Cumbria: Best of British Food
Damsons and apples, sausages and ale, honey and milk: all are produced in Cumbria and are why locals argue this part of England produces some of the best British food
Who produces the best British food is a question we all like to argue about, preferably while eating some of it and washing it down with a good pint of British beer. But Cumbria is certainly one of the areas that can claim to be up with the best, and a beautiful new series of leaflets celebrating the landscape and its local products will help travelers get more out of their visit next year.
The 15 leaflets have been published by a local organisation, the Cumbria Fells and Dales LEADER+ Programme. They're really attractive, and each folds out to reveal a wealth of information hidden within, accompanied by gorgeous photographs, lots of local history, a calendar of any related events, public transport information and a big touring map in the middle showing you how to find your way to some of the producers.
Now Cumberland sausages are renowned throughout Britain, and even around the world, as being among the country's finest sausages. I'm a big sausage fan, and love a plate of bangers and mash. This leaflet is therefore one of my favourites, and it tells the history of the Cumberland sausage, lists 21 of the best local suppliers (all members of the Cumberland Sausage Association) and gives you lots of sausage stories too.
Other food and drink leaflets are:
- A Taste of Honey
- Ale Trail
- Organic Origins
- Milk Matters
- Damson Valleys
- Apple Appeal
Cumbria isn't just about food and drink, though, as it's also got its wonderful landscape that makes everything grow so well and taste so delicious. Other leaflets explore and explain the Cumbria landscape, covering such topics as:
- Woollen Ways
- Mineral Wealth
- Fell Ponies
- Coppice Crafts
- Dry Stone Walls
- The Water District
- Fell Sheep
- Rocks to Riches
Visitors will be able to find the leaflets in Tourist Information Centres and museums throughout the region. A sturdy wallet containing all the leaflets has been sent to libraries, schools and further education colleges. If you haven't received one, or if you live elsewhere and would like to ask how to get hold of one, visit the website: www.fellsanddales.org.uk
Me? I think I'll have to have sausages and ale for supper tonight.
Read about touring London's best food market by clicking here.
To read about Ben Fogle's love for Cumbria and the Lake District, and to get your free 2007 guide to the area, click here
