A Michelin-starred chef has revealed his top tips for this year's Pub in the Park taking place in Wimbledon.

Chef Atul Kochhar told Newsquest south London how to make the most of your time at the three-day food festival.

For the first time, Pub in the Park will be held in Wimbledon, and Atul is more excited than ever for the festival’s fifth instalment.

Atul, who is from Jamshedpur in India, now has more than nine restaurants in the UK.

He began his career in Delhi and in 1994 was at the forefront of Indian fine-dining cuisine in the UK.

He opened the Tamarind restaurant in 1994 and in 2001 achieved a Michelin Star.

Atul was one of the very first Indian chefs to receive the award.

Of the festival, Atul said: “There are five to eight chefs displaying their food at the festival.

“Don’t go to just one place and gorge yourself.

“Take time to try a tiny bit of food from every one of them.

“The drinks are also amazing.

“Try out the new up and coming bar tenders.

“Another thing you shouldn't miss is the traders’ area.

“Some of them are very artisan and you may not find that sort of stuff in supermarkets.

“Be sure to check them out and appreciate how beautiful food is in this country.”

He has been friends with fellow Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge - who founded Pub in the Park - for 15 years.

This year, Pub in the Park - billed as the ultimate food and music festival - will be coming to Wimbledon on May 27-29 for the first time.

Tom Kerridge will be joined by other chefs on the tour, which will stop at eight other locations in the UK across May, June and September.

Pub in the Park’s line-up boasts award-winning chefs and eateries, many of whom will take to the stage to perform demos.

There will also be musical performances from the likes of Rag’n’Bone Man, Kaiser Chiefs and Professor Green.

But despite his award-winning background, Atul is as excited as ever about hosting another stall at this year’s festival.

He explained: “We are very proud and honoured that we are given a space there.

“I think we’ve become popular over the years.

“We’ve become a regular feature.

“They expect Tom Kerridge to be there, and they expect our restaurants to be there as well.”

Atul also revealed that neither himself nor Tom knew just how big Pub in the Park would become.

He said: “When Tom started Pub in the Park five years ago, his aim was just to get some of his mates to put up a stall and organise some music.

“I don't think he realised how big it would be one day.

“Year after year it goes from strength to strength and we’re very happy about it.”

Atul also confirmed he’ll be serving up his famous chicken tikka pie at this year’s festival, alongside some exciting new dishes.

Atul shared: “Last year I introduced tandoori fried chicken, which was off the charts, everybody went crazy for it.

“That and the chicken tikka pie are definitely returning.

“But I’m always interested in providing good vegan and veggie food.

“We’ll also do a chickpea stew which will be nice and warm and hearty.

“I’m still contemplating a jackfruit biryani or maybe a fish curry.

“So the fourth dish I haven't quite decided yet.”

Atul also revealed that the music line-up is one of his favourite things about the festival.

He said: "Music is something that is a huge part of Pub in the Park.

“It’s just amazing.

“The bands come to the park, put on a beautiful performance and make everyone smile and laugh.”

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