How teamwork is helping Stockton Heath's businesses survive

Venues and producers have started teaming up to increase their offer and promote what they do among a different customer base.

A recent example has been craft beer micro bar Anchor and Hops forming a partnership with the restaurant Maison Fleur.

Chris Kelly, from Anchor and Hops, and Nick Gerald, restaurant manager of Maison Fleur

Beer lovers can now get a cheese board, charcuterie selection or bento box delivered straight to their table as both businesses are on Walton Road.

Chris Kelly, who runs Anchor and Hops, said: "Independent businesses that provide quality products is what Stockton Heath is about and what Anchor and Hops supports 100 per cent.

"Supporting a small business instead of the big chains is what we all should be trying to do when possible.

"Teaming up with Maison Fleur to provide our customers with their amazing food – hand delivered to their table while they drink beer – was a no brainer and we're proud to be working together with them.

Chris Kelly, from Anchor and Hops, and Nick Gerald, restaurant manager of Maison Fleur

"Especially as we start to come out of a challenging time for all independents during this pandemic."

Kenny Valentin, who runs Maison Fleur, added: "When I noticed Anchor and Hops establishing their business in Walton Road, we were delighted to see this unit coming back to life.

"We thought about providing some food which would complement their wonderful selection of craft beers.

Chris Kelly, from Anchor and Hops, and Nick Gerald, restaurant manager of Maison Fleur

"We met with the owner several times with the objective to both support each other and offer something pleasing to customers, and concluded that by combining our skills we could potentially create more opportunities to showcase both our products.

"Our goal behind this partnership is to be able to offer an opportunity for people to break routine and try some of the new business the area has to offer."

Meanwhile, popular coffee shop Brew – run by TV personality Kate McIntyre who grew up in Stockton Heath – wanted to add something to the family business's selection to help with summer sales.

As even though the high street is back open, the former Bridgewater High student has found London Road a lot quieter than it should be.

Kate's nieces Eva and Mia are big fans of Daresbury Dairy ice cream so that led to a series of conversations and eventually a partnership.

Kate with her ice cream loving nieces Eva and Mia

She said: "It’s great to be able to work with another small family business in the area during this difficult time.

"So not only do we now stock Daresbury Dairy ice cream but Claire Whitlow worked with us to use our Caravan Coffee beans to make our own exclusive Caravan Coffee flavour ice cream.

"Being a small independent business during this difficult time has been extremely tough, but on the plus side we are able to react quickly and take positive proactive steps to adapt and give the customer something a little different.

"By working closely with other small businesses in the area we can support each other a little and create something quite special and unique for the village.

Kate McIntyre

"Our Caravan Coffee ice cream is the perfect example of a great collaboration and we hope our customers keep their licking local this summer and support their village."

Claire added: “We love working with like-minded businesses and we could tell instantly that our ice cream would be a great fit with Kate and the team at Brew.

"We only supply a select few trade customers and we were delighted to add Brew to that customer base.

Matteo Johnson serves an ice cream from Brew's new ice cream bar

"Brew are a family business who are passionate about what they do, committed to offering great products and service and we knew from the start they would be a great outlet for our ice cream.

"We make all our ice cream fresh on the farm, with milk from the cows, only five miles away from Brew in Stockton Heath.

"It is clear provenance and buying local is really important to both of our customers and by working together we have even developed a special flavour for Brew using their high quality coffee.”

Kate with her ice cream loving nieces Eva and Mia