The Welsh Assembly Government launches hospitality guide

The Welsh Assembly Government has produced a Hospitality Guide to advise hotels and restaurants on the benefits of using quality local produce as well as how to incorporate the produce into menus.

The Guide will be jointly launched at the National Eisteddfod in Bala on today (Tuesday August 4th) by Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones and Heritage Minister, Alun Ffred Jones.

Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said: "Food and drink are vital components of Wales' image and appeal as a tourism destination. They are inextricably linked with Welsh culture and way of life; and the Hospitality Guide will serve to reinforce Wales' reputation as a producer of innovative and top quality food and drink.

"I recently launched two plans aimed at helping food producers and hospitality sector get the most out of the array of local produce available."

"The 'Local Sourcing Action Plan – Food and Drink for Wales' and the 'Food Tourism Action Plan' along with the new version of the Welsh Food & Drink Producers and Wholesalers Directory complement the information and advice contained in the Hospitality Guide."

Research has found that the majority of consumers (80%) say they would be willing to pay a bit more for Welsh or local food, and 76% of visitors to Wales believe it is important to have the opportunity to sample local food and drink. However some 60% of those surveyed believe there is not enough local food and drink available on menus.

In addition the guide highlights the financial benefits for serving local, regional produce, both for individual businesses and the local economy, and offers step-by-step advice on how best to take advantage of the wealth of quality food and drink produced in Wales.

From menu planning throughout the day – including children's meals and catering for functions – to healthier choices, special dietary requirements, and liquid refreshments, the easy to use guide gives practical advice and suggestions as to how menus can easily achieve local flavour.

There is a section dedicated to sourcing local produce, as well as making visitors feel welcome and the important part the Welsh language plays in providing Welsh hospitality.

Produce featured will include: mushrooms from Madarch a Mwy, faggots from TJ Roberts of Bala; meat from Aberdyfi Butchers and Anglesey's Beef Direct; Welsh Cakes from The Village Bakery, Wrexham; yoghurt from Llaeth y Llan/ Village Dairy, Cardigan Bay fish and shellfish from Gill's Plaice, Aberdovey; duck from Llandudno Smokery and sausages from Edwards of Conwy.

Also available will be tapas style dishes and serve yourself salads such as Llandudno smokery duck and roasted plum salad, Capital Cuisine's spiced halen mon cured salmon, Traed Moch home cooked ham, Cardigan Bay seafood salad, and Ffetys, sunblushed tomato and herb salad.

Words: Maria Bracken

« Back to previous page