Fuller’s makes a date with local produce
19 May 2010
Locally sourced produce is on the menu of 26 Fuller’s pubs across Hampshire in celebration of this year’s Hampshire Food Festival (July 1st-31st).
In anticipation of this, chefs and managers from the 26 participating Fuller’s pubs across the county met with 10 Hampshire producers at a ‘Meet the Producer’ event this week, held in the format of a speed-dating session!
This was organised jointly by county food group Hampshire Fare and the brewery with the aim of giving local producers and chefs the opportunity for some intensive sampling and supply discussions.
Products ranged from Hampshire organic meat and ice cream to chilli jams, rapeseed oil and vegetarian watercress burgers.
The event also included blind-tasting of local cheeses, rapeseed oil, icecream and pork pies to see how each compared with mass-produced alternatives, with a unanimous preference for the locally-sourced products.
Earlier this year, Hampshire Fare had also arranged for the Fuller’s chefs to visit a farm and meet other local producers.
Simon Howlett, Fuller’s Executive Chef said: “70% of our dining customers are telling Fuller’s that they want more locally sourced produce on the menu, and we are committed to meet this demand by working with our Corporate Partners Hampshire Fare. The aim is for our pubs to continue to source locally all year-round, and the Hampshire Food Festival gives each pub a good opportunity to trial this with their customers.
At the same time, all 26 pubs will devise a special local dish to enter Fuller’s ‘Hampshire Dish of the Year’ competition, with the winner announced on July 23rd. Last year, this was won by The Wyvern in Lee-on-Solent, for its dish of warm Hampshire lamb cutlets, balsamic beetroot, lentil and spinach salad drizzled with New Forest cheese dressing.
Tim Brock, Hampshire Fare manager summed up: “This ‘speed-dating’ meet the producer session worked really well for both our local producers and Fuller’s chefs, ensuring a lot of business was done in a short time period. Orders were also placed immediately, which has been a rewarding result. Hampshire Fare has also negotiated with local distribution companies that regularly supply Fuller’s to stock more local produce which should also encourage ordering”.
Details of all Fuller’s pubs participating in the Hampshire Food Festival are listed in the free Hampshire Food Festival programme, available to download by clicking on the link below or by calling 0845 6035638 for a free programme to be posted to you.
Fuller’s pubs participating in The 2010 Hampshire Food Festival (July 1st-31st):
Alton; Jolly Farmer
Basingstoke: Chineham Arms
Chalton: Red Lion
Clanfield: Hampshire Hog
Denmead: Chairmakers
Hambledon: Bat & Ball
Havant: Old House at Home
Horndean: Ship & Bell
Langstone: Ship Inn
Lee on Solent: Wyvern
Liphook: Links Tavern
New Forest:
Alice Lisle
Fisherman’s Haunt
Fishermans Rest
New Forest Hotel
Oak Inn
Pilgrim Inn
White Buck Inn
Portsmouth:
Bridge Tavern
Old Customs House
Still & West
Southsea: Wine Vaults
Stockbridge: White Hart
Wickham: Kings Head
Winchester:
Bishop on the Bridge
Wykeham Arms
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