All aboard for local produce

We are delighted to announce that First Great Western are sponsoring the producers’ market, taking place on the Harbourside from 3-5 May. It comes as no surprise really, given First Great Western’s avid support of local producers.

Did you know that they recently replaced 50 products on their menu with those from specialist producers within 15 miles of its railway lines? These days you can feast on salmon smoked over oak on the Somerset Levels, cheese from cows that graze the banks of Frenchman’s Creek and pies hand-raised by the winners of Britain’s Best Pasty Award all on board their trains!

The sponsorship money is being used to bring the cost of a stall at the producers’ market down, making it more affordable for small, local producers to attend. The team from First Great Western will be there showcasing the wonderful local produce already on offer on the trains, they will also be looking to sign up the next 50 local producers.

First Great Western’s Jo Elliot said: “we are proud of the work we have done with local suppliers to make sure the very best food is served on board our trains. It’s an honour to work with so many people who make the food from this region so memorable. We are thrilled that some of our sponsorship funds are helping to make the festival more accessible for countless small food producers across the region. The more who join the festival the better.”

At the luxury end of on train dining First Great Western is inviting diners to ‘board’ the First Great Western Pullman - the UK’s only on-train fine dining. Its stunning menu was devised by restaurateur and chef Mitch Tonks using wonderful West Country produce with wines from the list of his award-winning Seahorse restaurant in Dartmouth. On Saturday 10th May he is hosting an evening ‘underneath the arches’ at Hart’s Bakery, Bristol Temple Meads. Find out more and book your ticket here.

Mitch Tonks said: “we have some of the finest produce in the world, but the food and farming community took a beating this winter, so this is the perfect opportunity to show that we are definitely ‘open for business’. There are few greater pleasures than a great meal on a great train journey, so I applaud First Great Western for keeping the Pullman alive. Likewise they are backing local business from Paddington to Penzance with the food they serve on-board, so let’s back them in return.”

Have you planned your 11 days yet? Visit our What’s on section to get started.