With the countdown to the London 2012 Olympic Games well and truly under way, all eyes are on London and how it will fair in comparison to other cities who have hosted. Although food obviously isn’t the main talking point of visitors to the Games, it is an important aspect to get right, and according to the official London 2012 Olympic Games website, the food is something that they are taking very seriously.On 30th May 2012 the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) revealed their plans to showcase the diversity and quality of British food, and glad to hear it too!
What an opportunity the UK has to finally dispel the myths surrounding British food! London might still be renowned for its jellied eels (and proudly so), however; dishes like this no longer truly represent what British food is all about. With such a diverse population there’s more to British cuisine than this.
I’m therefore happy to see they have decided to fit the food into two main themes: British Food and International Food. The British themed food will include regional products and recipes, as well as all the classics such as; fish and chips, pie and mash and toasted tea cakes with Yorkshire butter. The International themed food will see recipe ideas from every continent at the Games, from Asian to Mediterranean such as Lamb Rogan Josh with Pilaf or Saffron rice.
LOCOG have also promised that all fruits, vegetables, cereals, dairy and meat will be Red Tractor Accredited, British and seasonal where available. As well as this they have made a point of stating that affordability is a major priority, so let’s hope the days of hugely over-priced food at sporting events is coming to an end!
All in all I’m impressed that such effort is being made in regards to the food, as it could easily have been over looked. If these promises are upheld then the Olympic Games can only help to raise the profile of the wonderful food we have to offer in the UK, and this will hopefully bring tourists coming back for more!
Links
London 2012 Official Website
British Corner Shop - British food supermarket with worldwide delivery.
