The recent collaboration of local and regional food and drink businesses at the Eat the Island event presents an exciting opportunity for enthusiasts of local cuisine. This event, organized by the Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire Fare, Queens Hotel and University of Portsmouth, provided a platform for producers to showcase their products to local hospitality venues and retailers. Notable businesses such as Portsmouth Distillery, Spice Island Chilli, Tea Mountain, Staggeringly Good Brewery, and Mad K all contributed to the success of this event.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the return of the Southsea Festival 2024 next month. This festival promises to be a grand celebration of local food and drink, with over 60 stalls offering an array of delectable goodies, making it an ideal kickoff to the summer holidays.
Attendees of Eat the Island were treated to an enlightening programme of short talks, including one from Liam Coleman, the founder of Spice Island Chilli. His account of starting from humble beginnings at his kitchen table to achieving nationwide sales proved to be both motivational and insightful.
Natalie Brahma-Pearl, the chief executive of Portsmouth City Council, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its role in fostering connections within the vibrant food and drink scene, as well as its contribution to the local economy’s growth.
In addition to the networking opportunities and inspirational talks, the event also provided a platform for businesses to establish a sustainable and thriving supply chain within Portsmouth, an important step towards ensuring the continued success of the local food and drink industry.
For those eagerly anticipating the Southsea Food Festival, mark your calendars for 20th and 21st July. The festival, now in its 16th year, promises to bring together the best of local food and drink in a vibrant and festive atmosphere, making it a must-attend event for foodies and beverage enthusiasts alike.
In conclusion, Eat the Island showcased the collaborative spirit among local and regional food and drink businesses, highlighting the community’s dedication to supporting and promoting the local food and drink industry. The upcoming Southsea Festival is indeed a highly anticipated event and presents a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the finest offerings from the region. For enthusiasts of local cuisine, these events are not to be missed.