Flavours of the West

Often called “the larder of England”, the West Country has an abundance of the finest produce and a tradition of spawning innovative foodie businesses. Flavours of the West is proving to be the ideal opportunity to meet face to face with like minded people and share their passion.

Flavours of the West is like a fabulous Farmer’s market bringing some of the West Country’s best artisan producers into the heart of the city. Last year a number of fledgling local producers used the event as a platform to launch new products including the UK’s answer to chorizo sausage perfected by the Bath Pig company and Bath’s own Thoughtful Bread Company with beetroot bread and other unusual hand rolled breads. Many of this year’s producers have a great story to tell so come to meet them and sample their produce.

The Bath Soup Company will be running a pop up shop in the build up to Flavours of the West presenting their very special brand of soups, both hot and cold, as well as great local breads, cheeses and charcuterie.

The Somerset Cider Brandy Company distils its delicious brandy into small oak barrels where it matures for up to 15 years. The Company nurture 40 varieties of vintage cider apples on 150 acres right at the heart of the country’s cider region.

Andy of Fussels Fine Foods has farmed for generations on his family land at Rode near Bath. He has developed a British alternative to olive oil; rape seed oil which is rich in essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6. Other very successful products include quince and cider vinegar dressing and the latest innovation, beer and horse radish sauce.

Quoins Organic Vineyard from Bradford-upon-Avon bottled their first wines in August 2006 and have not looked back since. They have three wines; the Rondo, an intense dark red; Orion, a fresh white with low acidity like Sauvignon Blanc; and Madeleine Angevine, a dry crisp white.

Orchard Pig from West Bradley in the heart of Somerset is named in honour of the Old Spots that know a good orchard when they see one. Famous for their farm pressed cider and apple juice, Orchard Pig follows traditional methods and use whole crushed apples with no added flavourings, colourings or sugar in their juices. The cider has won many accolades including a Gold in 2009 at the Great Taste Awards.

Beans and Herbs based at Hornington near Warminster specialise in organic vegetable and herb seeds. Allotment and veggie patch enthusiasts will be heartened to hear that they have spent many years perfecting their beans which are top yielding, high in protein and delicious tasting but not available commercially.

With the flagship Jamie’s Italian; Bath favourite the Moon & Sixpence and Solo Pizza plus Yo! Sushi now open for delicious flavours of the East, Milsom Place has gained a reputation as the city’s best address for eating and drinking. Throughout the summer months the courtyards at Milson Place are popular for al fresco dining and great events supporting artisan food producers.