Somerset Producer Excellence

www.visitsomerset.co.uk www.visit-.co.uk Welcome to

Somerset is an ancient county in the south west of world’s oldest surviving makers of it should , just two hours from London yet a huge be based here. To go with it, we make the natural expanse of historic countryside, coast, perfect accompaniment, cider. These are not gardens and architecture. the only treats to sample on a foodie tour of Bristol the County which could take in oysters from Somerset combines wild natural habitats, Exmoor, strawberries from Cheddar, Trout M25 London beautiful landscapes and superb traditional Bath M4 from the Quantocks and of course a Somerset farmland alongside the cities of Bath and M5 M3 Cream Tea. Taunton Wells. This farmland comprises some of the Yeovil A303 best grass and fruit growing conditions in the Somerset’s rich soil and gentle climate are world, the result being a thriving, respected ideal for cider-making. We drink more cider and famous dairy produce sector and A30 in the UK than anywhere else in the world renowned fruit and cider. and it is good to see the orchards returning to Somerset after many disappeared Say ‘Somerset’ and most people think of during a dip in the drink’s popularity a few Cheddar cheese so it is fitting that the decades ago.

2 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 3 The first recorded mention of cider presses as a Going together like strawberries and cream are winning restaurants tucked away in the hills source of income here is in 1230 in a Royal Charter cider and Cheddar. Where better to sample it using local produce from within a few miles; granted to the Bishop of Bath even though we know than in its birthplace? The Cheddar Gorge Cheese ice-cream makers happy to show you how the Romans grew apples in Britain. Today we have Company is the only producer of Cheddar left it’s done and Farm Shops overflowing with a refreshing mix of farms that have been making in the village. Its cheese, maturing in Gough’s fresh meat and vegetables. If you don’t find cider for generations and new young businesses; Cave, is a memorable sight. Having mentioned your way out of town to these, some of them large concerns selling internationally and tiny strawberries, we should say that at one time will come to you in the form of the Farmers’ orchards using community presses. Cheddar Valley strawberries were famous and Markets held regularly across the County. A even had their own train on The Strawberry Line. It growing trend is the Food and Drink Festival, There is something special about sampling is still possible to find them locally and well worth a feature event in the calendar of many of our a product where it is made. Myrtle Farm, the effort. Recently added to Somerset menus are towns and villages. at the foot of the Mendips, is where the Bay oysters, Exmoor Caviar, Wicked Wolf Thatcher family has been making cider for and Northmoor Gins and farmed trout. Every year the farming and food community more than 100 years and is a perfect day out. come together at agricultural shows such as Torre Cider at Washford has a tea room and The joy of exploring rural Somerset and the Royal Bath and West Show to celebrate the orchard walks. Exmoor is that you will come across award county’s outstanding quality.

4 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 5 The Bay Tree The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company

With such wonderful food produced in Somerset, Within days of the launch Fortnum & Mason and The only cheddar made in Cheddar. John and Cheddar. Visitors come from all over the world it’s hardly surprising there’s a demand for Harvey Nichols were keen to place orders and the Katherine Spencer have been making traditional to watch them make, cut and pack this world- quality accompaniments. It’s fine producing kitchen was quickly outgrown, thus facilitating cheddar cheese in Cheddar, the birthplace of this famous cheese. world beating cheeses, but a cheeseboard only its first manufacturing unit. Emma continues to world-famous cheese since 2003. comes to life when partnered with chutneys, explore new flavour profiles, and The Bay Tree For John and Katherine, heritage, craft, taste relishes and pickles of equal calibre. The Bay now has over 150 mouth-watering products. Made raw milk from one local farm. Some of and passion drive their belief in the taste and Tree has won numerous awards for its cheese their cheese is matured within Gough’s Cave in goodness of real food. Their mission is to preserve accompaniments, including Overall Cheese Cheddar. Their cave Matured Cheddar in unique. this traditional cheddar – which is very Accompaniment Champion at The International different in character Cheese and Dairy Awards. Made in Cheddar Gorge; the heart of Somerset. to the mass produced Today, this family-owned, multi-award-winning ‘supermarket’ cheddar. Having grown up making preserves with her independent cheesemaker has earned accolades mother, founder, Emma Macdonald, was always from around the globe. obsession with food. This passion for discovering exciting and innovative flavours saw her travel the The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is the only world as a chef before launching The Bay Tree. producer of cheddar cheese left in the village of

www.thebaytree.co.uk +44 (0) 1963 828020 [email protected] www.cheddaronline.co.uk 01934 742810 07977 546917 36 East Way, Lee Mill Industrial Estate, Plymouth PL21 9GE The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3QA

6 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 7 Godminster Sharpham Park

Godminster produces award-winning organic taste of our Godminster cheddar. We hope you Created by Mulberry Founder Roger Saul, British cheddar in the heart of Somerset. The enjoy it as much as we do! Sharpham Park is the ‘Champion of British Spelt’ Organic business was born of a passion for organic and for the last 12 years we’ve been growing Traceability/Provenance farming and wildlife conservation. Ever since • Delicious foodie gifts, available online or in our spelt organically on our 300 acre farm near Sustainability Richard Hollingbery bought Godminster Bruton shop Glastonbury. Today we are the largest producer of Environmental awareness Farm in 1993, he and his team have been • Distinctive burgundy wax organic spelt in the UK, supplying everyone from pursuing an environmentally friendly and • All Godminster products are suitable for independent farm shops to leading supermarkets, ethical approach to farming. Their approach vegetarians bakeries and restaurants. incorporates the organic principles to the land • Free delivery nationwide at www.godminster.com and the livestock. • Internationally We’re a mixed economy organic farm producing renowned brand not only spelt but also walnuts, venison and The cows at Godminster Farm enjoy a simple, • Godminster Vintage Organic apple juice. Our spelt products include a range wholesome life and as a result produce Cheddar voted ‘The Nations of cereals, flours and grains and we are shortly deliciously creamy milk. The freshness of the Favourite Organic Product’ at launching an organic spelt pasta. We are milk and the sustainable approach to farming the Soil Associations BOOM accredited by the Vegetarian Society as Vegan. is a major contributor to the lovely distinctive awards 2019

www.godminster.com 01749 813733 XXXXXX xxxxxxxx Station Road, Bruton, Somerset BA10 0EH

8 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 9 Sheppy’s Cider Somerset Lavender

Sheppy’s Cider has been crafting premium The Ciders: Delicious lavender grown on the farm made on the Some of the products available in the shop cider in the heart of Somerset using homegrown • Produced only from the apple juice pressed on farm, from Marmalade to shortbread and more. • Lavender sugar apples for six generations. It is one of the oldest the farm • Tine of culinary lavender cidermaking families in the world with a proud • Vintage Cider is matured in traditional 100 year- Somerset Lavender is a family farm based in • White tea with lavender history that goes back more than 200 years. old oak vats Faulkland near Bath and Frome. You can visit the • Ceylon Tea with lavender • No artificial sweeteners, colourings or farm in the summer months and wander through • Sea Salt with Lavender Under the watchful eye of David Sheppy flavourings the lavender fields. All the lavender is grown on • Sweet Orange, Lemon & Lavender Marmalade their sixth generation Master of Cider, they • Premium quality speciality ciders including single the farm and dried naturally in the sun. In the continue to champion the same traditional varieties (SV) and organic café you can try the signature cake Lavender Farm Shop, Café, Plant Nursey’ Lavender Fields, methods, using rare crafting skills to produce • Suitable for vegan, Gluten Free and vegetarians & Almond or a traditional cream tea with a Flower Garden, Veg Garden. Open Summer May the Sheppy’s range of award-winning and • Uniquely blending traditional skills with modern lavender scone. How about lunch? try our goats to End September . Winter Mid world-class premium craft ciders. Our 90-acre technology cheese and lavender quiche. Take home some Nov & December. apple orchard and world class facilities mean culinary lavender flowers and try cooking with See our website that they have complete control over their lavender at home it works well in both savoury for opening times. production processes. It gives provenance, and sweet recipes, there’s even a cook book to integrity and confidence. give you some ideas.

sheppyscider.com 01823 461 233 [email protected] www.somersetlavender.co.uk 01373 834893 xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx Somerset Lavender, Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset, BA3 5WA.

10 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 11 Exmoor Distillery Exmoor Ales

Located in the idyllic Somerset countryside, near this full-bodied gin, with 44% ABV, has a punchy Exmoor Ales brewery is in the ancient Somerset and since found itself further abroad in pubs far the border of Devon, Exmoor Distillery sits on the three-dimensional taste, leaving a deliciously Brewing Town of Wiveliscombe. Its beers are on away from the county. southern gateway to Exmoor at Dulverton, on the smooth flavour at the back of the mouth. the bar in virtually every Exmoor pub. edge of the Exmoor National Park. “Exmoor Gold” is the brewery’s most famous and Northmoor Gin is currently available to purchase Founded in 1979 was one of the first phase biggest selling beer. The original and first Single This historic location, mentioned in the Domesday in numerous locations across the South West of Microbreweries that started up in the late Malt “Golden Ale” in the UK, and the start of a Book, is the perfect setting in which to distil including the award winning Darts Farm in Exeter 1970’s now grown to be a modest sized Regional whole new category of ales, now brewed nearly one of the UK’s finest small batch artisan gins. and National Wine Pub of the Year 2018 Woods Brewery, with its beer brands well recognised and every brewer. Developed from our own passion for fine spirits, Bar and Restaurant in Dulverton. 2019 saw the distributed across the country. Exmoor Distillery is a small family run distillery, launch of our much anticipated Northmoor sharing our love for a premium quality gin. Navy Strength Gin with 57% ABV. Our Navy The brewery gained early recognition with its ‘Infused with passion’ Named after the historic Strength Gin has been derived from four original session beer “Exmoor Ale 3.8%” it’s by winning estate of Northmoor, nestled amongst the steep Northmoor Gin botanicals and eight completely the Gold Award Best Bitter at the Great British wooded valleys on the southern edge of Exmoor, different ingredients. A smooth and flavoursome Beer Festival held in Alexander Palace in 1980 our award winning Northmoor Gin is a delight for recipe which provides a punchy taste our with just its 13th brew. This beer has remained the discerning gin connoisseur. Light on the lips, customers will enjoy. the mainstay of the Exmoor pubs since then,

www.exmoordistillery.co.uk 01398 323488 [email protected] www.exmoorales.co.uk 01984 623798 Unit 5, Barle Enterprise Centre, Dulverton TA22 9BF Golden Hill Brewery, Wiveliscombe TA4 2PW

12 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 13 Miles Tea and Coffee Wellhayes Vineyard

An independent, family-run business based Heavenly Hot Chocolate, freshly roasted coffee Simon and Alison Routh moved to Devon from converted into a winery. As well as sparkling wine in West Country England, Miles Tea and beans and ground coffee. London in 2004. After experimenting with they also produce a brandy and have truffles Coffee makes around 420 million teabags some vine varieties in 2008, they planted 2,500 and liqueur chocolates made for them by a local and roasts an unlimited amount of coffee Derek Miles and John Halls, experienced tea- vines over 1ha in 2011 that is the vineyard chocolatier from spirit they produce on site. each year. tasters and owners of the company, taste our tea they have today. The vines are the traditional every morning to ensure that our blends are always Champagne varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir The name Miles goes back a long way, in fact, the of the highest quality and taste. Our coffee is and Pinot Meunier, along with a German grape company has been trading since 1888. Over the freshly roasted daily, under the guidance of Csaba Reichensteiner, which is their hedge against the years we’ve crafted and tasted gallons of tea and Toth – a SCA Member Barista Expert. Everyone English weather and which they believe improves coffee, so you could say we know a thing or two that tries it claims our hot chocolate is out of this the quality of the final wine. about the humble cuppa. world, which is why we’ve titled it ‘Heavenly’. Simon and Alison are unusual amongst vineyard Our product range is vast and includes a large We’re pretty passionate about tea, coffee and owners of this scale in that they also make the selection of speciality loose leaf teas, our hot chocolate and if anyone knows how to make wine themselves. They produce up to 4,000 bottles award-winning West Country Original blend, a good brew, it’s us. So pop the kettle on, put your of Wellhayes Sparkling Wine a year and manage traditional teabags and premium Tea Kites, feet up and enjoy a moment with Miles. all the steps in the old stone barn that they have

www.milesteaandcoffee.com 0800 387948 [email protected] www.wellhayesvineyard.co.uk 01398 361612 Porlock House, Stephenson Road, Minehead TA24 5EB Wellhayes Farm, Clayhanger, Tiverton EX16 7NY

14 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 15 Wicked Wolf Fudge Kitchen

Wicked Wolf® Exmoor Gin™ (42%) is a premium of mango with black pepper. 1869 Lorna Doone Fudge Kitchen is the UK’s largest and oldest • Bath is our flagship store and is managed by Ian, craft gin made from 11 botanicals, distilled and Gin (42%) is our latest gin - 1869 has more producer of premium fudge and sugar our National Training Manager blended on Exmoor. Wicked Wolf Exmoor Gin uses moorland feel to the botanicals with the use of confectionery. Established in 1983 and offering • Vegan friendly options available the combination of 11 exotic botanicals producing meadowsweet, whortleberries and heather. It also a unique customer experience, each shop hand • Smooth caramels and crunchy brittles are also complex layers of citrus and pepper notes finely contains vanilla. makes what is sold on site. Our premium fudge is available for purchase in-store balanced with juniper and coriander. Hibiscus, authentic, fresh and made on an Italian marble • Each shop makes around 8 artisan batches every lemongrass, cardamom and kaffir lime leaves slab in full view of the customer and we aim to single day have been artfully blended with these traditional entertain each and every one of you with a fudge aromatics creating a full-flavoured, smooth gin. making show and delicious, free samples. Each aromatic is distilled separately which are then skilfully blended, giving complete control Fast Facts over the strength of each flavour. • Slab fudge is made using a traditional 1830s recipe Our range of gins include Silver Bullet (57%), • All-natural ingredients; no flavours, preservatives Exmoor Gold Gin made with Exmoor Gold Ale, or palm oils Full Moon Gin which incorporates the fruitiness • Choose from more than 20 delicious flavours

www.wickedwolfgin.com 01598 741357 [email protected] www.fudgekitchen.co.uk 01225 462277 The Old Chapel Brendon, Brendon EX35 6PT 10 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY

16 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 17 Limeberry Soap Coates English Willow

My name is Sarah Adams and I moved to then we have worked together to redesign our Having purchased fabulous food and 9 Willow crops and trees suck up lots of carbon Exmoor in the summer of 1976 with my family, I branding and packaging. We are proud to be delicious drinks from Somerset producers dioxide while they are growing. was 10 years old. In the early years of adulthood producing beautiful luxury soaps handmade in what better than a Somerset basket made 10 Willow baskets are beautiful to look at I moved to London. Then in the winter of 1998 I small batches on Exmoor with ethically sourced from home-grown Somerset willow to carry it returned to Exmoor. sustainable ingredients from around the world. all home in, and here are 10 good reasons to If this has persuaded you to look again at an Our rich and creamy soap is kind to your skin & choose one: English willow basket, then head to our shop. In the spring of 2015, I started to make soap with kind to our planet with 100% natural ingredients, 1 They keep an ancient craft alive a friend and this is where the idea for Limeberry 100% plastic free product and Eco recyclable 2 Willow is a sustainable crop Artisan Soaps was formed. We wanted to create packaging. 3 Willow helps maintain the character of the a product that was kind to our skin and to our Somerset Levels landscape planet, inspired by nature and the beautiful place 4 Basket making keeps british craftspeople we lived. We achieved our aim and locally our in work friends and family loved the product. 5 Willow is 100% biodegradeable 6 Willow baskets outlive plastic bags In 2017 I met Paul Weeks, who encouraged 7 Food doesn’t get crushed in a basket me to register Limeberry as a company. Since 8 Willow growing is part of all our heritage

www.limeberry.co.uk xxxxx www.coatesenglishwillow.co.uk 01823 490249 xxxxxxxx Coates English Willow, Stoke St Gregory, Somerset TA3 6HY

18 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 19 Quince Honey Farm Brendon Hill Crafts

One of Britain’s leading honey farms, Quince Added to that is the large indoor and outdoor play Brendon Hill Crafts was founded over 35 are also popular with the many visitors to Honey Farm in South Molton, Devon is a family area, The Nectary Restaurant serving up tasty years ago as a cottage industry on the the region, who support these small local run business which was first established in 1949. treats and the onsite shop selling their range of eastern edge of Exmoor, and close to the businesses by taking home a tasty reminder Now in its third generation and with over 1000 delicious honey, honey products and gifts. iron ore mine which is used as a logo on of Exmoor! hives, they are always refining new beekeeping their labels. techniques and growing in knowledge. It now operates from a purpose-designed A working honey farm and tourist attraction, kitchen on the edge of Barnstaple, cooking it offers a great day out for all ages. Activities in small pans that produce 20-25 jars at a to enjoy include a guided tour of the Honey time. Jars are hand-filled, hand-labelled, and Factory followed by honey tasting, a personally delivered to wholesale customers Beekeeping Demo with the chance to hold over the Exmoor, and North a frame of bees in complete safety, Be a Devon area. Their preserves can be found in Beekeeper taster session, a Tractor Tour of farm shops, village stores, delis and tourist their apiary fields, and the beautiful pollinator- attractions, as well as tea rooms, hotels and friendly Nectar Gardens to explore. B&Bs who serve them to their guests. They

www.quincehoneyfarm.co.uk 01769 572401 www.brendonhillcrafts.co.uk 01271 346111 Aller Cross, South Molton, Devon EX36 3RD 17 Castle Park Road, Whiddon Valley, Barnstaple EX32 8PA

20 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 21 Oysters The Somerset Toiletry Co.

We are an independent Oyster farm situated Building the future on our initial success and well Passionate about design and fragrance, The • Share packaging & recycling information where “Exmoor Meets the Sea”, in Porlock Weir’s earned reputation, having achieved national Somerset Toiletry Co. has been developing • Harness innovation such as BPD historic harbour that has a history of more and international recognition for our oysters high exquisitely made, honestly priced body care than 100 years of Oyster Farming. So perhaps quality and unique flavour. and home fragrance since 1999. Creating Break Down Plastic (BDP) is an innovative this is why Porlock Bay Oysters has such a fine own-branded toiletries, as well as private label ingredient added to plastic to enhance reputation for quality and taste. The finest Pacific Oysters grown in Porlock Bay collections for leading retail groups, products are biodegradation, when discarded. Should the item now sold in more than 50 countries worldwide. not be recycled, microbes will consume the plastic Our Oysters are hand grown and selected, from (in landfill or the ocean) our nursery site in Bantham to maturity in Porlock Sustainability within a few years rather Bay, acquiring their unique flavour and crisp taste 2020 marks the beginning of a new era and than centuries, leaving from our superb seawater, producing an artisan packaging is high on the agenda, particularly in only natural remnants. Oyster. The sea is their natural habitat, growing terms of plastic. We are committed to: them is completely sustainable – they are one of the ultimate ‘green’ foods - a tide to table Oyster • Seek alternatives to plastic of high-quality, with generous flesh and unique • Reduce unnecessary packaging taste and shape. • Shift to commonly recycled materials

www.porlockbayoysters.co.uk 01643 862417 www.thesomersettoiletryco.co.uk 01761 451122 Porlock Vale House, Porlock Weir, Somerset TA24 8PE Clutton Hill Farm Estate, Clutton, Bristol BS39 5QQ

22 Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor Visit Somerset | Visit Exmoor 23