Newark businesses G.H Porter Provisions and Ryan Owens Chocolate win Great Taste Award 2022

Two foodies have landed Great Taste Awards in recognition of the quality of their products.

G. H. Porter Provisions on Bridge Street, Newark, owned by Tom Blackmore, won a two-star award for its smoked drycure bacon.

And Newark chocolatier Ryan Owens also landed a two-star award for his chocolate caramel and a one-star award on his passion fruit chocolate.

Ryan and Tom support each other’s businesses as Ryan uses peppermint tea and elderflower from Porters as well as the espresso roast coffee.

Tom, on the other hand, sells Ryan’s chocolates in his shop.

The Great Taste Awards are considered the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme.

It is run by The Guild Of Fine Food and entrants are put to the test by the guild’s panel of 500 experts.

G. H. Porters was established in 1890 and has been under Tom’s ownership since 2013-14.

Ryan’s is a much newer business formed prior to lockdown, but also driven by passion.

“I’ve always admired the business. I grew up around here and always knew it, so I put a card through the door saying ‘lovely business will you sell it to me?’ and it just landed at the right time,” said Tom.

“There is a bit of serendipity if not faith in it.”

When Tom bought the business it needed a lot of work, the original smoke room and some of the original machines were good, but most equipment had to be replaced.

However, Tom was able to bring it to its original glory, with an award to show its prestige.

Ryan said: “I like chocolate because it is one of those products that is universally liked by everybody and it can bring a smile to people without seeing them.

“Somebody could buy a box of chocolates or be given one and there’s a solid chance I made someone smile that day.”