Somerset Larder, launched in 2014 by a group of south west food and drink producers, is proudly supporting Somerset Day by flying the flag in all its restaurants and canteens on May 11th.
The relatively new enterprise was originally set up to supply canteens and cafes for employees working on the construction of Hinkley Point C. It was a chance for small Somerset suppliers be involved in a large contract they wouldn’t otherwise have had access to. It also fulfilled EDF’s aspiration to work with local suppliers wherever possible and to support the local economy.
Now the business employees more than 300 staff and the initial business model has been expanded to encompass other businesses in the area.
Steve Braithwaite, Managing Director of Somerset Larder, says: “We now specialise in supplying locally sourced freshly made catering on a grand scale for the employees of large industries, whilst also being able to turn our hands to five-star boardroom fine dining. Our chefs regularly cook for executives from EDF’s French arm and have had some impressive feedback.”
Somerset Larder is well and truly helping Somerset’s independent food and drink producers to put its name on the map. “There are wealth of fantastic producers and suppliers in this area, which can meet all our requirements for sourcing high quality ingredients. We can keep food miles to a minimum. It’s a beautiful part of the world!” says Steve, who calls Somerset home.
“Supporting Somerset Day is a perfect fit for us, as we are both bringing together the county’s best businesses. For us this means working with farmers, small food manufacturers and drinks makers - many of whom also support SD. We are both reflecting all that’s great about Somerset.”
More information on Somerset Larder can be found here.