Chef helps launch recipe competition at Northumberland village's new Warm Hub

A Longframlington chef and villagers have helped to launch a project promoting economic cooking as a way of combating fuel poverty.
The inaugural Warm Hub Luncheon Club in Longframlington run by Pat Booth. Attendees were given a slow cooking demonstration by Michael Hall. Picture: North News & PicturesThe inaugural Warm Hub Luncheon Club in Longframlington run by Pat Booth. Attendees were given a slow cooking demonstration by Michael Hall. Picture: North News & Pictures
The inaugural Warm Hub Luncheon Club in Longframlington run by Pat Booth. Attendees were given a slow cooking demonstration by Michael Hall. Picture: North News & Pictures

Michael Hall, chef at The Granby Inn, teamed up with Northern Gas Networks and local residents to launch a new national competition calling on people to share delicious slow-cooker recipes.

Entrants must create an appetising, easy-to-prepare recipe made with affordable ingredients, prepared in a slow cooker. It could be a family favourite, a new innovation or a spin on a classic.

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The competition was introduced at the inaugural Warm Hub Luncheon Club at St Mary’s Church.

The inaugural Warm Hub Luncheon Club in Longframlington. Picture: North News & PicturesThe inaugural Warm Hub Luncheon Club in Longframlington. Picture: North News & Pictures
The inaugural Warm Hub Luncheon Club in Longframlington. Picture: North News & Pictures

As well as receiving a delicious hot meal of homemade soups and apple crumble, those in attendance were treated to a demonstration of a vegetable Moroccan stew recipe, specially designed and prepared by Michael.

Northern Gas Networks and Community Action Northumberland launched the Warm Hubs programme in 2015.

The programme gives residents in rural, off-grid locations access to friendly, warm places, run by local volunteers, where they can go to socialise, enjoy refreshments and have access to services including energy efficiency advice.

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Together, they have launched the new Pop-Up Hubs Project, a series of one-off Warm Hub events in the more isolated areas of Northumberland where very often there is a lack of existing services for communities who may not be connected to the gas network.

Tom Bell, head of social strategy at Northern Gas Networks, said: “It is extremely important to raise awareness on fuel efficiency, particularly to those people that don’t have access to the gas network and need to rely on more expensive sources of energy to heat their homes.

“The Warm Hubs and Pop-Up Hubs Projects are an excellent way to generate awareness about energy efficiency and affordable living, as well as bringing the local community together. We are extremely excited to see the creative and unique recipe entries from people across the country.”

The competition is running until February 28. Prizes include a slow cooker, kitchen utensils and a hamper of locally sourced ingredients.

To enter, email the recipe and a photograph of the finished dish, along with your name and contact information to [email protected]

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