Two independent businesses have thrown their support behind a shopping centre’s initiative to celebrate a traditional North Staffordshire dish.
Longton Exchange, in Stoke-on-Trent, is launching the first-ever National Lobby Week, which will see free portions of the stew handed out to shoppers.
Steve’s Butchers and MAW Fruit & Veg, both based at the Longton shopping centre, are helping to supply ingredients which will be used by the shopping centre’s manager Chris Ward to create the lobby which will be given out.
Longton Exchange’s National Lobby Week runs from Monday 22 January until Saturday 27 January.
Chris said: “We are passionate about supporting our local community, and this initiative truly embodies that commitment.
“Creating a National Lobby Week is something that we feel creates conversation as everyone makes their Lobby a little differently. We want to also demonstrate how easy and cost-effective it is to make a good hearty meal perfect during those winter months.”
Lobby is a traditional stew made from simple yet wholesome ingredients such as minced or diced beef or lamb, diced potatoes, onions, carrots, leeks and root vegetables bulked up with pearl barley.
Originating during the Industrial Revolution, lobby was a staple dish for low-income potters, offering a nourishing and affordable meal amidst challenging times.
According to the Autumn Statement from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, food insecurity – defined as reducing meals, skipping meals or going hungry in the previous 30 days – has risen from 5.2 million households in May 2022 to 5.9 million households in October 2023.
Free portions of Staffordshire lobby – made onsite – will be available at Longton Exchange Shopping Centre between 1pm and 2pm during National Lobby Week.
There will also be recipe cards and advice on the costs to make for people who wish to purchase the ingredients from Steve’s Butchers and MAW Fruit and Veg.
