Wake up to Local Produce!
Wake up to local produce with Hampshire Fare! Hampshire Fare’s first breakfast network event, held early on Monday morning, 19 February, at Doubletree by Hilton Southampton, was a resounding success with over 50 members and corporate partners attending.
Peter Bartlett GM of DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton welcomed guests. He explained that the Cask & Solent Bar, Lounge and Restaurant, where the network was held, opened a year ago to provide guests with a local food and drink experience.
Natasha Dochniak, commercial manager, Hampshire Fare, thanked Peter Bartlett and DoubleTree by Hilton Southampton for their generous hospitality. She said: “We are absolutely delighted to see so many members at the network. We had record numbers attending. Hampshire Fare has always been valued for its network events, but this year we are doing things differently with more morning networks, in response to feedback from members, and we also have a lunchtime network event coming up.”
Ed Fillbrook, of Bankbrokers, one of Hampshire Fare’s Corporate Partners, commented: “Monday morning networks work really well as they are a good start to the week and fit in with people’s schedules.”
The lovely breakfast spread provided in the Cask & Solent Restaurant was also appreciated by attendees.
Hampshire Fare members were given a special preview of Hampshire Fare’s Your Local Produce Guide 2024, prior to the official launch to the press and public. Natasha explained: “This is an early unveiling of the Local Produce Guide. It is hot off the press, and we are absolutely delighted with it. It has a different look and feel to it this year, with thanks to Starfish Creative Design. The aim is to encourage the consumer to get out and discover and explore and support local.”
Natasha also flagged up a new event being run next month on 20 March, Hampshire Fare’s first Trade Services Expo, to be held at St Mary’s Stadium, showcasing trade services members to the food, drink and craft community.
As an additional fun element, desirable Hampshire Fare tea towels were raffled and won by Helen Owens of Rownhams House & Gardens, and Claire Hunt of The Grange. Overall, it was a busy and vibrant network event with lots of conversations and business connections being made among the members. The Hampshire Fare team were also delighted to welcome its youngest member, eight-month-old baby Blake, son of Chris Street and Ellie Steel of New Forest Family Butchers, helping to give the event a truly friendly, family feel.