Jonny Cuddy, the award-winning producer of cured meats, has joined the thriving band of artisan foodies in Moira by setting up a small charcuterie shop just before Christmas.
As a result this investment by Cuddy and other smaller companies, the picturesque locality in County Armagh has become one of our most dynamic food hubs.
The attractive shop – the first in Northern Ireland specialising in cured meats – is Jonny’s bid to reach out to food lovers here with products from his family’s farm in Aughnacloy in Tyrone, such as salami, chorizo and saucisson, many of which have won national and international acclaim for quality and outstanding flavours.
He was drawn to the shop in Moira because of its reputation as a good foodie area and also because he lives there with his wife, a nurse.
He commutes daily to the farm outside Aughnacloy.
“Opening a shop has always been in our minds since launching our first charcuterie products in 2015,” he says.
“What it does is to give us the opportunity to talk directly to shoppers about our products and, above all, enable them to taste them.
“The education process should also benefit other shops selling our charcuterie throughout Northern Ireland,” he adds.
Other local artisan products being showcased in the shop include Young Buck, an award-winning blue cheese from Mike Thomson of Mike’s Fancy Cheese in Newtownards, Yellow Door sourdough from Portadown, as well as crackers and chutneys.
Moira also features multi-award winning artisans such as Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats and the Meat Merchant, which has a huge portfolio of local products as well as its own steak, lamb, pork products and original sauces.
Peter gained the Supreme Champion Award in Great Taste 2012 for his development of an Italian style Guanciale – unseasoned pig’s cheek – and again in 2016 for Glenarm rib roast.
The company has more than 60 gold stars in the awards. It ages beef and lamb in the world’s biggest Himalayan Salt Chamber.
In addition, the Meat Merchant has been named Northern Ireland Regional Winner in the UK Deli of the Year Awards.
It has long been a massive supporter of other local artisan producers.
Peter says: “Moira is an ideal food location that is at the heart of such an extensive community and within easy reach of Belfast, Lisburn and Lurgan.
“Furthermore, it is ideally placed to the motorway network and Belfast International Airport.”
Caroline McArdle handcrafts fine chocolates near Moira under the Cobden and Brown brand.
Another recent investor is Moon Gelato, which has been set up by Aaron Heasley, chef at the Fat Gherkin cafe.
“There’s such a supportive food community in Moira. I’ve been helped to get my start-up business going through advice and support from Peter Hannan at the Meat Merchant,” said Aaron.
“He was the first to stock my gelato and to encourage me to push ahead with my plan to develop it.”
Distilling vodka and producing a range of cocktails is a feature of The Stillhouse Bistro and Craft Distillery run by entrepreneurs Stuart and Barbara Hughes.
They have won acclaim and international business for their Ruby Blue potato vodka and liqueurs.
As well as premium bistro meals, the company runs a spirit academy and regular tours.
“We love Moira. We’ve received tremendous support from the local community from the day we first opened our doors.
“It’s also very central and close to Belfast, Lisburn, Hillsborough, Lurgan and Portadown, a very large pool of customers. Our spirit academy also draws people from everywhere,” Barbara says.
Newforge House, outside Moira, has won numerous awards for its stylish accommodation and fine dining, specialising in locally sourced foods.
The family business, owned by John and Lou Mathers, is a member of Ireland’s Blue Book of Historic Hotels of Europe.
The Georgian Country House, built around 1785, has been tastefully modernised. It was named Culinary Haven of the Year by Good Food Ireland in November 2014.
Although small, Moira has a number of other quality restaurants offering varied menus, including Chris McGowan’s Bob Gourmand Wine and Brine; the Tannery Bar, Steakhouse and Seafood Grill; McCartney’s Restaurant and Coffee Shop, which includes a deli featuring local products. The restaurant is now staffed by four qualified chefs who craft menus from the best of local meats and vegetables sourced from farms and horticulturalists in the immediate area.
Clenaghan’s Restaurant, owned by restaurateurs Stevie and Christine Higginson, is another establishment with heritage that stretches back 250 years. It specialises in local steak, duckling, lamb, corn fed guinea fowl and seabass.
The Four Trees Bar and Bistro is a listed building that provides a unique ambience in which to enjoy quality home cooked food.
There’s clearly something for everyone loving great food and craic in Moira.
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