HUNDREDS of people flocked to the seafront as a food festival cooked up a storm.

Foodies visiting Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival at Hove Lawns were greeted with smells and flavours from across the world.

Producers and restaurants from across Sussex delighted taste-buds with street stalls selling food with cuisines from all continents.

Lining up for a Greek vegetarian dish Hayley Ryan, 38, of Orchard Avenue, Hove said: “I’m going to have a bit of each cuisine. It’s a great family day out.”

A little bit of Australia arrived in Brighton, as food blogger Tom Flint and Hotel du Vin & Bistro deputy manager Matt Denny had an Aussie style barbecue cook-off. Crowds watching had the chance to sample kangaroo, described as “tender like steak” by one punter.

Tom Flint said: “Today has been brilliant with loads of people coming through. The classic bank holiday weather has kicked in a bit, but the crowds are still here and enjoying themselves.”

Foodies also had the chance to learn from local top chefs as they cooked at the live food show. Kanthi Kiran Thamma, chef at Curry Leaf Cafe in Ship St, Brighton, wowed with his demonstration of a curry dish.

Watching in the crowd was holiday maker Jean Louis Pismont with his wife and daughter. The 55-year-old from Mauritius, who met his wife in Brighton 28-years-ago, was very impressed calling it “a great British day out”.

It wasn’t just the humans in for a treat though, as man’s best friend eyed up gourmet dog treats including vegetarian, gluten-free and no-added fats treats.

Punters also quenched their thirst with a selection of drinks being sold from cider and pina coladas to flavoured coconut water.

The food festival is in its second year and is already the south of England’s biggest all-year round food festival.