Food towns
In Britain today we are seeing the emergence of a number of food towns where visitors and residents can enjoy a wide variety of food experiences and meet and mix with local people who are passionate about their local food story. Let's take a look at three of these places.
Castle Douglas
Nestling between the Galloway hills and forests to the north and the sweeping beaches of the Solway Firth to the south, the historic market town of Castle Douglas has always been at the heart of local agricultural and commercial life. Shopping is a real treat for any visitor to Castle Douglas with its mix of delis, cafes, pubs and shops. Watch out for interesting cafes like Designs, for confectionery try the In House Chocolate and Deli store and The Toffee Shop all located on King Street and if you’re feeling hungry then pop along to a super little Italian restaurant called Carlos. There’s always something to look forward to in Castle Douglas Food Town (www.cd-foodtown.org/) including food and craft fairs, food masterclasses and food weeks.
Narberth
If you're traveling in Wales and want to explore the delights of Pembrokeshire located in West Wales then do make a visit to the food town called Narberth. This picturesque town is also home to an annual food festival (www.narberthfoodfestival.co.uk/) (22-24 September, 2006). Now in its eighth year residents and visitors make this festival a celebration of fine local food where you can try succulent Welsh Black beef, taste Welsh cheeses and mix with leading chefs and cookery writers.
Ludlow
And finally onto Ludlow (www.shropshiretourism.info/ludlow/) in Shropshire, twinned with Narbeth and renowned for its international food festival, the Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival. Ludlow, in recent years, has also become the capital of the British Slow Food Movement and international organisation promoting the appreciation of good local food. Discover some of our best.