Some of the top names in Ireland’s food industry had the opportunity to sample the best the city has to offer last week during a visit by the Irish Food Writers Guild.
Chair of the Guild, Paula McIntyre, was joined by the crème of culinary expertise featuring 15 experts, including Georgina Campbell and Darina Allen, showcasing restaurants, cafes, food experiences, local producers and food hero’s in the city, in a visit supported by Tourism Northern Ireland.
Among the highlights of the packed itinerary was an outdoor food and drink showcase event at Brook Hall Estate & Gardens , a walking tour with Derry Guided Tours, a visit to the Derry Girls Exhibition as well as showcasing over 25 of the cities food and drink offerings.
Tourism Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jennifer O’Donnell, said the visit had been a great opportunity to showcase Derry’s burgeoning food scene.
“When it comes to the hospitality sector the Irish Food Writers Guild really has its finger on the pulse, and they champion the very best in contemporary food experiences.
“There was some extremely positive feedback from their visit to Derry, where they had the chance to sample produce unique to the region and find out more about our local food hero’s who are really making this place a unique and memorable destination.
“As a Council we work closely in partnership with the LegenDerry Food Network to support and profile local businesses, and the members really made the most of the opportunity to showcase the unique and exciting offering here.
“The connections made last week will really help to progress the ambitions of the network in establishing Derry as a premier food destination.”
During the visit, nine new food and drink experiences on offer throughout N. Ireland were officially launched as part of Tourism NI’s Food and Drink Experience Development Programme, including experiences by Wild and Fired Barbeque School and Dart Mountain Cheese.
Tourism NI’s Food & Drink Tourism Manager, Gary Quate, said: “Tourism NI is delighted for visitors to discover these nine new food and drink experiences on their next giant adventure across Northern Ireland.
“These passionate producers open their homes and hearts to visitors, continuing to tell the rich story of our food and drink history.”
For more information on the city’s food & drink offering visit: www.legenderryfood.com
