GB showcase lets NI food and drink shine

Some of the province’s most high-profile food and drink producers were in Derbyshire during September for two evenings hosted by celebrity chef, Rupert Rowley and designed to showcase the quality of Northern Irish produce.

Among those who made the trip were Belfast publican, Gerry White, whose Jawbox gin was on the menu; Delcan Holmes, who brought his Belfast-brewed Gallopers Ale and Alison Abernethy of Abernethy Butter in Dromore.

The producers were able to share their stories with guests during two evenings. The first took place at Rowley’s Restaurant Derbyshire in Baslow and included a fun quiz hosted by Gerry White and a menu of traditional Irish food.

Baslow Hall hosted the second evening at the Michelin-starred Fischer’s Restaurant.

A seven-course tasting menu was prepared for guests by Rupert Rowley and using produce from Northern Ireland. Guests also heard about the food and drink from the NI producers themselves.

Declan Holmes’ famous father, Eamon, also made an appearance and took time to visit Chatsworth Estate farm shop, which is set to be the first retailer outside Northern Ireland who will be stocking Gallopers Ale.

The trip was organised by Rupert Rowley following a visit to Northern Ireland in January this year, during which he enjoyed a three-day culinary tour and met hotel owners, producers and restaurateurs. He was so inspired by what he found that he created the two evening events in Derbyshire to help showcase NI food and drink.

Our picture shows Eamon Holmes and son Declan, who took the chance to visit Chatsworth Estate farm shop – the first retailer outside NI who will be stocking Gallopers Ale. Included here is Andre Birkett, shop manager.