Lake District Weekend Breaks and the Cuisine
What has been great to see in the last few years is the use of the magnificent local produce from Cumbria – the Lake District in the hotels in the county. Cumbria is known for a variety of produce but none more so than lamb. Herdwick and rough fell lamb has a very distinct taste and is extremely high quality. This lamb is now revered within the food industry with many top London restaurants requesting Herdwick and markets such as the famous Borough Market stocking it. Cumbrian rose veal is also being championed by top chefs and restaurants for its quality and it is great to see veal back in favour and on menus.
Cumbria and The Lake District are very lucky to have a diverse range of small and artisan producers from lamb, beef and sausages to chutney’s and real ales. Such produce can be found in abundance and the inhabitants and visitors to the area are very spoilt. There are even hotels that have their own Victorian kitchen garden and farms. Such gardens supply as much fresh fruit and vegetables as possible to their hotels and the farms supply as much meat. Not only do many of Lake District accommodation venues use local produce but they are taking it one step further and supplying themselves. This is a great marketing tool for a hotel and there are guests now having short breaks in the Lake District as much for the food as the scenery. In the south lakes especially, there are a huge number of local producers and suppliers.
For green conscious travellers going on Lake District weekend breaks, eating local produce which reduces food miles is very appealing. Food miles can easily add up through transportation of UK foodstuffs throughout the UK. By eating locally sourced produce to the area in which you live or are visiting on holiday, cuts down food miles considerably. A consequence of the reduction in food miles means you are also supporting local suppliers and producers.