LOOKING up Old Town eateries is akin to taking a round-the-world food tour in 80 seconds.

When venturing out into the area, there is Petit Paris to your left, Little Italy just two steps ahead, not to mention a minute medina and a hint of Bombay and Kingston a stone’s throw away.

With more eateries per square metre than the most cosmopolitan of cities, it is a microcosm of the best gastronomy has to offer across the globe. That is an undeniable fact.

But we have only glimpsed the tip of the iceberg.

And restaurateurs, deli owners and bakers are concocting a veritable feast for the senses with new fragrant and inventive delights at the Foods of the World Trail on June 14.

Following on from the success of last summer’s Sausage and Ale Trail, the foodie extravaganza will play to each cafe and eatery’s strengths while broadening patrons’ culinary horizons.

And every continent will be duly represented and celebrated at the fair organised by the Old Town Business Association.

"We set out last year to increase the awareness of what an amazing place Old town is and the Sausage and Ale was our first major event, apart from the Christmas lights switch on, for several years and it proved a massive success," said Jan Wojtowicz, owner of Wood Street Wellbeing Centre and vice chairman of Old Town Business Association.

"The Foods of the World was devised to show the huge range, diversity and quality of food available in Old Town. It is unique. Where else can you find such high quality independent restaurants offering such delights as Caribbean, French, Indian, Polish, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Thai, traditional British, Moroccan, Mexican within walking distance of each other as well as some fantastic quality food and wine shops?"

While Balula’s coveted hot chorizo ciabatta rolls slathered in aioli will make a welcome return at the festival, newcomers Fez will offers a few free samples.

Rays Ice Cream will also quench visitors craving with something sweet with a selection of summer flavours.

Eggelicious will also tempt foodies with a few free samples on the day.

Joining in such an extravaganza was the perfect fit for a deli serving an eclectic menu influenced by fares from four corners of the globe.

“We are about world foods anyway,” explained Eggelicious owner Ash Mistry.

“We have chicken tandoori and madras, jerk chicken and Chinese firecracker. We also do Mediterranean food. We will be doing our usual wraps inside but outside we will giving people free samples.

"I think it’s important for people to try individual flavours and make an informed choice. This is food that we already do and know. More people will be able to come and give it a try.”

At The Pantry, cakemaker Janine Doddington has taken the world theme to the letter with a special trail spread covering everything from creamy American desserts to European pastries – only stopping short of Asia.

With many coaxed out of bakers Stateside, patrons will be assured authentic recipes.

“We are going all out,” she said. “We’ve got American, Polish, English, even Welsh brown cakes. Anything that’s different appeals to me so the trail is great for us. It’s a challenge but that’s why I’m looking forward to it."

“We will have the Boston Cream Pie which is not actually a pie but a sponge with special custard and a chocolate mousse top. I go to America often and I love to get new recipes there. I go to cake shops and coffee shops and plead with them to give me their recipes. The English accent helps get what you want.

“We will be ready from 8am in the morning to make sure everything goes all right.”

As well as selling a selection of mouth-watering cupcakes, GlamRose Cakes will offer children the chance to put their creative stamp on the moist treats at a decorating class.

Blending the traditional Sunday Roast with an exotic twist, Moshan Island Grill is hoping to introduce new legions of Swindonians to its now famous lamb shanks. Those fearing for their waistlines in the midst of bikini season should feel safe in the knowledge that it could well be one of the healthiest options on the trail.

“Caribbean food is still new to a lot of people so the trail is a way for people to try it,” said owner Craig Shand. “In the summer people don’t want heavy Yorkshire pudding or sprouts so this will be our take on Sunday Roast. We cook everything fresh to order so it doesn’t have to be spicy we can tailor it to how people want it. It will be healthy and light, so with the summer coming and people watching their weight, it’s ideal.”

The Core is due to serve fresh juices on Wood Street while 20 at the Kings will offer a range of sausages.

As for The Cafe on Devizes Road, it will embrace British cuisine with baps stuffed with pulled pork marinated in cider accompanied with homemade coleslaw and barbecue sauce.

“You can get just about everything in Old Town,” said Jagoda Campbell, a partner in the business. “We will be doing British food; pulled pork baps. We don’t normally serve it but we wanted to do something different “It’s something extra to celebrate world foods.”

Arts and craft offerings will also rub tables with the food stalls lining Wood Street. Many fun activities including henna and face painting will be in store for families.

Visitors will get to peruse stalls and enjoy a welcome bite to the sounds of world music courtesy of Baila Coffee and Vinyl’s very own DJ.

“I will generally have a real street party atmosphere with maybe a few surprises thrown in,” promised Jan.

The Foods of the World Trail will run from 1pm to 6pm in and around Wood Street on Sunday, June 14. For more details visit the Swindon Old Town Events page on Facebook.