A Runaway Success

Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skilled execution.

It represents the wise choice of many alternatives. And it is quality that has allowed Hay on Wye-based Chef on the Run Foods to attain and uphold its position as one of today’s most innovative and exciting producers of handmade jams, marmalades and chutneys.

Chef on the Run Foods first opened its doors for business in 2003, with professional chef Mike Carnell having had widespread experience of being ‘constantly on the run’ during his career!

Indeed, having worked in a number of busy restaurants and hotels he thought that if his work life was going to continue to be so hectic (and that is seemingly a chef’s lot) then he would develop and prepare products that he really believed: setting up Chef on the Run Foods was the perfect solution, allowing Mike to share his skills with a wider audience.

Today, this multi award-winning business supplies directly to both the retail and wholesale sectors, primarily within a 100-mile radius of Hay. Its product portfolio is certainly worthy of note, taking in such culinary delights as Pear & Rose Scented Syrup, Beetroot & Ginger Chutney, Welsh Leek Chutney, and Whisky, Orange & Walnut Marmalade. Mike is constantly developing new products too, most recently a ‘Welsh Red Cherish’, which is a cross between a chutney and a relish.

It will come as no surprise to discover that Chef on the Run Foods regularly attends the prestigious Great Taste Awards: its Rum & Raisin Marmalade and Mango Cheesecake were two of the products to pick up these ‘food Oscars’ in 2011.

New labels have also been introduced for the range, underlining the company’s desire to keep moving forwards, which is being fuelled by ongoing growth. This is being helped by the award-winning Old Stables Tea Rooms, run by Mike and his wife Rachel (who was shortlisted for ‘Best Woman in the Tourism / Leisure / Service’ sector at the ‘Welsh Women Means Business Awards 2011), where homemade meals, freshly made cakes and desserts are served, as well as their delicious preserves, which are all made by hand in small batches.

Old Stables Tea Rooms has recently won Gold in the ‘True Taste Awards’ in the Eating Out category for the top tearooms in Wales … so it’s now official that it is the best in the country! Equally important for a pleasant ‘visit’ to Old Stables Tea Rooms is the fact that it has also won Gold in the ‘Loo of the Year awards 2011’.
In fact, the two businesses, between them, have won over 30 awards so far!

Handmade, of course, can often translate into expensive. But Chef on the Run Foods is committed to ensuring that its products are well priced, ensuring that people can treat themselves without breaking the bank. Naturally, it’s a pricing policy that is very attractive to the retail sector too, dictating they can still make a profit whilst retaining an attractive price point for the consumer.

So whilst Hay on Wye may be most famous as the UK’s book town, it is also gaining a reputation as something of a food hotspot, and a lot of this is down to Mike and Rachel Carnell and their thriving businesses, Chef on the Run Foods and the Old Stables Tea Rooms.

To find out more, telephone 01497 821557, or visit the website at www.chefontherunfoods.co.uk.