Hotel Indigo joins forces with Jimmy Doherty to launch a nationwide search for Britain’s favourite local food artisan

Hotel Indigo has launched the 'Flavours of the Neighbourhood' search to find Britain’s local food heroes.

This week marks the launch of the ‘Flavours of the Neighbourhood’ search, where Hotel Indigo® IHG’s boutique brand, famous for championing its local neighbourhoods, will join forces with an esteemed panel of food experts including farmer, foodie and TV personality, Jimmy Doherty to commence a nationwide search to uncover the UK’s best artisan food vendors and producers.

Calling on the nations local food heroes to showcase their craftsmanship and their passion for delicious and authentic flavours that represent and serve their local communities and neighbourhoods, Jimmy will lead this exciting expedition. Joining Jimmy on this journey is an exciting group of food experts, including William Sitwell – award-winning food writer and Kerstin Rodgers – food blogger for Ms Marmite Lover and founder of the London supper club scene. Simon Burdess – Vice President of Food and Beverages at IHG, will be amongst the team of experts as a representative for the Hotel Indigo brand.

The search coincides with the launch of Hotel Indigo’s new F&B; philosophy; “Locally crafted”, which is designed to celebrate, showcase, as well as serve the local communities as well as the hotels’ guests. Hotel Indigo is all about immersing and connecting its guests to the local neighbourhoods, and we know that one of the best ways guests choose to experience local life is through its distinctive cuisine and flavours. Be it butchery, bakery or brewery, the philosophy is all about bringing in the best artisanal food and drink from every area by partnering with the best local independent producers, as well as providing innovative and valuable services for the community.

From January 19 until February 15, local vendors and food producers can nominate themselves by uploading images of their produce, products or dishes to the Hotel Indigo Facebook app facebook.com/hotelindigoflavours.

Once vendor nominations close, it will be the public’s chance to vote, also via the app, for their favourite local vendor or producer. Public voting will run from February 16 to 23 and once closed, a shortlist made up of vendors with the highest number of votes for every region, will be visited by the judging panel to taste and experience their culinary delights.

Panellist Jimmy Doherty said, “As a farmer and food lover, I enjoy discovering and championing locally produced food. Being involved in a nationwide search that will celebrate great local produce and delicious treats from food vendors around the UK is a fantastic opportunity and I’m excited to see what the nation’s vendors have to offer.”

Tom Rowntree, Vice President Brand Management Luxury & Upscale Brands, Europe said, “Hotel Indigo strives to share local knowledge and inspire guests to discover more about the neighbourhoods in which they are staying. One way of really understanding a new neighbourhood, is by exploring its food culture. Through our partnership with local independent producers, we provide this chance to our guests, at the same time giving something back to our neighbours. I am personally excited about the launch of this campaign as it will bring to life what we aim to achieve with our brand.”

Simon Burdess, Vice President for Food and Beverages said, “Hotel Indigo is part of the fabric of the local neighbourhood. To enable guests to truly immerse themselves in the local culture, we have created a new philosophy; “Locally crafted”, where we create a local food destination, which is loved by locals and guests alike.”

The search will culminate with the winner being announced at an event in London on March 17. The winner will win £1,000, regional and national recognition and be included on Hotel Indigo’s foodie guide to the neighbourhood, as well as a professional photography shoot for their business.

The time is now for your local food champion to be recognised. Tell your neighbourhood food vendor or producer to go to Flavours of the Neighbourhood tab at facebook.com/HotelIndigo and nominate themselves today.

26/01/2015