Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2018 | Page 105

Food & Drink Family raise a glass to 20 years A popular family-run restaurant which has been the venue for many families’ special occasions is celebrating a big anniversary of its own this year. Iain and Kim Cowcher launched Ganders Restaurant in 1998, and after six years, were joined in the business by their son Joe. The family trio has also been supported by a small team of loyal, hard-working staff. Of their 20-year milestone, they say: “We’d like to thank friends and relations who have supported us and allowed us to wine, dine and celebrate with them. Some of our loyal customers have been with us all the way, and have become dear friends. They’ve all helped to turn our business into a happy and successful place to work”. Over the years, the restaurant has been involved with St Helens Village Fayre, helped to raise money to buy a local defibrillator, and supported many local charities including the Macmillan ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ and a brief crazy turn with a stall at Bestival. Week-to-week, Ganders has arranged countless bespoke menus for weddings, anniversaries, retirements and lavish birthday parties. “We love to go above and beyond customers’ expectations” said Iain, “producing fantastic food that’s locally sourced whenever possible, and in a happy and relaxed environment. We welcome friends old and new and look forward to many more successful years”. Find Ganders Restaurant at Upper Green Road, St Helens, PO33 1UQ, call them on 01983 872014 or visit the website at www.ganders.co.uk. Fire up the barbie! With a pedigree that goes back to 1903, Bembridge-based W.W. Woodford and Son is a family-run butcher’s shop that’s steeped in tradition – but completely tuned in to the needs of 21st century customers. At this time of year, with the barbecue season just about to get into full swing, the shop’s team of specialists led by owner Graham Hawkins will be hard at work producing their popular range of hand-prepared kebabs, burgers and sausages, that are guaranteed to take the slog out of planning outdoor meals. These can be bought individually, or in a convenient barbecue pack to feed four people for £10. As with Woodford’s other ready-made products, such as delicious hand-baked pies, pasties and sausage rolls, only the best quality, free-range beef, pork and chicken is used. Graham and his five-strong team - including his grandsons James and Matthew - also do their own dry-curing of meats, produce a range of ready-meals for the oven, and even offer an old-fashioned delivery service within a five mile radius of the shop. “The trade has changed a lot since I started out” says Graham. “These days customers demand convenience, and part of what we do is to take the hard work out of preparing and cooking meat and game”. Find W.W.Woodford and Son at 26 High Street, Bembridge, call them on 01983 872717 or visit the website at www. woodfordandson.co.uk www.visitilife.com 105