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Chefs and producers from NI showcase delicious Northern Ireland produce at London’s Good Housekeeping Institute

Award-winning chef Theo Randall joined well-known Northern Ireland chefs and producers at the Good Housekeeping Institute in London yesterday, for the launch of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016. The event, organised by Tourism Ireland, was attended by top GB food and travel journalists and bloggers.

Theo Randall, proprietor of Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Lane and former head chef at The River Café, cooked up some of his signature dishes in the test kitchen at the Good Housekeeping Institute – using delicious Northern Ireland produce for the guests to sample. He was ably assisted by Niall McKenna of James Street South, Derek Creagh of Harry’s Shack, Will Brown of The Old Schoolhouse Inn, James Huey of Walled City Brewery, as well as the Krazi Baker, Mark Douglas.

Guests heard all about our world-class ingredients, talented chefs, wonderful restaurants and cookery schools – as well as Northern Ireland’s upcoming Year of Food and Drink. In 2016, Tourism Ireland will be taking every opportunity to highlight and celebrate our wonderful food scene, promoting Northern Ireland food in GB and elsewhere around the world – and giving more tourists an appetite to visit Northern Ireland.

Caption 18 November 2015: REPRO FREE: Award-winning chef Theo Randall joined well-known Northern Ireland chefs and producers at the Good Housekeeping Institute in London, for the launch of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016. The event, organised by Tourism Ireland, was attended by top GB food and travel journalists and bloggers.  Pictured here (l-r) Niall McKenna, James Street South, Belfast; Kathryn Thomson, Tourism NI; David Boyce, Tourism Ireland and Theo Randall, InterContinental London Park Lane. Further media information: Elaine Moore / Clair Balmer, Tourism Ireland Tel: 07766 52771
Pictured here (l-r) Niall McKenna, James Street South, Belfast; Kathryn Thomson, Tourism NI; David Boyce, Tourism Ireland and Theo Randall, InterContinental London Park Lane.

Vanessa Markey, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “Next year, Tourism Ireland will place a major focus on highlighting Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink. We are inviting people across Great Britain to come and enjoy 366 days of culinary celebration where they will discover the best of local produce and have the chance to experience the spectacular scenery and wonderful coastline which makes Northern Ireland so special. With so many great events planned for 2016, our message is that there has never been a better time to enjoy a true taste of Northern Ireland.”

Vanessa Markey continued: “The latest NISRA figures confirm that visitors from Great Britain to Northern Ireland increased by +5% in the first half of 2015. Tourism Ireland is determined to ensure that growth continues and our busy autumn campaign is now in full swing.”