Henley is tasty, tasty, very, very tasty.
It’s that time of year when artisan producers across the land wait with baited breath for the results of the UK’s Guild of Fine Foods Great Taste Awards.
Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme where food or drink products are put to the test with a panel of over 500 experts which is a quick way to get honest, straightforward and impartial feedback from chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers. Whether the product receives a 1-, 2- or 3-star accolade, Great Taste stars are highly respected seals of approval.
Top of the tree this year in Henley are Gelato Henley for their Cremino flavour gelato and Nettlebed Creamery’s Witheridge in Hay cheese.
Over in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire you will recognise some of the awards winners from being at local farmers market or on the shelves of local delis: Bossie’s Biltong, Bray Cured meats, Tim’s Dairy, Marlow Cheese, Village Maid Cheese (Maida Vale) , Organico Real Foods, Copas Traditional Turkeys, Miyoung Kimchi and Tea People.
Henley Great Taste stars awarded to:
** Two Stars
Gelato Henley – Cremino
According to Gelato Henley, Cremino is an Italian Gelato Classic…Hazelnut and Chocolate Heaven.. crunchy, creamy chocolatey paradise!
Nettlebed Creamery- Witheridge Cheese
Witheridge has the strength of a mature cheddar, but the sweetness and umami notes of an Alpine cheese. It will hold its own on any cheese board.
The hay in which it is aged lends grassy notes to the rind as well as keeping the cheese beautifully moist.
* One Star
Johnny Hot Stuff – Jalapeno Syrup
A sunny-coloured syrup with pleasing flecks of spice running through. The texture is perfect, not too thick and not too runny, and the heat and sweetness are working in harmony to create a balance syrup.
Fruity, acidic and vibrant, this is an interesting product that the judges felt would work well in a variety of contexts, particularly in margheritas!
The Henley Distillery – Henley Gin Classic Dry & White Label London Dry Gin
These guys just keep raking the accolades in but it’s no surprise as the quality of their products is just outstanding. A couple more stars to add recognition to what can only be ‘star’ status now.
Pavilion Foods
Pavilion Foods have romped it in with four 1 Star awards for:
- Cranberry Sauce with Mulled Spices
- Mushroom, Herb and puy lentil pie with sweet potato topping.
- Lamb keema pie with saffron and yoghurt mash topping
- Signature Pork, apple and cranberry stuffing topped with smoky bacon
Nettlebed Creamery – Highmoor Cheese
This washed-rind cheese is a plump delight. Mild with a brothy savouriness, it pairs well with everything from a pale ale to a glass of red.
It’s best eaten at room temperature. It melts brilliantly too and can be found in their delicious cheese toasties at The Cheese Shed.
Gelato Henley, Johnny Hot Stuff and Pavilion Foods all have discount offers with the Experience Henley Card. Click image below for more information about the card and how to get yours!
