THIS month I’m keen to do a quick round up of all that’s been happening food-wise in Malton so far this year. One thing’s for sure the town has yet again been punching above its weight on the promotion front.

Since January we’ve appeared twice in Conde Nast Traveller, National Geographic Magazine, BBC Countryfile Magazine and last week appeared in The Telegraph as number one in the list of “best 10 fascinating English towns you’d never thought to visit”.

Malton recently featured on Radio 4’s In Business programme, leading the way in the battle for the high street and we’re about to feature once more in The Times in an article about the positive impact that events have on footfall in the town.

All excellent stuff and indeed crucial that such good news stories continue. It’s also a reminder that with the eyes of the UK on Malton, we must continue to offer our visitors fantastic customer service and an even bigger smile.

As other towns pick up on what we are doing, we must continue to innovate for our visitors and residents alike.

The good news is there are lots of new things coming down the line with openings like Stew & Oyster and Tallboy Antiques; and there’s a host of events happening this May as the foodie season really kicks-off in earnest. Malton Gin Festival, Malton Monthly Food Market, Beertown and, of course, the Food Lovers Festival are all happening this month.

Firstly, Malton Gin Festival (May 3 to 5) which was started by MacMillans (Malton’s superb little gin and whisky boutique) will return for its second year with a waterfall of luscious, inspiring spirits. Gin o’clock to be sure, so make sure you get your tickets for this asap.

The monthly food market returns on the 11th and then Beertown follows soon after with more than 70 brews from all across Yorkshire and the UK. “One of the top beer events in the UK” is how the Guardian described it, and now in its sixth year, who am I to disagree.

It’s a bubbly, hiccupy, heavenly journey through Malton’s beer scene, which now has three of its own breweries and has therefore never been more aptly known as Beertown.

Malton Food Lovers Festival returns at the end of the month when I know we will again host one of the UK’s biggest foodie events.

Then looking further ahead as summer kicks in we see the return of Street Food Sundays and in July Meadowfest will launch as Malton’s new boutique music festival, tickets will be on sale very soon.

And if that was not enough I am delighted and incredibly excited to announce that the nationally famous Fenwick department store will be stocking a selection of Made in Malton foodie products from this month. Yes you heard it right; from May 8, Malton will be on the shelves of Fenwick’s Newcastle Food Hall. More info on this in the next few weeks for sure but it’s amazing to see Malton products start to go national.

So keep it up Malton, the country is truly taking an interest in what we’re doing, what we’re saying and all the amazing products that we’re now making. Let’s keep them satisfied.

For more information about all the events, go to visitmalton.com