A new takeaway food business is opening up in Cwmbran using fresh local meat and vegetables.
Markus Cox, from Henllys, is setting up Gourmet Kitchen Takeaway which will sell food from a mobile van.
“I’m setting up this business up out of an obsession for good quality food, something that seems to be lacking in today’s culture. Everything now is about cheap, quick food made from the cheapest cash and carry or supermarket. I like the way our grandparents used to cook.
“I will be buying everything fresh from local markets and farms to make real fresh food.”
The farm in Coed Y Paen
“A farm in Coed y Paen just behind Llandegfedd Reservoir will be our main supplier. James’s farm is near the Carpenters Arms pub. It’s about 450 acres in total and covers a huge area in various fields around there. He sells his award-winning pork and free range lamb to the public too at around half the price of the shops.
“James and all his family have really helped by getting everything in place to become our main supplier of all our free-range lamb, pork and soon our chicken too. He’s also going to be growing most of our vegetables. It’s really hard work doing it mostly on my own but the support has been amazing.
“We want to get to know our farmer and make sure it’s as good as we can make it. I’m being a bit over the top with everything but that’s where you get the quality and recognition for what you do.
“Even down to silly things like feeding our pigs on the used brewer’s grain that’s used to make the very same ale in our sausage and ale casserole.”
“It’s little things like that which make a difference.”
“Giving people something different”
“We’re going to give the people of Cwmbran something different to chose from. Everything from our very special hunters chicken burger with homemade bbq sauce and perfectly cooked chicken breast fillet or our full-flavour sausage and ale casserole made using local ale and our own sausages.
“There will be something for everyone. I’m looking at starting the business in August. There’s still lots to do though but I’m getting there.”
Markus is setting up his new business around his job
Markus is doing all of this work while working as a taxi driver with A2B. As well as finding local food producers he is using local businesses to help him get set up.
“Setting up around my job is hard because there’s so much to do but A2B have really helped. Lez Gardener, the owner of A2B, has put himself out to help so it’s been easier. I’ve had lots of help from businesses like Martin Hall Associates who’ve done lots of the welding and fabrication for me.
“Also the marketing company Brand Nu in Pontnewydd have been a huge help and support especially Zoe Wood who does their social media side of things. She also helps out a lot at the farm.”
Gourmet Kitchen Takeaway will be working at public events and with local councils to find locations.
Win with the Gourmet Kitchen Takeaway
Markus is holding a monthly prize draw from May to August where each time one lucky customer will win a one-year VIP discount card and a £50 goodie bag.
The four winners will be invited to the VIP opening night. Everyone who enters will get a discount voucher.
To enter do these three things:
1. Like the Gourmet Kitchen Takeaway’s Facebook page.
2. Fill in this questionnaire by clicking this link.
3. Post your favourite takeaway or home cooked meal on the Facebook page.
The first draw takes place on 1 May. You can follow the business on Twitter @thegourmetone
Watch this video of the farm in Coed Y Paen
This is a great use of social media. Markus did this video of James on his tractor at the farm in Coed Y Paen.