Seasonal trails for 2013 include rare breed lamb, charcuterie and butchery skills, sustainable fishing and preserving, fresh cheese making and pairing with ciders and ales from across the county.
Yorkshire Food Finder, the first guided gourmet tour company to provide access to the larder of England’s largest county, has launched a calendar of more than 30 trails for 2013 – with more in development. Traversing the spectacular scenery of the North Yorkshire moors and coast, the Dales and David Hockney’s beloved Wolds of East Yorkshire, these full- and half-day trails give food-lovers and travellers unique access to the best food in Yorkshire and opportunities to learn new skills.
More than 25 artisan food producers are represented including award-winners such as Shepherds Purse Cheeses, Wold Top Brewery, Gareth Barlow and Howardian Hebrideans, Burdass Lamb, Ampleforth Abbey, Botton Creamery, Taste Tradition, Anna’s Happy Trotters and Staal Smokehouse.
Each trail is ‘hubbed’ around a top restaurant and ends with a signature feast cooked by award-winning chef-patrons using products seen on the trails. These include Andrew Pern at The Star Inn, James Mackenzie at the Michelin-starred The Pipe and Glass, Tim Bilton at The Butchers Arms and Ben Cox at The Star @ Sancton.
For serious foodies and professionals, there are skills-based trails with opportunities to learn charcuterie, butchery, fish smoking, cheese and ice cream making, as well as cookery master classes. Other trails are less hands-on, giving guests time to enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to rare breed farms, country estates, creameries, cellars and quaysides, and sample a delicious selection of regional products.
Set up in 2012 by former journalist Sue Nelson and railway man Aidan Nelson, both passionate regional food experts, Yorkshire Food Finder is a celebration of the county’s centuries-old traditions of great food production, craft, taste, landscapes and livelihoods.
Sue Nelson said: “For years, we’ve been secretly savouring the best of Yorkshire food from superb cheese and smoked fish, local charcuterie, rare breed meat, lovely liqueurs and gorgeous game. We got to know the chefs and producers and their unique stories, and wanted to share the passion they have for Yorkshire produce with food-lovers far and wide. A Yorkshire Food Finder trail is designed so foodies can appreciate the skill and commitment required to make good food great – and savour the difference.”
Yorkshire Food Finder trails start at £95 per person including transport, tour and either lunch or dinner. Trail numbers are limited to 12 people for more intimate access and last between six and 10 hours. Bespoke trails, for private groups as well as incentive, team building and corporate entertainment can also be arranged.
