The People at the Food Centre
Production
In overall charge of the production process is George who, with his background in food manufacturing and product development (both UK and overseas), is uniquely placed to help and advise those working at the “coal face”. This is in addition to the considerable interaction which routinely takes place between the various disciplines represented at the Centre. Whilst the staff are encouraged to accept responsibility, experiment and innovate, one must never lose sight of the fact that the Centre has to operate profitably and this is another of George’s many responsibilities, along with the production of freshly made pasta which harks back to his Italian roots.
Bakery
Anna runs the in-house bakery This entails an early start (5am) but the results are worth it! She was formerly with a local bakery but welcomes the freedom to experiment and innovate that the Centre gives her.
Butchery
John, our Head Butcher is passionate about his work and 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. He has just finished creating a special Thai sausage for the annual sausage competition that forms part of the Ludlow Food Festival.
Coffee
Danielle, who is also in charge of the coffee roasting room, manages the Conservatory Barn Cafe. Whilst working at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Padstow during her gap year she developed a keen interest in coffee which happily combined her previous passions of art and science. She had intended to go to University and study hospitality but decided instead to stay at Rick Stein's and study to become a “barista” (a specialist coffee blender). This she did with some success coming 5th out of the whole country. Her spicy espresso won an international competition and will be served in the restaurant nearer Christmas. She is currently experimenting with a number of different blends all of which will be available in the shop shortly.
Dairy
Viv studied dairying at Usk College and has always had a fondness for cows. This passion is evident in her ice creams!
Dudley has just joined the Centre having previously worked for Lightwood Cheese for six years.
Delicatessen
Reuben, who used to run a shop in Ludlow specialising in oils and vinegars and food inspired gifts, is in overall charge of the deli counter. He is always on the look out for new exciting products. He is particularly passionate about his cheeses and is currently awaiting the outcome of the British Cheese Awards – Best Deli Category.
Jams and Pickles
Carole Evans (a Masterchef of Great Britain and former proprietor of Poppies Restaurant in Brimfield) is in overall charge of the Jam Room but is also providing general consultancy advice to the Centre. Like John she is keen to pass on the knowledge and experience she has gained from a lifetime at the stove! She professes not to be jam maker but the results speak for themselves!
Kitchens
Janet is in charge of the kitchen at the Centre, which also provides food for the deli counter and the recently opened Conservatory Barn Restaurant. Her cooking follows the seasons and she is currently working on a range of Autumn soups and ready meals not to mention those Christmas Hampers. Trained as a pastry chef (she still has her own wedding cake business) she has also worked as head chef in a number of local gastro pubs. She has put this experience to good use at the Food Centre but doesn’t miss the split shifts!
Retail Shop
Rose (The Retail Manager) set up the farm shop on her father’s farm and subsequently went to Windsor Farm Shop for a couple of years where she was Assistant Manager. This gave her an invaluable insight into what a farm shop could be and she was instrumental in setting up the Food Centre. She is passionate about education and local food and is always on the look out for new exciting products.