Born of earth and wood: Sytch Farm Studios

Sytch Farm Studio, near Shrewsbury, is home to the workshops of husband and wife team Gill and Jon Thompson. Carpenter and artist Jon creates wooden serving boards and paddles from sustainable British trees; while artisan potter Gill throws and glazes bowls and vessels inspired by Shropshire and her birthplace – Cornwall.

Gill’s beautiful ceramic bowls fit snuggly into the handle of the boards, creating a match made in heaven for fans of cheese and pickles, charcuterie and dips or tapas.

Since setting up in business less than a year ago, the couple has already received orders from Michelin-starred restaurateur Tom Kerridge for his new venture, The Coach, in Marlow.  ITV This Morning chef Marcus Bean and the Hairy Bikers are also admirers of Sytch Farm Studios kitchenware. Chefs and foodies appreciate the fact that these stunning and unusual products can be made to order in a variety of sizes, colour glazes and timbers depending on personal preference.

Each bowl and board is created by hand, ensuring each piece is completely original. The size, shape and character depends on the timber Jon uses whether Oak, Wild Cherry, Burr Elm, Apple, Plane Tree or Walnut.

Gill sources her clay from Stoke and a claypit in St Agnes, Cornwall, to throw her bowls with. She also creates a range of stylish ceramic hearts, gifts and keepsakes; These make unique Christmas decorations as well as personal gifts for christenings, weddings and other occasions. If you are looking for that extra special something, then you can also ask Gill and Jon to carry out a bespoke commission for you too.

Here at The Artisan Food Trail, we love hand crafted items such as these. Being from a design background ourselves we appreciate the work that goes into making them and also their individuality. We're sure you'll want to take a look at Sytch Farm Studios products too. With Christmas just around the corner not only do they have the perfect gifts for foodies, they also have some wonderful Christmas decorations.

Win some beautiful tableware from Sytch Farm Studios

The Artisan Food Trail is running a competition to win some of this beautiful tableware and someone could be the proud owner of a classic British-made solid oak paddle board and ceramic bowl set worth £49 from Sytch Farm Studios.

This competition has now closed