Oxfordshire’s Lib Dem MPs bring “Taste of Oxfordshire” to Parliament to champion local independent food and drink businesses
Oxfordshire’s Lib Dem MPs bring “Taste of Oxfordshire” to Parliament to champion local independent food and drink businesses
Oxfordshire’s five Liberal Democrat MPs yesterday hosted a showcase of the county’s best independent food and drink businesses in Parliament.
Held in the Jubilee Room in the Palace of Westminster, the event – titled “Taste of Oxfordshire” – brought together small local producers from across the county, giving them the chance to meet MPs, peers and parliamentary staff and share the stories behind their work.
The event opened at 1pm, with a speech from Freddie van Mierlo MP welcoming guests before attendees were invited to tour the stalls, meet business owners and sample produce throughout the afternoon.
The Oxfordshire businesses represented on the day included:
- Imma The Bakery, Tutu Chocolates and Honeys of Henley (Henley & Thame)
- Sky Wave Gin (Bicester and Woodstock)
- Dark Horse Roastery and Hendred Vineyard (Didcot and Wantage)
- Waste2Taste and Tap Social Movement (Oxford West and Abingdon)
An estimated 100 to 150 visitors attended over the course of the afternoon, sampling award-winning produce and hearing directly from local entrepreneurs about the opportunities and challenges facing independent businesses.
Guests were able to enjoy everything from bread made by Britain’s Baker of the Year, and gin made by the world’s best gin distiller, to award winning coffee by an Oxfordshire roastery passionate about creating opportunities for young people through coffee, alongside innovative catering created using surplus supermarket food, and beer produced by a pioneering brewery supporting former prisoners to rebuild their lives through training and employment.
Commenting, Freddie van Mierlo MP said:
“Oxfordshire is home to some truly brilliant independent food and drink businesses – the sort of small, local enterprises that are rooted in their communities and are a real source of pride for our county.
“Taste of Oxfordshire was about celebrating that success, but also ensuring these businesses have a voice in Parliament. Whether it’s rising costs, access to markets, staffing pressures or the challenges of scaling up, we want them to know Oxfordshire’s Liberal Democrat MPs are listening and will keep championing them.”
Layla Moran MP added:
“From award-winning baking and chocolate-making to social enterprises that cut waste and change lives, the quality and creativity on show was extraordinary. I’m hugely grateful to every business who gave up their time to come to Westminster – and to everyone who came along to support them.”
