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 eGuide below, which includes links to members' websites:

Enjoy Local Food and Drink eGuide 2022/23 (pdf) 

For further information on where to enjoy delicious local food and drink, follow the link to the 'Visit East Yorkshire' website:

Visit East Yorkshire (external website)

What is the East Yorkshire Local Food Network?

The East Yorkshire Local Food Network (EYLFN) comprises businesses and partners 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 help businesses make new contacts, learn new skills, increase sales 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 and qualifying criteria, businesses should click on the link below:

EYLFN membership benefits and criteria (pdf 365kb)

To sign up for free membership of VHEY and EYLFN, businesses should click on:

Visit Hull and East Yorkshire partnership form (external website)

Alternatively, if you are an existing VHEY partner, meet EYLFN membership criteria and wish to join the network, please email localfood@eastriding.gov.uk for further information.

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

A regular eBulletin is circulated to members to help them find new business contacts and keep up-to-date with the latest news and details of marketing opportunities, networking events and workshops.  They can also follow @eylfn on Twitter.

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