Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here, including trading updates and appointments, please contact our News Editor, Carolyn Moss, at news@breadandbutter.media or call her on 01305 575155. Follow us on Twitter @BreadButterNews for updates.
Robin Alway
Group Editor
INDUSTRY NEWS
St Austell launch biggest ever campaign for flagship beer
The largest independent beer brand in Cornwall is Tribute and brewers St Austell have unveiled its biggest ever integrated marketing campaign.
The new campaign will be based on the proposition “Quality speaks for itself” and will be supported by outdoor and print advertising, digital, in-store and PR activity.
Jeremy Mitchell, marketing and communications director, St Austell Brewery, said: “The theme of quality is at the heart of the new campaign and it celebrates all the attributes we’re proud of: ingredients, process, taste and consistency. Whilst Tribute has continued to outperform the cask ale category, we know it’s a fiercely competitive sector, and we want to keep Tribute at the front of the pack.”
The 4.2% ABV beer was first brewed by St Austell Brewery’s head brewer Roger Ryman in 1999 as a short-term ale to celebrate the total eclipse of the sun. In 2001 Tribute was launched as a new permanent beer and has enjoyed a steady growth ever since.
Dorset chocolate maker celebrates international awards
Solkiki picked up five awards at the International Chocolate Awards 2017 with their dairy-free bars made with directly-traded ingredients.
Two chocolate bars with whisky infused nibs, the Marañón 68% Dark and Marañón 60% Dark Milk earned Bronze. The 60% Marañón salted caramel dark milk earned a British Silver for the second year running and the Hazelnut Cream White Gianduja Chocolate also earned Silver. Solkiki won British Gold for their White Chocolate with Ethiopian Coffee and Redskin Peanut.
Founder Bob Solkiki said: “Being a bean to bar chocolate maker gives us total control over the product, from start to end; from business and quality to nutrition and flavour. We make the best tasting chocolate made from the best ingredients and give the farmers a life worth living, so everybody wins.”
The chocolate makers are now looking for “any tea makers or craft brewers looking for organically grown, fine flavour cocoa husk for use in making tasty, limited edition or small batch beverages”. Get in touch at solkiki.co.uk, where you can also buy their chocolate as retail bars and as couverture in larger catering packs.
Taste of the West launch Best Newcomer Award
The largest regional awards for food and drink, the Taste of the West Awards, are introducing a Best Newcomer Award for 2017.
Sponsored by Wiltshire condiments company Tracklements, this title will be awarded to one Gold award-winning product that has been entered into this year’s Taste of the West Product Awards for the very first time.
John Sheaves, Chief Executive of Taste of the West, said “As the regional food group, part of our role at Taste of the West is to offer support and advice to new start-ups in the industry. We are excited to offer this opportunity for new entrants to gain recognition through the Best Newcomer Award and to have the support of such an established and highly respected brand as Tracklements.”
Guy Tullberg, Managing Director of Tracklements, said: “Artisan food is all about hand-making and using the best, natural ingredients to produce exemplary products. Whatever our size, all of us who do this have at some point been new to the artisan food market. At Tracklements we still make everything in the same time-honoured way that we did when we were newcomers over 45 years ago. That’s why we’re immensely proud to sponsor the most recent addition to the Taste of the West Awards; Best Newcomer.”
Cornish staycation specialist moves into Devon
Self-catering holiday letting agency Beach Retreats is expanding into its neighbouring county of Devon, citing growing demand for staycations in the West Country.
The expansion complements its portfolio of 136 Cornish properties with accommodation in Lynton and Lynmouth in Devon.
Andrew Easton, Beach Retreats’ business manager, says: “The growing popularity of South West staycations is no secret; we’ve seen a 25% uplift in bookings year-on-year, which has driven our property portfolio to expand by 20%. Expanding into Devon enables us to offer our guests more of the coastline to explore and our new properties in Lynton and Lynmouth are a great fit for the Beach Retreats collection.”
Cotswold luxury venues launch hospitality academy
A group of local luxury brands are teaming up with Gloucestershire College to launch the Cotswold Star Academy for budding young hoteliers.
Launching this summer, it will offer 10 places on a 12-month training programme for hospitality supervisors and chefs de partie to work with local names The Calcot Collection, Farncombe Estate, Ellenborough Park and The Lucky Onion Group.
As well as work placements with the partners, there will be elements of online learning, work shadowing and masterclasses at each venue. The academy will open on Monday 26 June at Gloucester College’s Cheltenham Campus.
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Dorset gin supports LGBT charity
Lilliput Dorset Gin are producing a limited edition bottle for this year’s Pride events, “in celebration of equality and diversity for everyone, but in particular in support of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.”
The RRP is £40 per bottle but the producer is suggesting a £5 donation is made to local LGBT charities including Diversity Role Models, Opening Doors, Stonewall, Pride in London, Manchester Pride, Leeds Pride, Bristol Pride or Brighton Pride.
More details from www.lilliput-gin.com.
EQUIPMENT
Moffat launch hot and cold Grab & Go unit
Foodservice equipment manufacturer E & R Moffat are releasing free-standing Grab & Go units. They will be available as hot and cold, cold, hot and ambient models.
The whole range uses Moffat’s ‘Free Flow AirFlow’ system, which maintains pre-heated and pre-chilled food at regulated temperatures, without deterioration or drying out. An air curtain flows past the front of the food products reducing hot or cold air loss. Hot products are maintained at temperatures of 65°C to 75°C in ambients above 16°C, while chilled products are maintained between 2°C to 5°C in ambients below 25°C.
Model MHC1 is a heated and chilled unit, which combines storage for both hot and cold food displays in the one unit, making it ideal for chilling sandwiches and drinks while also keeping hot snacks like pasties and pies at the correct serving temperature.
List prices start from £2119 (+VAT) for the ambient model MA1. For more information visit the website: www.ermoffat.co.uk
Shatterproof but chic glasses
Parsley in Time have launched a new range of polycarbonate glasses made by Strahl. The range includes cocktail, wine and beer glasses, goblets, pitchers and accessories.
They are dishwasher and freezer safe and are hand-finished to remove manufacturing join lines.
“Strahl polycarbonates are the safe, strong and elegant alternative to glass,” says Rob Blunderfield, Parsley in Time’s marketing manager. “They are ideal for outdoor drinks service, or anywhere that a classy polycarbonate is needed instead of conventional glass. Because they are so durable, they’ll cut costs, since they dramatically reduce breakage and the need to restock glassware.”
The Vivaldi line of tumblers includes classic ‘on the rocks’ designs, as well as highball, Collins, cooler and old fashioned with a variety of sizes and shapes.
For more information, visit www.parsleyintime.co.uk.
APPOINTMENTS
Head chef for new Bath hotel announced
Ben Abercrombie has joined the Apex City of Bath Hotel as head chef.
Somerset-born Ben is a self-taught chef who has worked with Mitch Tonks at the Sea Horse in Dartmouth and Mark Hix at HIX in Soho. His most recent role was executive head chef at The Queen’s Arms in Corton Denham, Somerset where he gained and retained 2 AA rosettes along with other awards.
General manager Tim O’Sullivan said: “Ben is a young and exciting talent, whose passion and energy for delivering freshly prepared high-quality food, fits perfectly with what we want to deliver at Apex City of Bath. Ben will lead a large kitchen team to deliver across our restaurant, bar, conference and events and room service. I’m really excited to have Ben on the team and looking forward to sharing his food with our guests and the local people of Bath.”
Set to open in August, the Apex City of Bath Hotel with have 177 rooms, 64 with a special family offering and can boast the city’s biggest conference space with room for up to 400 delegates.
PROPERTY
Country house hotel near Taunton on market for £1.5m
The Farthings Country House Hotel and Restaurant in Hatch Beauchamp, near Taunton dates back to 1762, has 11 rooms, a cottage and a garden flat. Three miles from the M5, its orchard and vegetable garden add what agents Colliers International describe as “Good Life” appeal.
Ed Jefferson from Colliers International’s Hotels agency team said: “With a lively mix of commercial and weekend breakers, The Farthings is trading well with a turnover of £462,543 net of VAT but the vendors have very reluctantly decided to move on.
“The Farthings has a civil wedding licence, which adds further appeal for couples looking for a quieter wedding.
“Currently the business is operated very much on a lifestyle basis and there is potential for growth. The growing wedding business is one area of the business which new owners may wish to expand.”
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Sheppy’s Cider Ltd
Sheppy’s is a premium cider crafted by one of the oldest and most distinguished cider making families in the world. Real cider – made using six generations of knowledge by the master of cider himself, David Sheppy. This spring, Sheppy’s will cement their premium positioning with their new look and the launch of their cider attraction in Somerset.
With the premium cider market basking in growth of 24% it seems a great time for the company to launch their rebrand. David Sheppy said, “With a trend for premium cider in growth, it fuelled the need for a brand refresh that reinforced our premium positioning and a streamline of our core range for added clarity.”
Along with their rebrand came the launch of Sheppy’s House of Cider, which is a magnificent transformation of their old brick buildings that bring the perfect balance of modernism and character. Having spent 100 years at Three Bridges Farm, the Sheppy family wanted it to become a destination that people really want to visit within Somerset, attracting tourists, locals and cider fans to see the heritage of their brand in modern times.
Sheppy’s House of Cider offers a unique and memorable experience for all visitors with a heritage museum, deli, bakery, butchery and, of course, their cider shop. If that doesn’t sound like enough, you can indulge in their recently renovated Apple Bay Restaurant and Bar using ingredients from their farm and local producers.
Louisa Sheppy said, “We are overwhelmed by the positive response for Sheppy’s House of Cider since opening in April this year. We are truly excited for the future and we can only hope to stand proud amongst the many tourist attractions in Somerset.”
EVENTS
June
Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival 2017
16th – 25th June
The Square, Bournemouth
“The Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival is 10 whole days of delight for foodies. Enjoy good food, amazing cooking skills and fabulous entertainment!” Includes: Street Food Festival, Farmers & Producers Market and Demo Kitchens.
http://bournemouth.co.uk/event/bournemouth-food-drink-festival-2017/
July
Hampshire Food Festival 2017
1st – 31st July, 2017
Various locations in Hampshire
“The Hampshire Food Festival is an opportunity to show people what is grown and made in the county and offer unique experiences. From walking with buffalo to distillery tours or watching demos from top local chefs, the festival offers something for all tastes.”
http://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/food-festival/
Imbibe Live 2017
3rd – 4th July
Olympia, London
“Join 12,000 drinks professionals at the innovative and interactive annual exhibition for anyone who sources, buys or serves drinks in the licensed on-trade. Be part of Europe’s largest on-trade drinks exhibition: listen to ground-breaking seminars, experience rare and unique tastings, source new products and discover new trends defining the future of the industry.”
http://live.imbibe.com/
The Yeovil Show
15th – 16th July
The Showground, Yeovil, South Somerset
Celebrating Yeovil and South Somerset – showcasing amazing local food and drink including two food halls, the cheese & cider marquee and live cookery demonstrations.
https://www.yeovilshow.org/
The Mid Devon Show
22nd July
Knightshayes, Tiverton, Devon
“Experience a true celebration of rural Mid Devon with an eclectic mix of breathtaking entertainment, food, shopping, music, horticulture and farm life.”
http://www.middevonshow.co.uk/
New Forest & Hampshire County Show
25th – 27th July
The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst
“Three days of agricultural fun and entertainment for all the family – now rated among the top ten agricultural shows in the country.”
http://www.newforestshow.co.uk/
August
Bristol Sausage & Cider Festival
4th – 5th August
Old Passenger Shed, Temple Meads Station, Bristol
“Music, real cider, and great sausages from artisan producers.”
http://www.sausageandciderfestival.co.uk/festivals/BRISTOL
Great Dorset Chilli Festival
5th – 6th August
St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset
“A great day out for chilli enthusiasts, food lovers and families. A glorious weekend of “chilli fiesta”, with stalls selling all things chilli, plus cooking demonstrations; talks on growing chillies; artisan food producers and spicy street food.”
http://www.greatdorsetchillifestival.co.uk/
CAMRA Great British Beer Festival 2017
8th – 12th August
Olympia, London
“Celebrating its 40th Anniversary – Real Ale and other Craft Beer, Cider and Perry plus English Wine, Street Food and Entertainment.” Includes the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain competition.
https://www.gbbf.org.uk/
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival
19th – 20th August
Newchurch, Sandown, Isle of Wight
“There are huge garlic and food marquees and cooking demonstrations from top Island chefs in the all new theatre kitchen”
http://www.garlicfestival.co.uk/
The Melplash Show
24th August
The West Bay Showground, Bridport, Dorset
“One of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions, the show is packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture. There are over 350 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors….and plenty in between!”
http://www.melplashshow.co.uk/
River Cottage Summer Festival
26th – 27th August
River Cottage HQ, Axminster Devon
“There’ll be demonstrations from well-known chefs, inspirational speakers, masterclasses to take part in, tasty street food to sample, not forgetting our very own River Cottage chefs preparing the best seasonal food for you to enjoy.”
https://www.rivercottage.net/dining-and-events/river-cottage-festival-2017
Witcombe Cider Festival
26th – 27th August
Brockworth, Gloucester
UK’s largest Cider Festival. 50 Ciders and a strong line-up of national music artists.
http://witcombeciderfestival.co.uk/