Archives: Directory

Ulster Farmers’ Union

Farming goes through its fair share of ups and downs, but the Ulster Farmers Union is always there to serve its members. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is the largest democratic voluntary organisation representing farmers and growers in Northern Ireland. Its central objective is to promote their interests both at home and abroad through professional lobbying.

Today, the UFU has over 11,500 members. Members are supported by 23 regional offices and headquarters building in Belfast. The Union’s commercial subsidiary, Countryside Services Ltd, is located in Dungannon.

The UFU takes a close interest in rural affairs and services, and works with politicians both in the UK and internationally, and with other groups and organisations
to advance rural interests. It has particularly close links with consumer groups, countryside and wildlife bodies, animal welfare organisations and academics.

The Union works closely with the National Farmers’ Unions in England, Scotland and Wales, and the Irish Farmers’ Association in Dublin. Collectively the UK Unions support the Bureau de l’Agriculture Brittanique, giving local farmers a permanent staff presence in Brussels

The strength of the Union is clearly demonstrated by its ability to successfully represent the wide range of interests of farmers.

Dairy Council

From the farm to the fridge they tirelessly advertise the nutritional benefits of including dairy in a balanced diet. They go out into schools to tell pupils why they should drink their milk and eat their cheese.

Our primary function is to communicate factual information to allow individuals to make well informed choices about dairy products that they consume and inform them of the benefits of including dairy products in a well balanced diet. We use a wide range of media, which includes television, radio, press, magazine, posters and the internet. Our advertising is complemented by public relations and promotional activities designed to communicate with specific groups.

We also help Northern Ireland dairy companies promote their key products in key export markets outside the EU, based on the high quality, sustainability and traceability of our milk and dairy products.

James Street South Cookery School

Open since 2011, the school is on the top floor of the building which houses the James Street South Bar and Grill. It’s a very flexible space up there, which lends itself brilliantly to team building events, classes, demos and product launches.

Chefs Niall McKenna and Carl Johannesson have decades of experience between them. They’re only too willing to share their knowledge with you. From dinner parties to knife skills and even sushi and cocktails; they can teach you all you need to know.

Classes are for up to 12 people and there’s room for 35 at demonstrations. The interactive TV means you won’t miss a thing!

Check website for details of upcoming classes and demos as well as wine and tasting events. Perfect gift for someone special.

 

Belfast Cookery School (in association with Mourne Seafood Bar)

This was the first purpose-built cookery school in Belfast and is right in the middle of the city centre. Whether you’re donning an apron for the first time, or you’re a bit of a galloping gourmet, there’s a class to suit you.

Most of the chefs are connected with the Mourne Seafood Bar and Restaurant, but they all know their fish from their fowl. You can get to grips with Italian, Mexican, Thai, Seafood, Breads, Dinner Parties and so much more. The private classes are the cool way to entertain a group.

There are 16 fully equipped, individual cooking stations and it’s up to you if you want to cook as teams, pairs or individuals. Feels a bit like the Masterchef studio, but without the pressure.

See website for class details.

The Wild Hog

Is there ANYTHING better than the smell of pork roasting on a spit? We’ve been doing it for millennia but it had fallen out of fashion a bit. Now thanks to the enterprising Convery family from Magherafelt, crispy crackling can come to your door!

They started trading in 2010 using free range pork from their own farm in Magherafelt, County Londonderry. This is outdoor catering as it should be. Spit roast pork with the best crackling, a selection of breads, stuffing and apple sauce. They do lamb and other meats too.

They can travel to the north or south of Ireland and they’ve even taken their piggies to Scotland. They say their prices are very competitive and there are a number of menu options. They’re fully insured for private parties, corporate lunches, weddings, festivals, events and christenings. And whatever else you might think merits a piggy feast!

Thee Plaice Restaurant & Outside Catering

Thee Plaice have a fast food restaurant in Omagh which is so popular they just HAD to bring their yummy stuff out on the road. Their bestseller is the classic Fillet of Kilkeel Cod with fresh salad and home made chips topped with Honey and Mustard Dressing. The other is the Cloughbane Award winning 6oz Steakburger topped with fresh salad and chips and house dressing.

Naturally, the fish is local where possible, but they do as much as they can to support native producers and suppliers. The bread is from Linwoods, the burgers are from Cloughbane. They also use Kee’s Saddleback pork and sweet chilli sausages and Pinkertons local sausages. Their vegetables and herbs are all home-grown by a local supplier.

We can cater for any event. Our team at Thee Plaice will be more that grateful to give you a quote on our expertise and on our variety of local produce.
We can cater for marquee-type functions to agricultural shows to funerals and wedding parties.
At the end of this year, they will launch a very special artisan bakery product. It’s for the Year of Food 2016. They anticipate this will take Northern Ireland by storm and will end up being exported far and wide. Watch this space!