SOUTH Lakeland food and drink businesses showcased their products at Cumbria Day held in London on Tuesday.

The event, which was attended by Parliamentarians from across the country, council representatives and others, was a showcase of business and produce across the county, and a valuable national networking opportunity.

Businesses pulled out all the stops to make the day a success, with Bowness Bay Brewery even taking its own portable bar.

Each Cumbrian MP invited three businesses from their constituencies to attend the event, with Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron inviting Bowness Bay Brewery, Grasmere Gingerbread and W. McClure Wholesale foods of Windermere.

In addition to the businesses invited by the county’s MPs, the day also saw other local partners collaborate to help make the day a success. Britain’s Energy Coast sponsored the transport, helping to ensure as few trips as possible were needed and ensuring the event was as green as possible, while the Cumbrian Local Enterprise Partnership sponsored refreshments and lunch for the day.

Mr Farron said: “This day was a great way to show off the best of Cumbria, and to reach new audiences unfamiliar with the great produce our area has to offer. There was a real buzz at the event, and I hope it will help to provide a boost to the county’s businesses and tourist trade.

“My thanks go to all the businesses which came to the event, in particular Bowness Bay Brewery, Grasmere Gingerbread and McClures Wholesalers. These businesses show the great range of products that South Lakeland has to offer. It is always an honour to represent our area, but events like this make me particularly proud.

“In spite of the challenges that we’ve faced over the past year, local businesses have worked incredibly hard to keep Cumbria going and thriving. I am proud of, and grateful for all that they do”.

Copeland MP, Jamie Reed said: "I am delighted to have worked with Tim and others to organise Cumbria Day in Parliament.

“I am incredibly proud of the excellent businesses and produce that we have here in Cumbria, and of the hard work that business men and women undertake all year round to overcome challenges such as the devastation caused by Storm Desmond, to support our local economy.