A SOCIAL area launched this year to enjoy food and music has been a huge success according to attendees.

Eat Street has thrived for the past two days and featured a range of East Anglia’s best producers including Jimmy’s Farm and Colchester Oysters.

The culinary offering was combined with a sitting area and music to give visitors a place to recharge and relax.

Emma Lau from Ipswich said Eat Street was a “brilliant” addition to the show.

“I’ve had a burger from Jimmy’s Farm and it was perfect,” said the 23-year-old. “And now I’m going to sit here and listen to some live music. It’s wonderful.”

For Richard Pearce the eating area is a symbol of how much the show has changed.

The Felixstowe resident, 46, said: “I haven’t been here since I was a child and back then it was 100 per cent agriculture.

“Now, people can have this beautiful food and try something new – it’s a bit like a festival.”

He added: “I just tried Thai green curry for the first time and it’s very hot but very nice.”

Attendee reaction to Eat Street is undoubtedly positive.

However, owners of the companies selling food there have mixed feeling over the new development.

Richard Howard, Elveden Estates and Farm, said: “It’s been fabulous. It is good to have a focal point and somewhere central people can get together and have some food. I think it has made things more social.”

This is the first time the company has exhibited at the Suffolk Show but Mr Howard said they would definitely be coming back next year.

“People have been really interested in something different and have loved our venison burgers.”

He said: “We’re just trying to work out how we can come back bigger and better.”

A spokesperson from the Woodbridge Fine Food Company said Eat Street was a “great concept” but requires better execution for next year’s show.

She said: “It would be good if people were directing attendees to this area. Also, there are a lot of food stands from outside Suffolk.

“This is the Suffolk Show and we produce beautiful food in this county – I think we should be showcasing that.”