Local food and drink

What is local food and drink?

There is no single definition of 'local food and drink', but it typically relates to produce which has been grown, reared, caught or produced close to where it will be sold, using locally sourced ingredients where possible. 

Where can I enjoy local food and drink?

Local food and drink is becoming increasingly available through farm shops and direct farm sales, at farmers' markets and food festivals, and through a range of other retail outlets.

Restaurants, hotels, bed and breakfasts, tearooms and tourist attractions are also increasingly using locally sourced ingredients in their menus.

The 'Enjoy Local Food and Drink' guide (available below) features local food and drink producers, information on where to buy and where to enjoy local food and drink in East Yorkshire and the surrounding area, together with a food festival and events diary and a farmers markets calendar.  There are also sections about the wealth of information available to help visitors explore the area and discover the wide range of exciting local food and drink experiences on offer.  The free guide is available from East Riding of Yorkshire Council tourist information centres, customer service centres, leisure centres and libraries.  It is also available at participating businesses, farmers' markets, food festivals, and country shows attended by members.

Alternatively, download a copy of the Enjoy Local Food & Drink Guide below:

Enjoy Local Food and Drink Guide 2020/21 (external website) 

For further information, follow the link to the 'Visit Hull and East Yorkshire' website:

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (external website)

What is the East Yorkshire Local Food Network?

The East Yorkshire Local Food Network (EYLFN) comprises businesses and other organisations working together to promote, develop and expand the local food and drink sector in the East Riding and the surrounding area. Network activity is shaped by a business-led steering group, which is facilitated by the council's rural policy and partnerships team.

The Network is aimed at a range of businesses and organisations, including:

• local food and drink producers
• hospitality businesses committed to sourcing local produce as part of their business offer
• specialist food and drink retailers
• organisers of farmers' markets and food festivals
• suppliers of goods or services to businesses in the local food sector. 

How can businesses benefit from joining the East Yorkshire Local Food Network?

The East Yorkshire Local Food Network (EYLFN) produces an annual local food and drink guide and organises business networking events and workshops, designed to increase inter-business trading co-operation and to help members learn new skills and overcome challenges faced by many small rural businesses.

How can businesses join the East Yorkshire Local Food Network?

EYLFN works in partnership with Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY). To view the many benefits of joining the network, qualifying criteria and to sign up for free membership, businesses should click on:

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire - Local food network (external website) 

How can businesses keep up-to-date with the latest news and activities?

By following @eylfn on Twitter and Facebook, members can keep up to date with network news, find new business contacts, and details of networking events and workshops.

For more information email localfood@eastriding.gov.uk.