Meet Ben Tollworthy, the Somerset Foodie

Ben's passion for good food stems from his rural childhood experimenting with an abundance of homegrown produce.  An inspiring and accomplished chef, Ben  relishes the energy and creativity of busy restaurant kitchens. Working with professional chefs for over twenty years has made him an expert in seeking out the most delicious and versatile ingredients.

Ben and the Somerset Foodie team are committed to sharing this knowledge and passion for creative cookery with you. We're here to transform the meals you create, bring the secrets of the professional kitchen to your family table and take you on a new food adventure every day.
We're proud to be an independent retailer

Our mission is to encourage more people to shop locally for good food and to create sustainable diversification within the food industry. 

We've been amazed at the way the focus has shifted back to our valued local doorstep retailers during the pandemic lock-down period. This feels like a very positive change. We aim to offer a realistic alternative to the price-driven, ultra-convenient shopping experience of the supermarket 'big guns' that we have all grown used to. 

Here at Somerset Foodie we hope we can play a small but significant part of the local food revolution. 

We care about our carbon footprint, so we package our own-brand ingredients in 100% compostable wood-pulp bags and use biodegradable paper labels.

"Food is at the heart of families and of friendship. It is a vital shared experience that bonds human beings together… Cooking for someone is an act of generosity, and receiving that food with thanks demonstrates respect and gratitude... A good meal shared allows us to re-set our perspective on the world, to remind ourselves what is really important."  Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Ben's recipes and inspiration

Apricot Frangipane Tart
Apricot Frangipane Tart

Apricots aren't always the easiest fruit to work with, but few can resist the delights of a beautiful apricot tart. We invited our friend Lucy from the Pockeredge Pantry to show us her recipe for this stunning tart. Using her glorious Apricot Jam, full of big chunks of fruit, our Matthews flour and ground almonds we make a tart befitting the best French patisseries.
Miso Mushroom Poke Bowl
Miso Mushroom Poke Bowl

You could easily be mistaken for thinking that a Poke bowl is a Japanese invention, but actually it's one of the national dishes of Hawaii. Slap bang in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaiian cuisine has lots of influences from the Orient.
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Biryani with Roasted Cashew Nuts
Cauliflower & Sweet Potato Biryani with Roasted Cashew Nuts

A biryani, in principal, is a fairly simple concept – bake rice in stock with spices, meat or vegetables until the rice is fluffy and tender. However, you will completely live or die by the quality of the rice you use. If you end up with rice that sticks together, you'll need to go back to biryani school or get hold of better quality rice - the supermarkets are certainly not the place to look for that. 
Chorizo, White Bean & Potato Stew
Chorizo, White Bean & Potato Stew

A few years ago I was lucky enough to go on a cycling tour with a few mates where we followed the Ebro River in Spain, from its source, down into the famous Rioja wine region. As this was a self-guided tour we were given two pieces of advice when it came to lunch stops.

We'd love to say hello...

Please contact us

If you have any questions or feedback about our products or service we'd love to hear from you. Pick up the phone 07834 852561 or drop us an email...

Somerset Foodie Friends

Monica Chia - Karimix Pastes and Sauces
Monica Chia - Karimix Pastes and Sauces

I've worked with Monica Chia, owner of independent business Karimix for many years. I have supplied her amazing pastes and sauces to chefs in hotels and restaurants all over the UK. This is a fab independent food manufacturer based in Kent.
Pockeredge Pantry: Jams, Pickles & Preserves
Pockeredge Pantry: Jams, Pickles & Preserves

Every delicious jar of produce is made by Lucy at Pockeredge Pantry in Corsham. Lucy only ever makes batches when the fruit or veg is in season, using fresh ingredients, never frozen.

Bristol Twenty Tea & Coffee - local, ethical and delicious
Bristol Twenty Tea & Coffee - local, ethical and delicious

Here at Somerset Foodie we are really proud to sell Bristol Twenty Coffee and Tea. Bristol Twenty are a friendly, local, family owned and run business with a brilliant, ethical approach. The team source the very best green coffee beans from around the globe and roast them daily for maximum freshness. 
Root Connections CIC - Veg and Flowers
Root Connections CIC - Veg and Flowers

Have you heard about Root Connections? Introducing this fantastic local Community Interest Company, selling fresh, chemical free vegetables with a social impact. Their mission is to improve health and wellbeing for adults with complex needs primarily those who are homeless and rough sleeping.