Westminster recently bore witness to Bath’s flourishing culinary scene as the city’s top food and drink artisans tantalized the tastes of Parliament. Dubbed ‘A Taste of Bath,’ this gastronomic extravaganza showcased a plethora of local delicacies, from heritage cheeses to 30-year-old amber ale, leaving MPs yearning for more.
The event, hosted by Wera Hobhouse, the Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, served as a platform for nine of the area’s premier food and drink producers to introduce their delectable offerings to parliamentarians and guests. Among the participants were Bath Ales, Chai Walla, Landrace Bakery, Sally Lunn’s, Bath Soft Cheese Company, Bath Gin Distillery, Nata & Co, and Bath Water, each contributing to Bath’s rich culinary landscape.
This celebration of Bath’s culinary prowess was not just about good food; it was about reinforcing support for independent businesses and championing local talent. The products on display were emblematic of the city’s diverse community, with a nod to the Ukrainian heritage from Bath-based entrepreneur Irina Malenko.
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Following a tasting session, Wera Hobhouse took the producers on a tour of the Parliamentary Estate, offering them insights into the inner workings of Westminster. The positive reception from visitors and MPs alike underscored the strong impression made by Bath’s producers, fueling a sense of local pride and camaraderie.
Altogether, the event underscored the significance of supporting local businesses. Upholding these establishments not only ensures the survival of independent shops and producers but also fosters a more robust and sustainable local economy. It demonstrated why it is imperative to shop local and bolster the extraordinary businesses that make the city of Bath so special.
Furthermore, the event provided a platform to spotlight individual success stories within Bath’s flourishing culinary landscape. Bath Ales, in particular, used this occasion to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their renowned amber ale, Gem, inviting attendees to raise a glass to the milestone.
Wera Hobhouse fervently expressed her gratitude to Bath’s exceptional businesses for sharing their incredible work with Parliament, highlighting the city’s thriving local food scene as unparalleled. She emphasized that from award-winning beers to freshly baked bread, and traditional delicacies, the caliber of produce in Bath is undoubtedly outstanding.
The significance of placing Bath in the national spotlight was underscored by Alison Herbert, the director of Bath Business Improvement District, who commended the opportunity to showcase the city’s culinary treasures and encouraged exploration of the offerings during Bath Restaurant Week.
Overall, ‘A Taste of Bath’ not only celebrated the city’s culinary champions but also spotlighted the vital role of independent businesses in fostering a vibrant and resilient local culinary culture.