Year-long celebration of food in Wirral is launched

Feb 3 2010 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

2010 has been declared Wirral’s year of food!

Restaurants and food producers have teamed up with Wirral Council to launch the 12-month celebration of the borough’s food sector.

Events include special weeks and evenings to mark Valentine’s Day, National Honey Week and Bonfire Night.

There is also an Easter egg hunt at Church Farm, cookery courses with Brian Mellor and “Pick Your Own” at Claremont Farm.

The Year of Food follows a successful 2009 for Wirral’s restaurant industry.

In January, Fraiche in Oxton was awarded a Michelin star, while Da Piero, in Irby, was entered in the 2010 Which Guide.

Councillor Bob Moon, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: “The Year of Food is an opportunity for us to shout about what we have on offer, from our Michelin star restaurant Fraiche, to our award-winning Farmers’ Market.

“We are really proud of our quality food producers and restaurants and we know the year will bring many new visitors to our beautiful peninsula.”

In May, the Vegi-Table is organising a competition for restaurants to create the best vegetarian dish for National Vegetarian Week.

It’s back to Claremont Farm in June for an asparagus evening, while July sees a fish month at Julian’s in Hoylake.

August is the biggest month of the year, when both Wirral Flower & Vegetable Show and Wirral Food and Drink Festival take place.

Wirral Farmers Market continues every month at New Ferry Village Hall.

And our hugely popular Wirral Chefs Shine competition, which aims to find Wirral’s top chef, is back from May to October.

The year will culminate in a Gourmet Christmas Food Fair at Port Sunlight in December.

Wirral Council has marked the occasion by publishing the Wirral Good Food Guide, which highlights top restaurants, tea rooms and gastro pubs.

To obtain a copy, e-mail your name and address to touristinfo@wirral.gov.uk