'Lucy is top of the food pops!' - Westmorland Gazette
Lucy Nicholson's burgeoning CV has just long longer - now the culinary entrepreneur and local food champion can add "pin-up girl" to the list!
According to a new British guide, published by BMW, Ambleside has been ranked as the UK's fourth "Gastrohub" - and Lucy is part of the reason why.
Researches found that gastronomic activity is revolutionising regions by attracting investment and trade and Ambleside ticks all the boxes.
The Gastrohub Effect may start with a single venue such as an award-winning restaurant -like Lucy's on a plate - and specialist food shop - like Lucy's of Ambleside but this subsequently reaches out into the surrounding area
Typically, these businesses champion good quality, local produce, which dovetails with a key food trend - provenance - and
often one of these outlets will achieve a sort of cult status that draws visitors into the hub.
Probably the best-known example of the effect food can have on an area
is Cornwall, where Rick Stein's presence has seen Padstow nicknamed "Padstein",
and where house prices in Newquay shot up by as much as £50,000 when Jamie
Oliver announced he was to open a restaurant there.
Commenting on her new status as a foodie pin-up, Lucy - whose latest venture is a new Cookery School in Staveley - told The Westmorland Gazette:
"If it helps put Cumbria on the gastronomic map, then I am delighted."
Indeed, it is not just Ambleside which is helping to cement the county's status as food heaven.
Gillian Cowburn
17/11/06
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