Shop Local For Mother’s Day At The Oxford Artisan Distillery
Today I chat to Kate from The Oxford Artisan Distillery about their plans for 2019 and why the local community means so much to them.
Can you tell me the history behind The Oxford Artisan Distillery?
The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) was opened two years ago with the mission of creating the best organic spirits, from the field to the bottle. We do everything from scratch, from designing our own copper stills, to working with local farmers to grow sustainable populations of ancient heritage grain. We organically produce and bottle everything on site, including gin,vodka, absinthe, and whiskey.
Tell me about the team at TOAD.
The two Directors at TOAD, Cory Mason and Tagore Ramatour are responsible for the operations of the distillery, but there is also a talented and every growing staff of local employees. We currently have 10 full time employees and over 30 part time employees.
Tell me about your plans for 2019.
TOAD is a constantly expanding company and 2019 is looking to be our biggest year yet. Our farmer’s market will continue to showcase and support other local businesses on a monthly basis throughout the year.
How important is the local community to you.
Local community is integral to the The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD). All of the grain for the distillery is grown locally, and supports an independent farmer. The vast majority of our products are sold locally and we give a portion of our profits back to local charities. The local community is the life blood of our business and we could not do it without the support of local residents in our Oxford community. We also do our best every month to showcase and support local businesses, independent organisations and charities each month at our Farmer’s Market. We also live locally and have young children so we are invested in our community.
Tell me more about your upcoming Mother’s Day Market
The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) is holding its next Local Food & Craft Market on Sunday, March 24th from 10-4pm. As it is so close to Mother’s Day, we are celebrating mamas while supporting independent businesses and organisations. Local craft folks and independent businesses will have beautiful gifts available to buy for mums, and kids can make a Mother’s Day card in our Creative Kids Lab! My husband Cory Mason is making a special Mother’s Day Gin which will be available to buy as a gift for Mum! Also, mums receive a free cocktail at the market 🙂
Our market days are more than just produce for sale. As an organic, sustainable business that only uses locally grown grain, TOAD is committed to supporting local farmers, organisations, individuals and businesses who are doing good things for the community in the form of a monthly farmer’s market. The markets include local farm produce and products for sale, and are open to local businesses, charities or organisations who want to showcase their wares or otherwise get the word out about what they are doing. The markets are also family friendly and include children’s activities (making sessions, face painting, seasonal craft making activities, gardening activities, etc) as well as local bands/music. There is no fee for having a stall – the markets are more about building something of a community event and getting local people together to support independent businesses.
Who will be trading at the market on Sunday?
We are excited to have Neve’s Bees, Amy Surman, Cranston Pickles, Little Gem Letterpress, The Cosmic Cake Company, Littlemore Candle Co., Bicycle Blooms, Linden Chocolate Lab, Brick Jewellery, Ma Roemca Herbal Preparations, L’alter Vi Wines, Hamblin Bread, Wonky Food Company Relishes, as well as beautiful plants for mum from Cutteslowe Therapeutic Garden Centre and homemade jams and preserves and other offerings from Elder Stubbs Allotment (part of Restore).
Such a great line up of traders, perfect for finding something your mum will love for Mother’s Day on 31st March. See you there!
Love, Rosie
xxx
