Tastebuds are set to tingle this weekend as Croydon’s annual food festival begins.

The event will see a host of culinary treats and exhibitions in the borough, showcasing the best in fine food.

Waitrose plays host to the Food Festival stage on September 19, with food samples from India Dining and Bollywood dancing by Aspara Arts.

House of Fraser is due to turn Japanese on Tuesday, September 22, with Yo Sushi! offering sushi-rolling lessons. Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a glass of wine in the company of the store’s expert winemaster.

The festival would not be complete without Surrey Street market, one of the world’s most famous markets, getting involved.

This year will see chef Phil Wells cooking up an urban feast. Also on offer will be Thai carvings, cheese tastings, Polish delicacies and a chance to buy locally-produced honey.

The Whitgift Centre will be holding a series of live kitchen theatre events.

Malcolm John, owner of award-winning Croydon restaurant Le Cassoulet and newly-opened Fish and Grill, will be demonstrating why his restaurants are held in such high regard on Thursday, October 1.

Then on Sunday, October 4, he will pitt his culinary wits against TV chef Tony Tobin in a Ready Steady Cook- style competition.

Tobin said: “Croydon is a bit of hidden secret when it comes to food, but there are so many different cuisines available in the area. I’m expecting to see that diversity in abundance during the three-week festival, anyone who likes eating is sure to be in their element – it’s going to be lot of fun for foodies.”

Steve Magleshot, top chef at Wagamama, will also be taking part.