A Michelin-starred chef is the guest speaker of a “dining event” for north-east food and drink producers, hoteliers and restaurateurs next week.
Brian Grigor, head chef at the Number One restaurant at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, will entertain and inform guests at the North East Food & Drink Network Dining Event at Meldrum House Hotel on Monday.
More than 60 delegates from 40 different businesses have already registered to attend on the night, which is organised by Opportunity North East (One) and Aberdeenshire Council.
The event is part of a programme that builds on the success of networking events previously organised by the Grampian Food Forum. It aims to increase the use of local produce in eating establishments by creating opportunities for local food and drink producers and hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs to network and build business connections. Realising the growth potential of food and drink tourism for the region is a key theme for the dining events.
Peter Cook, One’s director of food, drink and agriculture, said: “This region has enormous strengths across food, drink and agriculture. Driving sustainable growth in the sector will deliver long term economic benefits through increased turnover for businesses and high value employment, which will contribute to a robust and diverse economic base.
“One wants to develop food and drink tourism in the north-east as part of our wider growth agenda for the sector. The aim is to create an environment where there can be effective collaboration to build up quality attractions, which are based on authentic local food and drink production.
“The range and quality of food and drink produced here is a unique aspect of the north-east and is what many visitors want to experience. One wants to increase the number of visitors travelling here to experience our authentic, high-quality produce and to increase overall spend on locally sourced food and drink by all visitors while they are here.”
Peter Walker, general manager of Meldrum House, said the event gave the four-star luxury retreat a chance to show the results of its recent £4.5million extension to guests.
“Following our major development last year, this event gives us the opportunity to showcase the transition the hotel was gone through as well as our passion for food and hospitality,” said Mr Walker. “We are ardent about local produce and food miles, using as many suppliers within the vicinity of the hotel as we possibly can. This gives us a strong relationship with the supply chain which benefits the local economy, the hotel and our guests.”
Further details of the event and booking information can be found in the news section of the www.opportunitynortheast.com website or by contacting Elizabeth Mathie at elizabeth.mathie@opportunitynortheast.com.
