A “Rick Stein Food Hero”, Lynn experienced such success with her own range in her deli in Yorkshire that she decided to sell up and move to the Isle of Bute to concentrate on developing her own products.

Handmade in small batches, Henshelwoods use only locally-sourced fruit and vegetables.  Lynn even persuaded gardeners at the Marquis of Bute’s Mount Stuart Estate on the Isle of Bute to grow her herbs.  All of Henshelwoods’ premium products are free from artificial colourants and additives and are gluten free.

The hand-produced range of nearly twenty products has taken five years to develop.  Lynn has used a number of traditional recipes, adding her own contemporary twist, to set them apart.  The chutneys (for chicken, game pies and cold meats and cheese) are her best sellers.

However it is her new creations that have won over customers and food critics alike. The range includes Gin and Tonic Turnip, Sweet Balsamic Onions  (2006 Great Taste Bronze Award), Mulled Wine Beets, Vodka and Orange Onions and Celeriac with Star Anise.

Despairing at the quality of mass-produced jams, Lynn worked with local fruit grower, D.B, Grant in Perthshire, Scotland, to find the perfect strawberry for Henshelwoods’  Strawberry and Rose and Strawberry with a hint of Balsamic jams and in doing so saved the Florence Strawberry from possible extinction.  Lynn explains. 

“For jam making you need a great tasting strawberry which when boiled at high temperatures, retains its shape.  The Florence Strawberry is firm, perfect for jam making.  D. B. Grant is the only grower in Scotland still growing the Florence Strawberry and due to falling demand (the result of foreign imports) is intending to discontinue it. We are hoping that our order for next year will ensure the continuation of the Florence in Scotland.”

Lynn is keen to partner with other premium food producers to create new and innovative products.  One such example is The Loch Fyne Oyster bar, with whom she collaborated with to create Bloody Mary Salsa for Oysters (2006 Great Taste Silver Award) which is served in the restaurant and the food hall.

Henshelwood’s has also proved that it is possible to succeed in even the most competitive of markets.  The company’s X-rated Mincemeat (2006 Great Taste Silver Award) which is matured for 9 months, sold out in September and Lynn is now preparing mincemeat for 2007!

Not willing to compromise on anything from products, packaging to distribution, Lynn took the laudable step to only sell this high quality range direct to consumers via independent retailers throughout the UK.  Lynn commented on her range.  “Not everyone will fall for every product in the Henshelwoods’ range. To do so would mean that our products are too bland.  We want to wake up your palate and let your taste buds sing.  However when you do hit on your favourites – they will become almost an obsession.  For my husband it’s the Sweet Balsamic Onions whereas my croissant is simply not complete without our Strawberry and Rose jam.”

Henshelwoods’ Fine Foods are available in all quality independent delis throughout the UK.  Prices range from £3.20 to £4.90.

For more information visit www.henshelwoodsfinefoods.co.uk