Tasty deal for Northern Irish artisan fudge producer

The first fudge factory and visitor centre has opened by artisan producer Granny Shaw's Fudge in Northern Ireland.

The new fudge factory has been opened at Glenarm Castle in county Antrim, an important venue for visitors and tourists which is also home to the award-winning Glenarm Shorthorn herd and Glenarm lamb and is the base for Glenarm Organic Salmon.

The gardens at Glenarm Castle are popular in spring and summer. The historic estate also hosts the annual Dalriada Festival in July.

Visitors can watch the art of fudge-making at Granny Shaw's before choosing from more than 70 flavours of fudge including Eton Mess, Sea Salted Caramel, Red Velvet, Chocolate Coconut & Cherry, Lemon Meringue and Chilli Chocolate!

Glen Houston runs Granny Shaw's with wife Rhonda, and the artisan business has invested £30,000 to develop the factory and visitor centre. They have developed the small business over the past two years. The company is based in Kells, near Ballymena in county Antrim.

Mr Houston, commenting on the new fudge factory, says: "We had been selling our fudge at artisan food markets, including a permanent pitch at Victoria Square shopping complex for over two years. We saw an opportunity to grow the business by setting up the factory at Glenarm. We will also continue to sell our fudge at markets."

Visitors can also enjoy homemade quality food at the Castle Tea Room, browse the Byre Shop and get themselves some official merchandise, local produce or gifts & souvenirs, or, enjoy a bit of the outdoors on the walking trail or spend some time in the Castle's famous walled gardens.

Glenarm Estate's Adrian Morrow, adds: "Our gardens are already starting to bloom into the new season and every year we are committed to offering our visitors something new at Glenarm Castle.

"This year is no exception with the opening of Northern Ireland's first fudge factory where visitors can enjoy watching fudge being made before choosing which flavour to take home."