Berwick Slow Food are the local branch of Slow Food UK and with an elected committee we -
- Organise an annual Food & Beer Festival. With food and drink from local & regional producers, visitors have the opportunity to sample foods / meet producers to find out more about the produce / relax in a family friendly environment - find out more on www.berwickfoodandbeerfestival.co.uk
- Facilitate talks and educational workshops
- Have social events to visit local restaurants, local food and drink based businesses featuring local produce, celebrating our region & bringing people together
- Advocate in our local area for good, clean and fair food for all.
- Organise visits to local producers and businesses
- Support & promote local & regional food producers.
What is Slow Food?
Slow Food is an International grassroots organisation which started in Italy with Carlo Petrini in the 1960s, linking the pleasure of food with a commitment to the community and the environment.
Its aim is to defend regional traditions, good food, gastronomic pleasures and a slow pace of life by invigorating people's interest in food, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us.
Slow Food also recognises the value of local traditions and years of accrued knowledge and culture and as such attempts to preserve these through it's Ark of Taste Project.
In short Slow Food promotes true enjoyment of good food and food production systems which provide good, clean and fair food
This can be done through
- Children's education programmes
- The Ark of Taste – saving food production traditions
- Linking food producers to people / chefs
- Supporting local artisan producers
- Valuing the taste of our food
- Using Seasonal food
- Avoiding airmiles in the transportation of foodstuffs
- Keeping Traditions for next generation: cooking methods / ingredients / recipes
We run regular events - click this link to find out more!
Our Objectives
- To continue to develop Slow Food principles to the public
- To provide financial support for training to young person/s who would otherwise struggle to achieve a future in the food / drink sector
- To promote the work of Slow Food
- To encourage partnerships with existing food initiatives in Berwick
- To help support young person/s to remain in Berwick for employment
- Defending local and regional traditions
- Encouraging the socialisation of eating and enjoying food
- Introducing people to local and regional food & drink
- Encouraging people to share years of food knowledge
- Supporting local and regional producers of Good Clean & Fair food
- Campaigning
Meet the Team
Our Committee is comprised of the following voluntary members.
Mouseover the profiles below to read a brief biography
Laura McGinlay
Chair
Laura McGinlay
Chairperson
Leading on our communications for Berwick Slow Food throughout
Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
Spear head of Slow Food advocacy and education projects for Berwick Slow Food
Millie McRobbie
Vice Chair
David Simpson
Treasurer
David Simpson
Treasurer
Born and brought up in Berwick and passionate to see the town thrive and continue to offer the most it can to residents. David brings 9 years of hospitality and 6 years of financial services experience, as well as a love of food and drink.
Ray McRobbie
Festival Director
Ray McRobbie
Festival Director
Born and bred in the area with a great passion for supporting local business. 10+ years experience in hospitality has taught me a lot about good food and drink. Including running my own craft beer business for 3 years.
Festival Director alongside my wife since 2022
Alison Edwards
Secretary & Comms
Alison Edwards
Secretary & Comms
Sustainable living advocate and Real Bread supporter, using her Comms & Marketing experience to support Berwick Slow Food.
Laura Scruton
Committee Member
Laura Scruton
Committee Member
Laura loves food, fun and festivals and is particularly interested in health and the environment - Berwick Slow Food seemed the obvious place for her to be!
Berwick Slow Food Festival 2025
15th - 17th August
We're still buzzing from the incredible 2024 Festival weekend and we'd like to thank our amazing sponsors, Simpsons Malt, Tempest Brewing Co, Rennie Welch, Greaves, West & Ayre, and Berwick Chamber of Trade.
We are pleased to announce that our festival directors - Ray & Millie McRobbie - will be continuing in their role for 2025 so stay tuned for plans for next year...
Save the date now for the 18th Annual Berwick Food & Beer Festival:
Friday 15th - Sunday 17th August 2025
Full details will be available on our dedicated festival website so please head there for more information: www.berwickfoodandbeerfestival.co.uk
How to join Berwick Slow Food...
If you are interested in the Slow Food movement and wish to support both Slow Food UK and the vibrant Berwick Slow Food group please consider joining as a member.
There are Family, Individual and Concession options for membership, starting from as little as £2 per month. Simply select 'Berwick' from the Local Group drop down menu on the application form and you'll automatically be enrolled as a member of Berwick Slow Food, as well as Slow Food UK.
To discuss any issues or questions about membership, please feel free to contact our secretary or complete the Contact Form below:
