From Charcuterie to Deli Pop-Up
Barry Walker is the self-titled Chief Salami Wrangler behind The Hampshire Salami Company. Influenced by Barry’s travels, the company specialises in Italian-style artisan salamis using fresh, local ingredients, and curing one pig at a time with a nose to tail ethos.
However, in lockdown, Barry’s company has morphed into an entirely new business.
Barry explains: “When Covid-19 struck, the supermarkets went into meltdown. We adapted by launching a ‘deli box’ delivery scheme for those self-isolating in Wolverton [near Tadley], where the business is based, and surrounding villages. The first delivery was in answer to a plea from a neighbour who was struggling to find fresh vegetables. That weekend Hampshire Salami delivered four 'deli boxes' to locals. With word spreading via local Facebook groups, the following week 40 boxes were delivered!
“Since then the business has morphed into a pop-up deli and farm shop held 9.30am to 1pm every Saturday at the salami factory at Wolverton Park. You’ll find us next to Wyatts Butchers. We sell a selection of products from award-winning producers across Hampshire including our own charcuterie, as well as bread, cakes, cheeses, fishcakes, smoked trout and smoked trout pates, pies, fresh fruit, vegetables salads and wonderful tracklements.
"The business is called the Hampshire Deli and we do what it says on the tin. We wanted to support local, providing seasonal products from producers who, like us, struggled at the start of lockdown. We add new products each week and we hope our customers like what we do and want, in the words of the Hampshire Fare campaign, to ‘Stay Loyal Stay Local’ and continue to support those producers and small independents who, throughout this epidemic, have worked tirelessly to keep their communities fed. We still deliver, otherwise customers can click and collect or turn up on the day.
“It has been so successful that we are now extending our opening hours to 9.00am to 3pm on Fridays as well - from 5th September. Plans are afoot to make the Deli a permanent feature at Wolverton Park, moving inside to the main building, adding a fresh fish counter, and drawing deeper on the amazing local resources that Hampshire and adjoining counties offer.”
Pop along to the pop-up every Friday & Saturday at Wolverton Park, Ramsdell Road, Wolverton, RG26 5RU.
We've more inspiring lockdown stories such as this one about how another Grate Catering recreated itself from festivals to takeaway tacos. Read more HERE.
