First Taste of Success

8th March 2010

Just weeks after its official launch, Wirral’s Year of Food is already being hailed a success.

Since the announcement that 2010 would be a celebration of Wirral’s success and achievements in the food and tourism industry, a range of events have already taken place.

These have included a farmhouse breakfast at Mere Brook House; a Valentine’s Surprise with Brian Mellor at Claremont Kitchen and Pancake Tuesday was celebrated with a special event at Roses Tea Rooms. All proved a huge success.

Highlights to come during the next few months include Mother’s Day events with award-winning chef Brian Mellor at Claremont Farm on March 13 and 14 and afternoon tea at Gorge ‘Us in Bebington until March 14.

On March 27 and 28, Brian Mellor will also be looking at ‘Forgotten Easter Treats’ at Claremont Kitchen and from April 3-5 there will be an Easter Egg Hunt at Church Farm Organics in Thurstaston.

May sees the start of Chef Shine, which showcases the best chefs in Wirral. During the summer chefs create a set menu using seasonal and locally produced ingredients.

The nominated chefs hoping for the prestigious title of Chef Shine 2010 can use their own ingredients but this year must incorporate chocolate into their menus. Following the six Chef Shine evenings, the winner will be announced at the Wirral Tourism Awards in November.

During National Honey Week Roses Tea Rooms in Heswall will be running honey themed afternoon teas from May 3-9 and for National Vegetarian Week from 24-30 May, The Vegi-Table at Claremont Kitchen will be staging a competition for local restaurants to create a best vegetarian dish with a cook off in the Kitchen.

Juggy Landay, Wirral’s destination marketing manager, said: “The success of the events that have taken place so far is an indication of how local people and visitors are supporting Wirral’s Year of Food. The Wirral is recognised as having fantastic food and by putting ourselves in the spotlight this year the Wirral food industry will be given another major boost.”

This year has already seen a sharp rise in the numbers attending the Wirral Food Partnership as restaurants, producers and other food-related businesses gather to share ideas and therefore capitalise on Wirral’s Year of Food.