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 December
Two good alternatives to help with your Christmas shopping. If you want the hustle and bustle of the farmers market, getting close to your produce then check out the ones that happen before the great day. If you want carol singing, fiery braziers to keep you warm and some salt marsh lamb or shorthorn beef, perhaps, maybe even venison, then head for Holker Hall.
christmas at holker real bread campaigner
farmers markets room with a view
Stories and news in November
There are now twice as many reasons to visit Low Sizergh Barn, one of Cumbria's best farm shops. Cumbria's organic pioneer is extending its reach and can deliver more products than ever. If it's organic milk you're after, we give you the pointers in the right direction, and if you like a little fun with your local meal don't miss the upcoming food festival at The Waterheads Bay Café.
21 courses for £21 cumbria organic milk
howbarrow organic low sizergh farm shop
Stories and news in October
If your looking for free range organic chicken, then Cumbrias slow growing, Lakeland Rangers should be top of your shopping list. . If you want simple, honest food sourced locally then try one the George and Dragon at Clifton. And if you fancy expanding your culinary horizons in Cumbria, there's plenty to choose from.
water, water poultry perfection
culinary horizon george and dragon
Stories and news in September
See how local chef Nick Martin got up to something fishy promoting sustainable seafood in Cumbria. Prince Charles wants mutton as a birthday treat so we visit Yew Tree Farm to see what's on offer. Move over Petrus and Le Gavroche, Cumbria's L'Enclume is here alongside a great line up of excellent eateries.
top restaurants & gastro pubs royal feast
cumbria's cheese scene fishy secrets
Stories and news in August
If you are curious to find out what Forty Shilling, Bradley's Beauty and Greenup's Pippin are, then put Cumbria's Apple Day in your diary. Find out where to get hold of the sweet, tender and distinctly flavoured new season, Cumbrian salt marsh lamb. Or if you just fancy a quick coffee and a fresh croissant, then stop by Munx Lakeland bakery, Staveley.
apple orienteering music and cider
salt marsh haven fantastic bread
Stories and news in July
Why has the Commander of a Nuclear submarine had his very own kitchen nightmare in a Lake District Hotel. Cumbria gets ready for a heat wave with the first Chilli Fest coming soon. If you like your meat raw and tasty, then read on to discover the award winning Air Dried Cumbrian mutton.Find out why a couple of Royal visitors picked up a hamper of local Cumbrian goodies.
air dried herdwick kitchen nightmare
cumbria turns up the heat a royal visit
Stories and news in June
This month meet the sticky toffee pudding winner. What is thick and creamy, layered over a zingy fruit compote, to die for and made in Cumbria? If you want to know what atraditional breed of beef tastes like, then grab yourself a piece of meat from Susan Aglionby and finally if you're up for a really long walk then "bagging the brewery" is a challenge for you?
sticky toffee pudding champion yoghurt perfection
slow grown,traditional beef real ale galore
Stories and news in May
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, 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
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. Have you heard about Cumbria's King of the Sizzle, or what makes a Cumberland sausage truly traditional? 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, in the stunning Lyth Valley. Try some award winning Damson Cheese, a 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
cheese
