Big British Food Map About Andrew Webb

Date Published:

29/04/2008

Hello, I'm Andrew, curator, narrator and designated driver for the Big British Food Map. Over the next seven months I'll be travelling the length and breadth of Britain sniffing out interesting food and telling the stories of the people and producers that sell and serve it.

What makes the BBFM special is that I’m guided by you – the user - as to what's great in your region. For more about how you can get involved read all about the map

UK Food

I love the UK's unique approach to food. We have one of the most open mindsets when it comes to welcoming people and produce from around the world, yet we can be apathetic and complacent when it comes to what we put in our mouths.

We're one of the most tech-savvy nations in the world, thinking nothing of buying consumer goods online. 11.5 million people used ebay.co.uk in January 2006; so why does 'I ordered it off the net' apply to nearly everything except independently produced food? Yet there is innovation out there, and small agile growers and producers are where the action's at. We can use technology to talk direct to the producer, and these direct relationships can benefit them and us.

We not only want to celebrate good food, we want to celebrate sustainable food. There are many issues facing food production, retail and consumption today and the choices you make as consumers can have a powerful effect.

Are you ready to order?

On my journey I'm going to be on the look out for a good meal too. I don't want to eat in chain places - though they're ok - but in a real local pillar-of-the-community restaurant or café. If you know a place where they're serving something delicious let me know.

On a more personal note, I'll be keeping a diary detailing the highs and lows of my adventures. To be honest I'm not entirely sure what to expect. But I'm hoping to see some amazing people and places along the way.

This project isn't about lifestyle cuisine, it's about food reportage; I want to explore what's going on in Britain today. Part quest, part adventure, I don't know quite how it'll end. But what I do know is it can't really fail. Why? Because hopefully I'll have your help, so why not have a think about your favourite food places and get them on the map to share with the rest of us, especially me!