GREAT local food will take centre stage at a special event returning to Middlesbrough next month.
The town’s fifth Local Food Weekend will be a showcase of all that’s great about local produce – and a rallying cry to more outlets to get involved.
The event – from Friday, September 1 to Sunday, September 3 – gives diners the opportunity to sample delicious local food at participating independent food outlets.
In a recent residents’ survey, the vast majority of respondents said they wanted to be able to buy more local food and 80% stated it was important that the food they bought was locally produced.
Growing Middlesbrough is a Middlesbrough Environment City-led campaign to improve access to local food.
The initiative also helps to create jobs and support the local economy by increasing the use of food and drink which has been grown or produced within 50 miles of the town.
By buying locally sourced food and drink diners are supporting local growers and smaller-scale food and drink producers and boosting Middlesbrough’s economy.
The last Local Food Weekend featured 21 outlets, and those already signed up for September include Bedford Street Coffee House, Mohujos Burrito Bar, The Curing House, The Garden at Teesside University, The Olde Young Tea House, The Oven, Al Forno, Fellini’s, The Smeltery at mima, Jury’s Inn and Off The Ground Coffee.
Now organisers are urging other restaurants and cafes to get in touch and take part.
Joe Dunne, of Growing Middlesbrough, said: “Local food is great for Teesside – it creates jobs, supports local businesses and keeps more money in the region.
“It’s also fresher and better for you and is better for the environment, and the people of Teesside love it.
“A growing number of restaurants, bars, cafes and coffee shops are taking part in each event by offering at least one dish made using a minimum of two locally-produced ingredients but we are keen to have more venues taking part.
“Growing Middlesbrough is not just about food.
“The region produces some fantastic beers, ciders, wines and spirits, and so why not offer customers the taste of Teesside by serving them a local tipple as well?
“We are hoping some of Middlesbrough’s great micro-pubs and bars might bring in a guest beer for the weekend or restaurants will provide bottled local drinks as a special.”
- Restaurants, cafes, bars and food outlets keen to get involved in Local Food Weekends are asked to contact Joe Dunne on 01642 579820 or email joe.dunne@menvcity.org.uk.
For further information about Growing Middlesbrough and to find Local Food Weekend participating food outlets visit www.growingmiddlesbrough.org.uk