21 April 2009, 13:01 PM
  • Our patron saint is usually surpassed by drinking in traditional St Paddy's Day style, but this Thursday it is grub not Guinness that has prompted patriotic festivities

A shop in Essex is determined to bring St Georges Day to the masses, launching a campaign to promote all that’s great about British food.

Lancaster’s Deli, in Colchester, will be looking to prove that local food deserves, at the very least, an annual flourish of the country’s flag. It plans to show its customers themed displays, menus and tastings, all inspired by home-grown grub.

“We pride ourselves on offering a great choice of English food and drink, with much of it coming from local farms and producers,” says Paul Lancaster, owner. “St George’s Day gives us another opportunity to get our customers eating it!” he adds.

Local products such as Suffolk Farmhouse Cheeses, Fairfields Farm crisps, Godminster Cheddar, and Farmer Brown’s rapeseed oil are amongst an abundance of British products, that will be proudly on display in the store.

“Traditional ploughman’s sarnies, chicken and stuffing, pork and apple sauce, beef and horseradish, will all be on the menu,” says Mr Lancaster. “It’s time people started appreciating real flavours, supporting local farmers and eating with a bit more national pride,” he adds.

Also celebrating local produce is a fine food and wine company with stores in Northallerton and Yarm. Staff at Lewis & Cooper’s have organised tastings, special offers and a competition to focus on St George’s Day. Customers are then invited to a tutored beer tasting evening from Wold Top Brewery, near Driffield.