Tag: North Wales

Welsh piemaker’s talent recognised at top awards

 

British Pie Awards 2016-1
Judging of the Speciality Pies Class at this year’s British Pie Awards.  ALL PICTURES: Mepics Photography

A North Wales delicatessen famed for its home-made produce has been highly commended at the British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray.

Leonardo’s Delicatessen Limited in Ruthin was recognised for its lamb, coriander, and apricot pie in the lamb pie category at the prestigious awards.

Leonardo’s makes its own quiches, puddings, sausage rolls, patés, and ready meals, alongside its meat pies including chicken, leek and laverbread pies.

The deli was founded in 200 by Ceris Brunzel-Roberts and her chef husband Andreas Brunzel. It uses seasonal fruit and vegetables from the owners’ garden, Tyn y Celyn free range chicken, Welsh black beef from Bala, Mochyn Merllyn pork, and Coed Du Farm milk and cream. Other local ingredients used include Clyttir Farm free range eggs and Snowdonia cheddar.

The awards saw top honours given to a ‘Beef Skirt & Vegetable Pastie’ made by A.F. Huddleston Butchers.

British Pie Awards 2016-10.jpg
Chef Andy Bates (left) tries a pie during judging

The Cumbrian firm took home the title of Supreme Champion, beating 815 other pies to secure the coveted trophy. This pasty had the judges’ mouths watering for its even bake, beautiful glaze and well balanced flavours.

Matthew O’Callaghan, Chairman of the British Pie Awards and Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association, said: “I know many will be surprised to see a pasty winning the British Pie Awards, but the definition of a pie is a filling totally encased in pastry – pies come in all shapes including round pies, square pies and pasties.

“Pasties have been a feature of British cuisine for centuries ranging from the Forfar Bridie in Scotland through to the Midland’s Bedfordshire Clanger and down to the iconic Cornish Pasty. I’m pleased that we now have an award-winning pasty to shout about from Cumbria.

“The winning pasty was outstanding.”

British Pie Awards: Judging
Judges tasting the pasties

The eighth annual British Pie Awards took place in Melton Mowbray during British Pie Week for the first time in the awards’ history. On Wednesday, 816 pies were entered from 132 professional bakers, butchers, and chefs and judged by over 100 top pie perfectionists –  including leading food critic Charles Campion, chef Rachel Green and TV chef Andy Bates.

Turner’s Pies Ltd in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, had four entries achieving first place within their individual classes. These pies were – Steak & Stilton Pie, Highland Top Rump & Potato Pie, Chicken, Ham Hock & Stuffing Pie, and Steak & Ale Pie. If you think football clubs are all about meat pies, think again. Morecambe Football Club won the dessert pie category with its apple, sultana,and cinnamon pie, and was highly commended twice.

Judging at the 2016 British Pie Awards
Two judges taking their job very seriously

The Speciality Class at this year’s British Pie Awards encouraged pie makers to create showstopping pies fit for Her Majesty The Queens 90th birthday celebrations.  A Victorian Corset Pork & Chicken Pie produced by Walker & Son was crowned as the class winner.

A selection of judges from this year's British Pie Awards
The judges at this year’s British Pie Awards. From left to right: Pete Lawrence (TV producer), Andy Clarke (food blogger and TV producer), Rachel Green (chef), Stephen Hallam (British Pie Awards event organiser), Andy Bates (TV chef), Neil Broomfield of the Great North Pie Co (2015 British Pie Awards Supreme Champion) and Neil Davey (food journalist).

 

THE RESULTS:

Award
Supreme Champion Beef Skirt & Vegetable Pastie –

A.F. Huddleston Butchers
Best Overall Small Producer Steak & Ale Pie – The Wheatsheaf

 

Class Class champion Highly Commended Highly Commended
Class 1 – Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Melton Mowbray Pork Pie – Dickinson & Morris Melton Mowbray Pork Pie – F. Bailey & Son Melton Mowbray Pork Pie – Leesons Family Butchers
Class 2 – Pork Pie Tesco Finest Extra Large Melton Mowbray Pork Pie  – Walker & Son Pork & Egg Pie 440g  – Walker & Son Pork Pie – Keelham Farm Shop Ltd
Class 3 – Steak & Kidney Pie Steak & Kidney Pie  – Wessex Pantry Steak, Kidney & Ale Pie  – Proper Pies Limited Steak & Kidney Pie – Turner’s Pies Ltd
Class 4 – Beef & Any Flavour Combination Pie Steak & Stilton Pie  – Turner’s Pies Ltd Beef, Venison & Red Wine Pie – The Outdoor Pig Company Steak Mushroom & Truffle Oil Pie  – Turner’s Pies Ltd
Class 5 – Beef & Ale Pie Steak & Ale Pie  – The Wheatsheaf Steak & Ale Pie – Tom’s Pies Steak & Ale Pie – Chef’s Kitchen
Class 6  – Meat & Potato Pie Highland Top Rump & Potato Pie – Turner’s Pies Ltd Meat & Potato Pie  – Morecambe FC Steak & Potato Pie – Middleton-in-Teesdale Fish & Chip Shop
Class 7 – Lamb Pie Lamb, Mint & Rosemary Pie – Robert Bowring Farmer & Butchers Lamb, Coriander & Apricot Pie – Leonardos Delicatessen Ltd Braised Lamb, Rosemary & Roast Potato Pie – Dunkleys
Class 8 – Chicken Pie Chicken, Ham Hock & Stuffing Pie – Turner’s Pies Ltd Chicken Pie – Plenty Pastry Ltd Chicken Pie – Robert Bowring Farmer & Butchers
Class 9 – Chicken & Vegetable / Herb Pie Luxury Chicken Pie – Nice Pie Chicken & Leek Pie – Thomas the Caterer Chicken & Leek Pie – Robert Bowring Farmer & Butchers
Class 10 – Chicken & Other Meat Pie Chicken, Bacon & Mushroom Pie – Walker & Son Chicken Pie – Plenty Pastry Ltd Chicken, Ham Hock, Maderia & Wild Mushroom Pie – Proper Pies Ltd
Class 11 – Speciality Meat Pie Game Pie – Mud Foods Ltd Venison Pie – Plenty Pastry Ltd Game Pie -Madaboutpies.co.uk
Class 12 – Savoury Pie Pork & Apple with Layered Turkey & Sage Crust – Roberts Country Fayre M&S Fluted Oval Pork & Chicken Layered Pie – Walker & Son Tesco Ultimate Pork Pie 440g – Walker & Son
Class 13 – Fish Pie Posh Stargazy with Prawns Pie – Fuller, Smith & Turner Smoked Salmon & Caviar Pie – Katherine Walmsley Fine Foods Salmon & Cream Cheese Pie – Cossack Cuisine
Class 14 – Vegetarian Pie Lentil & Sweet Potato Pie – Sandersons UK Limited Spinach & Mushroom Pie – Sanderson UK Limited Saag Pie – Pieminster
Class 15 – Pasty Beef Skirt & Vegetable Pastie – A.F Huddlestons Butchers Pork & Apple Pasty – The Outdoor Pig Company Traditional Cornish Pasty – Warrens Bakery
Class 16 – Dessert Pie including Bramley Apple Pie Apple, Sultana & Cinnamon Pie – Morecambe Football Club Bramley Apple Pie  – Morecambe FC Traditional Apple Pie – The Rutland Pie Company
Class 17 – Pub Pie Chicken, Brie & Cranberry Pie – Kentish Mayde Ham Hock & Smoked Chicken Pie – Kentish Mayde Highland Top Rump with Kidney – Turner’s Pies
Class 18 – Football Pie Steak & Ale Pie – Turner’s Pies Ltd Steak & Ale Pie – Kentish Mayde Steak & Stilton Pie – Turner’s Pies Ltd
Class 19  – Free From Pie Gluten Free Goats Cheese & Spinach ‘Heidi’ Pie – Pieminster Gluten Free Beef & Ale Pie – Pieminster Moroccan Spiced Vegetarian Pie – The Biddestone Arms
Class 20 – Speciality Class: Pie Fit For The Queen Marks & Spencer Victorian Corset Pork & Chicken Pie – Walker & Son A Royal Stamp of Approval Pork Pie – Walker & Son Three Tiered Regal Pie – Walker & Son

 

British Pie Awards 2016-9.jpg
Judging the pork pies

Sweet success for The Cake Lady

MARIA WILLIAMS meets a businesswoman having a generous slice of success thanks to her cake creations.

JB headshot
The Cake Lady: Judith Bond

Many people would envy Judith Bond’s working life.

From her kitchen in her tramwayman’s cottage on the Great Orme, she spends her time baking and decorating mouth-watering and beautiful cakes, and creating new flavours, while looking out at the stunning scenery of the Bay of Llandudno.

It couldn’t be more different from her previous roles in 20 years working in administration, for part of that time working in the offices of North Wales AMs Darren Millar and Janet Finch-Saunders.

A graduate of University College of Ripon and York St John with a degree in history and American studies, and a higher diploma in administration, Judith carved out a career as a PA and office manager.

When she decided to switch paths and set up her own business, those organisational skills proved invaluable.

Her choice of business came from her passion for baking.

“It began in my twenties and thirties, baking for my friends and family,” she says.

“I started collecting recipes two and a half years ago. Then, a good friend asked me to bake her wedding cake. I had never done that before. I had never made sugar decorations before. I had to go on YouTube to find out how to do it!

“She told me she wanted four tiers, lace, and red roses. She also wanted a fruit cake, which is not usual these days, as most people ask for sponge wedding cakes.

“There was a lot of stress and anxiety about that cake, and it was so heavy. I had to carefully carry it down to the hotel in Llandudno where the reception was taking place.

“Thankfully, it all went really well. That’s where my business was born, really.”

IMG_3156
Some of Judith Bond’s cake creations

Judith gained her food safety certificates and registered her business, Judith Bond Cakes. Now, it has a 5* hygiene rating.

Judith, 44, creates celebration cakes for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, christenings, engagements, anniversaries, retirements, and graduations.

She also makes cup cakes in 12 flavours – including salted caramel, almond amaretto, blackberry cheesecake, and rose pistachio – a favourite for birthday parties and gift boxes.

Judith is also expanding her business into the corporate market, offering cup cakes as business gifts, or for corporate events, and she is able to make gluten-free cakes, or cakes for those with other special dietary needs.

She’s a keen photographer, taking pictures of her creations for her website http://www.judithbondcakes.co.uk/, and is an active blogger, sharing her experience with her customers and readers.

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Judith Bond’s cup cakes

“I enjoy using social media, building up a good relationship with my customers, and I love taking pictures,” she says.

While Judith bakes her cakes, she’s helped with other parts of the business, like deliveries, by her husband Barry.

When I talk to Judith, she’s working on Christmas orders and has just attended her home town’s Christmas food and drink fair.

“I love meeting my customers. I believe the Llandudno event is one of the biggest Christmas food and drink events in Wales,” she says.

The event was a success, and Judith is pleased with her business’ progress.

“Other people might have wanted a faster expansion, to take on a factory unit and staff, but I’m exactly where I want to be with it at the moment. I’m happy to be expanding little by little,” she says.

“The best thing to do if you’re considering setting up a cake business is to speak to those who have done it and get as much advice as you can.

“They can tell you some of the pitfalls. I found I was competing with some people who are selling cakes on Facebook and shouldn’t be doing it – sometimes, they haven’t registered properly, or don’t have the proper food safety certificates, for example.

“My business is going from strength to strength, there’s a great interest in baking now thanks to the Great British Bake Off.

“My ambition is to be known as The Cake Lady.”

There’s an enduring feelgood factor about running a business based on baking, and that attracts loyalty from customers.

As Judith says: “Everybody loves cake.”

13,000 people set to visit Mold Food Festival

North Wales
Paul Rankin

More than 13,000 people are expected to visit this weekend’s Mold Food and Drink Festival, headlined by TV chef Paul Rankin.

There is a packed programme of events, with Rankin in action in three slots tomorrow, at 11.20am, 1.30pm and 3.35pm.

Rankin, who starred alongside fellow chef Nick Nairn in Paul and Nick’s Big Trip, ran Roscoff, the first Northern Ireland restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.

Masterchef runner up Dean Edwards takes to the stage for three demonstrations today. Founding member of the Welsh National Culinary Team Graham Tinsley, who worked under Anton Mosimann at The Dorchester, is staging two demonstrations today, as does Ian Purcell of the Cibo at St David’s restaurant in Mold.

James Elwood, who runs Anne’s Patisserie with his wife, gives a masterclass in patisserie at 2.30pm tomorrow.

Vegan cookbook writer Lee Watson will give a taste of India vegan cookery demonstration at 12.30pm tomorrow.

Head chef at Mold’s The Fat Boar, Phil Peacock, will give a three course meal demonstration this afternoon.

There is also live music, a children’s cookery school, and interactive food and craft workshops.

Admission for the event at Y Dderwen – The Oak, Hendre: Adults pay £5, children £2, or a family ticket for two adults and two children is £10.

Exhibitors

Aerona

This unique liqueur is made with hand picked aronia berries from plants grown on the family farm and other natural ingredients – no juice from concentrate, artificial colourings or preservatives are used in our liqueur. Every bottle is unique as they are all hand filled, crafted and finished.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Promoting healthier living and staying well.

Bexton Cheese

Charles Hough has been making cheese for more than 20 years. Located in Knutsford, Cheshire, the family business has been in farming for many generations. Individually waxed, handmade farmhouse cheese in various flavours including parsley and garlic’ vintage; chive and onion, cranberry, ginger and tomato and basil.

    • 01565 632006

Black Dog Wine Agency

Black Dog Wine Agency is born of a love of all things New Zealand. We aim to bring you the most exciting wines being made the length and breadth of this amazing country. As we don’t sell wines from anywhere else, we can concentrate on sniffing out the very best New Zealand has to offer.

Blodyn Aur

Blodyn Aur is the first truly Welsh Rapeseed Oil. Welsh grown, Welsh pressed and Welsh bottled.

Caffeine Rush

Caffeine Rush has been developed by the Exchange Coffee Company. We import and roast the finest quality coffees in the world. Our coffee buyers purchase beans only on the basis of their cup quality. We carefully hand roast each bean to perfection in small batches and then it is packed straight after roasting to seal in the freshness, capturing that elusive ingredient ‘aroma’.

Castlemoor Farm Hogroast

We provide the best (allegedly) Hog Roast service in the UK. We slowly oven roast your hog for 8-12hrs providing a delicious moist hog ,with a whole back of tasty golden cracking.

Castlemoor farm is a family run farm off the beaten track in the Corvedale between Much Wenlock and Ludlow.

Chilly Cow Ice Cream

Lovingly made artisan ice cream using our own fresh milk near Ruthin in North Wales.

Chirk Trout Farm & Smokery

Fresh trout, smoked fish, meats & poultry, quiche, pate, and sausages.

Cittaslow

Mold is proud to be the first Cittaslow town in Wales, part of the International Cittaslow Movement – improving the quality of life for our community. Mold was accredited as a Cittaslow town during the first Mold Food and Drink Festival 10 years ago. Visit our stand for information about what’s happening in Mold and the beautiful surrounding areas.

Coleg Cambria

One of the UK’s largest colleges with over 7000 full-time students and 20000 part-time learners, with international links.

Coopers Gourmet Sausage Rolls

Coopers create products using only the best possible ingredients, all with local provenance. Our gourmet sausage rolls are made in Shrewsbury and sold at farmers’ markets, delis, farm shops and rural outlets. Once tasted, they are never forgotten.

Crazy Cow Coffee

Crazy Cow Mobile Coffee was established in April 2011.

Our aim is to make you the best cup of coffee anywhere. We serve our own blend speciality coffee, cold drinks and a wide selection of cakes and snacks.

Creeations Face Painting

Award-winning face painting and balloon modelling.

Daisy’s Cupcakes and Treats

We offer cakes, cupcakes chocolate lollipops also personalized chocolate & much more, the sweet trees are a new addition to what we do they come in different sizes & a wide variety of sweets to suit everybody.

Espresso Eccellente

High quality Italian and Fairtrade espresso coffee drinks.

    • 01248 681985 / 07771945333

Flintshare CSA LTD

Information stand with advice about growing fresh produce.

    • 01244 541021

FoodStation Wales

FoodStation Ltd is based in Snowdonia, North Wales surrounded by glorious views and so we know how to appreciate good things and that is why we sell the highest quality and freshness produce. As a new company that is growing from third year of trading, we are growing in strength with every show we trade. We have young enthusiastic staff working for us who are always on hand to serve our customers with a smile. All our produce is of highest quality and fresh at time of sale. We can guarantee that you will not be disappointed with our service or our produce.

Forever Living Aloe Vera

Founded in 1978, and operating in over 150 countries, Forever and its affiliates have become the largest grower, manufacturer and distributor of aloe vera and bee products in the world.

GlitterBugz

Glitterbody art for all ages! All designs sizes and colours. Fun,funky and affordable waterproof tattoos for the young and young at heart!

Hafod Brewing Company Ltd

The Hafod Brewing Company of Mold, North Wales, was founded in May 2011 with the aim of brewing outstanding beer from the best ingredients.

Hannah’s Restaurant

Hannah Restaurant in Nantwich was our first restaurant to be opened in 1997, a family run, and family friendly restaurant.

Hope House

Respite care for terminally ill children. Charity Christmas cards, diaries and gifts.

  • Jaspersparkle

    The Spoon Ring, a tradition dating back to 17th century Britain, the silver spoon ring was created by the poorer people eg. servants who had access to steal a silver spoon from the Manor house and have it fashioned into a ring for their wedding, as they could not afford to buy precious metalled rings.

Llangollen Brewery

Hand crafted ales, bottles and gift packs.
Here at Llangollen Brewery, we only use the finest ingredients and local underground water source to produce our distinctive Country Ales.

Lukes Cocktails and Coffee

Flavoured syrup, various cocktail equipment, herbal loose tea,coffee equipment.

Lymm Bank Farm

Smoked and flavoured cheeses.

Mal Dawson The Old Chapel, Mold.

Hand-crafted wooden items of furniture.

Mocha Express

Mocha Express is a mobile gourmet coffee service selling a range of delicious freshly ground coffees and hot chocolate as well as a selection of teas, biscuits and cakes.

Naturally Ecuador Ltd

Hand crafted Ecuadorian Tagua jewellery, carvings, and accessories designed and created by Ecuadorian artists.

North Wales Brewery

North Wales Brewery began brewing in 2008. Beers such as Abergele Ale, Welsh Stout, Bodelwyddan Bitter and our specialised Chilli are sold in bottles at farmers markets, food festivals and seasonal shows. Alongside our traditional real ales we produce traditional soft drinks including; Dandelion & Burdock, Ginger, Spiced Apple and Cherry.

Pen-y-Lan Pork

Our sausages are from the four finest parts of our rare breed free range pigs. These parts are the, shoulder joint, leg, pork chops and belly pork. All slightly seasoned, but more importantly made using all natural skins and nothing synthetic, unlike some competitors. The proof of the pudding is every food festival we attend, we sell out.

Pieroth ltd

A selection of wines from our vineyards in France, Brazil, South Africa, Italy and our local Germany quality wines from the Nahe region.

Purple Moose Brewery

Y Bragdy Mŵs Piws / The Purple Moose Brewery is a ’40-Barrel’ micro-brewery based in the historic harbour town of Porthmadog, North Wales, close to the mountains of Snowdonia. Brewing commenced on 14th June 2005 with a one-off special pale ale at 3.5% called ‘No.1′.

Ralph’s Cider & Perry

We are traditional in our methods of production, all of our juice is pressed through a cloth or hair, with either one of our many Victorian oak beam screw presses, or one of our vintage hydraulic presses.

Our Cider & Perry rely on their natural yeasts & tannins to ferment. It is with our wealth of knowledge & experience that we can offer a range of products to suit many tastes.

Rigatoni Pasta

Homemade sauces, pasta, meatballs, garlic bread, soft drinks/water

RT Catering

Caterers based in Worcester also offering Catering Services to the West Midlands, Hog Roasts, Hot Buffets, English Breakfasts, Big Pans and Mexican Food. Wedding Caterer, Christenings and Party Catering, Corporate Event Caterer and Themed Party Catering.

Simply Relish

Artisan producer of chutneys, mustards and award-winning chilli sauces.

Sister Bakes Ltd.

Creators of sweet treats, scrumptious cup cakes and comical cake pops. Our mission,to bring cake joy to the nation!

Springfield Hotel & Health Club

The Springfield Hotel is the perfect venue for conferences, parties, weddings, dinners and cabaret evenings or just a quiet weekend in a fabulous location with stunning views over the Dee Estuary.

Su Casa Cuisine

Su Casa of Oswestry in Shropshire provide large and small events with outstanding catering inspired by world cuisine that can liven up any business meeting or give a memorable aspect to your family gathering and celebration.

Tandem Cymru

Tandem Cymru is a local charity for adults with learning disabilities.

    • 07967 271765

The Big BBQ

Piri Piri chicken BBQ.

  • 07703 856397 or 07809395447

The French Corner

Traditional french bread, baguette, pastries.

    • 0151 521 3500

The Patchwork Traditional Food Company

The Patchwork Traditional Food Company – Fantastic award-winning Pâtés, Tarts, Quiches, Pies and Desserts from Wales, UK.

Truly Scrumptious

Vegetarian pates, chicken liver pates, Welsh rarebit and fish pates.

    • 07866705336

Venture Photography

At Venture we capture your precious moments in time and beautifully present them in our stunning hand-crafted product. Our innovative photoshoots, exceptional photography quality and first class customer service continues to redefine family photography, creating lasting memories for generations to come.

Warner Edwards Distillery

Award winning artisan producers of spirits including Harrington Sloe Gin, Victoria’s Rhubarb Gin and Elderflower Infused Gin.

Welsh Beekeepers’ Association – Flint & District

Live bees in observation hives, information about beekeeping and local honey tasting.

Wrexham Lager

It’s true, Wrexham Lager is back. Since the sad day that it closed in 2000 we know that a lot of people have missed the great taste of Wrexham Lager and now after 10 years absence that great taste is back.