The chairman of Tourism NI has described Armagh as one of nine key designated visitor destinations in Northern Ireland and said he was proud to stand side by side with the people of the Orchard County.

Terence Brannigan was speaking as this year’s special guest at the second Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre where over 30 food and drink producers gathered to sell their produce as a celebration of the end of this year’s harvest.

Mr Brannigan described Armagh city’s Georgian architecture and Christian heritage as key to tourism with its hinterland rich in cultural experiences, scenic landscapes and outdoor adventure as major attractions for local, national and international travellers.

Over 2,000 people gathered again this year in Richhill to sample the tastes and flavours of the local landscape.

Mr Brannigan said: “I am here at the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre as a big fan of the Armagh Bramley Apple but also because of the great significance this region has for tourism in Northern Ireland and no more so than at this harvest time of year.

“This area is one of nine key visitor destinations designated across the whole of Northern Ireland so, as Tourism NI Chairman, I welcome this opportunity to stand side-by-side with the people of Richhill in celebration of the Bramley Apple, the tastes and flavours of the local landscape and the warmth of the Richhill community.

“The interest in this event across Northern Ireland, and further afield, has been very strong and I believe that this is because Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre has put its finger firmly on the pulse of our key tourism themes of the moment.

“In the run up to Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink initiative in 2016, I congratulate the organisers in choosing a very opportune time to showcase our local food heritage and to unlock experiences of the produce, culture and traditions.”

The event, which was funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and sponsored by Food NI , Wilson’s Country, Irwin’s Bakery and MKB Contracts, was described as ‘important’ to Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.

Mr Brannigan added: “I cannot emphasise enough how important an event like Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is to tourism. I am delighted that Richhill Women’s Institute has played a very special role in the Great British Menu this year, with local chef Chris Magowan championing our Armagh Bramley on national TV. This kind of exposure demonstrates the ways in which fine flavours and local stories can be very powerful in promoting to large scale audiences our food and our tourism industry.

“This event allows local producers, businesses, communities, visitors and the people of Northern Ireland, to connect with our natural and abundant landscape in fun, fresh and exciting ways, thereby celebrating what the land produces, while helping deliver prosperity.

“It’s telling the world that we are proud of who we are and proud of what we produce. This can only strengthen our message that Armagh in particular and Northern Ireland in general are strong foodie destinations that are worth exploring.”

Barry Gracey, chairman of the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre, said: “The community of Richhill have very successfully run two fayres now. We are overwhelmed by the public support for this event. It demonstrates the power of local people, local stories and local contributions on a much bigger scale.

“We were delighted to play host to international and national food and drink writers who came to our village to savour the flavour of what we had to produce. This, and the Great British Menu, are excellent platforms to showcase to the rest of the world what the people of Richhill can achieve.”

Hughes Craft Distillery, the Lisburn-based craft distiller, announce the launch of the unique Belfast Martini in association with Fed & Watered restaurant and cocktail bar, part of the Mount Charles catering group that uses RubyBlue Premium Potato Vodka.

‘The Belfast Martini’ has been launched for passengers using the Departures Lounge at Belfast International Airport and is the first in a series of locally inspired drinks with RubyBlue Premium Vodka, which is also on sale in the Duty Free Zone. Fed & Watered is the airport’s principal restaurant and bar.

Christopher Telford, general manager of Food & Watered, says: “Sleek surroundings, traditional menus, local identity and excellent customer service are the corner stones of our traditional, and relaxed café and bar.  We strongly believe in supporting our local fishermen, butchers, farmers and bakers.

“We source local products, showcase regional cooking and celebrate the wonderful diversity found within our shores. Our suppliers include The County Kitchen, Lisburn. Ewing’s Seafood’s, Belfast, Hilden Brewery, Dunmurry and vodka from RubyBlue in Lisburn.

“As part of our ongoing improvements we have recently launched a new drinks list which features locally produced RubyBlue Vodka and berry liqueurs in several cocktails including:

The White Ruby

RubyBlue Premium vodka with Fever Tree lemonade and fresh mint and a wedge of orange

Our Mary

Our very own Northern Irish Bloody Mary. Large measure of RubyBlue Potato vodka Ruby Blue Chilli pepper, rich tomato juice & lemon juice served with your choice of seasoning and condiments.

Belfast Martini

The originally French Martini with a Fed & Watered twist! RubyBlue Potato Vodka, RubyBlue Wild Blackcurrant liquor and Pineapple juice shaken and strained into a Martini glass

“The locally inspired cocktail list allows our customers to start their holiday early and tourists to leave Belfast with a great last taste of how great our local produce really is. The Belfast Martini comes as Northern Ireland prepares to celebrate our first-ever Year of Food and Drink. We really want to showcase the best of Northern Ireland food and drink to travellers.”

Stuart Hughes, managing director of RubyBlue Irish Potato Vodka, adds: “It’s tremendously exciting for us to working with Fed & Watered on a range of local cocktails for passengers to enjoy at the airport. It’s a marvellous opportunity for a small batch distillery like RubyBlue. Belfast International Airport is demonstrating an immensely encouraging commitment to local producers including artisan enterprises. We are all benefiting from the airport’s impressive commitment and support.”

Pictured (L-R) Margaret Allen, Procurement Manager, Mount Charles Group, Graham Keddie, managing director of Belfast International Airport, Christopher Telford, general manager, Fed & Watered, and Stuart Hughes, managing director of Hughes Craft Distillery, Lisburn

The popular restaurant previously known as St. George’s Market Bar & Grill, has opened its doors to the public today under the new name, George’s of the Market.

The rebrand heralds a new era for the legendary restaurant which has overlooked the historic St George’s Market for the last 15 years and has hosted a stream of esteemed celebrity chefs including John Torode and Gino Di Campo.

Newly refurbished, the restaurant offers a welcoming, sophisticated space for patrons to dine, drink or simply enjoy a velvety cappuccino, while soaking up the bustling atmosphere of the unique venue.

Not forgetting its roots, George’s of the Market’s award-winning Ulster Fry is still on offer, along with a number of other high quality, classic dishes that feature ingredients straight from the market floor, which are sure to satisfy any appetite whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner

The chic updated bar area means that after work crowds in the local vicinity now have a new venue where they can leave the busy working environment behind and welcome in the weekend instead. With a generous selection of delicious bar snacks and international and local beverages on offer, the relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect place to unwind with friends and colleagues.

Brian Martin, a member of the management team at George’s of the Market said:

“We are delighted to bring this new offering to Belfast which we hope will revitalise this part of the city as an exciting destination for dining and socialising.

“We believe our selection of fresh, locally sourced food is second to none and are proud to be working closely with market traders who, like us, place food quality – and its origin – above all else.”

“In addition to offering an exceptional dining experience, we are pleased to announce that we will now be offering event solutions to corporate customers who want somewhere uniquely different and memorable to host their meetings and functions.”

Executive Chef, James Bell, who has years experience of creating mouthwatering menus in a range of establishments added:

“There are very few restaurants who are in the position we are in. To be able to serve dishes to customers whilst seeing the supplier whom we purchased the ingredients from on the floor below us, is something truly special and we consider ourselves incredibly lucky.”

With convenient opening times of 10.00am-2.30pm for brunch Tuesday to Sunday and 5.00pm-9.30pm Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, diners can enjoy a stunning meal at any time of the day.

To find out more about George’s of the Market, or to make a reservation, please visit www.georgesbelfast.com or call 028 9024 0014.

Linden Foods the County Tyrone based meat processor wins a prestigious GOLD ‘Blas Na hEireann’ Food Award for their Lidl Inisvale Selection Irish Hereford Fillet Steaks.

Now in its 8^th year, Blas na hEireann, The Irish Food Awards is one of the biggest competitions for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland. Over 2500 products have been entered into this year’s competition to win Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards in over 90 food and drink categories.

“To win a Gold Award is a fantastic achievement. We are very proud of our Inisvale selection range. They have proven extremely popular and have picked up a few awards recently. This is a testament to the quality and taste of our products. The fillet steaks are very succulent, full flavored and affordable which make it a perfect product.  We share this award with Lidl. We have a great relationship with their team and look forward to producing more exciting products in the future.”commented; Elaine Willis – Head of Innovation Linden Foods