AINSLIE Shops has long been home to some of Canberra’s finest and most popular pubs and restaurants, and on Saturday May 23 from 10am-4pm, the businesses of Ainslie will join forces for a special event to demonstrate why these shops are known as a gourmet destination.

Foods such as lamb and pork on a spit, crepes, and traditional Moroccan soup can be washed down with mulled wine, cider, and fresh juice, and for desert you can try your hand at picking the winner of the Ainslie Baking Competition.

Kate O’Leary of Ainslie Cellars is looking forward to the baking competition and says it’s not just the official judges who get to enjoy the entries.

“Everybody can have a taste! And everybody can enter. Just because it’s at the Ainslie Shops, doesn’t mean you have to live in Ainslie to be in the running” said Kate.

“Categories include best cake, best slice, best muffin or cupcake, best biscuit, and there’s a junior category where they can bake anything they like.”

“It’s judged by the local shop owners and chefs and the winners will receive a prize pack filled with locally produced goodies” she said. “Entries have to be in by midday and the winners will be announced at 2pm.”

As well as a great range of things to eat, there’s also a great range of entertainment. M5 Jazz Quintet, blues band Veronica’s Boyfriend, and singer-songwriter Minh Ha will all be setting the atmosphere with their excellent music. Performers from the local schools will also be providing entertainment with the Merici Dancers, and the North Ainslie Primary School Year 6 band.

Saturday May 23 from 10am-4pm, Ainslie Shops (Edgar Street).