Poll reveals taste for more local foods

More than three-quarters of adults in the UK believe that restaurants and pubs should use locally sourced food, according to a survey conducted by Caterer's sister magazine, Farmers Weekly.

The poll showed that 85% of the 1,011 adults questioned felt strongly that using local products on their menus was important for local restaurants and pubs. Almost half of the consumers surveyed expressed concern that more than one-third of the food consumed in the UK was imported.

The findings are part of Farmers Weekly's campaign to highlight food miles, called "Local Food is Miles Better".

However, not all chefs believe that it is possible to become reliant on local food.

Restaurant owner Alan Murchinson, of the Michelin-starred L'Ortolan in Berkshire, said it was hard to find consistency and quality locally. "It is frustrating, because I would like to support the local community more," he said.

He added that he "reluctantly" buys almost 90% of his produce from abroad because using local suppliers is not cost-effective as they cannot provide the quality that his customers expect.

But former Catey winner Steve Harris, who owns the Sportsman pub in Whitstable in Kent, has chosen to support local suppliers. He buys his meat from two nearby farms and tries to source locally where possible.

He said: "We have come to recognise the importance of local produce because of its taste, quality and understanding of the foods origin."

\* If you want to sign up to Farmers Weekly's campaign, visit www.fwi.co.uk. Some high-profile supporters include Conservative leader David Cameron, Rick Stein and Tom Parker-Bowles.

By Rebecca Musgrave