A fresh way to find food and drink places in Richmond and the surrounding area has been launched.
15,000 Eat Richmond booklets showcasing 37 places to purchase and consume food in the area are now in circulation; backed by a brand-new website, plus Facebook and Twitter feeds.
From independent greengrocers, bakeries and chocolatiers to cafes, bistros, pubs and even a wine merchant, the businesses have joined together to show what a great range of produce there is available in and around the town, but it was volunteers from the Richmond Information Centre who first identified the need to compile a single comprehensive menu.
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“We’re always being asked for information about where to buy or sit down for food,” said Donald Cline, volunteer coordinator at the Richmond Information Centre, formerly the Tourist Information Centre based at the library in Queens Road.
“There’s such a great range of options locally that it’s almost impossible to give a recommendation, and of course, everyone’s opinion differs.
“Pulling the details into a booklet seemed like a natural solution as it means we can now serve up all the options in a handy bitesize guide.”
The Eat Richmond initiative aims to be cost neutral, and the volunteers are grateful for the support of Parker Prestige who have acted as corporate sponsor this year.
Any surplus earned from the venture will be ploughed back into the work being done to promote Richmond, its attractions and the town’s business community.
It is hoped even more businesses will choose to join Eat Richmond when a second edition of the guide is formulated later in the year.
“I’m very happy to be part of this great new venture,” says Jamie Chilton, general manager of The King’s Head Hotel.
“As a newcomer to the town, I only arrived in February, it was great to discover that Eat Richmond was going to be ready for the start of our busy season.
“It’s a fabulous way to be able to spread the word about what we’re offering, as well as join other businesses to promote what an excellent variety of food and drink choices we have in town and the surrounding area.
“The guidebook, website and social media formats mean we can reach out to a huge customer base, whether they are visitors to the town or locals.”
In a further feast for the senses, The Station Cinema is supporting the initiative with a 2 for 1 ticket offer. To qualify, you have to make a purchase of £10 or more from any of the Eat Richmond participants. All the details are in the printed guide and online.
Copies of the guide are available to pick up from all participating outlets, the Information Centre, self-catering accommodation providers, B & B’s plus visitor attractions in the town.
For more details visit www.eatrichmond.co.uk
