Cooking for not one but three Christmas markets this year means — triple the workload, double the caffeine, and an impressive increase in mince pie consumption. How have we pulled it off, you ask? Well, it’s simple… (a bit like me)...
The schedule gets adjusted to handle three times the volume, we learn new boundaries, and we break a few records along the way. To put into context, a standard bottling day for me is approximately 950 bottles, but this year I pushed it up a touch and managed a whopping 1546 bottles in a day!!!! Of course, it doesn’t come without its challenges. Every day brings something different — from a possible machine failure that throws a spanner in the works, to those moments when I’m simply exhausted and feel like I’m barefoot climbing a never-ending staircase made of Carolina Reapers.
So how do I keep motivated?
The answer lies in my colleagues. They’re my support network — the people I can chat with between cooks about the days gone by, the weekend plans ahead, or the eternal question this time of year of how many mince pies is too many? (Spoiler: we haven’t found the limit yet.) Those small conversations, shared laughs, and mini snack breaks take the edge off the pressure. They help me reset, refocus, and get back into the flow of cooking — one batch at a time.
From Chaos to Christmas Cheer
As we edge closer to the launch of our three Christmas markets — and our peak season in the farm shop and online — the focus shifts for myself. Now it’s all about monitoring stock, refining schedules, and making sure every jar and bottle is ready for you to enjoy.
It’s been a steep learning curve this year, no doubt about it. Jumping from one market to three felt like trading a gentle simmer for a full rolling boil. But I’ve risen to the challenge and produced exactly what was asked of me with some help from colleagues along the way and with a bit of extra heat for good measure!
So as you browse the stalls this Christmas, take a moment to appreciate the fiery goodness waiting inside those jars and bottles. Every flavour, every spoonful, every bit of spice tells a story — of long days, laughter, teamwork, and maybe one or two mince pies along the way.
Chef Dan — out. 🔥🎄