Farmers, publicans, chefs and restaurateurs in Ross-on-Wye hope last year’s winning streak at the Flavours of Herefordshire contest was just a taste of what’s to come.
Establishments in and around Ross scooped three highly commended awards, three commended and one newcomer award last year. The Bridge at Wilton, near Ross, also walked away with an outstanding achievement award, having won Restaurant of the Year for two years before going on to win the regional final in its category. The New Harp Inn at Hoarwithy was also named Pub of the Year.
Jane Lewis of Visit Herefordshire said: “Ross-on-Wye did exceptionally well over the 11 categories and it is recognition of good practice of working in the region.”
The Flavours of Herefordshire competition is one of the first schemes in Britain to recognise and reward the use and promotion of local produce and this year marks its 10th birthday.
Mike Pritchard, of The Bridge at Wilton, said: “The success in the competition has created a lot of business and I personally think it is beneficial to the whole industry.
“It encourages young chefs to compete in their restaurants which raises standards and improves the quality of food. We grow our vegetables, fruit and herbs in our gardens and we source our meat locally; we trace everything back to the producers.
“I would encourage any other business to enter the competition because it is very good for the industry.”
The link between the region’s rural landscape and food and drink is set to become even stronger this year with the introduction of a new competition inviting members of the public to devise a recipe for a main meal, costing under £5 and using only local produce.
Entrants will be invited to submit their recipes throughout the summer, before being shortlisted and then asked to take part in a ‘cook off’ at the annual Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival at Hereford Racecourse on October 25-26.
Celebrity cooks and television personalities The Hairy Bikers will take centre stage at this year’s event, and will also give the prizes to the winners at the pre-festival awards dinner on Friday, October 24.
Festival admission prices are adults £5, concessions £4.50, under 14s £1, and under-threes free.
To get a free copy of the Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival leaflet call 01432 260621. More information is also available at www.herefordshirefoodfestival.com
