A tasty selection of real ale treats, including beer-flavoured truffles and tomatoes, will be on offer at the fourth Greene King Real Beer and Food Festival this weekend.

At the request of head brewer at Greene King, John Bexon, Artisan Smokehouse, a family-run business, based in Felixstowe, will be launching its first smoked, semi-sundried tomatoes with a beery twist at this year’s event.

Tim Matthews from Artisan Smokehouse said that the tomatoes would have a hint of Old Speckled Hen, one of Greene King’s beers.

The Newmarket based chocolatiers Artistry in Cocoa will also be returning to the festival to launch four beer-flavoured chocolates using Greene King ales – Abbot’s Reserve, Greene King IPA, “Old Crafty Hen” and Suffolk Springer.

Owner Cheryl Brighty conducted taste tests to get people’s opinions ahead of the festival.

They’ve also invested in a selection of beer-themed moulds, so the chocolate shapes compliment the ales used.

Newcomer The Black Dog Chili Company will be making its debut at the event to showcase its chili jams and sauces to wider audiences.

More than 50 local producers have already signed up for the two-day food and ale extravaganza, including Curry with Love, Dotty Bakers and Aspalls Cyder.

It takes place tomorrow and Sunday in the grounds of the brewery in Westgate Street, Bury St Edmunds.

Food stalls will be open from 10am to 5pm on both days, with live music on the Saturday until 10pm.