British Food Fortnight aims to 'nurture a renaissance' in the pleasures of buying and eating British food. Kerry Rogan looks at how pubs can play their part.
The Italians, the French and the Spanish are known for their passion for their national food. To them, cooking is an art form and eating is a joy.
Here in Britain we've always been a bit more reserved about our national fare. Despite the huge amount of fantastic food found in all corners of the country, we've never been a nation that enjoys blowing our own trumpet.
But all that is about to change.
October 26 sees the beginning of the first ever British Food Fortnight. Organised by the Countryside Alliance, the fortnight is a celebration of all things British from apples to fish and from cider to the traditional fry-up.
The aim of the fortnight is, as the Alliance says, to "nurture a renaissance" in the pleasures of buying and eating British food.
It wants to increase awareness that British food is of a high quality and meets stringent safety standards.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), the British Hospitality Association and the Campaign for Real Food are taking part in the fortnight and are giving help and support to pubs that want to get involved.
Events are taking place across the country, including a "Breakfast in Bed Day" celebrating the great British fry-up, and a "Thank God it's Fish Day", promoting British seafood.
The BBPA is holding a "British Beer and Cider Day", to promote the best of the country's beers and ciders.
London-based brewer Fuller's is taking part in "Fishing 4 Food" - a nationwide promotion of British fish. Fisherman Charles Jardine will travel around Britain fishing in the sea, rivers and lakes and then cooking the fish in Fuller's pubs all over the country.
There are many ways to get involved in the celebrations and promote British food through pubs.
For more information visit www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk, phone 01672 519488 or email info@britishfoodfortnight.co.uk
Why you should buy and eat British
- British food in season is more likely to be fresh and therefore tasty and nutritious.
- By buying and selling British food you are supporting our local producers and processors, many of whom will go out of business without our support.
- British food is of the highest quality and meets the most stringent health, safety and animal welfare standards.
- If you do not buy British food, and in particular small volume and specialist foods such as regional cheeses and meats, many of the foods that we take for granted will potentially disappear from our shelves altogether.
How to get involved
- Buy and serve British food.
- During the fortnight make a special effort to buy and serve British food. Make sure your customers know you are taking part in British Food Fortnight.
- Host a roast.
- Join people across the country in hosting a roast dinner, using British ingredients, for your customers on October 26.
- Breakfast in Bed
- Why not take part in the breakfast celebrations on November 3 by serving all-day fry-ups or holding a pyjama party?
- Remember, remember the 5th of November.
- If you are holding a fireworks party sell meat from local butchers.
British food recipes:
Poached smoked haddock(pictured)
Colcannon
Welsh Rarebit
Cullen Skink
Cheddar and mustard-filled sirloin
Brasserie cut chuck beef
Quorn beanpot
Enter our contest to find the best pub dishes
Join the Publican Pub Food zone in celebrating all that's great about British Food by entering our competition to find the Best British Dish.
Find out more - click here.