a taste of cumbria...
You'd be forgiven for thinking that we're obsessed by food and drink. But with so many specialities and delicacies to try it can be hard to think of anything else. Throughout the year Cumbria is host to regular festivals, markets and other events to celebrate and share locally produced food and drink. Martin at www.artisan-food.com is a local Cumbrian foodie and each month he will provide you with a guide to what's new and what's happening in Cumbria's food and drink circles.
Local producers, events and stories
Stories and news in May
This month we meet some of the Cumbrian food producers who hauled in the honours at the annual Fine Food Awards. The winning products form a fantastic taste guide to some of Cumbria's top artisan food. We also take a look at why Staveley is fast becoming the foodie hub of South Lakes. Don't miss two upcoming food events; the Holker Hall Festival and the Cumbria Food Lovers festival, and if you have ever wondered why some lambs are black, you can find out here.
cumbria's southern food hub cumbria's springtime nursery
festivals, festivities and fine food taste the best
Stories and news in April
This month we follow Wordsworth up Skiddaw with news of a truly local feast served up by a Keswick chef with altitude. If you can't take the height, then maybe visiting one of Cumbria's 70 organic farms is on the cards, great for foodies and families. Have you heard about Cumbria's King of the Sizzle, or what makes a Cumberland sausage truly traditional? - find out all the secrets here. Perhaps it's the Italian influence, but read why Cumbria's food this month might be a little slow.
table for 30, no clouds please organic farming in cumbria
cumbrian producer wins sausage award cumbria slow food
Stories and news in March
Don't miss fantastic blossom and ancient orchards at this year's Damson Day, taking place in the stunning Lyth Valley on Saturday 19th of April. And why not try some award winning Damson Cheese, a new sweet preserve that perfectly complements the artisan cheeses found in Cumbria. Find out where some of Cumbria's young culinary stars are hoping to travel to, and how Cumbrian schoolchildren are helping the UK to eat healthily.
damson day kendal college culinary delights
lizzie's home made damson cheese helping the UK to eat healthily
Stories and news in February
This month Martin meets local chef Peter Sidwell and speaks to him about his new book and living in the Lake District. "Welcome to my world, a world of mouth-watering food and breathtaking scenery". Read about the town of Cockermouth and its recently awarded cittaslow status, the success of the recent marmalade festival and the competition to produce citrus bread.
meet chef peter sidwell marmalade festival success
cockermouth cittaslow status lakeland citrus bread
Stories and news in Janaury
Cumbria gets set for this years marmalade Festival which will be held at Dalemain House in the Ullswater Valley. Last years competition had over 350 entries. Also this month Martin meets up with farmer Andrew Sharp, a local producer of pink veal, and we look at Cumbria's newest dairy, Wardhall.
marmalade festival new cheese dairy
the veal deal cumbrian young chef winner
Funded by
The editorial content for the food and drink pages, including the "what's new" section and "a taste of cumbria" has been funded by Distinctly Cumbrian.
about distinctly cumbrian
visit their website
Distinctly Cumbrian is part of the Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA) and its team has helped over 300 local food and drink businesses in recent years. Some are one man (or woman) bands while others are growing fast - you'll find food and drink grown or made by DC clients in retail and hospitality outlet across the whole of the county and beyond. While you're planning your trip, why not make time to sample the finest seasonal local and regional produce?
bread
spring lamb
puddings
preserves
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