Welcome to Rise & Shine
If you have any news about your business you’d like to see here, including recruitment, 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
Editorial Director
INDUSTRY NEWS
Hale Events acquires new Christmas show
South West-based Hale Events have acquired one of the UK’s biggest festive shopping shows to add to its exhibition calendar.
The Christmas Shopping Fayre, held annually at Exeter’s Westpoint, features over 250 stallholders from all over the UK and attracts tens of thousands of visitors.
It has been run since 1996 by Barnstaple-based event organiser Grahame Davidson, who responded positively to an approach from Hale’s Mike Sartain earlier this year where he said: “If you ever think of retiring we’d love to have the opportunity to take on the running of your fabulous show.”
After much consideration, a deal for the handover has now been completed.
Hale managing director, Mike Anderson commented: “We are delighted to add this popular and very successful Fayre to our SW show portfolio. This show compliments the range of business to business shows that Hale currently organise, and will provide a great direct sales opportunity for our clients, at a fantastic time of year.”
Grahame Davidson added: “Having got to know the Hale Events team I’m confident they’ll maintain the amazing success my show has enjoyed over the past 22 years, and I’m pleased that the Shopping Fayre will be in safe hands!”
Hale have said there will be no noticeable changes to the way the event has been run and Grahame will continue to help with the Fayre behind the scenes.
The Christmas Shopping Fayre takes place 23-25 November at Westpoint, Exeter, and you can find out all about the show on the website at www.christmasshoppingfayre.com.
South West Chef of the Year 2018 open for entries
The 15th annual South West Chef of the Year is now open for entries. Championed by lead judge and co-founder Michael Caines of Lympstone Manor, the competition offers aspiring chefs, those already working in the industry and home cooks the opportunity to gain recognition for their culinary skill.
The five categories for the competition are Professional, Young Professional, Student/Apprentice Chef, Junior (under 16) and Home Cook. From these, one winner will also be selected to receive the overall award of South West Chef of the Year 2018.
Michael Caines said: “Marking its 15th anniversary this year, South West Chef of the Year provides a platform for the region’s emerging chefs and aspiring home cooks of all ages. We invite anyone with a passion for cooking and creating wonderful dishes using quality produce from the region, to enter this competition offering an amazing opportunity to learn from highly acclaimed chefs, improve on culinary skills and be challenged at cooking to a high level.”
Michael is joined by a panel of the South West chefs to judge the competition at its various stages including Mark Dodson (Mason Arms), Emily Scott (St Trudy Inn), Liam Finnegan (Castle at Taunton) and Michael Wignall.
Competitors are invited to submit their application online via the website https://www.southwestchef.co.uk/how-to-enter/ by the closing date, Tuesday 31st July.
Restaurants set organic menu challenge in September
The Soil Association are encouraging restaurants and cafés to meet the Organic September Menu Challenge by serving more organic food.
Sarah Jupp from Soil Association Certification said: “Our research tells us people want to see more organic food when they eat out – consumers see organic as a signpost to health and it’s fully traceable due to the rigour of the certification process. Asking restaurants to try organic for the month means they can dip their toes into a more sustainable way of sourcing, and play an important part in educating diners about the benefits of organic for health, wildlife, the environment and animal welfare. For customers, we hope the Menu Challenge will help to explain what organic really means, while strengthening the link between what you buy and eat and where it comes from. We’re excited about people having the chance to experience food as it should be.”
Participants in the Menu Challenge are encouraged to promote their involvement using the hashtag #organicseptember on social media and to make use of the campaign logo on their menus and websites to show their support.
Cornwall “plough to bottle” distillery opens
Colwith Farm, near Fowey in Cornwall, have opened a new vodka and gin distillery that brings the whole production process onto one site and also created a new visitor attraction.
The new facility includes the main production area – where King Edward potatoes grown on the family farm are mashed, fermented and distilled to create vodka and then gin – and a bar so visitors can sample the spirits. Overseen by a fifth-generation farmer, Steve Dustow, they claim this is the first distillery in Cornwall to bring the whole process under one roof.
The first spirit being produced is Fowey River Gin created by blending a Colwith vodka base with triple distilled cider from nearby Haye Farm before further distillation with botanicals. When fully operational, the distillery will also produce homegrown Stafford’s Gin and Aval Dor Vodka from scratch.
Farmer Steve Dustow said: “When we first started producing our gin and vodka we were sending the ingredients away to Cambridgeshire to be distilled. My vision was to be able to transform our own crops into premium spirits on a single site right here. It’s an incredible feeling to see that now come to fruition.
“Most craft distilleries buy in a base spirit. We’re one of less than a dozen in the UK doing it from start to finish. Not only is this great news for our family, providing longevity for the next generation, but it also brings a new industry and expertise to Cornwall.”
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Bristol brewery revives 18th-century beer
Bristol-based Little Giant Brewery are creating a unique heritage beer with the help of two renowned master brewers. Tim O’Rourke, MD of The Brilliant Beer Company, and David Twomey, an Irish master brewer and former production director of Beamish & Crawford Brewery, Cork will brew George’s 1816 Porter.
Based on a recipe from the archives of the historic George’s Brewery in Bath Street, Bristol, the beer was a staple for 18th-century drinkers and exported to many oversea’s territories. It was rumoured to be George Washington’s favourite beer.
‘‘George’s 1816 Porter is a unique style of beer,” says Tim O’Rourke. “Porter was the universal drink of the day. Originally, it was a brown colour, rather than black, and both looked and tasted different due to its use of brown malts. The choice of the date 1816 was no accident because the following year saw a major technological breakthrough. This resulted in many breweries using ‘Black Patent Malt’ for their Porters and Stouts. This change was driven by cost rather than improved taste, and produced a much darker and drier tasting product.”
“We’re delighted to be giving Bristol back some of its history”, said Little Giant Brewery owner Paul Mayer. “The beer is based on a recipe specially invented for us by Tim and David. Our own brewer, Keith Meredith, is looking forward to working with them.”
Luscombe introduce new premium mixer
Luscombe Drinks are adding a new range of mixers to their portfolio.
Available in 20cl bottles with an RRP of £1.20, they are “perfect for adding excitement to any spirit, cocktail or mocktail” and include Cucumber Tonic Water, Sicilian Bitter Lemon, Hot Ginger Beer, Lime Crush and Devon Soda Water.
Gabriel David, chairman and founder of Luscombe Drinks, said: “The successful launch of our tonic waters last year and the increased consumer-led demand for artisanal dark rums and spirits highlighted to us the need to offer an interesting and comprehensive range of premium mixers, going beyond solely tonic waters.”
For further information on Luscombe Drinks please visit www.luscombe.co.uk, email info@luscombe.co.uk or call 01364 64 30 36
Miles launch new tea range
Miles Tea and Coffee have announced a new range of 10 “Tea Kites”. These new flavours focus on green, herbal and fruit teas. The new pack design will allow Miles to adapt the range with limited edition products and seasonal blends.
The range currently includes; Super Green, Matcha & Turmeric; Fennel, Orange & Hibiscus; Green Tea & Chamomile; Berry Berry; Rooibos, Boabab & Chai; Lavender, Limeflower & Rose; Ginger & Lemongrass; Liquorice, Peppermint & Spearmint; and English Breakfast.
John Halls, operations director at the West Country tea and coffee merchants said: “This is an exciting new market for Miles, being a family business for generations it’s important as we adapt to current trends. This new premium range will provide us with a relevant offering for the ever-growing green tea, herbal and fruit tea market.”
EQUIPMENT NEWS
American Range gas appliances come to the UK
Catering equipment supplier Euro Catering have launched the US-manufactured American Range in the UK.
These heavy-duty, horizontal gas appliances include fryers, ranges, gas boiling tops, gas griddle with grill, stock pot and steakhouse grill and are aimed at the casual dining and independent caterer.
Euro Catering suggest they are ideal for fast-food operators as they have quick recovery times that “come from the stainless steel tanked fryers’ cast-iron tube burners and deflector. The stainless-steel construction makes these fryers perfect for outside and mobile caterers, who can use this kit without fear of invalidating the warranty, or incurring rust and weathering issues.”
Euro Catering’s Sales Director, Justin Towns, said: “We are delighted to welcome American Range to the UK and to have such a high-performing range at our disposal. Distributors are already showing a keen appetite to sell this range of fryers, ranges and griddles, and we feel the range will be very well received by those wanting to serve grills with fries and some healthier eating options besides.”
More information can be found at www.euro-catering.co.uk and enquiries can be taken on 01455 559969.
Artis introduce connoisseurs’ wine glass range
Glass and tableware distributor Artis has announced it is selling the Tentazioni range by Italian manufacturer, Luigi Bormioli.
This collection of stemware is aimed at restaurants serving fine wines with the glasses designed to “preserve the aromatic structure of the wine.”
Each glass features a ‘double chimney’ which holds the aromatic molecules for longer allowing “the aromas to be released as the wine leaves the bowl, enhancing the tasting pleasure.”
The collection is available in six different styles – 67cl Bordeaux Wine; 57cl Red Wine; 47cl White Wine; 42cl Sparkling Wine; 30cl Coupe and a 23cl Tasting Glass.
List prices range from £3.00 for the Tasting Glass to £6.35 for the Bordeaux Wine glass. For a copy of the 2018 Artis catalogue call 020 8391 5544 or go online at www.artis-uk.com to download.
PROPERTY NEWS
Devon inn sold to experienced operators
The leasehold of the Ashill Inn, a grade II listed property in the village of Ashill, Mid-Devon, has been sold off an asking price of £49,950 by agents Charles Darrow.
The inn includes a lounge bar, open plan dining room and owner’s accommodation on the first floor.
The purchaser, Nick Benwell of R&B Taverns Limited apparently intends to “maintain the offering, while introducing his own spin on the food menu.”
Charles Darrow Director Jon Clyne commented: “Having known the owners many years, we were delighted to act for them and agree terms to such a competent operator in Nick. The transaction ran very smoothly, and we wish Nick the very best of luck with his new venture.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
July
Hampshire Food Festival
1st – 31st July 2018
Various locations across Hampshire
“Organised by Hampshire Fare, Hampshire is preparing to celebrate all things food and farming throughout July with over 60 tempting events taking place across the county.”
To take part and to find out more, please visit
https://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/news-events/hampshire-food-festival
Imbibe Live
2nd – 3rd July 2018
Olympia, London
“If you source, buy or serve drinks within the drinks industry, Imbibe Live is the must-attend show for you.”
http://live.imbibe.com/
Cotswold Taste Local Group Launch – A new way to grow your food or drink business
5th July 2018 – 7pm-9pm
The Royal Hop Pole Hotel, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
A member-owned co-operative, Cotswold Taste aims to promote the business success of its members and business partners. If you are a local food or drink business, come along and learn how Cotswold Taste can help to grow your business. The guest speaker is Cotswold Taste business partner Quentin Thomas, Director of the award-winning design agency Riley & Thomas, who will talk on ‘The right branding and design opens doors for small food producers.’
To book a place at this FREE event or for more information, please email nick@cotswoldtaste.co.uk