Pick of the Producers

from Shire Magazine March-April 2023 Cheshire & Wirral

Motoring Audi RS 3 Sportback Quattro

Method:

• Bring the veg stock to a simmer and put the smoked haddock in. Remove from the heat and leave for 10 minutes. Strain the haddock out and set aside.

• Melt the butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Add the onions and cook slowly for 5-10 minutes until translucent.

• Add the risotto rice and turn the heat up. Stir for 1 minute. Add the wine and reduce until its almost dry.

• Add a ladleful of the stock and simmer until its nearly all absorbed. Keep stirring and adding stock a ladleful at a time until the rice is al dente (approx 20 minutes).

• Remove from the heat and add in the reserved haddock, zest and lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Note: the haddock may be slightly salty so don’t overdo the salt.

• Leave to cool slightly then shape into 4 large or 8 small cakes.

• Breadcrumb - roll through the ﬂour then the egg and then the breadcrumbs.

• Heat oil in a frying pan and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side on a medium heat. Transfer to a baking tray and place in a preheated oven (180ºc) for 8-10 minutes.

Patrick White launched Jaunty Goat in Bridge Street, Chester, seven years ago, focused on providing customers with sustainable, quality coffee and outstanding service. The 30-year-old has since added two more outlets – a vegan cafe of the same name in Northgate Street and an independent bakery – and will unveil a roastery in the coming months.

Ethics are a huge part of the ethos for Patrick, who sources coffee from across Central and South America, including Colombia, Costa Rica and Brazil. His current priority is continuing to lower the carbon footprint of the business by bringing the wholesale side in-house.

A co ee a cionado whose business has gone from strength to strength is adding to his entrepreneurial empire Did

A fair deal

“We looked at it closely and, after visiting Costa Rica a few years ago, decided to import directly from the farmers and roast our own coffee. We pay two or three times the market price, but it means they are treated fairly, we have more flexibility over production and, with the roastery in place, it will be a positive move from a logistics perspective,” explained Patrick.

Now supplying big names such as Hickory’s, Bar Lounge, The Hollies Farm Shop and Chester Zoo, the Jaunty Goat roastery will be based at the Arches units in Kitchen Street.

The biggest co ee fan ever must be Beethoven – he’d count exactly 60 beans per cup!

“Jaunty Goat was originally about creating a brand and a presence so I could share with people what great coffee is, and from there it just grew and grew,” said Patrick. “The plan is to open more shops when the time and location are right – probably in Shropshire and the North West – to spread the word even further. Right now, we are in a good place, coming out of the pandemic with confidence and able to control our own destiny. We’re happy, and excited to see how things progress.”

Aber Falls Distillery, located in the village of Abergwyngregyn, is the first whisky distillery in North Wales for more than 100 years. Aber Falls Distillery is well known for its premium portfolio of the finest handcrafted whiskies, gins and liqueurs, using sustainably sourced ingredients and Welsh-inspired botanicals.

Situated just off Junction 13 of the A55, Aber Falls Visitors Centre welcomes guests for an array of activities including Gin Lab experiences, Whisky Tours and cocktail master classes.

Guests can also bask in the natural beauty of North Wales from the comfort of Aber Falls Distillery’s very own café, which sits on the riverfront and offers the best locally sourced produce.

Café

Whether you’re exploring the nearby waterfall or spending your day tasting new tipples, visitors can replenish their energy at Aber Falls Café. The café has an entirely unique menu that changes with each season, to ensure the best quality ingredients are used. The menu is formed of locally sourced produce that is suitable for all, featuring some of the best harvest North Wales has to offer.

Aber Falls’ exceptional café is open for light bites, sweet treats, and drinks. The delicious Beef Burger is a sure to impress, made with Snowdonia Wagyu beef served on a Henllan Bakery Bap and with one-of-a-kind Barbecue Sauce made from Aber Falls Single Malt Whisky. For something a little lighter, but just as delicious, try the Welsh Rarebit made with Dragon Cheese and served on Henllan bread.

The freshly brewed coffee, ethically sourced by Poblado Coffi, is the perfect accompaniment for one of the delicious locally made cakes on offer.

Gin lab

As well as creating award-winning whisky, Aber Falls continues to offer its hugely popular Gin Lab experience. Become a distiller for the afternoon, using the finest botanicals. Visitors can take part in a two-hour experience to personalise and create their own gin recipe, using a choice of core botanicals and flavours. Guests can take home their own uniquely flavoured gin in a personalised 70cl bottle.

A note from Dylan Roberts, Visitor Centre Manager at Aber Falls Distillery:

“What I’m most proud of here at Aber Falls Distillery Visitor centre is the warm welcome we offer every guest who walks through our doors. Our passion for our product also extends to passionately promoting other Welsh products, attractions and businesses. Whether you’re local, a visitor to Wales or anything in between we look forward to welcoming you at our stunning venue.”

Aber Falls Distillery is open seven days a week from 10am- 6pm. To get your kick of delicious food, please note the kitchen is open from 10am-5pm. To find out more about Aber Falls Distillery or to book a tour, please visit: https://www.aberfallsdistillery.com/

The Bailey Head, Bailey Head, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 1PZ

• 19 Draught Craft Beers and Real Ales

• 6 Draught Ciders

• Over 100 Gins

• Whiskies, Rums, Vodkas and Wines

• Extensive Alcohol Free and Gluten Free ranges

• Dog and family friendly

• Bring your own food, a takeaway, or have food delivered

The Bailey Head, Oswestry

A community-centred pub with a focus on microbrewery real ale and craft beer, The Bailey Head has won the Shrewsbury and West Shropshire Market Towns Pub of the Year award every year since 2016, as well as being Shrewsbury and West Shropshire CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2018. Over 100 gins and an extensive range of other spirits as well as wines are also served.

In 2020 The Bailey Head won the national award for ‘Best Independent Craft Beer Pub or Bar – Rural’ from the Society of Independent Brewers, for which it has been a national finalist four years out of five. The pub is closed on Mondays. www.baileyhead. co.uk

Mansion House Llansteffan

Award-winning Mansion House Llansteffan is a magnificent property that offers guests a truly luxurious experience. Located on the outskirts of Llansteffan, on the coast of Carmarthenshire, this hotel is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy fine dining.

The hotel has a rich history, dating back to the 19th century when it was originally built as a private residence. Today, it has been beautifully restored and modernised to offer guests all the comforts of a five-star hotel. The hotel features nine elegant bedrooms, each individually designed with traditional furnishings and modern amenities. Guests can also enjoy fine dining in the two AA Rosette restaurant, which serves a delicious menu of locally sourced produce.

The hotel’s location is also a major draw, as it is situated in stunning Welsh countryside, with breathtaking coastal views. This makes it the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling and fishing. www.mansion housellansteffan.co.uk

Ludlow Farmshop

At Ludlow Farmshop there are exciting things on the way! The shop sees new seasonal produce from its Walled Garden, brand-new Scotch eggs and savoury pies, and the ice cream cabin opens for spring and summer. The onsite café Ludlow Kitchen has a passionate and talented team, dedicated to creating wonderful seasonal dishes. Many of the ingredients come from the Farmshop: fresh cakes, artisan cheeses, handmade butter, meat and preserves. The café also has a courtyard for warmer days.

Treat someone special to a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on 19th March, feast on freshly made sandwiches and cakes, not forgetting the traditional scone, cream and jam –and a complimentary glass of fizz for Mum! By popular demand, Puddings Galore returns on 13th April and is definitely one for those with a sweet tooth. Enjoy a main, then watch a parade of four desserts arrive at your table. www.ludlowfarmshop.co.uk

The Woodworks Cafe

Nestled amongst the plants at The Woodworks Garden Centre, The Woodworks Cafe is an award-winning cafe serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and indulgent afternoon teas. Enjoy tasty dishes, drinks and speciality teas and coffees by the warmth of the log burner or under a heated gazebo in the outdoor seating area. The menu offers a wide selection of hot and cold dishes and daily specials using locally sourced ingredients, freshly cooked and prepared to the highest standards. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are available. The Afternoon Tea menu features delicious sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream and tasty cakes.

Whether it’s for a family occasion, a business meeting or any special event, The Woodworks Cafe can remove the stress of catering and prepare delicious platters of fresh sandwiches, savouries and cakes for you and your guests to enjoy.