Focus on Food with a good helping of patriotism

Seven venues across the north will be making a special effort on St George's Day, April 23rd, as part of an annual initiative by the CLA to celebrate England's national day by focusing attention on the range and quality of local food.

Each venue will be making the occasion memorable with local produce featuring heavily on the menu and guests unashamedly celebrating the very best of English values.

The CLA is keen that as many people as possible support this most traditional of occasions, and non-members are more than welcome at all its events. It is also encouraging other communities to celebrate St George's Day in their own manner.

Mike Ashton, CLA's Regional PR& Communications Adviser said:

"We felt that perhaps people were not celebrating St George's Day because they simply didn't know how to.

"As well as being England’s patron saint, St George is venerated in many countries throughout the world as the patron saint of agriculture and farm workers, so it was an obvious decision to link the day with local food."

"These events are in their fourth year and are becoming increasingly popular as more people find they now have the perfect excuse to celebrate St George's Day.

"It is a shame that the day is not celebrated more widely. I would certainly encourage others to follow our lead and make food the perfect excuse to Celebrate St George's Day."

The events are being held at:

Brocksbushes Farm Shop, nr Corbridge, Northumberland

Catlowdy, Craigburn, Longtown, Cumbria

Sharrow Bay Hotel, Ullswater, Cumbria

Strickland Arms, Sizergh, Kendal, Cumbria

Garstang Country Hotel, Garstang, Lancashire

Fairways, Houghwood Golf Club,Crank, St Helens, Merseyside

The English Dining Room, Kermincham, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire