I haven't written a blog post lately as I've been so busy preparing for the launch of The Blue Scone Van on Sunday 30th May 2021 from 10am until 2pm. This will be her first outing and we are ready with a new awning, a generator, a new oven, shiny stainless steel worktops and a pastel blue exterior.
Who would have thought that preparing a food business takes so much preparation? When I was a child, any Tom, Dick or Harry could turn up with 'Street Food', and sell you a nice portion of food poisoning; however, nowadays, the rules are much tighter, and rightly so. I had to register the business with Woking Council, go through a virtual inspection, pass my level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate, complete NCASS risk assessments . Food safety is an absolutely top priority. The Inspectors at the Council are brilliant; they go through the key considerations and advise on any changes needed. I have also joined NCASS who make sure that you are giving the customer the best service possible. When I'm at the Farmer's Markets and Fairs, the Inspectors will be able to come along and give me a food hygiene rating for the van to go with my 5 for my kitchen.
Now all that's left to do is to force my way through the door of Bookers armed with my precious invoices. It's a very exclusive membership. I need to join as a genuine business before they'll let me near the clotted cream. Apart from that, I'm aiming to use Surrey based Jam-Packed Preserves for the first event. It would be great to find other local suppliers so that's another job on the list.
Next week, the Blue Scone Van will be fully Gas and PAT tested so that it's safe to use all of our equipment. It was hard to find a caravan specialist but luckily there's someone in Send who is a caravan expert and he is running his expert eye over our old girl.
I'm looking forward to seeing some of you at the first event. I'm in discussion with other venues so look out for The Blue Scone Van at a venue near you soon.
Vintage hugs
Mel
