News Archive

Wallington Food and Craft Festival (October 2007)

Following on last year’s success, the second Wallington Food and Craft Festival will take place at the National Trust property in Northumberland on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October from 10.00am to 5.00pm on both days.

The festival has been organised by the National Trust in association with Northumbria Larder and Made in Cumbria. It aims to celebrate and promote local producers in the North East and Cumbria.

Wallington Hall, which is situated at Cambo, is a magnificent mansion with fine interiors and collections, set in extensive gardens and parkland. It is the largest agricultural estate in the care of the National Trust and according to Shona Hendrick, Events and Promotion Manager for the organisation, “the perfect place for such an event.”

The festival will bring together around 40 local producers selling some of the finest food and crafts produced in the North. Included will be meat from the finest breeds, chutneys, dressings, preserves, honey, traditionally-baked cakes, bread, puddings and pies, regional cheese and locally-grown fresh produce.

There will be cooking demonstrations during the day by Terry Miller, winner of ITV1 reality show, Hell’s Kitchen, and Nick Martin, Cumbrian local food champion.

Another attraction will be craft stalls, selling beautiful cards, jewellery, stained glass, beeswax candles, hand-carved wood and ceramics. These will provide some excellent ideas for Christmas gifts.

The event is free to get in and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning gardens, woodland walks, adventure play area and orienteering course. Normal admission charges apply to the house.

For more information on the festival call 01670 773600 or log onto www.nationaltrust.org.uk

JOINT SUCCESS FOR THE MAXWELLS AND THE ROBSONS (October 2007)

Two of north Northumberland’s most successful food producers have proved they make a formidable combination by winning the joint silver award for best UK Food Product in the Taste of Britain Awards promoted by the Daily Telegraph and sponsored by Sainsbury’s.

Wooler-based Doddington Dairy Ice Cream, run by the Maxwell family, and Chain Bridge Honey, from the Robsons’ honey farm at Horncliffe on the Tweed, created the unique Heather Honey Ice Cream that wowed the judges of one of the country’s most prestigious food competitions.

Jackie Maxwell, who produces Doddington Dairy Ice Cream with her husband Neill, was understandably proud of both their prize and their product. “The honey gives the ice cream a very distinctive flavour, sophisticated and complex, yet natural, “ she said. “It’s hand made, very similar to the way you’d make ice cream at home. We use milk from our own cows and we don’t use any additives or colouring. The final addition is Willie Robson’s honey, just before it’s frozen.”

Jackie is also proud of the links Doddington has with local producers, such as Willie. “We couldn’t produce ice creams that don’t involve partnerships like this. Fortunately, Northumberland has so many to choose from. When we work together like this, we put both ourselves and the region on the map.” Doddington’s other local flavours include Alnwick Rum Truffle, Newcastle Brown Ale and Pineapple Sage, produced specially for The Sage in Gateshead.

The Maxwell family’s 1,100-acre dairy farm in the foothills of the Cheviots isn’t far from the Robson spread near the famous Union Chain Bridge which links England and Scotland. The ice cream business employs six full-time employees and Robsons’ honey farm gives work to 15 people, including Willie, his wife Daphne, son Stephen and daughters Heather and Frances.

For both these Border businesses, the Taste of Britain recognition is the latest in a long line of awards for creating top quality produce that stands comparison with any in the country.

NORTH FARM TO PRODUCE KOBE BEEF – IN “QUEST FOR THE BEST” (September 2007)

In his self-styled quest for the best, Steve Ramshaw, a successful organic beef farmer/producer in north Northumberland, has imported from Canada selected embryos of rare Wagyu cattle to produce the highly sought -after Kobe beef, probably the most expensive in the world. Steve, who farms Monkridge Hill Farm, near Otterburn, will be one of the first farmers in the UK to produce the beef, which he hopes to start selling late next year through his meat marketing business, Northumbrian Quality Meats, to top restaurants, speciality food shops and his butcher’s shop within the Fenwick food hall in Newcastle upon Tyne.

HEALTHY HEATHER CROP COMES TO THE RESCUE OF WILLIE’S BEES (September 2007)

A surprisingly good crop of heather in the hills of north Northumberland and the Scottish Borders has come to the rescue of millions of honey bees after 10 weeks of rain stopped their foraging in fields and gardens and left some of them starving, according to one of the North’s leading commercial beekeepers.

Willie Robson, who runs Chain Bridge Honey Farm at Horncliffe, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, and keeps around 2,000 bee colonies within a 40-mile radius of the farm, said the wet weather through late June, July and into August, had confined the bees to their hives where, in many cases, they ate the honey they had collected in order to survive. Willie and his son Stephen also had to provide some of the bees with food to keep them alive.

Willie said better weather in late August had enabled the bees to make the most of a surprisingly good crop of heather, which had benefited from all the rain that had fallen earlier in the summer. As a result hives were bursting with honey and it looked as though the farm would end up with about half the normal year’s production instead of the wipe-out that was feared at one stage. “Summers like this happen around here about once every ten years, and it is also very significant that wasps have had their worst year for a decade,” said Willie Robson.

Willie added that plants other than heather which had helped keep the bees alive were field beans, lime, ragwort, thistle and Himalayan balsam. “These will also have kept many other insects alive, including butterflies.”

Previous good summers have enabled the farm to build up a reserve of many tonnes of honey, sales of which have reached record levels this year, through 350 retail outlets, the farm’s popular visitor centre, farmers’ markets, trade shows, and a new website launched earlier this year which has increased on-line trading.

The family business, which was started by Willie’s father, William Selby Robson, in 1948, employs 15 people, including Willie and his wife Daphne, son Stephen and daughters Heather and Frances.


A Tale of Two Cheeses (August 2007)

Doddington Dairy, which is now one of the North East’s best known speciality food brands, has launched two new semi-soft cheeses, Admiral Colllingwood and The Baltic, believed to be the first of their kind in the region.

Cheese-maker Margaret Ann Maxwell has spent many hours developing the cheeses which are produced on the Maxwell family farm near Wooler in north Northumberland.

Admiral Collingwood is a celebrated son of the North East and Doddington Dairy has launched the cheese in his honour. It is full flavoured, made from unpasteurised milk and been given a distinctive edge from being washed in Newcastle Brown Ale.

The Baltic is not named after the distinguished building on Gateshead Quayside but the Liverpool Baltic Summer Ale it is washed in. However, there is now a strong North East association with the Baltic, which should help the cause of the new cheese.

The 1.5 kilo cheeses take up to four months to mature which includes regular washings in the two well-known ales.

Margaret Ann, who has made cheeses for the past 17 years, says there are very few cheeses like these on the market because they need special care. In her case, it has taken over three years and several visits to France to get them just right.
Doddington Dairy is perhaps better known for its ice cream but its unpasteurised cheese is very popular with cheese aficionados and the two new brands, Admiral Collingwood and The Baltic, are an attractive addition to its range.

TRIPLE GOLD FOR DODDINGTON CHEESES (August 2007)

A north Northumberland cheesemaker who entered the famous Nantwich International Cheese Show for the first time, has staggered the dairy industry by winning three gold awards and a silver for her entries, including picking up the Sainsbury Trophy for the best new dairy product to be launched commercially in the UK in the past year.

Click here for recipes from the Teesdale Food Festival 21/22 July

Gilchester OrganicsGILCHESTERS ORGANICS WIN “BEST STAND” AWARD AT HARROGATE (July 2007)

Northumberland organic farmers, Sybille and Andrew Wilkinson, from Gilchesters Organics Farm, two miles north of Hadrian’s Wall, had another notable success recently. They won the award for the exhibition stand that most represented artisan food at the Harrogate Speciality and Fine Food Fair. Their stand demonstrated how they are growing and milling organic wheat to create a range of specialist flours.

NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL FOOD AND DRINK INDUSTRY
(July 2007)


A newly-formed consortium aims to transform North East England’s food and drink economy after being awarded a £2 million, four-year contract with regional development agency, One NorthEast.

The new Regional Food Group led by Northumbria Larder in partnership with North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and Improve, will be responsible for assisting businesses, increasing consumer awareness and availability of a wide range of quality regional and local produce, and delivering significant growth in regionally-produced food and drink sales.

A MUCH WIDER NET FOR SMOKED SWALLOW FISH (June 2007)

The growing influx of visitors to the Northumberland coastal resort of Seahouses has seen a soaring demand for herring and salmon smoked in the traditional way in the 19th century smoke houses of Swallow Fish Limited, a family business run by ex-fisherman Patrick Wilkin and his wife Karen.

AN INVITATION TO MEET FREE RANGE, RARE BREED PIGS (June 2007)

One of the North’s most family-friendly organic farms is to hold an Open Day on Sunday, June 10, following the success of a similar event last year.

G & S Organics, of Rock Midstead Farm, five miles north of Alnwick just off the A1, have arranged a six-hour programme of activities to keep adults and children happy and better informed about life down on the farm.

Recipes: Wild Rabbit Tagliatelle and Burtree House Chicken and Sage Sausage

Recipes: Baked Cod Loin and Lamb Loin with Quenelles of Beetroot

SEAFIELD RESTAURANT GIVES EVEN MORE SUPPORT TO LOCAL PRODUCE (June 2007)

Since chef Sam Brown took over the Seafield Restaurant in Seahouses, Northumberland, in 2002 local produce has always had a place on his menu.

But as he has got to know the remarkable variety of seafood, meat, vegetables and dairy products available practically on his doorstep, he has decided to build his 2007 menu around the use of more local, speciality produce.

NORTH EAST FOOD PRODUCERS MAKE AN IMPRESSION IN LONDON (May 2007)

Six North East food producers favourably impressed some of the country’s largest retailers and food wholesalers during the recent IFE (International Food and Drink Event) in London.

All six took part under the banner of Northumbria Larder, the North East food group, whose representatives who gave them practical support and advice during the show, and helped them with introductions.

For some exhibitors it was their first taste of IFE which is a showcase for produce and a magnet for some of the biggest names in the ever-expanding world of food and drink.

Dan May, who runs Trees Can’t Dance at Coanwood, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, probably summed up the feelings of the North East group when he said: “IFE was fantastic for us. Basically, we saw everyone we wanted to see, including some of the country’s biggest food producers and some really big importers from abroad who were visiting the exhibition. Northumbria Larder did a really good job. The stand was excellent and the back-up support very positive. We attracted a lot of interest and did a lot of talking to potential customers.” Dan’s business grows over 60 varieties of chillies for handmade chilli sauces, powders and spices.

Sybille Wilkinson, of Gilchesters Organics, Stamfordham, Northumberland, said she and her husband Andrew were “overwhelmed” by all the interest shown in their organic stone ground flour, from wholesalers, upmarket delis and bread bakers. “We had a fantastic briefing from the Northumbria Larder representatives,” she said.

The other North East producers who took part were: March Hare Foods, of Newtown Aycliffe, County Durham, who produce upmarket ready meals of meat and game; The Redemption Food Company Limited, Consett, County Durham,makers of fresh soups and sauces for the food services market; Artisan Foods, Blaydon, Newcastle, producers of Beckleberry’s luxury ice creams, real fruit sorbets and handmade desserts; and Tanfield Food Company, Consett, creators of Look What We Found brand of almost-ready meals.

The Northumbria Larder management team who attended the event and supported the producers were general manager Sandy Duncan, business development manager Jim Simpson and events co-ordinator Gareth Hankinson.

Recipes for Wear Valley Food festival by Nick Martin

BOXING CLEVER WITH FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE (April 2007)

Locally-grown organic produce, including fresh meat, milk and vegetables, is now winging its way around Newcastle, Sunderland, Morpeth and Hexham, thanks to a regular weekly box service set up by a new family-run business on Tyneside.

Tracy and Ken Holland, who until recently ran a farm shop at High Gosforth Park, have decided their future lies in meeting the growing public demand for top quality organic food delivered direct to a customer’s own door or left for collection at local food stores. [more]

WEARDALE SOUP COMPANY FEATURES IN THE DALES DIARY
(March 2007)

A former pub manageress who switched to making home-made soup in a County Durham cottage only two years ago, has been so successful she is to feature in the next series of the ITV Tyne Tees award-winning programme, The Dales Diary.

 

UKTV Local Food Hero 2007 (August 2007)

For the second year, Gary Rhodes and UKTV Food are conducting a national search to discover Britain’s ultimate food champion, and again they are looking for nominations for Local Food Hero. The awards celebrate home-grown, local success stories, covering everything from enterprising farm shops and tea rooms to bakers, butchers and ice cream makers.

Last year Northumberland organic farmer/producer Steve Ramshaw was crowned Local Food Hero for the North East, selected from eight regional finalists. Steve farms at West Woodburn, near Otterburn, and the judges were impressed by the quality of his meat and his principles on animal welfare and husbandry. He markets his produce through Northumbrian Quality Meats.

Already, this year, competition is hotting up and several regional food producers are encouraging their customers to vote for them as their Local Food Hero 2007.

UKTV state that to nominate, vote and review your favourite food business, simply log on to www.uktvfood.co.uk. Voting ends on August 20 when the final shortlist is announced. The competition will be the subject of an absorbing 11-part TV series in November with the winner receiving a cash award of £40,000 to invest in his or her business.

NEW MARKETS FOR NORTH EAST PRODUCE (APRIL 2007)

Three new produce markets opening in the region this year will give farmers and producers a closer link to customers.

On the third Friday of each month, from this April, Brocksbushes Farm, off the large A69 roundabout near Corbridge, Northumberland, will be holding a country market. This is a new venture for the company, well-known for its pick-your-own fields and farm shop. The early signs are that the new market will be a success. Already, over 20 stallholders have been signed up, many of them members of Northumbria Larder, the North East regional food group.

Amanda Pigg, who organises the market, said: “We have an excellent location with vehicles being able to park next door to the stalls. We think this is a big attraction for the food suppliers and their customers. They are sometimes restricted to what they can carry at other markets because of the distance to car parks.” Producers wishing to book a stall at Brocksbushes should contact Amanda on 01434 633100. Market opening times are from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Two new produce markets will be running at Bellingham, Northumberland, and Middleton-in-Teesdale, also from April.

North Tyne Country Kitchen are organising a bi-monthly market at Bellingham Town Hall. Dates are Saturday, April 21 and thereafter on June 16, August 11, October 20 and December 15, all Saturdays. Producers wishing to book a table should contact Christine Downie on 07704 558172. Market opening times are between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

Middleton Plus are arranging a new local producers’ market on the last Sunday of each month from April 29 until October, in the centre of the village. For further information contact Lucy Jenkins on 01833 641000.

The Living North Spring Fair (April 2007)

Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park, will be the venue for the Living North Spring Fair, Spring into Summer 2007, between Friday, April 20 and Sunday, April 22 (inclusive).

Over 125 exhibitors will be showcasing fine living for the discerning shopper, featuring inspirational ideas for the home and garden.

Northumbria Larder, the North East Regional Food Group, will be sponsoring a food hall and a special marquee to include demonstrations by some of the region’s foremost chefs.

On Friday and Saturday the fair will be open from 10.30am to 5.00pm and on Sunday between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Admission is £5 by advance booking or £7 on the door.

Further details from 01434 609933 or www.livingnorthfair.com

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD FOOD FESTIVAL (April 2007)

As part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s programme of events for 2007, the organisation is staging a food and drink festival in April.

EAT ! will run from April 6-15 with an interesting mix of events aimed at celebrating the very best food and drink the region has to offer. It also hopes to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and build connections with local schools, community groups and catering colleges.

Click here for recipes from the Teesdale Food Festival 21/22 July

TANFIELD FOOD COMPANY MOVES INTO VIRGIN TERRITORY
(April 2007)

Gourmet convenience food producer Tanfield Food Company, of Hownsgill Park, Consett, County Durham, has taken another important step forward with an order from Virgin to supply its restaurant-quality meals to the company’s trains.
At the same time Tanfield is piloting a project with Bunzl, the UK’s largest independent vending operator, for its convenience meals to be made available in vending machines in offices and canteens.

The company, co-founded by Keith Gill and Roger McKechnie, is continually looking for new outlets for its Look What We Found brand, which is described as deliciously different, almost-ready meals for busy people.

Each single portion dish is chef-created from prime ingredients carefully sourced from small specialist producers and is ready to heat, garnish and serve as a restaurant quality meal, with the customer able to add his or her favourite accompaniment.

Such has been its progress,Tanfield, a member of Northumbria Larder, employs about 40 staff and sells its growing range of products through more than 1,200 outlets across the UK.

Keith and Roger are probably best remembered as the joint founders of Derwent Valley Foods, makers of the Phileas Fogg brand of snacks. They sold the business to United Biscuits in 1993.

Clearly they are two men who have found a winning food formula, once again.

WILLIE’S BEES FIND A NEW WEBSITE  (March 2007)

Willie Robson’s honey bees are currently taking things easy in their winter quarters in sheltered parts of north Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, but in the meantime Willie, of Chain Bridge Honey Farm, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, has commissioned a new website to sell the farm’s impressive quantity of honey and its by-products following a rich harvest last year.

FESTIVAL OF FOOD AND WINE AT JESMOND DENE HOUSE (February 2007)

Innovative cooking, inspired food and talented chefs are just some of the ingredients at an ambitious food and wine festival to be held at Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle from Sunday, April 8 to Monday, April 16.

The festival is a great opportunity to show off the region’s top quality produce as well as celebrating its growing importance on Britain’s gastronomic map. Newcastle was recently named as one of the top 10 cities in which to dine outside of London, with Jesmond Dene House voted top restaurant in North East England.

RECORD SALES FOR NORTH EAST SUPPLIERS TO ASDA (January 2007)

Local suppliers to Asda, the North East’s largest supermarket with 20 stores,  achieved record sales in the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

Sales of 70 product lines supplied by 28 companies exceeded £30,000 a week compared with last year’s Christmas record of £25,000

 

 

Gilchester OrganicsGILCHESTERS ORGANICS WIN “BEST STAND” AWARD AT HARROGATE (July 2007)

Northumberland organic farmers, Sybille and Andrew Wilkinson, from Gilchesters Organics Farm, two miles north of Hadrian’s Wall, had another notable success recently. They won the award for the exhibition stand that most represented artisan food at the Harrogate Speciality and Fine Food Fair. Their stand demonstrated how they are growing and milling organic wheat to create a range of specialist flours.

NEW PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL FOOD AND DRINK INDUSTRY
(July 2007)


A newly-formed consortium aims to transform North East England’s food and drink economy after being awarded a £2 million, four-year contract with regional development agency, One NorthEast.

The new Regional Food Group led by Northumbria Larder in partnership with North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and Improve, will be responsible for assisting businesses, increasing consumer awareness and availability of a wide range of quality regional and local produce, and delivering significant growth in regionally-produced food and drink sales.

A MUCH WIDER NET FOR SMOKED SWALLOW FISH (June 2007)

The growing influx of visitors to the Northumberland coastal resort of Seahouses has seen a soaring demand for herring and salmon smoked in the traditional way in the 19th century smoke houses of Swallow Fish Limited, a family business run by ex-fisherman Patrick Wilkin and his wife Karen.

AN INVITATION TO MEET FREE RANGE, RARE BREED PIGS (June 2007)

One of the North’s most family-friendly organic farms is to hold an Open Day on Sunday, June 10, following the success of a similar event last year.

G & S Organics, of Rock Midstead Farm, five miles north of Alnwick just off the A1, have arranged a six-hour programme of activities to keep adults and children happy and better informed about life down on the farm.

Recipes: Wild Rabbit Tagliatelle and Burtree House Chicken and Sage Sausage

Recipes: Baked Cod Loin and Lamb Loin with Quenelles of Beetroot

SEAFIELD RESTAURANT GIVES EVEN MORE SUPPORT TO LOCAL PRODUCE (June 2007)

Since chef Sam Brown took over the Seafield Restaurant in Seahouses, Northumberland, in 2002 local produce has always had a place on his menu.

But as he has got to know the remarkable variety of seafood, meat, vegetables and dairy products available practically on his doorstep, he has decided to build his 2007 menu around the use of more local, speciality produce.

NORTH EAST FOOD PRODUCERS MAKE AN IMPRESSION IN LONDON (May 2007)

Six North East food producers favourably impressed some of the country’s largest retailers and food wholesalers during the recent IFE (International Food and Drink Event) in London.

All six took part under the banner of Northumbria Larder, the North East food group, whose representatives who gave them practical support and advice during the show, and helped them with introductions.

For some exhibitors it was their first taste of IFE which is a showcase for produce and a magnet for some of the biggest names in the ever-expanding world of food and drink.

Dan May, who runs Trees Can’t Dance at Coanwood, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, probably summed up the feelings of the North East group when he said: “IFE was fantastic for us. Basically, we saw everyone we wanted to see, including some of the country’s biggest food producers and some really big importers from abroad who were visiting the exhibition. Northumbria Larder did a really good job. The stand was excellent and the back-up support very positive. We attracted a lot of interest and did a lot of talking to potential customers.” Dan’s business grows over 60 varieties of chillies for handmade chilli sauces, powders and spices.

Sybille Wilkinson, of Gilchesters Organics, Stamfordham, Northumberland, said she and her husband Andrew were “overwhelmed” by all the interest shown in their organic stone ground flour, from wholesalers, upmarket delis and bread bakers. “We had a fantastic briefing from the Northumbria Larder representatives,” she said.

The other North East producers who took part were: March Hare Foods, of Newtown Aycliffe, County Durham, who produce upmarket ready meals of meat and game; The Redemption Food Company Limited, Consett, County Durham,makers of fresh soups and sauces for the food services market; Artisan Foods, Blaydon, Newcastle, producers of Beckleberry’s luxury ice creams, real fruit sorbets and handmade desserts; and Tanfield Food Company, Consett, creators of Look What We Found brand of almost-ready meals.

The Northumbria Larder management team who attended the event and supported the producers were general manager Sandy Duncan, business development manager Jim Simpson and events co-ordinator Gareth Hankinson.

NEW MARKETS FOR NORTH EAST PRODUCE (APRIL 2007)

Three new produce markets opening in the region this year will give farmers and producers a closer link to customers.

On the third Friday of each month, from this April, Brocksbushes Farm, off the large A69 roundabout near Corbridge, Northumberland, will be holding a country market. This is a new venture for the company, well-known for its pick-your-own fields and farm shop. The early signs are that the new market will be a success. Already, over 20 stallholders have been signed up, many of them members of Northumbria Larder, the North East regional food group.

Amanda Pigg, who organises the market, said: “We have an excellent location with vehicles being able to park next door to the stalls. We think this is a big attraction for the food suppliers and their customers. They are sometimes restricted to what they can carry at other markets because of the distance to car parks.” Producers wishing to book a stall at Brocksbushes should contact Amanda on 01434 633100. Market opening times are from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Two new produce markets will be running at Bellingham, Northumberland, and Middleton-in-Teesdale, also from April.

North Tyne Country Kitchen are organising a bi-monthly market at Bellingham Town Hall. Dates are Saturday, April 21 and thereafter on June 16, August 11, October 20 and December 15, all Saturdays. Producers wishing to book a table should contact Christine Downie on 07704 558172. Market opening times are between 10.00am and 3.00pm.

Middleton Plus are arranging a new local producers’ market on the last Sunday of each month from April 29 until October, in the centre of the village. For further information contact Lucy Jenkins on 01833 641000.

The Living North Spring Fair (April 2007)

Newcastle Racecourse, Gosforth Park, will be the venue for the Living North Spring Fair, Spring into Summer 2007, between Friday, April 20 and Sunday, April 22 (inclusive).

Over 125 exhibitors will be showcasing fine living for the discerning shopper, featuring inspirational ideas for the home and garden.

Northumbria Larder, the North East Regional Food Group, will be sponsoring a food hall and a special marquee to include demonstrations by some of the region’s foremost chefs.

On Friday and Saturday the fair will be open from 10.30am to 5.00pm and on Sunday between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Admission is £5 by advance booking or £7 on the door.

Further details from 01434 609933 or www.livingnorthfair.com

Recipes for Wear Valley Food festival by Nick Martin

NEWCASTLEGATESHEAD FOOD FESTIVAL (April 2007)

As part of NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s programme of events for 2007, the organisation is staging a food and drink festival in April.

EAT ! will run from April 6-15 with an interesting mix of events aimed at celebrating the very best food and drink the region has to offer. It also hopes to raise the profile of the hospitality industry and build connections with local schools, community groups and catering colleges.

BOXING CLEVER WITH FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE (April 2007)

Locally-grown organic produce, including fresh meat, milk and vegetables, is now winging its way around Newcastle, Sunderland, Morpeth and Hexham, thanks to a regular weekly box service set up by a new family-run business on Tyneside.

Tracy and Ken Holland, who until recently ran a farm shop at High Gosforth Park, have decided their future lies in meeting the growing public demand for top quality organic food delivered direct to a customer’s own door or left for collection at local food stores. [more]

TANFIELD FOOD COMPANY MOVES INTO VIRGIN TERRITORY
(April 2007)

Gourmet convenience food producer Tanfield Food Company, of Hownsgill Park, Consett, County Durham, has taken another important step forward with an order from Virgin to supply its restaurant-quality meals to the company’s trains.
At the same time Tanfield is piloting a project with Bunzl, the UK’s largest independent vending operator, for its convenience meals to be made available in vending machines in offices and canteens.

The company, co-founded by Keith Gill and Roger McKechnie, is continually looking for new outlets for its Look What We Found brand, which is described as deliciously different, almost-ready meals for busy people.

Each single portion dish is chef-created from prime ingredients carefully sourced from small specialist producers and is ready to heat, garnish and serve as a restaurant quality meal, with the customer able to add his or her favourite accompaniment.

Such has been its progress,Tanfield, a member of Northumbria Larder, employs about 40 staff and sells its growing range of products through more than 1,200 outlets across the UK.

Keith and Roger are probably best remembered as the joint founders of Derwent Valley Foods, makers of the Phileas Fogg brand of snacks. They sold the business to United Biscuits in 1993.

Clearly they are two men who have found a winning food formula, once again.

WILLIE’S BEES FIND A NEW WEBSITE  (March 2007)

Willie Robson’s honey bees are currently taking things easy in their winter quarters in sheltered parts of north Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, but in the meantime Willie, of Chain Bridge Honey Farm, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, has commissioned a new website to sell the farm’s impressive quantity of honey and its by-products following a rich harvest last year.

WEARDALE SOUP COMPANY FEATURES IN THE DALES DIARY
(March 2007)

A former pub manageress who switched to making home-made soup in a County Durham cottage only two years ago, has been so successful she is to feature in the next series of the ITV Tyne Tees award-winning programme, The Dales Diary.

FESTIVAL OF FOOD AND WINE AT JESMOND DENE HOUSE (February 2007)

Innovative cooking, inspired food and talented chefs are just some of the ingredients at an ambitious food and wine festival to be held at Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle from Sunday, April 8 to Monday, April 16.

The festival is a great opportunity to show off the region’s top quality produce as well as celebrating its growing importance on Britain’s gastronomic map. Newcastle was recently named as one of the top 10 cities in which to dine outside of London, with Jesmond Dene House voted top restaurant in North East England.

RECORD SALES FOR NORTH EAST SUPPLIERS TO ASDA (January 2007)

Local suppliers to Asda, the North East’s largest supermarket with 20 stores,  achieved record sales in the weeks leading up to Christmas. 

Sales of 70 product lines supplied by 28 companies exceeded £30,000 a week compared with last year’s Christmas record of £25,000

STEVE RAMSHAW CROWNED ‘LOCAL FOOD HERO’ FOR THE NORTH EAST REGION (December 2006)

North Northumberland organic farmer/producer Steve Ramshaw was recently crowned Local Food Hero for the North East in a contest run on national television by UKTV Food channel.

Recipes from Living North Christmas Fair

EXTRA VIRGIN OIL FROM NORTHUMBERLAND (December 2006)

A group of farmers from north Northumberland have launched their own brand of extra virgin oil, Oleifera, made from rape seed.

The new product is a cold-pressed culinary oil which is not only home-produced but is much healthier than its Mediterranean rivals, according to its makers.

PUMPHREYS COFFEE OPEN TRAINING CENTRE AND NEW FACTORY SHOP AT BLAYDON (December 2006)

Since 1750 the name Pumphreys has been synonymous in the North East with the roasting of fine coffees and the business has built on its firm foundations with the completion of a £100,000 development, including a purpose-built training facility for customers and a new extended factory shop, which opened in November at the factory and roasting rooms, Bridge Street, Blaydon.

2NORTHUMBRIA LARDER’S NEW CHAIRMAN (November 2006)

Northumbria Larder, the North East of England Regional Food Group, announces the appointment of Jack Jeffery, CBE, as its new Chairman.

A distinguished figure in the water industry and public health sector nationally and internationally, Mr Jeffery was educated at Stanley Grammar School, County Durham, and King’s College, Newcastle, in the University of Durham. He graduated with a B.Sc in Chemistry and Bacteriology and an M.Sc in Applied Science.

Recipes from Wallington Food & Craft Festival

Herding Hill Farm Shop in Northumberland Now Selling Rare Meats (November 2006)

A new Northumberland farm shop and coffee shop selling rare Dexter beef, Berkshire pork and Shropshire lamb has opened its doors to the public for the first time.

Farmers Charles and Debbie Rayson have realised a long-held ambition to have a shop window for their own top quality meats by launching Herding Hill Farm Shop and Coffee Shop on Shield Hill between Haltwhistle and the Military Road . The shop is open six days a week, closing only on Mondays.

DURHAM RAIL CHEF WINS GNER CHEF OF THE YEAR COMPETITION (OCTOBER 2006)

Durham chef David Buchanan has been named GNER Chef of the Year by celebrity chefs Paul Rankin and Nick Nairn.

David, making his third appearance in the final, beat off strong competition from chefs from Edinburgh , Leeds and London Kings Cross to win the annual Chef of the Year competition, which forms part of the York Festival of Food and Drink.

Ramshaw Takes Over Fenwick Butcher’s Shop (October 2006)

Well-known north Northumberland farmer, Steve Ramshaw, whose long-held ambition has been to bring the very best organic and traditional meats from the Northern hills to consumers in the region's towns and cities, has taken a big step forward by taking over the butcher's shop in Fenwick's Food Hall in Northumberland Street, Newcastle.

Rich Haul Of Great Taste Awards For North East Food Producers
(October 2006)

North East food producers have excelled themselves at this year's Great Taste Awards in London by winning no fewer than 36 gold, silver and bronze certificates in the prestigious competition to find the country's finest food.

BORDER FARM IS BRITAIN’S ‘MOST BEAUTIFUL’ (OCTOBER 2006)

A north Northumberland farm in the Till Valley, eight miles west of Berwick and three miles from the Scottish Border, is Britain’s ‘Most Beautiful Farm’.

Tiptoe Farm, run by husband-and-wife Anthony and Lucy Carroll, who specialise in growing gourmet heritage potatoes, is outright winner of a competition organised by Bayer Crop Science and Farm Life magazine.

Lanchester Dairies Rises To The Top

Two North East farming brothers who gave up milking their own cows about five years ago to concentrate on their expanding milk processing business, have reason to feel pleased with their decision.

Local Food Sales Top £1 million in Asda's North East stores (August 2006)

The demand for locally-produced food in Asda's 20 North East stores has shot up in recent months and sales are now running at over £1 million a year, according to Northumbria Larder, the regional food group.

Chef's Recipes from Durham County Show 2006 (PDF)

Pride of Northumbria's Happy First Anniversary (August 2006)

The first year of a new business can be fraught with problems, but Rebecca de'Wessington is delighted to report that the hamper company she set up in July 2005, Pride of Northumbria, has exceeded her expectations and looks like being a permanent feature of the North East Food and Drink industry.


UKTV Food launch national search

UKTV Food has launched a national search to discover Britain's ultimate local food champion and two Northumbria Larder members' businesses are in the running for the award.

NORTH CHEESEMAKER FINDS CHEESE FACTORY IN THE AZORES
(July 2006)


Well-known North cheesemaker Mark Robertson is safely back at his desk after spending four exciting weeks crossing the Atlantic as one of a four-man crew aboard a 50-ft Bermudan sloop.

Chefs demonstrations and recipes at Northumberland County Show 2006

THE DAY THE DUKE MET "THE MAD PIEMAN" FROM COUNTY DURHAM

2It is not every day you get Royalty popping in to see you, but well-known County Durham pie-maker Ian Grainger, popularly known as "The Mad Pieman" is £6.50 better off as a result of a recent, unexpected encounter with the Duke of Edinburgh.

MORE DELICIOUS DELIGHTS FROM DODDINGTON DAIRY (MAY 2006)

Doddington Dairy, based on the Maxwell family farm near Wooler in north Northumberland, continues to develop its highly successful range of ice creams.

NORTHUMBERLAND-BRED PORK ON MENU AT “BEST RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD” (April 2006)

Rare breed pork produced at a small pig farm in north Northumberland is now a feature each week on the menu at The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, a three star Michelin restaurant run by Heston Blumenthal. It was voted the “Best Restaurant in the World” in 2005 in a list of the world’s top 50 dining establishments compiled by Restaurant magazine.

NORTH’S OWN RANGE OF ORGANIC READY MEALS NOW ON SALE (April 2006)

One of the North’s leading organic farmer producers and an innovative Tyneside chef have created a new range of high quality organic ready meals, which are now on sale in the region.

Northumberland hill farmer Steve Ramshaw, who has won national awards for the quality of his organic beef and lamb, has launched the new range, which comprises the finest local organic ingredients, through his marketing company, Northumbrian Quality Meats Limited.

 

MORWICK FARM GETS READY TO RE-OPEN ICE CREAM PARLOUR (March 2006)

With Easter just around the corner, farmer producers Michael and Angie Howie are busily preparing for the re-opening of their ice cream parlour for the fourth season at Morwick Farm, near Warkworth, in north Northumberland.

GLENDALE SHOW’S FUTURE SECURED (March 2006)

The future of one of Northumberland’s oldest agricultural societies at Wooler has been secured, thanks to an £85,000 grant.

NORTHUMBRIA LARDER MEMBERS HELP PROMOTE NORTH EAST TOURISM (February 2006)

Northumbria Larder members Doddington Dairy and Chain Bridge Honey Farm are among local businesses enlisted to help promote North East England as a tourism destination across Europe over the next couple of months.

LOCAL PRODUCE FEATURES IN FENWICK’S BREAKFAST PROMOTION (February 2006)

Sausages, bacon, cereal, milk, honey, and speciality breads, all produced by Northumbria Larder members, featured strongly in a recent breakfast promotion at Fenwick’s Food Hall in Northumberland Street, Newcastle.

GREAT NEWS FOR NORTH EAST FOOD AND DRINK SECTOR
(January 2006)

The North East food and drink market received a great boost at the year's end with the news that One NorthEast, the regional development agency, has committed over £1 million to the development of this important sector.

ONE has awarded the funds to the North East Regional Food Group, Northumbria Larder, which was set up in 2002 with support from One NorthEast, the Countryside Agency, Defra and Food from Britain.

HUMBLE PICKLE GETS A MARKETING MAKEOVER (January 2006)

A long-time favourite accompaniment with fish and chips, ploughman's lunches and Christmas leftovers, Ross's Pickles, of Newburn, Newcastle, has raised the humble pickle to a more sophisticated level by introducing its Gourmet Range.

ALNWICK'S TREEHOUSE RESTAURANT IS THE 'TOPS' (January 2006)

Even before Christmas Richard Sim had much to celebrate. The executive chef at The Alnwick Garden was not only invited to write a regular monthly column for the Northumberland Gazette newspaper, but the quality of food and service he presides over at The Treehouse restaurant within the garden's grounds received almost totally unqualified praise from one of the nation's severest restaurant critics.

THOMSONS BAKERY MAKES DOUGH FROM TV SHOWS (December 2005)

After winning nearly £25,000 on Noel Edmonds’s new big money guessing game, Deal or No Deal, on Channel 4, Specialist baker Jan Thomson returned home to Newcastle to find husband Ian had been lined up to make an appearance on Gordon Ramsey’s F Word series on the same channel on Thursday, December 8th. As Jan is also invited, this will be her third appearance on national television this year. In March, she and Ian featured in BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook with chef/presenter Ainsley Harriot.

THE CHRISTMAS RUSH THAT STARTED IN JUNE (December 2005)

Hilary Jenkins and Ann Hustwit began preparing for the Christmas rush as long ago as June. And by the beginning of December the partners in Jenkins and Hustwit Limited, of Bishop Auckland, had baked and despatched thousands of Christmas cakes and puddings for customers in an area stretching from Perthshire to the south coast.

2ANN-LOUISE GETS TO KNOW THE SCORE ON MAKING AND SELLING CHEESE (December 2005)

To meet the growing demand for its produce the Northumberland Cheese Company Limited, of Blagdon, near Morpeth, has appointed 23-year-old Ann-Louise Roper, of Blyth, as trainee retail manager.

WILLIES BEES SETTLE DOWN FOR LONG, HARD WINTER (December 2005)

Probably the most prolific food producers in the region are Willie Robson’s honey bees at Chain Bridge Honey Farm at Horncliffe, near Berwick. After an industrious summer amid the heather clad hills of north Northumberland and on the other side of the Border, the bees are currently being moved in their hives to more sheltered spots away from the cold winds.

2

REBECCA'S "PRIDE OF NORTHUMBRIA" HAMPERS GO DOWN A TREAT (November 2005)

Rebecca de'Wessington is a mother of four who has taken to self-employment with such conviction and gusto that she is already being tipped as a future North East Businesswoman of the Year by business experts. Her new business, Pride of Northumbria, specialises in luxury hampers filled with the best of Northumbria produce, particularly food and drink, and already the signs are that there is a great demand for the service she has just launched, aimed at the top end of the market.


AWARD-WINNING MEAT PRODUCERS JOIN THE A66 AT GRETA BRIDGE (November 2005)

One of County Durham's most successful meat producers has opened a new butchery shop at Thorpe Farm Peel House, near Greta Bridge, County Durham, on the A66.

Matthew and Tracy Betney, of Broom Mill Farm, West Auckland, accepted an invitation from Paul Barkes, who runs the Thorpe Farm complex, to open their own shop alongside his existing retail and catering business which began life as a deli and farm shop four years ago.

2HADRIAN CONNECTION HELPS SALES OF NORTH EAST'S PREMIER CHEESES (November 2005)

Emperor Hadrian's historic connection with the North East certainly helped Northumberland's only two commercial cheesemakers when they took part recently in the world's premier cheese festival at Bra in Northern Italy

NORTH EAST FOOD’S FINEST HOUR

In years to come, September 2005 will almost certainly be remembered as the month Northumbria Larder put the region’s food producers firmly on the national map, according to Sandy Duncan, the organisation’s director of business development.

Not only did one of the regional food group’s members carry off the entire major awards at the Great Taste Awards in London, ten others have done the North East proud at prestigious food fairs and promotions in the nation’s capital.

HARRODS IN A PICKLE OVER ROSS’S GOURMET RANGE

Ross’s Pickles have been chosen to feature as part of the Harrods ‘Truly British’ storewide promotion, a showcase of the best of British at the world famous department store in London. The well known fourth generation Newcastle-upon-Tyne based food company are the only pickle manufacturer to be selected and will be amongst a wealth of British food companies whose products will line the shelves of the famous food halls from 5th September to 15th October.

HIGH PROTEIN BEEFJERKY IS PRODUCED IN NORTHUMBERLAND (October 2005)

A healthy meat snack largely associated with Wild West cowboys is set to be launched nationally in the UK by a small firm of food producers in rural Northumberland.

Recipes from the Glendale Show now online! [Click here for recipes]

 

MIRELLA WORKS HER MAGIC WITH OILS AND DRESSINGS

Her strong Italian family roots have provided the inspiration for Mirella Graham’s superb range of oils and dressings which are attracting great interest from North East chefs and restaurateurs. And now the Mason and Graham business which is run from Mirella’s home in Low Fell, Gateshead , has made an arrangement with Oldfield’s Restaurant in Jesmond to use her oils and dressings in a novel way.

CELEBRITY STATUS FOR IAN AND JAN (MAY 2005)

An appearance on BBC2’s Ready Steady Cook programme in March followed by publicity in the Evening Chronicle, Newcastle , in April has brought near-celebrity status to husband-and-wife bakers Ian and Jan Thomson.

NEW WEBSITE A BOON TO REGIONAL FOOD PRODUCERS
(MAY 2005)

Northumbria Larder member companies are among over 3,000 food and drink producers nationally to benefit from the newly-updated Food from Britain website – www.regionalfoodanddrink.co.uk. The Find my Nearest feature on the website lists the full contact details of each producer, a summary of what they produce and a link to their website, if they have one.

APRIL 05: OVERSEAS BUYERS FALL FOR TASTE OF NORTH EAST FOOD

Some of the finest food from the North East could soon be tickling the palates of customers in Europe and the Far East After seven regional food producers took part in the recent International Food and Drink Event in London.
Although Northumbria Larder, the regional food and drink group, had one of the smallest stands at the exhibition, there was "tremendous enthusiasm fro our members' produce from UK and international buyers" according to Sandy Duncan, the organisation's head of business development.

APRIL 05: THE ARCHERS OF DARLINGTON - ANOTHER FARMING SUCCESS STORY

Ice Cream made from Jersey milk usually gives it a head start in the quality stakes, which has helped in the early success of a Darlington farming business which recently took up membership of Northumbria Larder.
John and Sue Archer of New Moor Farm, Walworth Gate, only a couple of miles from the A1(M), have re-opened their ice cream parlour on the farm for the new season.

COULD YOU SELL AT A FARMERS' MARKET? (March 2005)

Farmers' markets are bringing new life and great food into the heart of North East towns. Among the produce on sale are seasonal vegetables, meat from free-range animals, speciality bread and cakes, farmhouse cheeses and much more. The food is sold directly from the person who produced it. And now, new stallholders are being sought to widen the range of produce on offer. Could this be you? [Read full story]

Northumbria larder members will have even more opportunities to sell their produce and develop new markets in 2005.

This year's list of events and exhibitions, which is displayed in full on this web site, provides North East food and drink producers with a wide range of platforms where they can demonstrate the quality and variety of their output.

HERITAGE POTATOES BRING BACK HAPPY MEMORIES (Jan 2005)

Northumbria Larder members, Lucy and Anthony Carroll, who farm at Tiptoe, near Cornhill on Tweed are becoming well known on both sides of the Border as a result of their decision to brand and re-launch their heritage potatoes.

EXTRA SUPPORT FOR ORGANIC FOOD AND FARMING (January 2005)

There was a good turnout last month for the launch of the North East Organic Programme (NEOP), held at the Falcons Rugby Club, Kingston Park, Newcastle.
Northumbria Larder was represented at the event by Sandy Duncan and Sue Cresswell as evidence of the organisation's continuing support for all sections of the region's food and drink industry. Northumbria Larder already has organic producers among its membership and more are expected to join.

Terry Laybourne's quest for perfection (December 2004)

Probably the best-known advocate of good quality focal food in the North East is top chef Terry Layboume. For years he has used the best of regions food in his award-winning restaurants and is a shining example of a busy man who somehow finds the time to encourage young chefs and support good causes.

North East water company's continued expansion (December 2004)

Seaton Spring Limited, a spring water bottler and coder distributor in County Durham and a member of Northumbria Larder, has increased its bottling production capacity fivefold.

NEWCASTLE FESTIVE FOOD MARKET & WINTER FOOD FESTIVAL RECIPES

NATIONAL AWARDS FOR NORTHUMBERLAND FARMER'S ORGANIC BEEF AND LAMB (Dec 2004)

Northumberland hill farmer Steve Ramshaw and his company, Northumbrian Quality Meats, have won national awards for the quality of their organic meats in the 2004 Organic Food Awards run by the Soil Association. The meat produced by Steve and marketed through his company won a Highly Commended prize for their organic Aberdeen Angus beef and a Commended award for their organic Blackface lamb. [Read full story]

RECIPES THAT WERE CREATED AND DEMONSTRATED BY MARTIN CHARLTON AND RICHARD SIM FOR THE GOURMET FOOD FAIR, GRAINGER MARKET, NEWCASTLE, OCTOBER 2004.

CITY GRADUATES COOK UP A NEW SERVICE FOR OFFICE WORKERS
(November 2004)

October saw the launch of a new business by three former Newcastle University graduates who are now delivering freshly-made gourmet meals to city office workers who need only apply a finishing touch to the dishes when they take them home. [Read full story]

NORTH EAST FOOD PRODUCERS FLY THE FLAG IN ITALY
(November 2004)

Hundreds of international food buyers sampled for the first time traditional Northumberland cheeses and rare breed pork sausages and bacon in Italy in October. [Read full story]

MARK TONEY’S ICE CREAM MOVES OUT OF THE PARLOURS (October2004)
Mark Toney, best known on Tyneside over the last 102 years for its ice cream parlôurs, is currently enjoying a runaway success in retail markets which it is tackling seriously for the first time.
[Read full story]

BISHOP AUCKLAND BAKERY ENJOYS BIGGER SLICE OF NATIONAL CAKE (October 2004)
Two County Durham farmers’ wives who began baking cakes commercially 14 years ago come November, have now won national awards for each of their three traditional, luxury fruit cakes and two in their speciality range.
[Read full story]

British Food Fortnight 2004: www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk

NORTH EAST PRODUCERS STRIKE GOLD AT FOOD 'OSCARS'
(OCTOBER 2004)

Ten members of Northumbna Larder, the regional food group, won a total of 21 awards in the 2004 Great Taste awards run by the Guild of Fine Food Retailers. [Read full story]

'MAD PIE MAN' COULD BE TURKEY BUTCHER OF THE YEAR
(SEPTEMBER 2004)

Last year's British Turkey Butcher of the Year award was won by a firm from Somerset which boasted seven butchers and three delicatessen staff.
[Read full story]

NORTH GOAT'S CHEESE SWEEPS THE BOARD (SEPTEMBER 2004)
One of the North's leading traditional cheese makers has won a top award at this year's Nantwich International Cheese Show.
[Read full story]

Recipes from Food & Drink Festival at Dalton Park, August 2004

ACORN DAIRY CONTINUES TO GROW (August 2004)
One local supplier who has been with Asda for about a year is Gordon Tweddle, owner of Acorn Dairy, Garthome Farm, Archdeacon Newton, on the outskirts of Darlington. The farm was converted to organic status with the Soil Association and is farmed in accordance with its strict standards.

The dairy, a member of Northumbria Larder, supplies many independent retailers and makes doorstep deliveries, as well as offering its products in Asda's Darlington store.

Gordon is keen to see his organic milk and cream sold in other Asda stores and he hopes he can persuade the supermarket group to let him supply at least one store within their Tyneside "cluster". In the meantime, he says the present arrangement with Asda in Darlington is "going well."

ASDA " BEST OF THE NORTH" CAMPAIGN A" GREAT SUCCESS"
(August 2004)
Northumbria Larder gave strong support to Asda's recent initiative in launching a new range called" Best of the North East" in eleven of its stores in the north of the region. Most of the 20- plus suppliers, including NL members, said the promotional campaign had brought sharp rises in their sales and had been" a great success".
[Read full story]

FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL AT DALTON PARK -AUGUST 7/8
(August 2004)
A Northumbria Food and Drink Festival will be held at Dalton Park shopping mall, off the A19, on Saturday and Sunday, 7 and 8 August. It is the first major event of its kind to be staged at the venue and has attracted enthusiastic support from more than 20 Northumbria Larder members. Among the produce on sale will be fresh and organic meat, bread, cakes, biscuits, free-range chickens, speciality sausages, jam, marmalade, farm-made ice cream, game pies, fudge, herbs, mead and cheese. [Read full story]

Local events at ASDA Stores
Visit ASDA's web site - http://www.asda.co.uk/ - to see local event information. Click on 'local store', type in specific store name (i.e. Gateshead , Benton , Gosforth) and then on local events.

NORTHUMBRIA LARDER MEMBERS IN ASDA'S "BEST OF THE NORTH EAST" (JULY 2004)
Eight Northumbria Larder members are among more than 20 North East food producers chosen to supply up to eleven Asda stores from Sunderland to Ashington and west to Stanley, starting in July. [Read full story]

HADRIAN'S WALL EVENT "A GREAT SUCCESS" (JULY 2004)
The first combined food and craft festival for the North East and Cumbria held on Hadrian's Wall on Sunday, June 27 was .. a great success", according to the organisers. Around 2,000 visitors were estimated to have visited the event held at Walltown. near Greenhead. [Read full story]

SEATON SPRING BENEFITS FROM BUY-LOCAL COUNCILS (June 04)
A County Durham bottled water producer is benefiting from a buy-local policy implemented by the City of Sunderland and now taken up by Easington District Council. [Read full story]

‘A Taste of Wayland’ culinary experience
Friday 16 th July – Sunday 18 th July 2004

Enjoy the delights of locally produced food and drink with this special weekend retreat. The weekend will commence with a wine-tasting evening to be held at Broom Hall Hotel, a Victorian hall set in two acres of English countryside. Guests will be invited to discover new East Anglian wines and judge their favourite variety!

FOOD PRODUCERS CAN BENEFIT FROM TRADE PROMOTIONS (June 2004) North East fine food and drink producers who are members of Northumbria Larder, the regional food group, are among nearly 3,000 nationally who have been given a boost thanks to a three-year support programme funded by Defra through Food from Britain. [Read full story]

HADRIAN'S WALL FOOD AND CRAFT FESTIVAL (June 2004) Food and craft producers from the North East and Cumbria will come together to host a fun day out for all the family at Walltown on the Military Road (B6318), near Greenhead, on Sunday, June 27. [Read full story]

FENWICK SHOWCASES NORTHUMBRIA LARDER PRODUCE (May 2004) Some of the North East's finest food took centre stage at a leading Newcastle department storeduring May. Fenwick, of Northumberland Street, was holding a market from May 6-29 in its prestigious Food Hall, which attracted support from 20 members of Northumbria Larder. [Read full story

EX-FARMER GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION AS TOP CHEF (May 2004) Although he was brought up and educated in the ways of farming, James Forsyth was much more interested in cooking. As a keen amateur, he studied professional cooks at work and picked up a lot of tips and knowledge, particularly from James' mother, Doreen, who is a keen member of Northumbria Larder. [Read full story]

FARMHOUSE PUDDINGS ARE SUSAN'S SUCCESS STORY
(May 2004)
Charles Green could not have timed his return better. After hitch-hiking for 10 days to Morocco through France and Spain, he arrived home tired and hungry at the family farm in Alnwick, Northumberland, to find his mother had just finished baking her newest line in mouth-watering puddings. [Read full story]

FOOD AND DRINK EXPO A SUCCESS FOR NORTHUMBRIA LARDER PRODUCERS
(April 2004)
This year’s Food and Drink Expo held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham exceeded the expectations of Northumbria Larder members who took part in the showpiece trade event for the first time from March 14-17. [Read full story]

TWO YOUNG CHEFS DO THE REGION PROUD
(April 2004)
Two of the region’s most talented chefs did the North East proud at the recent Food and Drink Expo held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. [Read full story]

AWARDS FOR FAIR TRADING FM FOODS
(March 2004)
Northumbria Larder member, FM Foods, of Sunderland, is now liP accredited. The company, which was set up 10 years ago, is one of the latest in Tyne and Wear to have achieved the Investors in People standard. [Read full story]

NEW MEMBERS FOR THE NORTHUMBRIA LARDER
(March 2004)
Northumbria Larder continues to attract new members. Six businesses have joined recently. Every business has a story to tell and we have found out quite a lot about our new members recently... [Read full story]

LARDER PRODUCERS LOOK FOR FRESH MARKETS
(March 2004)
Six North East food producers on the lookout for new markets outside the region will exhibit for the first time at a national food and drink exhibition in the Midlands under the Northumbria larder banner. [Read full story


ALL ROUND SUPPORT FOR TASTY SAUSAGES
(February 2004)
Strong Northumbria Larder members, Matthew and Tracy Betney, of Broom Mill Farm, West Auckland , County Durham , found themselves in the news recently, courtesy of Government News Network on behalf of the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs... [Read full story]

North East Food Producers scoop industry 'Oscars'
Eight North East speciality food producers have beaten off fierce competition from Europe and North America to take many honours at the 2003 International Great Taste Awards held in London... [more]
  
New Northumbria Larder web site
The Northumbria Larder web site has undergone a major redesign, regular visitors will have noticed. Over the coming weeks, members will be contacted in order to help enhance their own listings and further improve the site.
  
Baltic event a huge success
Thousands of visitors spanned the Tyne this summer for the Northumbria Food Festival 2003. Over 50 Northumbria Larder members had stalls with the regions finest fresh foods. Click here for recipes from the event.

Berwick Beef Beats the Best of British - including Sainsbury's and Jamie Oliver
A small north Northumberland farm - a Northumbria Larder member - which sells it's meat at six North East Farmers Markets has been declared outright winner of the UK Battle of the Beef, beating off competition from around the country, including Sainsbury's which promotes its extra-matured beef through a high-profile advertising campaign featuring celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. [more information]

Northumbria Larder members will be among those attending the Hadrian Wall Tourism Partnership's Trade Fair at Hexham Auction Mart Function Suite on Wednesday, February 25 th between 12.00p.m. and 6.00p.m.

It is hoped the event will bring together the buyers for retail and catering outlets from the main tourist attractions within 10 miles of Hadrian's Wall from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend, Tyne and Wear. Previous events, which have been very popular, have also attracted buyers from further a field.

Northumbria Larder will have a display as usual and members unable to attend are invited to supply leaflets and a trade price list with details of minimum orders and other appropriate information.

[Read full story]


Northumbria Tourist Board is holding its Business Connect 2004 event at Durham County Cricket Club at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street, on Wednesday, March 4 th between 10.30a.m. and 4.30p.m.

This is an annual opportunity for various agencies to exchange leaflets as well as bringing together the buyers for the retail and catering outlets from the main tourist attractions as well as B & B's, hotels, farm shops and local tourist information centres.

[Read full story]

VERSATILE FOOD PRODUCER (January 2004)
One of Northumbria Larder's original members, the Northumberland Cheese Company, has appointed Jackie Riley, of Wylam in Tynedale, as dairy manager. Jackie, who is 25, was previously technical manager with the Real Soup Company, of Hexham, before it moved to Masham in North Yorkshire, and she found herself redundant. [Read full story]

WILLIE'S ‘INSURANCE' AGAINST BEE KILLERS (January 2004)
The relentless spread of a killer disease that is devastating thousands of colonies of honeybees all over the world has prompted one of the country's leading honey farmers to develop a new strategy for the long-term protection of his family business. [Read full story]

North East Chefs Look to Northumbria Larder (January 2004)
Some of the best-known chefs in the North East, including Terry Laybourne and Eugene McCoy, have contributed recipes to a new book, which supports homegrown food and drink, most of it produced by Northumbria Larder members.[Read full story]

Charity Website Promotes Local Produce (January 2004)
Farming's oldest charity is giving support with a difference to the community that it serves. The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution's food based website RABites aims to celebrate the quality and diversity of locally grown seasonal produce, at the same time as raining awareness of the support the charity gives to the farming community. [Read full story]

For regular, fixed and annual events including Farmers Markets, visit the Farmers Markets page