Coinciding with the reopening of Ireland’s hospitality sector, Derry City and Strabane District Council – in collaboration with the local food and drink network – have unveiled its new regional food and drink brand through a new video, writes Clodagh Dooley
‘A Taste of LegenDerry’, written by local poet Pamela Brown, was commissioned to celebrate the unique food and drink offering, as well as the rich culture and heritage, visitors to the region can expect to experience.
22 members of the local Food Network feature in the short motion picture by local videographer Gary McFeely, reciting the poem, which showcases some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Peace Bridge, GuildHall and the Walled City Brewery as a suitably cultural backdrop.
The LegenDerry Food and Drink Brand is the result of the region’s Food and Drink Strategy. The strategy was launched in February 2019 by the Council as part of its wider plan to drive tourism and firmly place the region on the map as the number one food destination on the island of Ireland by 2025.
Part-funded by the Seafood Innovation Programme – Smart Atlantic Seafood Cluster known as the ‘SAFER’ project – applications opened this year for local restaurateurs, hoteliers, and food and drink producers to become an accredited member of the brand. The Council received an overwhelming response and in February, over 45 providers received an official accreditation.
As a certified LegenDerry provider, businesses are showcased on a newly launched website and receive a suite of marketing material to signpost their venues or produce with the LegenDerry stamp of approval.
Pictured: The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, launching the new Legenderry Food Brand. Included are Selina Horshi (White Horse Hotel), vice-chair, Legenderry Food Network, Conor Doherty (Sippy Fest), James Huey (Walled City Brewery), chair, Legenderry Food Network, and Catherine Goligher, Acting Tourism manager, Derry City and Strabane District Council. For further information, visit http://legenderryfood.com/. Connect with LegenDerry on Facebook and Instagram @LegenDerryFood.
Commenting on the official launch, Councillor Brian Tierney, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, said, “Nobody could have anticipated what 2020 would bring, but we are incredibly proud that we are finally able to launch the LegenDerry brand and coincide the release of our locally-commissioned poem with the reopening of the hospitality industry.
“LegenDerry is a hub of hardworking and committed food and drink providers who take pride in everything they do. This is one of the reasons why the North West region is already on track to become the top food destination on the island of Ireland.
“Not only LegenDerry for food, but the region also offers a range of outdoor adventure pursuits like hiking the Sperrins to paddle-boarding along the River Foyle. All this combined with our exceptional reputation for hospitality and quality produce, guarantees a memorable trip for visitors.”
Selina Horshi, vice-chair of the Food and Drink Network and director of Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, added: “With Friday, 3rd July marking the reopening of our industry in Northern Ireland, hot on the heels of the South reopening, we felt this was a timely opportunity to officially showcase LegenDerry and the people behind it. As a network of business owners for coffee shops, restaurants, and hotels, to food and drink producers, we are exceptionally proud of what we have to offer to both our local and loyal customers, as well as domestic and international tourists.
“Visitors planning a trip to experience LegenDerry can look forward to outstanding locally produced food and drink, all served up with a warm welcome and plenty of craic.”
In conjunction with the reopening of the hospitality industry, tourists can avail of competitive overnight experiences packaged up by LegenDerry’s three accredited hotels, which include:
Bishop’s Gate Hotel: Enjoy a relaxing overnight stay in a luxurious guest room from £149pps (€165.18) per night. Offer includes glass of Prosecco on arrival, two-course dinner in the Wig & Gown restaurant, and freshly cooked-to-order Irish breakfast.
Best Western White Horse Hotel: Indulge in an overnight break in Derry~Londonderry’s family-owned, four-star hotel from £145 (€160.74) per couple. Offer includes two-course dinner with a glass of wine and full breakfast.
Beech Hill: Stay from £140 (€155.20) per night. Offer includes a three-course dinner in Beech Hill’s gastro pub, Sixteen22.
For further information, visit legenderryfood.com/
Connect with LegenDerry on Facebook and Instagram @LegenDerryFood.
Clodagh Dooley
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