Healthy living enthusiasts across the UK have chosen protein-rich overnight oats
from Armagh-based Linwoods Health Foods, a Food NI member, as the Best New
Product in a major public vote.
Chocolate Protein Overnight Oats, a plant-based blend of gluten-free oats, chia and
soy protein from Linwoods, was chosen for the platinum award for innovation in the
2025 Your Healthy Living magazine’s product awards by its readers.
Linwoods’ unique formula boasts fatigue-fighting magnesium, keeping consumers
energised and ready to conquer the day ahead.
The magazine, which circulates around UK health stores, said readers were asked to
vote for their favourite health products across 12 categories. “The response was
phenomenal – the votes poured in, and we were thrilled by the enthusiasm for
celebrating the very best in natural health.”
The award comes as family-owned Linwoods has become the leader in the UK and
Ireland of a comprehensive range of plant foods such as cold-milled linseed,
flaxseed sunflower, pumpkin, chia seeds, goji berries and hemp over five decades
The company, now under managing director Patrick Woods, is also celebrating two
major ‘wins’ with UK supermarkets Morrisons and Tesco for its overnight oats. It also
supplies leading health stores such as Holland and Barrett.
Exceptional customer demand for the unique overnight oats will see the healthy
products in 750 new stores.
Since the launch of oats last year, the range has contributed to a significant increase
in sales for Linwoods, resulting in 20 percent growth over the last 12 months and a
10 per cent increase in workers to over 90.
The overnights oats are also available in an extensive list of stores including Spar,
Supervalu, Centra, Mace and independent retailers across the island of Ireland and
Wholefoods, Farm Food and Booths in the UK.
Earlier this year, Linwoods started exporting to Spain with stockists CarreFour and
E.C.I, as well as Italy’s Esselunga and Coop Italia.
Patrick Woods says: “In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the demand
for plant-based, functional foods and time-saving options. We are so proud to have
created an innovative breakfast solution to address this need.”

Get into the festive spirit at Long Meadow Farm! 

Drive through the magical orchard, under the stars, to the enchanting Bramley Barn.  The elves will welcome you into Santa’s Grotto with a smile and festive cheer, whilst you sip on hot chocolate, a Christmas story you will hear!

Whilst Santa is checking his list twice, there will be lots of festive fun for the family to experience!

 Make some Reindeer food for Santa’s busy reindeers
 Design your own Christmas plate for when Santa visits on Christmas Eve
 Write your letter to Santa and post it in The Bramley Barn’s post box – ready to be delivered straight to the North Pole!
 Enjoy some hot chocolate or Long Meadow Spiced Apple Juice while listening to a Christmas story
 Have fun with arts & crafts

Last, but not least, sit and chat with Santa himself and receive a Christmas Book made by Santa’s Elves at the North Pole.

One of Santa’s favourite elves will be standing by to take some photos for you and your family so you can cherish this magical moment forever.

Book here: https://www.longmeadowcider.com/product/santa-bramley-barn/

Farmer Robbie Neill, a respected producer of premium hams and bacon, has gained
national recognition ahead of the crucially important festive season.
Owner of FoodNI member Stonebridge Farm, just outside Crossgar, Co Down,
Robbie has been named the UK’s Pedigree Pig Breeder, the industry’s coveted
recognition.
Experts in the National Pig Awards were last week “impressed with the innovative,
sustainable system” that Robbie has developed on his small holding.
“Starting in 2017 with one Oxford Sandy and Black sow, the Stonebridge herd has
grown to over 100 pigs, including British Saddlebacks and Berkshires,” the judges
said.
“This immensely encouraging recognition could scarcely have come at a better time,”
Robbie says. “We are gearing up for the Christmas season that always produces
high volume demand for our quality hams, bacon and pork sausages. It’s really great
news for our small farm and our dry-cured pork products,” he adds.
Pedigree pigs are free to roam the farm, which also rears sheep and poultry, and to
enjoy an exceptional diet, developed by Robbie, that contributes to the outstanding
flavours of his pork products. He sells from his small farm shop and also supplies to
several shops and to top chefs such as award-winning restaurateur Jim Mulholland
of The Georgian House in Comber.
Robbie draws his interest in recycling from growing up on the family beef and sheep
farm, now run by brother Johnny, just down the Derryboye Road from his own farm.
Married to Louise and with three young children, Robbie continues: “Our focus is on
high quality niche and authentic products and not on volume. Quality and taste are
the priority for us. As a result, our business is built on the pillars of quality, local,
integrity and authenticity.”
Another winner at the awards was TV celebrity Jeremy Clarkson, owner of an
Oxfordshire farm, gained the Innovation Award,
The National Pig Awards showcase and celebrate those leading the sector in
excellence and innovation. The awards are the only competition entirely devoted to
the UK pig industry.

When it comes to food, Derry-Londonderry has quickly cemented itself as the
culinary capital of Northern Ireland. With its rich history, stunning natural landscapes,
and a food scene brimming with passion and creativity, this city in the North West
offers an authentic taste of the region like no other.
If you’re planning a visit, February is the perfect time to explore Derry during Love
LegenDerry Food Month, funded locally by Department of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs Regional Food Programme This annual celebration brings together the best
of the region’s culinary talents with a jam-packed programme of events. From tasting
menus to cheese tours and oyster festivals, the month-long celebration showcases
the city’s unique flavours and the passionate people behind them.
As the meeting point of the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way,
Derry serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the wider region’s culinary
offerings. Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find everything from traditional Irish
farmhouse cooking to innovative fine dining experiences.
Pack your appetite! Here’s why Derry is the ultimate destination for food lovers.

1. A Culinary Heritage Steeped in Tradition
   Derry’s food story is deeply intertwined with its history. As one of Europe’s oldest
   continuously inhabited settlements, the city boasts a culinary heritage that reflects its
   agricultural roots and coastal bounty. Local producers and chefs take pride in
   showcasing these traditions while adding their own modern twist, making the dining
   experience here both nostalgic and innovative.
2. The Home of Lough Foyle Native Oysters
   Seafood lovers, rejoice! Derry is home to the world-renowned Lough Foyle Native
   Oysters, which have been harvested in the region for centuries. These oysters are
   prized for their unique flavour, shaped by the waters of the Foyle Estuary. Whether
   you try them fresh at an Oyster & Stout Festival or paired with a craft beer at the
   Walled City Brewery, this delicacy is an absolute must-try.
3. LegenDerry Food Network: A Community of Excellence
   Derry’s vibrant food scene is powered by the LegenDerry Food Network, a
   collective of passionate chefs, producers, and restaurateurs who are redefining the
   region’s food identity. This collaboration ensures that visitors can experience the very
   best of locally sourced produce, whether at Michelin-recognised restaurants, cosy
   cafés, or bustling food events and markets.
4. Unique Food Experiences
   Derry offers food lovers a range of immersive and unforgettable experiences:
    Derry By Fork Food Tour: Explore the city’s culinary history while sampling
   iconic dishes and modern twists crafted by the city’s finest chefs.
    Dart Mountain Cheese Experience: Delve into the art of cheesemaking in
   the heart of the Sperrin Mountains with tastings of award-winning cheeses.

 Seafood Supper Club: Dine aboard ‘Big Decky,’ bus overlooking Lough
Foyle, with a menu celebrating the region’s freshest catch.
These events not only showcase Derry’s exceptional produce but also immerse
visitors in its culture and stories.

5. Innovative Craft Beer and Spirits Scene
   Derry’s drinks scene is as innovative as its food. Local breweries, like the Walled City
   Brewery, are crafting unique beers such as the city’s iconic Foyster Stout. For those
   seeking something stronger, the recent launch of Snifter, a brandy ball-flavoured
   poitín, highlights the city’s adventurous spirit in distilling.
6. Local Produce That Tells a Story
   From the verdant pastures of the Sperrins to the fertile waters of the Foyle Estuary,
   Derry’s natural larder is second to none. Artisan producers such as Dart Mountain
   Cheese, Tamnagh Foods, and Foyle Bia Mara offer products with provenance,
   quality, and an unmistakable taste of place.
   Why Visit Now?
   Derry is more than just a food destination—it’s a community of passionate people
   bringing the North West’s flavours to life. With its mix of tradition and innovation, rich
   history, and breathtaking landscapes, the city offers a truly unique gastronomic
   experience. Whether you’re savouring oysters by the Foyle or embarking on a
   guided food tour through its historic streets, Derry will leave you craving more.
   For full event listings, visit www.legenderryfood.com/events.
   Or explore Visit Derry for things to see and do, accommodation. Plus, for places to
   eat and drink ww.visitderry.com.

Now in its third year, Love LegenDerry Food Month* has firmly established Derry-
Londonderry as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. This February, the
historic city and its surrounding district will once again celebrate its exceptional
culinary heritage with a month-long programme of unique events and experiences.
From artisan cheese tours to seafood festivals and innovative dining experiences,
the vibrant offerings aim to entice food lovers from across the UK, Ireland, and
beyond to explore the North West’s thriving food scene.
With a backdrop of stunning landscapes, a rich heritage, and passionate producers,
this food destination offers an immersive experience that celebrates authentic local
flavours and the artistry of its chefs and artisans.

Taste the Flavors of the North West
The highlight of the month is a Taste of LegenDerry Media Event on 20th February,
where food critics, writers, and influencers are invited to indulge in a six-course
tasting menu created by the city’s top chefs. Each dish will be paired with locally
crafted drinks, and guests will have the opportunity to meet the artisans behind the
region’s standout products. A special unveiling will take place at the event with the
launch of Walled City Brewery’s latest innovation, “Snifter” brandy ball poitín,
promising a unique taste of Derry’s inventive spirit.

Derry By Fork: A Culinary Heritage Tour
Food enthusiasts can join the brand-new Derry By Fork food tour, a guided journey
through the city’s historic streets, sampling iconic dishes crafted by its most
celebrated chefs. Stories of the city’s culinary past and present will add depth to this
immersive gastronomic experience, perfect for locals and visitors alike.

A Celebration of Seafood and Stout
Seafood lovers will find paradise at the Oyster & Stout Festival on 7th–8th
February. Hosted by the Walled City Brewery, this unique event pairs Lough Foyle
Native Oysters with a diverse selection of local stouts, including Tabasco and
Chocolate Chipotle varieties. The festival will also feature live music and fresh
seafood dishes, creating an atmosphere brimming with flavour and fun.
For those seeking an exclusive dining experience, the Seafood Supper
Club aboard ‘Big Decky’ offers breathtaking views of Lough Foyle while savouring a five-course menu spotlighting the freshest local catch, curated by Pyke & Pommes and Moores on the Quay.

Artisan Experiences in the Sperrins
Travel into the heart of the Sperrin Mountains for an intimate look at Derry’s award-
winning artisan cheese scene. The Dart Mountain Cheese Experience offers tours
through the cheese maturing rooms, a lesson in the craft and science of
cheesemaking, and tastings of handmade cow and goat cheeses, perfectly paired
with local chutneys.

Romantic Dining and Unique Experiences
February’s month of romance provides the perfect backdrop for exclusive dining
events, including Wild & Fired Dining Brook Hall Estate. Couples will enjoy a
curated menu featuring wood-fired grilled steaks and other locally sourced
delicacies, paired with fine wines and served in the enchanting setting of the estate’s
historic walled garden.

A Region Poised for Culinary Greatness
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr,
hailed the initiative: “Love LegenDerry Food Month celebrates the innovation and
passion of our chefs and producers, while inviting visitors to discover the incredible
food heritage of the North West. From artisan cheese and seafood festivals to
unique tours and dining experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I
encourage food lovers everywhere to join us in February and experience the best of
what our city and district has to offer.”

Plan Your Food Adventure
For full event listings, visit www.legenderryfood.com/events.
Or explore Visit Derry for things to see and do, accommodation. Plus, for places to
eat and drink ww.visitderry.com.

Abernethy Butter, Northern Ireland’s multi-award-winning handcrafted butter, will
soon be on sale at Marks and Spencer’s (M&S) popular network of food halls here
and in the Republic of Ireland.
High-end food specialist M&S has become the first food supermarket to offer the
luxury butter that’s preferred by many of the UK and Ireland’s top chefs, including
celebrities Heston Blumenthal, Marcus Wareing, and acclaimed food stylist Nigella
Lawson.
The deal to supply M&S food halls across the island is a major breakthrough in sales
of the hand churned and hand rolled butter for entrepreneur Peter Hannan, the new
owner of the innovative small business, and his team in Moira.
The company has just listed a special date and rum butter for Christmas season.
Peter, the founder and managing director of Hannan Meats, one of the UK and
Ireland’s leading producers of premium beef, pork and lamb for local and export
markets, acquired Abernethy Butter in March, after founders Will and Allison
Abernethy decided to retire and placed the artisan enterprise on the market.
Commenting on the M&S deal, Peter, one of the UK’s most successful and
respected business leaders, says: “We are absolutely delighted to have secured this
significant listing with such a respected and pioneering food business as M&S.
“The deal moves our superb butter range on to another level with premium food halls
and provides an opportunity for more people here and in the Republic to enjoy a
genuinely world class and outstandingly tasty Northern Ireland product.
“The M&S listing is also an important boost for our efforts to pinpoint and develop
opportunities that we’ve identified in Ireland, in Britain and especially further afield for
this excellent creamy butter.
“Abernethy Butter is a wonderful range, and we are investing extensively to ensure
greater recognition and success for the product in key markets.
“I am convinced that Abernethy Butter has enormous growth potential especially in
Britain, the Republic of Ireland and abroad. Our production has already doubled in
the past three months from the additional sales, and is likely to double again in the
next six months,” adds Peter.
The unique butter was developed and launched by Will, a Dromara, Co Down farmer
and former nurse Allison Abernethy in 2005. Over the years, the distinctive patted
rolls of butter have built up something of a cult following, with listings in Harrods and
Fortnum & Mason in London, and a number of awards including an impressive string
of coveted UK Great Taste ‘stars’.

Production is currently being relocated to new premises in the Moira area, a 12,000
square foot facility on the site of a former pub/restaurant, and ramped up to meet
high demand for the butter.
Peter sees Abernethy Butter as one of the main operations in an artisan food hub
he’s planning for the complex. It will eventually offer scope for visitors to see the
butter being made by hand.
In addition to Abernethy Butter, Peter has a role with Ispini Charcuterie, also based
in Moira and an award-winning producer of cured meats that have won a host of
awards for outstanding taste.
His other food business interests include En Place Foods in Cookstown, an
innovator and producer of award-winning products for the catering/hospitality sector,
and CRAIC Foods in Craigavon, a producer and marketer of sauces, chutneys and
jams for retail. Both companies have also won UK Great Taste and Blas na hEireann
awards. CRAIC also provides wholesale and distribution for other artisan food
producers here. Peter is in partnership with chef/businessman Paul Clarke in both
these enterprises. Paul has also contributed to the development of Abernethy Butter
products.
A director of Food NI, the local independent food promotion agency, Peter also
assists the growth of other artisan companies through the Meat Merchant in Moira, a
hugely popular butchery and deli venture, and through his extensive international
network of food contacts.
M&S has 22 stores in Northern Ireland, including Simply Food outlets in central
Belfast, Forestside and Sprucefield, and a further 18 in the Republic of Ireland. The
network now includes an ultra-modern M&S Simply Food Hall in Belfast’s recently
opened Grand Central travel hub.
The first M&S store to be developed in a local travel complex, it opened last
Wednesday and is operated by SSP Group, which already manages 54 M&S Simply
Food stores across the UK.
The Grand Central store, which sells freshly-baked pastries, salads and sandwiches,
as well as ready meals, wood-fired pizzas and confectionery, represents a further
substantial by the retailer in the local economy.
The ongoing investment, furthermore, includes sourcing innovative food and drink
from a growing number of local artisan producers.
Other listings of local food artisans this year include: Irish Black Butter, Portrush;
Corndale Charcuterie, Limavady; Burren Balsamics, Armagh; Melting Pot Fudge,
Belfast; and Natural Umber Apple Cider Vinegar from Dungannon.