The Art of Great British Food
September traditionally sees in British Food Fortnight, a celebration of great British food and farming and an opportunity to consider what you buy, how it is produced and where it comes from.
This year we’re shining the spotlight on some deliciously inspirational British artisan producers that we have had the pleasure to get to know over the years. From traditional oak smoked fare, pickles that ‘tickle your taste buds’, the most decadent shortbreads and biscuits to a hedgerow packed tipple, these producers are certainly well versed in the art of creating something delicious.
Discover how each brand’s story helps develop and create delicious, award-winning products, all expertly crafted here in the UK.
Staal Smokehouse
We first met Justin and Georgina back on the foodie scene around 2013 and we soon discovered their exceptional smoked fish, duck and chicken. This husband and wife team certainly do know how to make something special, and it’s no surprise why we teamed up with them to oak smoke our oil, something they still do today and features in our Smoked Garlic & Black Peppercorn Bread Dipper and Oak Smoked Mayonnaise.
In 2007, Justin and Georgina made the move from the south of England to Georgina’s family farm near Beverley in East Yorkshire, ‘The Dream’ was to set up a business that encompassed their passion for food whilst adding diversity to the existing farming enterprise. They’ve certainly achieved this!
For the previous decade Justin had worked in a niche sector of the luxury travel industry arranging bespoke high-end holidays for avid, some might say fanatical, fly fishermen and women. The work took him from Russia’s Kola Peninsula to the sand flats of the Seychelles, satisfying a wanderlust as well as an extreme passion for fishing. It was through these travels that he had the chance to see first-hand how people all over the world smoked and cured various pieces of meat, game and fish – from hot smoked King Salmon in Alaska to cured Ptarmigan in the farming heartland of Iceland.
It's clear to those who have the opportunity to taste Justin’s products that these experiences have helped him craft something really amazing.
“Staal Smokehouse is the culmination of our experiences in farming and fishing combined with a passion for excellent quality, great tasting food. We adhere to the traditional curing techniques honed and perfected over hundreds of years because we know that the extra time and care can be tasted in every bite, whether it is for a special occasion or a simple kitchen supper."
Puckett’s Pickles
Our good friend Sarah Puckett’s HQ is located just outside Easingwold near York. A little gem of a place full of wonderful aromas and home to the award-winning Puckett’s Pickles. Following in her families’ footsteps, Sarah uses the inspiration, experience and knowledge from her families' travels to create the award-winning products she has become known for.
The Puckett’s were originally from Devon, where Sarah was born, and a seafaring family, going back generations. Her father was a ship’s captain and sailed the seven seas. He, and the generations before, would bring back ingredients from their travels. Her Carrot & Cardamom Chutney, with its rich and exotic flavour, is from a recipe of her Great Great Grandmother, and in proper family tradition has been passed down the generations. Puckalilli is a play on words on her Grandma Puckett’s recipe.
Dedicated to using local, seasonal produce Sarah’s pickles and preserves are packed with flavour and colour making them stand out in any kitchen. Perfect for brightening up a simple lunch or supper, Sarah’s jars have become regular additions to our own household with everyone having their own favourite jar of ‘Puckett’s’ in the fridge.
“One of my fondest memories from childhood – and the sort of feeling I wanted to induce in Puckett’s Pickles customers – was the lovely warm glow I got when Mum did one of her fridge-cleaning suppers. She’d make what she called ‘bubble and squawk’ using any odd bits and pieces she found in the fridge and Father would open his pickle cupboard, honestly, the end result was my favourite thing in the world. We’d graze and the conversation would flow and all would be very right with the world.”
puckettspickles.co.uk
Sloemotion
Founded in 2002, Sloemotion Distillery is dedicated to creating great tasting spirits and liqueurs. Based at Green Farm, in the village of Barton-le-Willows near York, it’s fair to say our paths have crossed many times, especially as we both enjoy our annual festive tasting evening with the customers of Neptune in York!
Their business remarkably began almost by accident, when a farming initiative to improve wildlife habitats resulted in an abundance of sloes. To founder Joff Curtoys, an ecologist by training, who had grown up drinking his father’s home-made Sloe Gin, an idea began to take shape and Sloemotion was born.
The business began by scaling up traditional kitchen recipes and techniques to make quality liqueur products, and they still follow those award-winning methods today.
“The core element of our liqueur making is macerating or steeping whole fruit in small batches over a period of months. This lengthy process, along with regular stirring, allows the product flavour to fully develop and mature.”
The fields, rich meadows, woodlands and tangled hedgerows in North Yorkshire provided the inspiration for the business and are still at the heart of the company today. With Joff’s background as a trained farmer/conservationist and then policy advisor on agricultural issues for the RSPB, the ethos and background of Sloemotion Distillery is one of respect for the planet with sustainability at the forefront of their brand.
From their Hedgerow Gin, and Vodka to Sloe Gin and Cherry Brandy, there’s something for everyone to discover in the Sloemotion range.
Sawley Kitchen
Sawley Kitchen, an award-winning Yorkshire ‘Biscuit Bakehouse’ can be found out on the country lanes near Ripon, North Yorkshire. Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team, Nicky and Robin Jaques, Sawley Kitchen is home to the most decadent hand baked shortbreads, biscuits, crackers and meringues, baked in the traditional way using their family vintage recipes.
With Rob bringing a wealth of experience from his background in hospitality, and Nicky having built her baking expertise at her time at Betty’s of Harrogate, they were the perfect duo to embark on this baking adventure. A few years ago they welcomed their son Dan into the business, and more recently their daughter Loz, making it a truly family affair.
Over the years the bakehouse has grown from strength to strength, selling their delicious artisan treats across the country. They provide hotel room biscuits for some of the top 5 star hotels in the country.
Recently, Sawley Kitchen launched their ‘Tea & Biscuit Club’ a monthly delivery of a box jam packed with a seasonal selection of treats. “As the seasons change, we will match our selection for our members. The fresh Spring flavours of Lemon, the Summer tastes of Rhubarb, Autumn brings Ginger, and Christmas welcomes cranberry.”
Sadly, in March 2020 Rob lost his battle with cancer. Nicky, her family, and the bakehouse team continue the Sawley Kitchen story, and Rob’s ethos, of never compromising on the quality of your ingredients, is something that is still apparent in the fine and unmistakable quality of every packet they produce.
