Today food and drink producers from across Hampshire came in to Parliament to showcase their Overton buffalo mozzarella, Test Valley Gin and beer brewed in Botley, plus much, much more at an event organised by the Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, in the historic surroundings of Parliament’s ancient Westminster Hall.
Co-hosted by Winchester MP Steve Brine, North East Hampshire MP Ranil Jayawardena and North West Hampshire MP and Communities Minister Kit Malthouse, the event was attended by Hampshire MPs including Defence Secretary Penny Mordaunt alongside MPs, Peers, parliamentary staff, Hampshire Councillors and members of the public and came just days before ‘Hampshire Day’, which will be marked on Monday 15th July and aims to highlight all that the county has to offer.
Commenting, Eastleigh MP Mims said:
“I was absolutely delighted to welcome food and drink producers from across our wonderful county of Hampshire to Parliament today, including apple juice from Swanmore, mozzarella from Overton, watercress from Bighton, jams and chutneys from Southampton and gin and beer from the Test Valley!
“Indeed, in our Eastleigh area we have our very own amazing producers, and I was so pleased that Meg from The Botley Brewery made the effort to come up to Westminster and was really interested to hear about her own journey as a local brewer!
“Having grown up on a farm and worked alongside Ministers at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and met with members of the NFU on Monday, I absolutely recognise how hard our food and drink producers work day in, day out, and it was really wonderful to see them getting the recognition they deserve at todays event!”
Also commenting, Meg from The Botley Brewery said:
“Mims’ Taste of Hampshire event in Parliament was a brilliant day showcasing some of the best Hampshire has to offer. It was an opportunity too good to miss, and a reminder of just how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful county with so much local choice!”
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Mans, who also attended the event said:
“In the lead up to the first ever Hampshire Day on Monday 15th July, the Taste of Hampshire event has been a wonderful opportunity to remind ourselves of some of Hampshire’s finest features. Not only can the county boast a rich history and culture, ancient traditions, and beautiful landscapes, but also a host of talented local producers who are certainly putting Hampshire fayre firmly on the map.”
Producers on the day included:
* Charlotte Brown’s Handmade Artisan Preserves and Relishes – Southampton
* The Botley Brewery – Botley
* Test Brewing – Broughton
* The Watercress Company - Bighton
* Test Valley Gin - Andover
* Explorer Coffees – Gosport
* Laverstoke Park Farm – Overton
* Hill Farm Juice – Swanmore
* Hattingley Valley Wines – Hattingley
* Yarty Cordials – Southsea
* New Forest Cider – Burley