Award-winning British chef Theo Randall joined well-known Northern Ireland chefs and producers at the Good Housekeeping Institute in London today, for the launch of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016. The event, organised by Tourism Ireland, was attended by British food and travel journalists and bloggers.

Theo Randall, proprietor of Theo Randall at the InterContinental London Park Laneand former head chef at The River Café, cooked up some of his signature dishes in the test kitchen at the Good Housekeeping Institute – using delicious Northern Ireland produce for the guests to sample. He was ably assisted by Niall McKenna of James Street South, Derek Creagh of Harry’s Shack, Will Brown of The Old Schoolhouse Inn, James Huey of the Walled City Brewery, as well as the Krazi Baker, Mark Douglas.

Guests heard all about Northern Ireland’s world-class ingredients, talented chefs, wonderful restaurants and cookery schools – as well as Northern Ireland’s upcoming Year of Food and Drink. In 2016, Tourism Ireland will be taking every opportunity to highlight and celebrate Northern Ireland food in GB and elsewhere around the world – and giving more tourists an appetite to visit Northern Ireland.

Vanessa Markey, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said:

“Next year, Tourism Ireland will invite people everywhere to come and enjoy 366 days of culinary celebration –where they will discover the best of local produce and have the chance to experience the spectacular scenery and wonderful coastline which makes Northern Ireland so special. With so many great events planned for 2016, our message is that there has never been a better time to enjoy a true taste of Northern Ireland.”