Last updated 13:00, Thursday, 30 October 2008

CUMBRIA’S most acclaimed chefs have joined forces to produce a unique 200-page cookbook and restaurant guide.

EXCITING FOOD: Dave Myers

A Taste of Cumbria, the Lake District gives readers a flavour of the region, including 18 chefs’ menus from the best gastropubs, hotels and restaurants, from Whitehaven to Windermere.

Barrow’s own Hairy Biker, Dave Myers, has written the book’s foreword.

Mr Myers said: “Publications like this serve to inspire you to have a go and try what is out there. Local chefs have great seasonal produce to use, so why buy from away when we have the best at home?

“This is a region with great culinary tradition, going back to the days of Whitehaven being a spice port giving us our gingerbread and wonderful, unique spicy Cumberland sausage.

“Undoubtedly we continue to have great home cooking but now we live in one of the most exciting regions in the country in which to eat out.”

Each of the 18 head chefs has included a three-course meal showing off their own talents, while also focusing on the region’s homegrown produce.

Book editor Kathryn Armstrong said: “As well as recipes, the book includes stunning photography and also a reference section of local suppliers and food producers throughout the region – from small farms making preserves through to large-scale organic meat breeders.”

Sheona Southern, marketing director at Cumbria Tourism, said: “This is proof, if ever it was needed, that Cumbria is one of the best places to visit if you love good food.”

The book, published by North East Exclusive, is on sale at £15 from Waterstone’s and online at www.northeastexclusive.co.uk