Countdown to city’s celebration of food under way with an organic farm feast

More than 40 business leaders and food business owners gathered at Swillington Organic Farm in Leeds to enjoy a sustainable food supper. Guests tucked in to an exclusive three course dinner consisting of 90 per cent Yorkshire produce, much of which was sourced from the award winning estate.

Set in 160 acres, Swillington converted to organic farming in 2001 and the estate has created the ideal location to rear organic rare breed pigs, native breed cattle and sheep as well as free range organic poultry. The farm supplies produce to many Leeds restaurants and hotels and has recently launched a new home delivery service. The event on Monday launched the countdown to Leeds Loves Food, the annual food festival. Organised by Marketing Leeds, City Centre Leeds, and Leeds City Council’s events team, Leeds Loves Food will take place throughout the city on July 1-3. In addition to the annual programme of events, such as wine tasting, demonstration kitchens and celebrity drop-ins, for the first time over 100 stallholders will descend on Millennium Square at the Yorkshire Food and Drink Show being run by the Yorkshire Post and Yorkshire Evening Post.

Food at the event was cooked by Harvey Nichols chefs. Menu creator, Richard Hartley said:“We are very proud to be working with Leeds Loves Food championing the best of Leeds produce. Events like this help spread the word that there is a wealth of good food on our doorstep.”

Visit www.leedslovesfood.com for details.