Neil Parish MP joins the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall at River Cottage

Neil Parish MP joined the prince of Wales and the duchess of Cornwall as they visited riverside cottage HQ in East Devon on Tuesday 15 July.

The royal couple toured park farm which is a working organic smallholding, their royal highnesses have an interest in local, seasonal food and supporting British producers. They visited river cottage because it is widely known for its ground breaking work for the use of seasonal, ethically produced ingredients and championing the cause of sustainability in the food industry.

Their royal highnesses chatted to the staff and members of the river cottage team and observed the workings of the operation. They met Sam Lomas, winner of the rising star young chef award in 2013, as well as the runner up Freja Davis.

They also chatted and joked with John Wright, River Cottage’s resident foraging expert and leader of the popular Seashore and Mushroom Foraging courses. Later in the day, the couple will visit the new business and residential development at the historic Royal William Yard, Plymouth. Their day will end on the seafront at the River Cottage Canteen, the 120-seat restaurant where the food philosophy of Hugh and his team is taken from farm to plate.

Neil Parish, who is a keen supporter of the River Cottage’s work and its apprenticeships programme, commented: “I was delighted that Their Royal Highnesses took the time to visit our Constituency and see the great work being done at River Cottage to promote sustainable, locally sourced food production. Devon is rightly proud of the food it produces and is home to some of the UK’s finest restaurants, including three with Michelin Stars. River Cottage is training the next generation of West Country chefs to carry on our culinary tradition.”

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall said: “I have long admired, and been grateful for, The Prince’s tireless support for sustainable agriculture and artisan food producers, and it was an absolute honour to welcome Their Royal Highnesses to our busy HQ. 
“I was very proud to be able to show off our amazing operation and our brilliantly talented team. River Cottage is unique – there’s nowhere else in the country offering such a range of teaching in the area of local, seasonal cookery and ethical food production – and it’s wonderful for that to be recognised.”