Welcome to www.tastes.org.uk

Worcestershire is a county of taste, renowned world-wide for its variety of produce, such as the soft fruits and vegetables from the Vale of Evesham, award winning wines, sausages and cheese, and natural spring water still bottled at source in Malvern. Of course there is always Worcestershire sauce which is still produced in the city using John Lea and William Perrins original recipe.

Everywhere you go you will find local delicacies and freshly prepared meals using only the finest natural ingredients.

At the inns, pubs, restaurants and hotels in the county you'll find no shortage of skilled chefs and cooks who are experts in creating a mouth watering variety of dishes.




Also on this website you can browse our directory of local food and drink producers. More...

If you are looking for inspiration in your cooking, look no further, our recipes page features traditional and modern recipes using the freshest local ingredients providing a taste of Worcestershire. More...

Don't forget to check out our extra's page, full of useful information to help you. There are charts that show when to buy the freshest fruit and vegetables, interesting facts about food and drink in Worcestershire, a brief guide to food standards and details of our popular farmers and WI markets. More...

A Slice of food History

The mineral rich flood plains of the rivers Severn, Avon and Teme make Worcestershire the 'fruit bowl' of England. This unique location makes it perfect for growing luscious apples, plums, pears, strawberries, raspberries and scores of other types of fruit and vegetables. It is no accident that this is England's top asparagus growing centre and a leading fermenter of top quality wines, ciders, perries and beers.

When Sir Walter Raleigh first brought the potato to the Country, his lieutenant, Thomas Cobley from Bredons Norton, near Evesham introduced the new vegetable to his native area. It became a popular crop on farms and helped establish the County's market gardening industry which is now among the best in the land.

The fruit growing industry has generated a local supply chain of honey, fruit syrups, jams and pickles. Many are turned out on a cottage industry basis following age old family recipes and are sold over the farm gate or from roadside stalls.

There are also annual events which celebrate the area's massive contribution to the national diet. Pershore - one of Britain's leading plum producers - holds a Plum Fayre every August and is also the home of a top horticultural college where nationally recognised research is helping to preserve old fruit varieties of all types.

From Broadway on the edge of the Cotswolds to Stourport on Severn in the north, award winning vineyards are waiting to welcome the visitor, demonstrate their art and offer a taste of Britain's finest wines. The area around Tenbury Wells is a major hop growing and beer producing region, while the Teme Valley is just one of several local centres for cider makers.

An asparagus auction is held every May at the ancient Fleece Inn at Bretforton to raise funds for the local brass band and chefs from exclusive London hotels often make the journey to bid.

Such a colourful legacy has helped to create a food industry with a traditional, distinctive taste and the finest and inventive of produce.

Disclaimer

This site is operated by Worcestershire County Council. The information featured on this website has been supplied by businesses and is listed in good faith. Whilst every care has been taken to check the accuracy of the information, Worcestershire County Council can not accept any liability for error or misrepresentation.

Inclusion does not imply recommendation.

You can write to us at:
Tastes of Worcestershire
Worcestershire County Council
Specthley Road
Worcester
WR5 2NP