2021

Wow what a year we have had and really its been Soul Fries’ first proper year. So considering we haven’t done a blog post for a while (ahem over a year) we thought it was time to do a recap of how our 2021 has gone.

So, with lots of people to thank I want to begin by thanking everyone who came and ate our loaded fries I (Charly) and Tony whole heartedly know, we wouldn’t be where we are now without all of you foodies, so a massive thank you from the bottom of our loaded hearts.

We came out of our Soul Fries-olation in Feb and we began the year in a couple of empty pub car parks, we threw ourselves in and with Tony taking the reins and me working full time at the nursery (shout out to Baker Street), I would come along and join Tony straight from work and be there to serve you your fries in the rain. Alongside this we tested out some DIY load at home kits but needless to say we were probably a little too late off the mark for those, however those of you who were lucky enough to try one, we again thank you for your support.

We powered on through the colder months (brrrr) with a few more car park pop ups, still trying to work out quantities and ensuring we had as little waste as possible. The guys in Chepstow gave us our first ever sell out and it will always be a special place in our hearts.

The spring time came and we had our first collaboration with the guys at Harrys Cider (we love you guys and the cider), we were still working things out and as everyone keeps telling us every event you do you will learn something new, which is so true and actually it’s a precious thing to always keep learning. A few more weekend spots at both Harrys and Quantock Brewery and we were finally getting into our groove and Soul Fries was beginning to get a good rep around the Somerset parts.

June came along and I think that was around the time the “road map” was announced. For once mine and Tonys outlooks had switched, he was the positive Polly and I was the realistic Robert, just kidding I’ll always be the optimist, but Tony was right and we could look forward to a busy summer of Soul Fries, with the weddings we had booked and the brew pubs still going ahead as planned.

Middle of June and we had our first wedding!! BIG STEP !! as we had planned for some weddings the day we set up Soul Fries and the pressure was on, however we needn’t have worried, everyone loved the fries, it was a great wedding to start off with and the happy couple were just amazing and even the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.

We continued to have events every weekend, debuting at Zulu Alpha in July, with a few more weddings, a couple of veggie and vegan ones too, one even in my hometown of Torquay in a place where I had previously been a bridesmaid for a friends wedding, bringing back all types of memories (it’s funny where the world takes you). My mum helped us with that event and I’m pretty sure she loved being part of the Soul Fries front of house.

August saw our biggest event yet WOOFSTOCK!! Our first festival, a dog festival in Dartmouth, what more can a dog lover and foodie ask for? August was also a month where we continued to trial different dishes out, lots of fun seeing what everyone likes and what is the most popular. We survived the summer and there was no stopping us, lots going on but all worth it.

We powered though September continuing to learn especially with how to improve our wait times. Then October saw a slight seasonal menu change (don’t worry the duck will be back again soon) and it’s always fun coming up with new ideas. The colder months drew in and although we were still doing private events and brew pub pop ups, we were gearing ourselves up for a Soul Fries biggie, BBC Countryfile Christmas in the Park. Now this was a BIG event for us but we smashed it and I am so proud of everyone involved for those three days, we 100% couldn’t have smashed it without you!

So that wraps up our 2021 and all I can say is we cannot wait for 2022 to kick off, we will be back soon, with lots more love to give. Keep your fr-eyes peeled and again a massive thank you to all the lovely couples who hired us for their special day, the brew pubs for having us, everyone who has helped us out at events and the foodies who came and enjoyed our loaded fries, you give us what we need to continue this adventure!!

Charly and Tony xx