The Covid lockdown had a huge impact on many artisans’ small businesses, and I have discovered that many of those covered in this series changed their ways of working and had to be flexible to
The Covid lockdown had a huge impact on many artisans’ small businesses, and I have discovered that many of those covered in this series changed their ways of working and had to be flexible to cope.
One business actually started up as a direct result of the lockdown – Amanda of Manns Cookies has created a business baking bespoke cookies at home which began with a box of cookies she made for a Bournemouth Hospital nightshift team! She had been cooking a curry once a week to help a friend who was nursing all hours during the height of Covid, but she took on extra night shifts in a large team of medical staff, so Amanda opted to bake a batch of cookies to keep them going…. within a couple of weeks the popularity of the cookie box led to requests for more and the business was born! Helped by her niece who was staying with her during lockdown Amanda chose some packaging boxes and created a website and boxes of natural and naughty cookies were soon in great demand. Miss Witt of the local chocolate company gave lots of business advice too – about trading standards, joining the New Forest Marque and much more– thanks from Amanda.
Since those early days Amanda has made some amendments to what she bakes, but it is all still done at home, and she calls on extra people to help when orders demand it. Baked fresh and posted on the same day, all the cookies are hand-rolled and made with free-range eggs and as many ingredients sourced locally as possible in addition to 72% Satango fair trade chocolate. As a special offer Amanda is offering 10% discount to anyone quoting this feature ordering a box of cookies – depending on the contents a box starts from £12 and Manns offers corporate dals and gift cards. Kerbside pickup from Normandy Lane, Lymington or postal orders are on offer and you can contact Amanda and her team on 07771 590260 or via Facebook or their website www.mannscookies.com / email mannscookies.com.
Another New Forest artisan baker supplying local businesses, hotels, garden centres and care homes is Berry’s Bakery from Lymington. Using local free-range eggs they prepare a range of tray bakes, teacakes, pastries and cakes and are another New Forest marque member. To find out more about their options have a look at the website www.berrysbakery.co.uk or contact on 01590 674405 or email berrysbakery@gmx.com.
With a commitment to using no single-use plastic and recycling all they can Matt and Lisa of Doe and Sons, New Milton, offer sweet and savoury baked goods to the retail and home delivery market. Their website is www.doeandsonsbakehouse.co.uk and you can call on 07759 390687 to discuss their offers. Their stated aim is “source local, treat with respect and let the flavours shine” – sounds good!
If biscotti is your favourite accompaniment to your cup of coffee, then look for Dotty Biscotti on sale in farm shops and fairs or when you call in for a break at Coffee Mongers in Ampress park, Lymington. Baked locally in East End, these deliciously different biscotti are made from organic ingredients and with low sugar content as well as began and gluten free options. The flavour choices are described as nutritiously nutty, fabulously fruity or darkly chocolatey. For more details email dottybiscotti@gmail.com.
What if you are seeking a very special cake? You could try Peony Cottage Cakes of Lyndhurst. Baker Lou Judd started her local business after going on a Couture Cupcake course to make her Mum a 70th birthday surprise. Alongside making bespoke cakes, Lou also offers courses to share her skills with others – find out more on www.peonycottagecakes.co.uk.
Tracy Thew has made shortbread for family and friends for more than 50 years. In 2015 she decided to start offering her melt in the mouth shortbread to people visiting the New Forest. Tracy now supplies to forest hotels and recently featured in New Forest Collection’s fifth episode of their ‘Forest to Fork’ series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R28zciwK65I&feature=youtu.be. Tracy also provides local holiday cottages with packets of shortbread and has expanded into a large number of local retail outlets as well as selling on-line where she offers an extensive range of delicious flavours: https://www.newforestshortbread.co.uk
This summer Tracy’s All Butter Original shortbread was awarded with a Gold Star rating: ‘Simply delicious!’ from the very prestigious ‘Guild of Fine Food’ and their ‘Great Taste Awards 2022’.
Great Taste is the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Food and drink is judged by a panel of over 500 experts, providing impartial feedback from chefs, buyers, food writers and retailers. The judges described Tracy’s All Butter Original New Forest Shortbread as delivering “a very appealing homemade appearance with an even golden bake and rich buttery finish. A soft snap with dairy aromas, the biscuits melt in the mouth delivering a warm toasty flavour. Notes of fresh butter, really honest flour flavours, well-judged levels of sweetness produce a balanced and delicious shortbread.”
To keep the homemade taste and texture, each batch of Tracy’s dough is very slightly different in weight and mixing time, so the shortbread vary enough to give a variety of shape and colour once baked. Inspired and created around the beauty of the New Forest, the New Forest Shortbread packaging with ‘tear-off and keep cards’ and beautiful illustrations by local artist Will Drew, gives the purchaser of these delicious artisan shortbread lots of information about our very special forest. All packaging is sustainable and 100% recyclable.
New Forest Shortbread makes a very special purchase.
.Homemade traditional brandy fruit cakes are produced by Spout House Cakes of Pilley Hill, Boldre. Baker Roxane makes Christmas cakes – traditional, no nuts or gluten free and then simnel cakes for Easter. She makes Rockey Road all year round and always uses local eggs, flour, and honey in her recipes. You can get in touch with Roxane on enquiries@spouthousenewforest.co.uk.
The Coastal Bakery in Milford on Sea village is another artisan business that resulted from lockdown – Amanda Maidment began with baking for the local doctor’s surgery and then set up a popup bakery on her drive. The popularity of her baked goods gave her the impetus to open the Coastal Bakery and the neighbourhood bakery has gained renown locally and nationally, thanks to one of her regular customers being Chris Evans of Radio 2. After Amanda made a unique Vegan sandwich for one of his family in August 2021, he has given the bakery mentions on his show and calls in daily.
Amanda and her team not only bake bread and cakes, but also prepare brunch, picnic boxes and afternoon teas and offer a bespoke service for special occasions. The Coastal Bakery now supplies local holiday businesses and are planning to open a milkshake bar this summer! Open 9am – 3.15pm Mondays to Saturdays the bakery can be contacted on 01590 645395 or email hello@coastalcakecompany.com.