Rupert Rowley – one of the chefs currently appearing on BBC1 “Yes Chef” series hosted two evenings in Derbyshire this week celebrating the Year of Food and Drink Northern Ireland 2017. Producers were able to share their stories with more than 150 guests over two evenings.
The first dinner took place at Rowley’s - the little sister restaurant of Baslow Hall with an informal, relaxed evening which including a fun quiz hosted by Gerry White and some traditional hearty Irish food. Baslow Hall hosted with the second evening at Michelin starred Fischer’s restaurant. A seven course-tasting menu was prepared by Rupert with five guests chefs using produce from Northern Ireland who wowed thediners with their individual style added to each dish.
Guests were able to hear the stories straight from the heart of the producers as they enjoyed their evening. Award winning butter maker Allison Abernethy, Gerry White from Jawbox Gin and Declan Holmes from Gallopers Ale chatted to guests throughout dinner about what make their products do special. Declan’s Dad – Eamonn Holmes also joined in the fun and took time out of his busy schedule to visit the Chatsworth Estate to meet manager Andre Birkett - at Chatsworth Farm Shop (owned by the Duke & Duchess of Devonshire who are the going to be the first retailer out of Northern Ireland to stock Gallopers Ale. Jawbox Gin will also be gracing the selves of their artisan gin section.
“It was an honour to be part of sharing the wonderful story of food and drink producers from Northern Ireland with Rupert and his team at Baslow Hall in Derbyshire” – Eamonn Holmes.
Gallopers Ale, Jawbox Gin are already stocked behind the bar at both Rowley’s and Fischer’s along with Ruby Blue Vodka also from Northern Ireland.
Guild of Fine Food “Top 50 Foods in Britain” winners Abernethy Butter and Peter Hannan’s dry aged Glenarm shorthorn beef, Glenarm Organic Salmon, Lough Neagh smoked eel and Broighter Gold rapeseed oil were included in the menu. Guest chefs included Mark Poynton from Michelin starred Alimentum in Cambridge, Steve Smith from Freemason’s Wiswell, Adam Smith from Coworth Park at Ascot, Andrew Nutter from Nutters Restaurant and Eddie Atwell who flew in from Belfast to help Rupert and his team create a mouthwatering menu from the very best Northern Ireland has to offer.
The celebrations also raised over £1,300 for Teenage Cancer Trust and Macmillan charities.
