The British Parliament store has partnered with Portrush company ‘Irish Black Butter’.
Brett Campbell
Today at 6:15 PM
A delicacy from Northern Ireland is one of the items on the shelves of the British Parliament’s gift shops.
The Houses of Parliament Shop have teamed up with the producer of a popular apple preserve which featured on BBC’s Dragon’s Den program in 2019.
Portrush-made Irish Black Butter is now available as part of an initiative to celebrate products from across the UK and is available in three gift shops in Westminster and online
Alastair Bell, maker of the preserves that use Armagh Bramley apples, apple cider, brandy, treacle, sugar and spices, is delighted to have his product on display as part of the UK Parliament’s ‘Meet the Maker’ stories.
“It is an honor to be among the select group of producers who supply the Houses of Parliament Shop and we are delighted to be spreading a little happiness with our unique Irish Black Butter,” he said.
The product caught the attention of celebrities after its launch in 2017 and was the regional winner of the Great British Food Awards in 2021.
Four years ago it was included in packages for NATO world leaders and last year it was included in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Hampers and won the gold award at the Irish Quality Food Awards.
Other accolades include the Three Stars award it won at the Guild of Fine Food Great Taste Awards 2019 and multiple cheese accompaniment awards at the Nantwich International Cheese Awards in the same year.
It was also named as the Chefs Choice at the 2018 Irish Food Awards.
The UK Parliament’s initiative aims to highlight the important role small businesses and independent artisans play in supplying its gift shops.
By telling the story of the products and the people who make them, Meet the Maker aims to showcase British craftsmanship and celebrate the regions industrial and creative heritage.
