At Somerset Charcuterie they believe in embracing traditional Italian and Spanish methods combined with some of the fantastic flavours and rich food culture of the West Country.
The food industry in Britain is one of the most creative in the world and with the grass roots revolution in street food, festivals and farmers markets, it is getting more exciting every year. Somerset Charcuterie want to bring this innovation to the world of British Charcuterie with new flavours & ideas. Mixing the old with the new, and continental with British, to deliver bold, robust flavours that will excite and intrigue.
They use mainly Saddleback, Oxford Sandy & Black or Tamworth pigs – outdoor and locally reared. Where possible they are using other local ingredients and their cider, sage, cheese, goat, duck and wild garlic all come from Somerset producers.
Somerset Charcuterie were awarded Champion Cured Meat at the Taste of the West Awards in 2021.
Andy from Somerset Charcuterie commented: “We were thrilled to win champion product in the Cured Meat category! We are really proud of our Black Down Ham. It has been in development for some time and is a credit to our team’s hard work. The honing of this product shines through, a mention must also go to our farmers who rear such great quality heritage breed, high welfare, outdoor and free-range pigs.”
Andy & James have been hobby charcutiers for several years. Over a pint of cider at a local lawn-mower race (this is Somerset!), the idea for a quality British Charcuterie business was conceived.
Within 6 months the first products were ready to try on family and friends and, with some encouraging feedback, the first farmers markets were booked to test the product on the general public. The buzz around the stall at the first market was electric and the decision was made. Somerset Charcuterie was born.
Now in their fifth year the boys are going through up to a tonne of pork a week. Everything is handmade now and will remain that way to preserve the artisan texture, flavours and look. Find out more at www.somersetcharcuterie.com.
The Taste of the West Hospitality & Retail Awards 2022 are still open for entries from all establishments in the South West. The Hospitality Awards are open to all cafes, dining pubs, bars, restaurants, fine dining establishments, casual dining establishments, takeaways, street food and drink vendors, bed & breakfasts and hotels. The Retail Awards are open to all farm shops, specialist retailers/delicatessens, butcher’s shops and online retailers. Click here to find out more.
The Taste of the West Awards Ceremony takes place on Tuesday 13 September at The Great Hall of Exeter University. Throughout the lunch we will be revealing the champion winners of each product class and the very best hospitality and retail establishments across the South West, with the help of BBC journalist and presenter Victoria Graham.
To find out more about our awards ceremony, and to book your tickets, please email Belinda Berwick: bb@tasteofthewest.co.uk or call Belinda on 07792 790257.
