Glastonbury 2005: Food Review

With so many varied cuisines, it's been a difficult choice, but here's our verdict on the stalls selected by festival goers at this year's Glastonbury...

Stall 1: Melted Cheese Nuggets Vegeburger Stall (Gibbs Catering)

As recommended by: Katy Barnett, from Canada:
 "There are lots of vegetarian options, which I'm quite impressed with."

Gibbs have been selling vegetarian food at Glastonbury for around fifteen years, and this year had three stalls around the festival. "The best thing about being here is the atmosphere - everyone comes and chats to you," states stall manager Linda. The vegeburgers are made from vegetables coated in breadcrumbs, and the stall also sells breakfasts.

We tried the Vegeburger with cheese, salsa and bacos (bacon-flavour soy protein bits).

Location:
This year the stall was situated to the side of the Pyramid Stage, great for grabbing a quick bite on your way there or to the nearby John Peel Tent, but a trek to anywhere else.
VF verdict: 4/5

Presentation:
The stall was brightly coloured and attractive. The food itself resembled the kind of burgers sold in more upmarket restaurants.
VF verdict: 5/5

Food:
The fresh vegetables in the burger were lovely, plus the bacos gave the burger that extra bacon-flavoured kick. The burgers were messy to eat, but otherwise a great meal.
5/5

Virtual Festivals Final Rating: 4.5/ 5

* * * * *

Stall 2: Square Pie Company

As recommended by: Peter Chapman, from Essex:
"I'm sure you'll get someone else suggesting this as well. The pies are fresh, you get mash, and you get gravy."

The legendary Square Pie company has been a festival favourite for the last four years. Based in London, the stall produces handmade gourmet pies with fresh mash, described by manager Martin as "simple quality food, and hopefully the best tasting pie you can get. People love what we do and they really like the pies," he continues. "It's good fun!"

We tried the Chicken, Leek and Ham pie.

Location:
In the centre of the main market area, it's in a prime location for those wanting a pie between bands on the Left Field stage or the Jazz World stage. However, if you're watching bands on the Pyramid stage, best leave early to secure your pie.
VF verdict: 3.5/5

Presentation:
Square Pie's simple uncomplicated red and white layout makes the stall easy to locate amongst the hundreds of other food stalls, and it couldn't be easier to pick your pie from the range on display.
VF verdict: 4/5

Food:
Nice crust, great fillings. The stall also provides a great deal in its "The Works" meal, with a pie, mash, peas and gravy for only £6.50; an epic meal that'll keep you filled up for the entire day. The only problem is it's impossible to carry a drink AND this impressive offer in two hands, so make sure you have a mate handy to provide you with liquid refreshment.
VF verdict: 5/5

Virtual Festivals.com Final Rating: 4/5

Click on 'Next Page' below for more!