Independent traders left big brands in the dust as the Surbiton community gathered to celebrate the best of local produce.

Residents filled the St Andrew’s Square at the Village Fete and Dry Hopped Beer Festival this weekend.

The fete was part of the two week long Surbiton Food Festival.

The event saw four Surbiton pubs, The Lamb, Surbiton Flyer, The Black Lion and Gordon Bennet sell out of beer by the end of the weekend, while sausage kings C.D. Jennings had to restock half-way through.

Robin Hutchinson, founder of the Community Brain, said: "The bands and the entertainment have been wonderful.

"The cookery demonstrations have drawn all the crowds. It is lovely to see people sitting down in this place.

"It really is a proper mix. That is what I love about all of the events, they are for all ages."

Two opportunists struck during the fun and games, when they stole a bicycle from Adam Lewis, landlord of the Lamb pub, on Sunday.

After he chased them down the road, Mr Lewis managed to retrieve the bicycle.

The festival featured entertainment from folk bands, food vendors and face painting, with competitions for budding chefs.

Kevin Jennings, from C.D. Jennings, said: “It has all gone really well. Yesterday we sold out completely and had to go back and get some more.

"It is really nice to see everyone down here, especially yesterday with the rain."

Janet Signor, from A Taste of Sicily, said: “It has been very community spirited. It has been really good to see big groups of people sitting around and chatting. It is a very friendly atmosphere."

Joe Setchell, who was helping out at his brother’s Pickled Pantry stall, said: “There are lots of friendly people and it feels like you are in the country.

"There is a good atmosphere, good music and proper indulging.”

Tatyana Larikova, who took her daughter Iva Stoykova to the fete, said: “We love it. We are here with friends and it is absolutely fantastic.

"The weather is not perfect but we like the spirit."

Mr Lewis said the pubs had sold out of two popular beers by Sunday. He added: “Carlsberg sponsored the event and haven’t sold out of any drinks.”

The competition winners included: Ben Angwin for the best Seething pasty; Maureen Blake for the best cupcake, Sarah McDonald for the best biscuit; Bryony Harrison for the best bread; George and Wilbur Bodenham for the strangest vegetable, and a mystery winner Julian, for the oldest item in the cupboard – a coke bottle from 1984.