As part of my blog series Wales : In their own words I am delighted to introduce you to the people behind the business, thank you to Elaine of Welsh Venison Centre who kindly gave up her time to answer a few questions.
Business Name Welsh Venison Centre
What does your business do? We are farmers, butchers and retailers with a farm shop and café situated in the beautiful Brecon Beacons. We rear our own venison, beef and lamb and stock our shop with lots of local produce.
What is your most popular product? Venison of course!
What is your personal favourite? Brecon Gin
Where are you based? Bwlch, in the heart of the Brecon Beacons. Between Brecon and Crickhowell.
How long have you been in business? Over 30 years
What are your hours? Very long!
What is the easiest/most fun part of your business? Working with my great staff and talking to our lovely customers.
What is the hardest part of your business? Supermarkets. We need to encourage people to shop locally.
Where do you live? Bwlch
How do you relax? Keeping fit, walking in the Brecon Beacons and working out with MJ Health and Fitness in Crickhowell.
If you weren’t doing this what would you do? I always wanted to be a midwife.
Is this the career you thought you would have? Nope.
Where did you train/learn? University of life
Where did you grow up? The Centre of the universe, Builth Wells.
Where else have you lived? Cilmery
What is your favourite meal? Venison Striploin with red cabbage accompanied by a large glass of red wine
Are you a Welsh speaker? No but I would love to learn.
Would you ever leave Wales? No never!
What makes Wales so special? The people
Do you do online sales? We have a website but not an online shop, we prefer the personal touch.
Do you attend events? Yes but not this year as things have been cancelled.
How have you adapted your business during this pandemic? We have adapted our business to help support our local community by providing a free delivery service so people can get their essential items. We also have a collection service from the shop car park and we have adapted the shop with a one way system and hand wash facilities following the guidelines.
Could you recommend a website? www.breconbeacons.org for when visitors are able to come back to the Brecon Beacons.
Anything else you would like to say? I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to our amazing customers and community for supporting us. If we all work together and support local business we can get through this difficult time. Keep Smiling, enjoy the sunshine and keep safe.
Thank you Elaine and I can confirm your venison is delicious, the cafe is divine and you are guaranteed a very warm Welsh welcome.
Elaine is also a Brecon Beacons National Park Ambassador, the Ambassadors are a fabulous network and we are all passionate about the Brecon Beacons.
I look forward to seeing you again as soon as it is safe to travel. Diolch.
Next up Gail at Borderers Guest House, Brecon.