Robert Largan MP celebrated English Tourism Week (17-26 March) by visiting Bamford’s Yorkshire Bridge Inn with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

The award-wining High Peak pub’s owner, John Illingworth, hosted Mr Largan and representatives from Visit Peak District & Derbyshire over the weekend, taking the opportunity to highlight the value of pubs to both visitors and local communities – and to discuss the Government’s ongoing support for pubs.

The meeting coincided with the start of VisitEngland’s annual English Tourism Week campaign, highlighting the importance of the tourism industry to the local economy, worth £1.9 billion in 2021. You can find out more about Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s English Tourism Week at: https://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/english-tourism-week-2023

Mr Largan took the opportunity to discuss some of the challenges facing local pubs around High Peak and the Government’s continuing support for the industry, including the recently announced “Brexit Pubs Guarantee” – which will see the duty on draught products in pubs up to 11p lower than that in supermarkets from August.

There was also time to highlight some of the work taking place locally to support small businesses right across the High Peak. These include the local MP’s ‘High Peak Best Pub Competition’.

If you would like to join the hundreds of residents who have already voted for their favourite local pub, you can do so at: https://www.robertlargan.co.uk/highpeakbestpubcompetition.  

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:

“Pubs up and down the country play a vital role not only in the economy but in our local towns and villages, supporting a sense of community and pride of place, and providing an integral part of our visitor offer. 

“We are extremely lucky to have so many brilliant pubs in the High Peak and I have been a proud champion of them in Parliament, particularly at a time when the sector is facing so many challenges. 

“That's why I'm proud to raise awareness of the fantastic work they do during English Tourism Week. I encourage people to make the most of this week by getting out and showing their support for some of our brilliant local businesses.” 

John Illingworth, owner of the Yorkshire Bridge Inn said:

“We enjoyed welcoming Mr Largan MP to the Yorkshire Bridge Inn to find out more about what we do, how we do it and how important our offer is to the local economy. 
 
“English Tourism Week was the perfect opportunity for him to see first-hand the value of pubs and the tourism they bring to the High Peak and the wider area. It was also great to be able to explain to our local MP some of the issues we face in operating a hospitality business during a difficult economic climate.” 
 

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire commented:

“As well as showcasing our quality tourism offer, English Tourism Week is a timely opportunity to highlight the importance of our sector and the challenges facing local businesses. 
 
“This year’s campaign is all about celebrating the amazing people and businesses who work so hard to deliver memorable experiences to the thousands of visitors who come to the area each year, and our local pubs are a crucial part of our tourism offer. 
 
“Pubs are hubs within our communities; as well as key local employers, they are attractions in their own right – helping to increase visitor spend, extend the tourism season and provide even more reasons for visitors to explore the Peak District and Derbyshire.”  
 
Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire and owner of Tissington Hall, said:

“English Tourism Week provides an essential opportunity to celebrate the Peak District and Derbyshire’s world-class tourism offer, as well as the passionate people and talented local businesses who truly help our great destination stand out from the crowd. 
 
“From stunning countryside and charming towns and villages to historic houses and outdoor experiences, we have a super product in the Peak District and Derbyshire and I encourage people to just get out there and enjoy walking, relaxing, eating and drinking with our wonderful hosts!”