Taste Causeway Hosts Top Food Writers to Showcase the Best of Causeway Coast and Glens!

In collaboration with Tourism NI and Visit Causeway, Taste Causeway recently hosted three top-notch food writers for a two-day tour of the Causeway Coast and Glens region. Andy Clarke, Charlotte Pike, and Joanne Cronin, all with little prior knowledge of the area, were treated to an exclusive tour showcasing the best local food and drink experiences.

Andy Clarke, the cocktail and drinks expert who has worked with James Martin, Alan Titchmarsh, and This Morning, was enamoured by the beautiful scenery of the Giant's Causeway and enjoyed his Whiskey on the Rocks. 

Charlotte Pike, who has written for The Independent and The Guardian food sections and has published five books, was amazed by the quality and variety of food producers in the area. She coined “relentless innovation” to describe the local food scene. She even visited North Coast Smokehouse and picked up some fresh smoked salmon for breakfast! 

Joanne Cronin, a regular contributor to the Irish Times, was blown away by the creativity on show in the local foodie scene. She conquered her fear of heights to cross the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge and hear Mark Rodgers tell the story of salmon fishermen in the atmospheric surroundings of the fisherman’s cottage. She also highlighted Lir Restaurant as "one of the most exciting restaurants to open in Ireland this year." 

The writers were treated to a sumptuous nine-course tasting menu featuring local fish, seafood, and produce in Lir Restaurant. They also enjoyed a tour of the Causeway Coastal Route led by Mark Rodgers and a brief tour of the Giant's Causeway with a Whiskey on the Rocks experience delivered by The National Trust and Bushmills Distillery.

The trip ended with a locally sourced menu prepared by Paula McIntyre on the set of BBC NI series Hamely, featuring over 20 food and drink producers. 

The food writers are now preparing blogs, more social media posts, and commissioned press articles following the success of this first media fam trip.