Founder of The School of Artisan Food in East Midlands Makes TV Debut
Published On Thursday 19 Apr 2018 by Sticky Beak
See Recent News Articles
BBC Two’s new series Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge, gives enthusiastic kitchen table producers an opportunity to showcase their produce to real customers. During the eight episodes, food producers attempt to convince expert judges Alison Swan Parente, founder of The School of Artisan Food, and food writer and restaurateur Nisha Katona that their product is the best and deserves a permanent space in the shop.
The programme will showcase the wares of up and coming amateur food producers. Judging alongside Nisha Katona, Alison will examine products from categories including chutneys and preserves, to cheese and chocolate.
Alison founded The School of Artisan Food in 2009 in the heart of the historic Welbeck Estate lying between Nottingham and Sheffield when she realised she couldn't find any good artisan bakers for the bakery she had set up.Alison made her TV debut with the first episode airing on Tuesday 17 April on BBC Two at 8pm; followed by Episode Two on Wednesday 18 April.
Explaining why she is taking part in the show, Alison said: “After the Second World War we fell in love with convenience food. It was a revolution in so many ways and it did bring huge advantages, particularly for women. Along with a number of other social changes, it helped free them from the kitchen, but in the rush for quicker, more convenient food within a couple of generations the recipes and skills which would have normally been handed down began to disappear. What was gained in some ways was lost in others, in terms of health, quality and taste, as food became more and more processed.
"I realised that if we didn’t do something to halt the decline very quickly, the art of not just baking, but everything from pickling to jam making and butchery would become obsolete. That's why I founded The School of Artisan Food in 2009 and also why I said yes to taking part in Top of the Shop, as both are about going back to basics and reconnecting with good food."
For more information on Top of the Shop, visit www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b090vm
| New opening in Sheffield: The Tavern Collective to launch its first UK venue Canadian brand will open Sheffield bar and restaurant with laidback steampunk vibes on 22nd September An exciting first is coming to Sheffield, with the opening Read The Article | |
| Will You Marry Me? in Icing - The Bakewell Tart Becomes the New Engagement Season Ritual More couples are choosing personal, creative proposals - and a 100-year-old Derbyshire bakery is at the heart of the trend. As the UK Read The Article | |
| Croots Farm Shop wins four accolades at this years Great Taste Awards Popular Derbyshire farm shop Croots has scooped four awards at the 2025 Great Taste Awards. The farm shop near Duffield won accolades Read The Article | |
| Denby Teams Up with Universal for Downton Abbey Finale Giveaway - Win a Luxury London Trip Denby is delighted to celebrate the cinematic release of DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE during the year the pottery celebrates Read The Article | |
| Culinary Favourite Announces New Name, Refurbishment and Relaunch Event Giorgio’s, a much-loved Chesterfield restaurant, is stepping into a new chapter with a refreshed look, rebrand, and relaunch celebration as il Forno. Read The Article | |
| The Countdown to a Culinary Extravaganza at Thoresby Park this September With less than four weeks to go before Thoresby Park opens its gates for another helping of the Festival of Food and Drink, it's time to grab your tickets Read The Article | |
| Pride Park restaurant named naan-stop busiest matchday spot for Rams fans A Pride Park restaurant has been crowned one of the busiest pre-match hotspots for Derby County fans, thanks to its prime location, outdoor space Read The Article | |
| Longbow Venues Will March 29km Across The Peak District To Raise Thousands For Children's Hospital On Tuesday 2 September, a dedicated team of 27 staff from Longbow Venues will set off on a 29-kilometre charity walk across Read The Article | |
| Farm-to-Fork Excellence Derbyshire's Walton Lodge Farm Achieves Red Tractor Certification Walton Lodge Farm Estate, the 360-acre working farm and historic 18th century family home of Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel owner Read The Article | |
| Hart's Kitchen Welcomes a New Chapter in Dining with a Refreshed A La Carte Menu August 2025 - Hart's Hotel & Kitchen is delighted to introduce its new A la carte menu, crafted to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season and the bounty Read The Article | |