On Wednesday 13 March Lytham chef Oli Martin, a popular finalist in this year’s BBC Masterchef Professional, was named Taste Lancashire Ambassador in Cannes, where he delivered fine dining experiences for investors, developers and VIP guests as part of Lancashire’s largest ever presence at MIPIM, the world’s leading property market (12–15 March).
Marketing Lancashire, organisers of the delegation on behalf of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP), invited talented chef Oli Martin, Head Chef at Hipping Hall, to make an important contribution to the county’s mission to attract greater investment and opportunities for Lancashire.
Over a four day period Oli and Hipping Hall sous chef Matthew Wildigg, cooked for over 100 VIPs and provided visitors, including Lancashire Ambassador Andrew Flintoff, with a taste of Lancashire on the Côte d’Azur. Oli devised a range of menus that were a superb showcase for Lancashire produce; all cooked in the open kitchen of the Lancashire apartment hired especially for the events sponsored by Shoosmiths, Eric Wright, Conlon and Anderton Gables.
“It has been an incredible experience” comments Oli Martin “I was so pleased to have been asked to help with such important events for Lancashire and to be named a Taste Lancashire Ambassador. It was a very proud day for me, especially with Fred Flintoff in the room.”
Just over a week ago at the Taste Lancashire 2019 food and drink conference, Rachel McQueen, Chief Executve of Marketing Lancashire and Chair of Marketing Lancashire, Tony Attard OBE, announced the first Taste Lancashire Ambassadors; celebrated chefs Mark Birchall (Moor Hall), Lisa Goodwin-Allen (Northcote), Tom Parker (White Swan at Fence), Steven Smith (Freemasons at Wiswell), Stosie Madi (Parkers Arms), Chris Bury (The Cartford Inn) and Mark Taft (Assheton Arms/Seafood Pub Company).
Speaking about Oli Martin, the county’s newest Taste Lancashire Ambassador, Rachel McQueen said “We couldn’t have been more proud of the plates Oli delivered at MIPIM, every one a champion of local produce, a triumph of taste and creativity.
“Oli met the challenge of producing fine-dining in a domestic kitchen with his usual good humour and professionalism – our guests were simply blown away by his talent. We are delighted he has accepted the role of Taste Lancashire Ambassador and having delivered these successful events on behalf of Lancashire, he has proved he’s more than deserving of the title.”
