A little about Claire's Handmade from the lady herself...

"One way or another Michael and I have always been involved in the catering industry; from a pub in Cumbria, to an hotel in Cornwall, and then back up to Cumbria. Over those years, we were often complimented on the jams and chutneys we made and served in our restaurants. The arrival of our children prompted the sale of our Cornish hotel and the move back up to Cumbria. Upon our return, we began ‘Claire’s Handmade’ in our family kitchen using our Rayburn and my mother’s treasured Aga jam pan, selling our products at Farmers’ Markets and local shows.

Ever increasing demand for our traditionally made products forced a decision three years ago to move the business into dedicated premises with a purpose-built kitchen. Since then, business has continued to go from strength to strength. We have won numerous Great Taste Awards and Best Overall Preserve in the North West 2005 for our Beetroot Chutney with Fresh Ginger. Our most recent award was the ‘Lake District Life Food Heroes Award 2008-09’."