Only gold is good enough
Last updated 09:24, Saturday, 09 August 2008
A Cumbrian business that makes jams, chutneys and spicy pickles and sauces has claimed an amazing nine gold awards at this year’s Great Taste Awards.
That is two more than last year’s haul cooked up by chef Adam Marks and partner Mary Ballantyne in their kitchen at the old Welcome Inn, Eamont Bridge, near Penrith – but it is still not good enough.
The Welcome Inn business collected one two-star gold (Mary’s extra sour cherry jam) and eight one-star golds.
The couple produce two ranges – Mary’s Homemade which includes the jams and chutneys, and Mr Vikki’s which is the range of pickles and spicy sauces.
Adam said: “We’re really pleased with the awards, but I want all our range to win gold, so we are tweaking the recipes of some of our other products.
“I’m pleased that two Cumbrian producers were given the top three gold stars awards, but I want to make sure we get one next year.”
They are sold in independent stores and farmshops, including Westmorland services near Tebay, Rheged and Cranstons in Penrith, as well as on Keswick market.
The awards, which are organised by the Guild of Fine Food, are often referred to as the Oscars of the food industry.
Some 4,753 products were entered for judging this year and 1,124 were awarded gold – most receiving a one-star grading for their general excellence in taste, texture and flavour.
While 220 were given two stars, just 72 of the 4,753 entries were awarded the maximum three gold stars – a mark that the expert judges considered them faultless.
Only two Cumbrian producers were awarded the top mark: Burbush pies of Penrith with their duckling with honey and marmalade pie, and The Artisan Bakery (Kendal) for its muddees (chocolate brownies).
Other Cumbrian one gold star winners were: Claire’s Handmade – Baby fig and apple chutney with armagnac; Keswick Game and Fine Meats – green back bacon; Saddleback Foods & Smokerie (Plumpton) – beef pastrami; The Pie Mill (Mungrisedale) – venison paté; duck paté and venison, pork & Stilton pie; Lizzies Homemade (Penrith) – Damson Gems; Cranstons Butchers Ltd (Penrith) Salmon & Dill Terrine.
