Celebrating British Food Fortnight: Olive Dining Promotes Local Cuisine in London and the South East

British Food Fortnight, an annual event that champions local food producers, has been a key part of the UK’s food culture for 24 years. Olive Dining, a leading school catering specialist, is proud to be part of this year’s celebrations. The event, running from 26th September to 12th October 2025, has seen a wide range of activities designed to highlight the importance of locally grown food, contributing not only to the culinary experience but also to the broader tourism landscape.

Celebrating Local Cuisine: A Journey Through British Food

British Food Fortnight is a nationwide celebration that brings together schools, restaurants, and public institutions. Olive Dining’s involvement emphasizes the importance of local food culture. Through the event, students and teachers alike are educated about the food produced in their local communities. This initiative plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism, as it highlights the connection between food and regional culture. In particular, food tourism has been on the rise, with travelers seeking authentic experiences through local cuisine.

With this in mind, Olive Dining has developed a series of events and activities across the schools they serve, focusing on local British ingredients. These activities not only educate young minds but also connect students to their regional heritage. By featuring dishes made from locally sourced produce, the event enhances the food tourism experience for visitors to these areas.

Engaging Future Travelers: How British Food Shapes Local Tourism

Food and travel are intrinsically linked, with travelers often seeking out destinations known for their culinary traditions. British Food Fortnight supports this by encouraging businesses to feature locally sourced products on their menus. By doing so, it strengthens the food tourism sector and attracts visitors who are interested in exploring new tastes and experiences. Olive Dining’s focus on educating the younger generation plays a significant role in promoting these local culinary experiences, fostering a sense of pride in British produce.

As students across London and the South East sample British dishes such as cottage pie, sticky toffee pudding, and autumn orchard crumble, they are indirectly participating in a larger narrative that ties food culture to tourism. The event helps visitors understand the historical and cultural significance of British food.

Olive Dining’s Commitment to Sustainability and Supporting British Farmers

Olive Dining’s commitment to British agriculture is also highlighted during British Food Fortnight. To mark the beginning of the event, co-founders Stephanie Spratt and Chris Whitter visited Watts Farm in Kent, one of their local suppliers. This visit showcased their ongoing efforts to support sustainable sourcing and British farming. By working with local farms, Olive Dining not only supports the agricultural community but also ensures that the food served to students is fresh, seasonal, and environmentally friendly.

The visit also reinforced the importance of sustainable tourism. As more travelers seek destinations with strong sustainability credentials, the alignment of local food sourcing with responsible travel is crucial. Olive Dining’s involvement in British Food Fortnight is a clear example of how food-focused events can foster both local economic growth and tourism, benefiting communities and creating a more sustainable tourism model.

Activities Designed to Strengthen Local Food Culture

As part of this year’s British Food Fortnight celebrations, Olive Dining is running a series of exciting activities for students, including a competition to win a British food hamper. These activities encourage students to explore British food culture and, by extension, its role in tourism. Through a special Love British Food-themed menu, students will experience a variety of traditional British dishes, connecting them with the broader cultural heritage of the country.

Such activities help students understand that food is not just something to eat; it is a key part of a destination’s identity. This knowledge can enhance their travel experiences in the future, as they will be more likely to seek out destinations that offer authentic culinary experiences, thus further driving the growth of food tourism.

The Future of Food Tourism

Olive Dining’s contribution to British Food Fortnight is a prime example of how the food industry can support local tourism. By bringing attention to British-grown produce, the company not only educates students but also encourages tourists to explore destinations that offer authentic, locally sourced food. The event is a reminder that food can play a vital role in the tourism experience, enriching travel by connecting visitors with the local culture, traditions, and history.

Overview

Through initiatives like those from Olive Dining, students and travelers alike are introduced to the richness of British culinary traditions. This engagement with local food culture enhances experiences, benefiting both the local economy and the wider travel sector.

Image Source: AI