Chew Valley Weddings is owned by Luke Hasell and his family who are passionate about organic farming, great produce, the environment and supporting the local community. The Hasell family have owned their land in Chew Valley for five generations.
Not only do they run an organic beef farm, set in 500 acres, a butchery business The Story and Meatbox, an organic vegetable delivery service The Community Farm, a restaurant; Root, and a yearly food and music festival Valleyfest, they are busy planning dreamy lakeside tipi weddings.
Many wedding guests comment on the uniqueness of our farm and family-run business and often ask about the bigger picture, so here it is…
The Farm & The Story
Having grown up on the farm, Luke took over the family business in 2004 after his parents tragically passed away. Continuing a legacy of 100 years of farming in the area, Luke decided to go organic in 2007. He believes that feeding his herd of 70 pedigree South Devon breed cows only on grass and foraged crops for life is key to the best quality meat that’s tastier and healthier to eat. The ‘Field to Fork’ principle is something the whole family believes in.
The Story delivers organic meat directly to the doors of local customers, while also supplying to wholesale and retail. The beef is traditionally hung to ensure tender meat and delicious flavour. Luke also runs two butchers where customers and restaurants can purchase their fresh meat directly – Meatbox, based in Cargo 2, Wapping Wharf and The Story Butchers in Blagdon.
Eat Drink Bristol Fashion
Reinforcing the ‘Field to Fork’ ethos, Luke co-founded Eat Drink Bristol Fashion in 2012 with Michelin star chef Josh Eggleton, owner of the award-winning Pony & Trap. From this concept, two very unique restaurants, Root and Yurt Lush, have been created in equally unique locations.
Root, based in Wapping Wharf on Bristol’s Harbourside, is a seasonal small plate restaurant that gives vegetables the star billing. Dishes include Artichoke, Salt Baked Celeriac & Artichoke Crisp and Cornish Hake with Smoked Cod’s Roe Sauce. All food served is sustainable produce from local, ethical producers from around Bristol, Bath, Chew Valley and the surrounding area, keeping the food chains short.
To check out their delicious menus visit www.eatdrinkbristolfashion.co.uk/root
Tucked away in Temple Meads, Yurt Lush brings a calming festival feel in the city centre. Based in a Mongolian yurt, this unique café and bar is a collaboration with Josh Eggleton and Chef Oscar Davis.
Again, using ingredients sourced from sustainable and reputable suppliers from the South West, the Yurt serves up brunch, lunch, supper, award-winning Sunday lunch and cocktails.
For more information, visit www.eatdrinkbristolfashion.co.uk/yurtlush
Community Farm
This local, ethical and trusted business is based on good farming and good food. The Community Farm grows and sells locally-sourced, seasonal produce that’s 100% organic to around 700 customers in the area.
Working with organic producers and local farmers, their box delivery service is available to homes throughout Bristol, Bath and beyond. They have many opportunities for people to get involved through volunteering, investing and membership.
Visit www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk
Valley Fest
Known as the West’s tastiest lakeside festival, Valley Fest is all about local culinary legends, stunning views and big-name music headliners.
This sell-out annual festival runs on the farm and is renowned as the West’s best when it comes to family festivals. Luke set up Valley Fest in 2014 in memory of his parents – their love of sharing good times and tasty eats was Luke’s inspiration for the festival.
Offering street food, six-course feasts made from local, sustainable food, featuring ingredients from The Community Farm. Live entertainment in the comfort of Tipi Events’ stylish tipis.
Visit: www.valleyfest.co.uk/about-valley-fest
If all of this isn’t enough, Luke was also a finalist in the BBC Food and Farming Awards for Outstanding Farmer of the Year in 2014!
Say hello to the team!
To find out more about hosting your wedding at our lakeside venue, drop us a line at hello@chewvalleyweddings.co.uk