Simon Mellin - Roaming Roosters

This month our featured foodie is Simon Mellin of Roaming Roosters, award wining Simon and the rest of the team are Lancashire suppliers of free range meats to across the country in their innovative meat packs, which started from humble beginnings of a free chicken farm. Simon spotting a gap in the market has grown the business, and Roaming Roosters now also has a delightful bistro (The Olde Spot) and cafe (The Hayloft) in addition to an education centre on site. A true Lancashire success story. Young Entrepreneur of the Year Simon oozes a passion for quality free range sustainable produce and their amazing venue is set in some stunning Lancashire countryside.

Why not pay them a visit and just between you and me they make the amazing scotch eggs !

                                                      

So Simon.......

• What is your favourite cookery or food book or publication?

The Ginger Pig Meat Book which presents an in-depth look at meat, butchery and farming.

• What sentence sums up Lancashire Food to you?

Honest, tasty grub that keeps your belly happy and full!

• If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you like to be ? 

What I started out doing, Race Engineer within GT Racing.

• Which piece of kit could you not do without ?

As my role within the business is more operational it would have to be my iphone – it’s constantly stuck to my ear!

• Who would join you at your ultimate dinner party and why?

It would have to be Chris Evans and Richard Branson, I find them both inspirational for different reasons. We could get Thomas Keller to cook!

• What advice would you give to your younger self ?

Believe in your ideas, don’t let people lead you away or tell you they’re wrong, no matter how crazy they are! Be resilient and don’t let people knock you back.

• Describe your style in three words 

Relaxed, honest, down-to-earth.

• What was your latest foodie gadget purchase ? 

A cafetiere!

• What is your greatest achievement to date ?

Taking Roaming Roosters from the back of my dad’s shop to create a successful retail outlet.

• What is the worst mistake you have made ? 

Having a staff party on a Friday night! 

• Tell us a secret about yourself ? may be something we wouldn’t expect ! 

I’m addicted to Jelly Beans.