Our People

Butchery
"Expect special BBQ products throughout summer using our estate reared meat. We also have an ever growing range of charcuterie that is cured and smoked here."
John Brereton is our award winning head butcher. John works closely with the estate to select livestock when they are at their peak and has complete control over the preparation of our meat. John has over 20 years of experience and spent many of these working with Sandy Boyd on the Chatsworth Estate. John prides himself on his attention to detail, the quality of the meat and skill required to prepare it. He is keen to pass on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of butchers so there are always one or two apprentices on the staff. John has won countless awards for his butchery and has trained Andrew Brassington who in 2011 won the Shropshire Young Butcher of Year competition and went on represent England in an international butchery competition.
Dairy
"Cheddar made in spring last year when the cows were grazing the fresh grass is just coming to maturity after more than 12 months maturing and it tastes fantastic."
Dudley Martin is our head cheese maker and has spent the last two years developing a range of award winning cheeses and handmade butter. In just four years he has created eight cheeses and has collected awards at both the British and World Cheese Awards. Dudley has been making cheese for 15 years and joined the Food Centre from Lightwood Cheese in Worcestershire. In 2009 Dudley was joined by Paul Bedford who helps him keep up with demand for the Centre’s popular cheese selection. Viv de Hann studied dairying at Usk College and completes the dairy team. She shares the dairy with Dudley and Paul to make a range of seasonally inspired, indulgent ice-creams.
Bakery
"We have a lovely range of speciality breads that are perfect for tearing and sharing. These include tomato and basil, and garlic and rosemary."
Anna and her mother Brenda run our in-house bakery and bake 7 days a week. To ensure we have nothing but fresh warm bread every morning they start at around 5am! Anna has worked as a baker for 14 years and has been at the Food Centre since the start. There is no better team than mother and daughter and they pride themselves on their multi-award winning Victoria Sponge cake and their sour dough which is made with a 19 year old mother dough.
Deli
"Fresh salads, olives, tapenade and pates are all available to help make up the perfect picnic. We also have over 60 varieties of cheese to choose from."
Miyoshi runs our deli that stocks a wide variety of cheese, cooked meats and handmade pies, pasties and quiches. She works closely with the dairy, butchery and the kitchen to ensure that everything on the deli is fresh and at its best. Miyoshi is originally from Tokyo and moved to England in 1999 after visiting a friend in Ludlow and falling in love with the area.
Jams & Pickles
"It’s all about our jam in summer. We will be making strawberry and raspberry over the summer then we’ll move on to plums and damsons."
Darren Marsh and Tess Slater are our dynamic duo in the jam and pickle room. A great team, they have won so many awards it’s hard to keep track. They are especially proud of their award winning marmalade, raspberry jam and sweet onion confit. The Food Centre has proved to be a far more rewarding place of work for our jam and picklers who were previously employed at Tesco. Such is their success that Tess has created a board in honour of their many awards, TV and newspaper appearances!
Kitchen
"There are always new and exciting quiches, desserts and ready meals for you to take home and enjoy that change with the seasons."
Mark Jones joined us in 2012 and is a local lad who was brought up in Orleton. After years of working in some of the region’s best hotels and restaurants Mark worked with the legendary Claude Bosi as Head Chef at The Bell in Yarpole. Mark has brought bold flavours and a vibrant range of new ready meals and deli treats to the Food Centre. Most of all he is passionate about using seasonal produce from our local fields and combining them with flavours from around the world.
Retail
"We are always here to help and give advice on the huge variety of local products available in the shop."
Charmaine has worked within retail for many years and previously managed a Spanish deli in Preston. She is always interested to hear your feedback about us and, along with her team is here to help with your shopping experience in what they believe to be the best food outlet in the country.
Conservatory Barn Cafe
"Come and try our seasonal treats or just relax with a freshly made cup of coffee. You can also take advantage of our free WIFI. We are also open evenings so go to www.ludlowkitchen.co.uk for more information."
Ben Crouch is our cafe manager. He is brother to our general manager, Reuben, and started with us in 2012. Ben was head chef at the popular Pavilion Cafe in London’s Victoria Park before joining us and believes strongly in seeing our food go from field to plate. When he’s not thinking up new dishes for the cafe, Ben enjoys playing music and has learnt to play a wide variety of instruments over the years.
Post Office
"We are always here to help with your postal needs and we have a range of convenience items and confectionary all year round"
Caroline manages our Post Office and started with us in 2011. She has worked at the Co-op and even at Disney World in America as landlady of English pub, the Rose & Crown. Caroline heads up a team of friendly and helpful staff that can help with all your postal requirements so please pop in and say ‘hello’