Foodies Given Green Light To Visit Cumberland

A new campaign showcasing Cumberland’s food and drink businesses has launched.

Cumbria Tourism is working with Cumberland Council’s Destination Management team to run a new three-month campaign which aims to shine a light on hospitality businesses from small producers, family run cafes and fish and chip shops, through to fine dining restaurants, breweries and distilleries.

The project, which will deliver marketing and business support, has received £75,000 from the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being supported by Cumberland Council and Sellafield.

The main aim is to stimulate growth and innovation across Cumberland’s diverse food and drink sector.

Cumbria Tourism and Cumberland Council will work closely with a wide range of local businesses between now and the end of June to promote sustainability initiatives and support innovation. Another key activity will be encouraging food and drink businesses to source local produce and collaborate more with fellow operators across the area.

The project will include a complementary marketing and PR campaign to encourage more foodie visitors. It will target a mix of local audiences, visitors with friends and family locally, and domestic audiences within a 1½ - 2 hour drive time of Cumberland.

A primary focus for these visitors will be to encourage sustainable and active travel – visiting by bus and rail and combining a love of local cuisine and enjoyment of the natural surroundings.

The campaign is free to join for any food and drink related business with the Cumberland Council area and Cumbria Tourism is actively welcoming participants - no matter how small, unusual or niche – to get involved. Contact campaigns@cumbriatourism.org

Cllr Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: “Food and drink are an important part of our visitor economy and are an essential part of a day out and holiday stay.

"We want to celebrate local produce farm to fork, fresh fish landed on our coast - everything from fish and chips, local ice cream, best brew beer, tea, coffee and whiskey or even a simple sandwich with a bowl of homemade soup after a walk to high end fine dining.

"The innovation of our chefs to the celebrity service of our waiting on staff, first job to career in hospitality, cupcake entrepreneurs and our foodie events are all top class and should be showcased.”

For information regarding the campaign visit: https://www.cumbriatourism.org/campaigns/food-drink-in-cumberland/