Chef talk: Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall knows what he is talking about when it comes to supporting local producers. He shares his wisdom to mark the anniversary of the Hampshire Food Festival.
'Buying locally is one of the most fundamentally important things we can do if we want a more sustainable food culture. It changes everything, reducing food miles, emissions and pollution, building local economies and resulting in fresher, tastier food. It's a step that sounds simple but sometimes it's not; with vast, 24-hour supermarkets such a quick and easy default option, it can be very tough for small producers to compete. It's incumbent on those of us who believe in local food to seek out and promote the farmers, growers and makers who are doing a good job of producing it. That's what we do at the River Cottage Canteens, and we're delighted to work alongside bodies such as Hampshire Fare who work so hard to support those producers too.'
River Cottage Canteen Winchester is celebrating the Hampshire Food Festival with Winchester Distillery on Tuesday 7th July. The Winchtini Night will include a three course meal boasting some of the Hampshire's finest produce, Winchester Distillery Martinis will be served on arrival. Tickets: £32.95 per person, booking essential 01962 457747.