Hundreds of people gathered to eat, drink and be merry at an annual Jewish food festival in Golders Green yesterday.

Gefiltefest, visited by 500 food lovers, featured cooking demonstrations, workshops and talks at the Ivy House, home of the London Jewish Cultural Centre (LJCC).

Guest chefs served up a feast of food and demonstrations, including making your own kiddish wine, challah baking and chocolate truffle making.

Founder and director Michael Leventhal said: “Everyone eats, and Jews eat more than most. It's central to Judaism and inspiring to see so many people sharing and celebrating together.”

Organised in conjunction with the LJCC and Jewish Community Centre for London, the festival centres on the historic links between religion and food.

Proceeds from a raffle will be donated to food redistribution charities Leket Israel, myisrael's Bet Shean Food Bank and GIFT, while prizes were also awarded to Kosher restaurants in north London in various categories.

Louise Jacobs, chief executive of the LJCC said: “A love of food and occasions on which to share it with family and friends lies at the heart of Jewish life. The LJCC is delighted to open the doors of Ivy House to Gefiltefest and welcome the whole community to celebrate the role food plays in our lives, while helping those for whom it is a necessity they can ill afford.”