Newark’s independent food and drink put on the map by last year's Newark Business Awards Local Business Champion

A map of Newark fit for foodies has been created, championing the town’s independent food and drink retailers.

The brainchild of Leisa Pickles ­— the face behind Newark’s independent foodie Facebook group To My Front Door, Find Me The Leads sales support for food and drink brands and last year’s Newark Business Awards Local Business Champion ­— the Newark Foodie Map compiles some of the area’s best independent cafés and food retailers.

Featuring 19 businesses across the town centre and out into the surrounding villages, including Balderton, Claypole, Coddington, Farndon, Fernwood and Kneesall, it showcases family-owned bistros, dog-friendly pubs and traditional butchers.

Crafted by Newark artist Christine Goldschmidt, the map features hand drawn images of each of the 19 businesses and their location in the town.

Leisa said: “People like to see what places look like and where they are in relation to each other and we wanted to create something aesthetically pleasing.

“They all offer something unique, you can see no two businesses look the same.”

The map aims to draw visitors into the town’s independent food and drink retailers, boosting the local economy and sharing the area’s hidden gems.

Leisa added: “It offers inspiration for where to go to eat when in Newark.

“People like to go somewhere which is already recommended, it is less risk.

“We assume because we know the area, that everyone does. But that is not the case.”

To draw people into the eateries, the maps will only be available at each of the featured businesses ­— including Green Olive, the Farndon Ferry, Little Cherry Deli, Tree Newark and more­ ­­— and at a range of leisure venues ­— including Brownhills and Smeaton’s Lakes.

It is hoped that this will encourage people visiting for holidays into the town for a selection of tempting food opportunities they may not have been aware of.

The maps will also be distributed to the Steampunk Society and other visiting groups by sponsor Newark Royal Market.

Kostas Akrivos, owner of participating business Green Olive, on the market place, said: “You wouldn’t know about these places if you’re not familiar with the area.

“People can come whilst they are waiting for their motorhomes to be serviced, or they have come to bring their car to the garage and they have to wait three hours.”

Lisa added: “We are signposting to these locations. People wouldn’t know that you can get a great coffee here or a meal there.”

“We want to get people to come and spend money and try things. It is great that the businesses got involved because they recognise the importance of promoting their business.

“There’s always an appetite for more customers.”

The map is also sponsored by Stokes Coffee and Tea, which provides many of the featured businesses with coffee, machines and servicing.