Parliamentary date for Yorkshire food and drink

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, and Alec Shelbrooke, MP for Elmet and Rothwell, are holding an inaugural Kingdom of Elmet Food Day in Parliament on January 18, just for food and drink producers in their own constituencies.

Exhibitors will have the chance to talk to visitors and to hand out food and drink samples and promotional materials to Government ministers, MPs and their staff.

Five local businesses have been invited to attended, including Bert’s Barrow of Hillam near Selby, which was named Best Independent Retailer in the 2016 Taste Awards held by The Yorkshire Post and Deliciouslyorkshire.

Charlotte Wells-Thompson, who owns the farm shop and veg box supplier with husband, Jason, said: “Giving the local food and drink producers and farmers an outlet to sell their supplies has always been one of our primary objectives, so we can’t wait to share our passion with the Parliamentary visitors.”

Bert’s Barrow will be showcasing Puckett’s Pickles from York, tomatoes grown under LED lights from Stockbridge Technology Centre in Cawood, products from Staal Smokehouse in Long Riston, Hull and Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb from the rhubarb triangle.

Four other food and drink producers, all from West Yorkshire, will be at the event: Cryer and Stott cheesemonger of Allerton Bywater, Wharfe Valley rapeseed oil of Collingham, Leventhorpe vineyard of Woodlesford, Leeds and Garforth-based microbrewery Quirky Ales.

MP Mr Adams said: “We’re very proud of the hard-working entrepreneurs who are helping to grow the local economy and look forward to showcasing with their amazing produce to our Parliamentary colleagues.”