Adrian Wilson had spent 26 years in food manufacturing, rising to be a director of four very businesses, responsible for thousands of staff and multi-million pound budgets.
But last year, he invested his savings to launch the new Wilson’s Food Hall in Seamer, near Scarborough, which opened in November.
Looking back, Adrian describes his former career as a “lonely place”, recalling how he collapsed at work with exhaustion, he was away from home often and then his marriage failed.
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He said: “This gave me the kick I needed to get out of that world and put my children first.”
He left his job and followed his wife’s suggestion to follow his dream and use his knowledge to opening a premium food hall in the area he grew up in.
A garage in Main Street became available, which was then refitted.
Some of the wines available (Image: Pic supplied) Adrian continued: “I wanted it to feel less like a café, and more like somewhere you’d want to spend time and socialise.
“And we’ve achieved that. Customers can enjoy a relaxing coffee, breakfast, brunch or lunch. They can pull up a bar stool and work or have meetings. Or they can bring in their kids for an ice cream and milkshake. I’m really proud of what we’ve created – Wilson’s is unique in the area.”
Adrian has sourced the best ingredients from local suppliers, including Forge Valley Roasters for artisan coffee and wine from independent vineyards you can enjoy by the glass in the store or take a bottle home.
Artisan breads, pastries and cakes are baked daily at the in-house Willow Bakery. And there’s ice cream sourced from award-winning gelato-maker Groovy Moo in Malton.
Chef Luke Stephenson, originally from Scarborough, has used his experience of rosette-standard dining and a knowledge of Saudi Arabian flavours from working on a luxury yacht to transform Wilson’s menu.
The day starts at 7.30am with breakfast sandwiches – the bacon and sausages come from local butcher, Turners of Rillington. Brunch and lunch are served all morning and until 3pm, with daily changing homemade frittatas, regular dishes like creamy mushrooms with wilted spinach and rosemary on a toasted bloomer, and a choice of smoothies. Lunch and evening bites include everything from homemade soups and vegan chilli to charcuterie sharing boards and tender braised beef with rice. Add to this are tasty afternoon teas, children’s meals and deli nibbles.
Wilson also hosts an eclectic mix of evening events, including pottery classes, immersive murder mystery ‘whodunnits’, live music nights, a Taittinger Champagne UK tasting and a ‘Proper Yorkshire Beer’ night with pie and peas.
As summer approaches, the venue also plans to offer homemade meals to those staying at nearby campsites.
Meanwhile, Adrian has future plans to expand the business by launching a second Wilson’s.
Adrian added: “We take a real pride in being truly independent, and offering a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service. Whether it’s catching up over coffee or lunch, savouring a glass of quality wine, or picking up a deli board, we’ve got you covered.
“Getting out of the rat race and back to a slightly slower way of life didn’t take me as long as I thought it would. I’ve seen my sons compete at their school sports days and attended parents’ evenings. I’m running my own successful business doing something I love, and getting to look after and play with my children. That’s what’s important.”
For more information, visit: https://wilsonsfoodhall.co.uk
