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
 GILCHESTERS 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.
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
GILCHESTERS 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.
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.
 NORTHUMBRIA 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
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.
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.
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
 It 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.
 ANN-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.
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.
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.
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]
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HADRIAN CONNECTION HELPS SALES OF NORTH EAST'S PREMIER CHEESES (November 2005)
