Family-owned soft drinks maker Lovely Drinks has proved that it is not only Olympians who gold. The firm, based in Barrow Gurney, has been awarded gold stars for the fourth consecutive year in the Great Taste Awards
Its Elderflower Pressé, Apple & Gooseberry and Elderflower & Rose have been officially recognised in the awards, which are staged by the Guild of Fine Foods, the body promoting excellence in specialist British foods. The awards have been described as “the epicurean equivalent of the Booker prize”.
Elderflower Pressé gained two stars in the awards and was described by judges as “first rate” with “a champagne appearance” and “beautiful flowery aroma”.
Labels on the three award-winning drink bottles will now be stamped with the highly-regarded Great Taste seal of approval.
Lovely Drinks is run by Rick Freeman and Victoria Earle. Its products contain some organic ingredients but they say quality, freshness and locally sourced ingredients are the backbone of the brand.
Mr Freeman said: “We’re particularly proud of the judges comments for Elderflower Pressé. Who’d have thought that something that started out in our garden shed just a few years ago would be what it is today? It’s so rewarding to know that every Lovely drink out there has been made, bottled, labelled and usually hand delivered by us.
“We couldn’t have done it without the huge support we’ve received along the way from family, friends and customers alike. We’d like to think that all of our drinks could achieve award-winning status one day and look forward to making that dream a reality in years to come.”
Where possible ingredients for Lovely Drinks are sourced within Bristol or Somerset and local suppliers are used for almost all business needs. The drinks contain as little sugar as possible and all are free from preservatives, concentrates and artificial flavourings.
Lovely Drinks are sold at outlets such as Chandos Deli, Spicer and Cole café and top restaurants like The Pony and Trap. They are priced around £1.95 per bottle.
