Mark Edwards, Managing Director of the Enniskillen Taste Experience talks to The Impartial Reporter about his passion for food. 

Tell us about yourself?

I am Mark Edwards from Enniskillen.

After leaving Portora Royal Grammar School, I completed an Honours degree in Sports and Leisure Management in Ulster Uinversity,  Jordanstown.

Like many, my career path changed and for the last 25 years. I have worked within the hospitality sector of which the most part has been working for the Blake family. Overseeing the general management of one of the most iconic original Victorian pubs in Ireland, that is 'Blakes of the Hollow' still gives me great enjoyment each day.

I am the company director of MRE Tours Ltd which runs the Enniskillen Taste Experience. The walking food and drink tour of Enniskillen is now five years old and going from strength to strength.

We invite guests to experience a four-hour culinary journey on the island of Enniskillen. Open to the public every Saturday and available for private bespoke bookings and corporate days out during the week, we offer an array of local food and drink samples along with a light history of how the bustling market town grew.

Why do you believe food is important?

Food is important no matter where you are in the world. It is the catalyst that allows people to spend some quality time together, socialise and communicate.

What inspired your passion for food, particularly in the context of Fermanagh's culinary scene?

My passion for promoting Enniskillen as a food and drink destination really has grown over the last few years. I am from the town and growing up here has given me a great sense of pride and the drive to showcase not only the town, but the county.

In your opinion, what sets Fermanagh apart as a destination for food tourism?

The main ethos of the Taste Experience is to highlight how diverse the food scene has become. This has developed through a whole new wave of exceptionally talented entrepreneurs moving back ‘home’ to Fermanagh, settling down and opening new businesses. With an array of food and drink offerings along with the warm Fermanagh welcome, we are really starting to put the area on the map as a must-visit destination.

What brings you the most joy when you are carrying out your role?

I love engaging with the guests and the local businesses. What really shines through to our guests, is the quality of the produce within the local area.

Partners involved are not just providers, they are producing award-winning products whether it is bacon or sausages from the local butchers or award-winning gin.

I get great job satisfaction from guiding guests around the town. From locals to international visitors, they get an opportunity to experience the town and community spirit. The tour works so well as we all lead very busy lives. To take a few hours out to relax and explore with friends or family is a cherished memory.

In your opinion, what sets Fermanagh apart as a destination for food tourism?

As a destination, we have always been known for our heritage and our natural beauty including the green landscape and the surrounding lakes. But what makes us stand out, is the people.

We are genuine and take great pride in what we do. Our guests get to indulge themselves and experience how friendly the locals are. I think this is sometimes overlooked and obviously not something that is offered all over the world.

Could you share a personal story or anecdote that highlights the connection between food, community, and culture in Fermanagh?

I remember having a group of guests from Boston. A typical tour, walking through the town with a group of guests with various people passing me and the group saying hello to me on first name terms. They were blown away that firstly we said hello to each other and secondly, we all knew each other by our first names. One gentleman within the group suggested we should try and bottle our friendless and sell it!

How do you believe food tourism contributes to the local economy and community in Fermanagh?

The hospitality sector is very important to the local economy. Not only providing employment but bringing visitors into the local area to spend money.

We are rich with natural beauty, accommodation, and visitor attractions. With the growing food and drink scene, we are becoming an end destination, where people can come to the area and spend not only one night, but maybe a few days or a whole weekend. This in turn drives revenue into the local area and increases spending.

What motivates you to share your love of food and drink with both locals and tourists alike?

I take great pride in showcasing the area through the local food and drink scene. We highlight family-run businesses that are the heartbeat of the town centre. I think that’s what motivates me the most. The promotion of the town has a real positive effect, and it doesn’t matter where guests spend their money, just get them here first.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of food tourism evolving in Fermanagh, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?

Looking to the future, I see Fermanagh going from strength to strength. With so many offerings and the opportunity for businesses to collaborate and cluster together, we are raising the bar within the tourism sector. We excel in what we do, and I hope to continue with the Taste Experience and develop more tours that will attract more guests to the area.