Northern Irish flavours for gala dinner at Westminster

Two Northern Ireland food companies provided beef and salmon in support of a charity swim involving UK political leaders in London.

Ewing's Seafoods in Belfast and O'Doherty's Fine Meats in Enniskillen supplied premium food for the Speedo sponsored Hope for Youth swim by members of both House of Commons and House of Lords at Westminster.

Ewing's supplied its unique smoked salmon and O'Doherty's grass-fed beef for a gala dinner attended by high-profile guests, including the Duchess of Gloucester, actor Joanna Lumley and Northern Ireland-born broadcaster Gloria Hunniford, at Porchester House,

Now in its 28th year, the Hope for Youth Northern Ireland Speedo Charity Swim Gala Dinner, has included famous faces like House of Lords team captain, Lord St John of Bletso and House of Commons team captain, Northern Ireland's Ian Paisley, Duncan Goodhew MBE, and a number of Speedo world-class UK swimmers.

Known for its high quality and diverse products served to the local community and beyond for over 46 years, family-run local Ewing's Seafoods supplies a broad range of fish from local fishermen as well as salmon cured in its own smoker.

Walter Ewing, managing director, said: "We are so excited to have supplied the smoked salmon for the dinner. Ewing's smoked salmon is a favourite among many Michelin starred chefs and our traditional family run fishmongers is passionate about the quality of the fish we sell."

Based on the Shankill Road in Belfast, Ewing's has been selling, curing and smoking fish since 1911.

O'Doherty's Fine Meats is among Ireland's best-known producers of artisan meats including its award-winning Fermanagh Black Bacon, a cured product using a unique recipe of herbs and spices.

Pat O'Doherty, managing director of O'Doherty's added: "Our beef represents the best of locally-farmed meat."

Over £90,000 was raised for Hope For Youth on the evening, which will be put toward cross-community groups in Northern Ireland that will enhance the lives of young people aged 11-18. Projects supported by money raised at the last Hope For Youth NI gala swim have included: Dreamscheme NI, Reach Across, Dundonald Sea Cadets, Enagh Youth Forum and Life Changes Lives, amongst others. The charity has been making a difference to young people's lives for over 40 years with a range of events including the biennial charity swim.