Food and drink venues from Birmingham’s business quarter have reported a timely boost after the CBD Food Festival held in Victoria Square attracted about 15,000 visitors.

The event, which took place on July 13 and 14 to launch the Birmingham Food Fest, saw 24 venues including Saffron, The Old Joint Stock and Hotel du Vin showcase their signature dishes at taster prices.

Elsewhere, The Jekyll & Hyde served up refreshing cocktails and Edmund’s Lounge, Bar & Eatery offered locally-brewed ales from Purity.

Tahreen Kutub, event manager for the CBD Food Festival, said there had been a major rise in the number of attendees at the event, which had a knock-on effect to the local bars and restaurants.

She said: : “We held a pilot festival last year for just one day and following feedback decided to extend the event to take place over two days on a Friday and Saturday in 2012.

“The results were incredibly positive, with a fivefold increase in footfall to approximately 15,000 and great response from attendees and participants alike.

“As the event was funded by CBD, a business improvement district, it meant that the venues participating had the costs of infrastructure and equipment covered which minimised the financial impact it has to their businesses.”