will also be interviewing all our celebrity chefs this year in the Old Town Hall.”

Celebrity chefs attending include Christophe Novelli, the Incredible Spice Men and the Chiappa Sisters. Yorkshire chefs at the event will be the star of BBC’s Great British Menu Stephanie Moon, Michelin-starred chef James Mackenzie, Andrew Pern, BBC MasterChef finalist Sara Danesin Medio, and Malton’s very own Craig Atchinson and Jake Jones, both of James Martin’s Talbot Hotel Restaurant.

“We want to take the festival to a more professional level to rival any food festival in the country,” said Tom. “The aim is also to expand the monthly markets, so that they become mini-versions of the annual event and attract a large number of visitors throughout the year and further help Malton in the long-term.”

Tom said: “The unrivalled quality of the food and drink being produced in our county is something to recognise and celebrate. The festival will do just that, bringing together the very best producers and most extraordinary chefs at a festival in Yorkshire’s Food Capital.”

For more information and to book tickets for the talks and demonstrations, visit maltonyorkshire.co.uk