Local taste to hotel mini bars

Visitors to a Shropshire hotel are getting a taste of the county through a new scheme launched by Heart of England Fine Foods.And the opportunity to stock mini bars with locally produced food and drink is being given to hotels and bed and breakfasts across the county.

The mini bars were showcased yesterday at a launch event at the Hadley Park House Hotel, in Telford, which is taking part in the initiative. Guests can look forward to an array of food and drink made by HEFF producers.

Mark Lewis, who runs the hotel, has just received three Savour the Flavour Mini Bars which will allow guests to sample the locally sourced snacks and drinks.

Yesterday accommodation providers were invited to see the mini bars in situ and find out more about the wonderful products available to put in them.

Up to 12 mini bars are available free to any hotel or B&B in return for a minimum supply commitment to seven regional producers who offer an exciting menu of fruit juices, wines, beers and ciders, biscuits, potato chips and chocolates.

Mr Lewis said: "I'm sure our guests will relish tucking in. The concept is not only a great way of supporting smaller, local producers but it adds to our bottom line too."

Jon May, HEFF's senior marketing executive, said: "We can supply more than 12 Mini Bars for individual establishments, with a nominal charge for each additional unit. The Mini Bar also carries the attractive Savour the Flavour branding for added impact.

"We are confident that tourism and businesses will grow and prosper through their promotion of regionally sourced food and drink, and with the new HEFF delivery service, sourcing the products is even easier than ever."