The Gusto Group was instrumental in setting up Slow Food Newcastle a local convivvium of Slow Food Internationl which is an international, non-profit association which aims to protect the pleasures of the table from the standardisation of modern fast food and fast life.

Today, the Movement has grown to encompass a worldwide association of more than 80,000 members in 104 countries, organised into local, voluntary groups called ‘Convivia’ (from the Latin word meaning ‘a feast, an entertainment, a gathering’), which express the philosophy of the Movement by numerous activities such as linking consumers and producers; organising tastings and seminars; encouraging chefs to use local foods and bringing taste education into schools. Above all, the Convivia cultivate the appreciation of pleasure and quality in daily life.

There are now almost 2,000 members and 35 Convivia across the UK.

Membership to the Slow Food Movement costs £35 and the benefits include the quarterly international magazine ‘Slow’ – featuring fascinating articles on food and wine across the globe; a quarterly UK newsletter entitled ‘Snail Mail’, which keeps members up to date with activities across the country and the right to participate in not only local events, but the major international events.

Although Slow Food Newcastle is no longer accepting members you can still join Slow food simply by filling in an online application form at slowfood.com.