British Charm of the Bramley Apple a hit in Japan!

The Clock House Café and Tearoom in Upton has been invited to ‘pop up’ at a British Fair inside one of the most prestigious stores in Tokyo.

Representatives from the Mitsukoshi Department Store which is said to be the ‘Harrods’ of Tokyo, have flown over to visit Ed Halls and Rebecca White at the tearoom in Upton. Ed says the Japanese visitors were attracted to the café with its British charm and delicious, traditional afternoon tea and requested the café to include a Bramley Apple theme at the Fair.

The tearoom is no stranger to the cooking qualities of the British Bramley Apple – attending the Bramley Festival with Bramley Apple afternoon tea hampers. Ed who has worked in many Michelin star establishments and alongside Gordon Ramsey and Marcus Wearing, is preparing a special apple recipe for the Mitsukoshi British Fair commissioned by the Japanese store. Rebecca said it was a huge surprise to be asked to bake in Tokyo and a great honour to be ambassadors for Upton and Southwell and of course the Bramley Apple too.

The chefs will travel to Tokyo in September, accompanied by Celia Steven, the great granddaughter of Henry Merryweather who was the first nurseryman to cultivate the Bramley Apple. Celia Steven will attend the British Fair with members of the Japanese Bramley Apple Fan Club promoting Southwell and the Bramley Apple. Ed and Rebecca will oversee a team of Japanese chefs and waitresses who will bake the scones to their special recipe, serving them with apple compote and cream. Ed’s special bake will be served also. Ed is looking forward to the event as the British café will be very popular with the Japanese community who love to experience British culture and baking – Ed is expecting to make over 1,000 scones each day!

Southwell Town Council is delighted to be part of this project – promoting Southwell and the Bramley Apple in Tokyo, encouraging more visitors from Japan to visit our lovely town and experience all it has to offer.

Honor Dunkley
Southwell Events and Tourism Coordinator

Published June 2019