Ludlow | Archive | 2007 | April | 27
From the Ludlow Advertiser, first published Friday 27th Apr 2007.
By Jean Kingdon ONE week after its official opening, the new Ludlow Food Centre is proving a big hit with gastronomes The ribbon guarding the front doors was cut by Viscount Windsor, chairman of the Earl of Plymouth Estates Ltd, assisted by Bromfield resident Dickie Dykes, a former employee of Plymouth Estates Then, in scenes reminiscent of a Harrods January sale, scores of customers, press and assorted local and central government officers, councillors and other invited guests surged forward into the massive, gleaming food hall.
There was everything a foodie could want - tables groaning with organic fruit and vegetables, farmhouse cheeses andorganic meats brought in from neighbouring farms.
The £2.5million, 4,000sq ft retail centre boasts 1,300 food lines - 900 of them produced in Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Powys. Fifty new jobs have been created.
Eight glass-fronted production units staffed by local artisans supply the fresh produce on sale. An orchard will shortly be planted to provide English fruits for in-house jam-making and bakery.
Sandy Boyd, managing director, said: "We think our customers are interested in more than price. They want to know the provenance and what goes into the food "The project has been ongoing for about six years and we hope it is the perfect farm shop. I want people to come and enjoy looking for good food."
One customer was actor John Challis, from Wigmore. He and wife Carol were delighted with the centre but, slipping into his Only Fools and Horses character of Boycie, insisted he was merely paying for the wares chosen by the wife, not shopping himself.
"Seriously though, it looks fantastic and we've got a basketful of food," he said.
"I'm a great supporter of local produce and this is the place for it."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008