DOZENS of people attended a launch event and tasting evening on Saturday (October 18) for a Wellington business’s new ice cream range.

Ruxstons opened an artisan chocolate factory on the first floor of its High Street premises in the summer, which became the inspiration for 18-year-old gap year student workers Rosie Seddon and Apple Sleigh to create an ice cream range.

Apple said: “We noticed how many of our customers absolutely loved the chocolates, their creative flavours and designs are truly unique.

“Using these chocolates as inspiration, we found that combining their flavours with ice cream could create an innovative, original, and, of course, delicious range, unlike anything that can be found currently in the ice cream market.”

Ice cream tasting in Ruxstons, Wellington, during a launch event for a new range.
Ice cream tasting in Ruxstons, Wellington, during a launch event for a new range. (Anita Corbin)

With the support of brothers Gabriel and Fraser Purdey, who own Ruxstons, the pair met with ethical ice cream manufacturer Granny Gothards, in Willand, near Cullompton, to develop their idea further.

Now, two months later, they have launched a range of eight new ice cream flavours, including honeycomb and lavender, lemon meringue, and even a dairy-free chocolate.

Apple said: “Granny Gothards prioritise quality and integrity over profit.

“They collaborate with top chefs to craft exceptional flavours and produce every batch in small quantities rather than mass-producing.

“Each one begins with the team hand-weighing ingredients.

Clair Nichol's tastebuds won her a prize for identifying a mystery flavour during the launch of a new ice cream range for Ruxstons, Wellington.
Clair Nichol's tastebuds scooped her a prize for identifying a mystery flavour during the launch of a new ice cream range for Ruxstons, Wellington. (Anita Corbin)

“Every step is done with care and attention to detail, and the team’s dedication to quality truly brought our vision to life.”

Guests at Saturday’s launch event were able to sample five of the range, with a prize for the first to guess a ‘mystery flavour’, which turned out to be apple and cinnamon and was won by Clair Nichol.

Rosie said: “We found the Granny Gothards team and their ethos aligned perfectly with our aims for this project.

“Their amazing team use local produce for all of their ice creams, working with local farms and businesses whenever possible.

“We loved the idea of keeping things local, supporting nearby suppliers, and making sure every element of our ice cream had a genuine connection to the South West.

“It is something that really reflects both Ruxstons and Granny Gothards values, keeping quality at the heart of everything, while also celebrating the brilliant local businesses around us.”

Launching a new Ruxstons range of ice cream are (left to right) Gabriel and Fraser Purdey, Rosie Seddon, and Apple Sleigh.
Launching a new Ruxstons range of ice cream are (left to right) Gabriel and Fraser Purdey, Rosie Seddon, and Apple Sleigh. (Anita Corbin)

It was a first venture into the world of business for the two teenagers and they were involved in every stage of production, including designing the artwork for the ice cream tubs and their freezer.

Rosie said: “It has been an incredible journey, especially considering it has all happened over just two months.

“We are so proud to finally be able to share it.

“Looking back, it has been quite a whirlwind.

“From the first idea to the first scoop, there have been a lot of steps, but it has been a brilliant experience from start to finish.”

Ruxstons, which prides itself on supporting ethical food production, opened in the former One Stop convenience store in Wellington three years ago after the brothers relocated from a 16th century barn premises on their sister Holly’s farm in Horner, near Porlock.