Fly The Flag For British Food Fortnight 

From Lancashire hotpot to Welsh rarebit, and Cornish pasties to Scotch eggs, Britain has no shortage of regional speciality dishes and high quality local and seasonal products. British Food Fortnight is back with a bang for 2021, running this year from 18 Sept to 3 Oct.

British Food Fortnight is the flagship event of the Love British Food campaign, whose director Alexia Robinson, says “After such a diabolical year for hospitality, we’re planning the biggest national celebration so far.“

“Demand for British produce is through the roof after the difficulties during the pandemic. People are keen to support local farmers and producers and are actively looking for establishments that support British on their menus.  Commercially it makes sense to capitalise upon the tremendous new appetite there is for eating local produce.”

For most pubs, getting involved is as easy as checking your menu and promoting the great  British classic dishes that you already offer. Post-lockdown, interest in nostalgic, familiar food and drink is running at high levels as consumers think about careful consumption in terms of what they eat, and look to stay local, and the appeal of familiar dishes after a long period of isolation and uncertainty is strong.

Favourites such as fish and chips, Sunday roast, bangers and mash, or a steak and ale pie, especially when accompanied by a pint of cask ale, are high on the list of dishes that customers expect to find on a pub menu. Your supplier should be able to give you the information you need to promote the British products on the menu, whether it’s the port where the fish was landed or the farm where the veg was grown.

With a core menu in place, why not also offer some specials featuring British produce? Mackerel is a wonderful, tasty fish, and often in good supply and great value. Try this recipe featuring grilled mackerel with candied beetroot, watercress and new season Cox’s apple salad, and an apple cider dressing: https://www.directseafoods.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/Mackerel-recipe-from-Direct-Seafoods.pdf 

Beef is a British classic, and while it’s the mainstay of a classic roast dinner, it’s worth featuring a few more exotic recipes as midweek specials to tempt customers. Campbell Brothers Baby Back Ribs, Soy Chili Glaze & Charred Sweetcorn has a strong appeal to those that like a spicy kick to their main meal: www.oliverkayproduce.co.uk/food-info/seasonal-recipes-ideas/223-campbellbrothersbabybackribssoychiliglazecharredsweetcorn

Pheasant comes into season at the start of October, so why not finish off the fortnight with a game special such as this tasty Roasted Pheasant Breast, Confit Leg, Creamed Sprouts And Chestnuts, Pheasant And Port Jus With Blackberries:  www.oliverkayproduce.co.uk/food-info/seasonal-recipes-ideas/120-sprouts/321-pheasent-sprouts

For a side dish spotlighting high quality produce, Kale and Heritage Carrot Slaw makes a great accompaniment served with a freshly-made burger, or fish and chips: www.oliverkayproduce.co.uk/food-info/seasonal-recipes-ideas/302-kale-and-heritage-carrot-slaw

To make sure customers know what your plans for British Food Fortnight are:

• Use your website and social media to promote your menu. 

• Spotlight your British food specialties on posters and online promotions.

• Pair regional foods with appropriate beers, ciders and wines.

• Hold a special event, such as seafood night featuring the range of species caught in British waters, or a food-themed pub quiz.

The website at www.lovebritishfood.co.uk has resources including menu templates and recipe ideas for pubs to plan British Food Fortnight activity. For the very best of British products, contact the specialist suppliers at:

Meat and game: www.campbellbrothers.co.uk

Fish and seafood: www.directseafoods.co.uk

Fresh produce: www.oliverkayproduce.co.uk