Food & Travel Stage

Listen to our inspirational and entertaining speakers sharing their travel tips and greatest adventures. Taste international flavours and hear from global travellers. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear expert Stanfords Travel Writers Festival authors and buy signed and dedicated copies of their latest books at their stand. Plus join The Times and Sunday Times experienced travel editors on The Food & Travel Stage on Saturday, 18 January.

See highlights of the 2025 line up below and stay tuned for the full schedule.

Benedict Allen

Extreme explorer, Benedict Allen tells tales of life-threatening encounters, reliance on ancient knowledge, and a dramatic disappearance in 2017. Benedict knows the importance of calculated risk-taking, disconnecting from modern technology, reconnecting with the natural world and trusting indigenious knowledge.
Thursday 16 January

John Torode & Lisa Faulkner

Chef John Torode and home cook Lisa Faulkner are household names as the stars of ITV’s popular weekend show, John & Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen. For the first time they have created a cookbook together, and will be talking to Andrew Dickens about the multinational inspiration for their favourite foods.
Friday 17 January

Simon Calder

Join Simon Calder, one of the UK's most trusted and recognised travel journalists. Hear his advice for travel in 2025.
Saturday 18 January

Lucinda Hawksley

From childhood, Charles Dickens was fascinated by tales from other countries and other cultures and he longed to see the world. Lucinda Hawksley talks about the journeys made by her great great great grandfather.
Saturday 18 January

Nicky Kelvin

Join Nicky Kelvin, Head of The Points Guy UK for his latest tips and advice on how to maximise your travel using points and miles – all whilst helping you save money.
Saturday 18 January

Stuart Maconie

Stuart Maconie is one of the keenest observers of English identity. Who better to take the temperature of the nation at this uncertain waymark on our national journey? Join him for a journey round Britain, talking about his latest book, The Full English.
Sunday 19 January