First of all, congratulations to Schucks Chutneys and Jams from Hockley for reaching the finals of the Essex Food and Drink Awards last night. They didn’t win, but it was still an achievement for such a small business to get so far.
You can buy their stuff at Ven’s shop in Hockley, which is the retail outlet for Ven’s Brewery in Rawreth. (What do you mean, you didn’t know there was a brewery in Rawreth?)
Ven’s sell Schucks products, plus bottles of their own beer, plus a good range of other local beers, cider and wines, including Paglesham Punch Cider. (What do you mean, you hadn’t heard of Paglesham Cider?)
The real question is – are these beers and chutneys any good? One of us on the Onlinefocus team carried out some research today. Ven’s Gold is a pale golden colour with a very good taste, without feeling too heavy. Schucks Caramelised Red Onion Chutney is a bit of a surprise when you open it, with quite long wisps of onion and shallot inside. But it has a very nice homemade taste, and you don’t need too much of it , so is quite economical.
Take the beer , the chutney, a fresh roll and some cold meat, and you have a very pleasant combination. A couple of bottles and a jar of chutney could make a very welcome present for the right person.
Seriously big credit to someone starting a brewery in Rayleigh / Rawreth. Its good stuff in a competitive market.
Can also vouch for their Rhubarb and Ginger chutney too.
Thoroughly recommend Vens Beer, great taste at very competitive prices
The nice thing is they’ve both agreed to come along to the Down Hall Primary School Christmas Shopping Evening on Thursday 8th Nov, 7:30 (plug, plug)! Why not come and try them yourselves – everyone welcome.