Gastronomy Plus Ltd: Powering Culinary Innovation from Lancaster to the World
Founded in 2011, Gastronomy Plus Ltd has established itself as a leading British manufacturer dedicated to empowering people to produce the highest quality food and beverages. Based in Lancaster, Lancashire, the company operates from Central Barn, Claughton Business Park, and has grown into a respected name within the culinary equipment sector.
With a clear mission to help both home cooks and professional chefs cook better, smarter and more sustainably, Gastronomy Plus Ltd has positioned itself as a one-stop shop for innovative food technology and premium culinary tools. Operating within the manufacturing industry, the company employs between 11 and 50 staff and continues to expand its presence across the UK and international markets.
The History and Foundation of Gastronomy Plus Ltd
Early Beginnings and Incorporation
Although commercially recognised as being founded in 2011, the company was incorporated in September 2009. This early incorporation laid the groundwork for what would become a focused and specialist culinary manufacturing business.
Leadership and Founders
A central figure in the company’s formation is Alexander Paul Shannon, appointed as Director and Company Secretary in September 2009. His early involvement indicates foundational leadership from the outset.
Vickie Louise Shannon, appointed as Director in September 2016, plays a significant operational and strategic role within the business. Together, the leadership team has guided the organisation through steady expansion, brand development and product innovation.
Their combined expertise has helped shape a company culture centred on quality, precision and customer satisfaction.
Gastronomy Plus Ltd Headquarters and Operations
Manufacturing Base in Lancaster, Lancashire
The company operates from:
Central Barn
Hornby Road
Claughton
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA2 9JX
United Kingdom
This headquarters serves as the operational and administrative hub. The Lancaster location reflects a strong commitment to British manufacturing standards and quality assurance.
Industry Classification and Structure
Operating within the manufacturing sector, the business specialises in food technology equipment, premium kitchen tools and professional-grade cooking appliances. Its size allows it to remain agile, maintaining close quality control while responding quickly to market demand.
Brands Operated by Gastronomy Plus Ltd
A major strength of Gastronomy Plus Ltd lies in its portfolio of specialist brands, each catering to a distinct segment of the culinary market.
SousVideTools
SousVideTools is one of the company’s flagship brands, providing sous vide equipment, vacuum sealers, water baths and accessories. The brand has become well known among chefs and culinary enthusiasts seeking precision temperature control and consistent cooking results.
Bertha Charcoal Ovens
Bertha Charcoal Ovens are premium commercial-grade ovens designed for restaurants and hospitality businesses. Known for durability and performance, these ovens offer high heat retention and authentic charcoal flavour, making them popular within professional kitchens.
KitchenKnives.co.uk
This brand focuses on high-quality kitchen knives suitable for both domestic and professional use. Precision, balance and craftsmanship remain key selling points.
The Sharpening Shed
Operating both as an online knife sharpening service and a store in Central London, The Sharpening Shed enhances the brand ecosystem by offering maintenance services alongside product sales.
DeliVita
Gastronomy Plus Ltd also trades as DeliVita, a brand associated with high-quality wood-fired pizza ovens. The trading designation demonstrates the company’s ability to operate multiple brand identities under one legal entity.
Mission and Vision: Empowering Better Cooking
Supporting Home and Professional Chefs
The company’s mission is simple yet ambitious: to empower people to produce the highest quality food. Whether serving a home cook experimenting with sous vide techniques or a Michelin-level chef seeking performance equipment, the organisation aims to provide accessible, reliable tools.
Sustainability and Smarter Cooking
Sustainability plays a growing role within modern culinary practice. The business promotes smarter cooking through efficient appliances, temperature precision and waste reduction technologies. Sous vide cooking, for example, reduces food waste and enhances consistency, aligning with broader environmental goals.
Company Structure and Legal Standing
Gastronomy Plus Ltd is an active UK limited company with company number 07031979.
Alexander Paul Shannon serves as Director and Company Secretary, while Vickie Louise Shannon holds the position of Director. Both are British nationals and residents of the United Kingdom. The company maintains full compliance with UK corporate requirements, including identity verification obligations due in October 2026.
Several other business ventures previously associated with Alexander Paul Shannon, such as Hendi UK Ltd and Modernist Cooking Concepts Ltd, have since been dissolved. However, Gastronomy Plus Ltd remains active and operational.
Reputation and Market Presence
Customer reviews reflect a mix of experiences, as is common with growing businesses. Some customers have praised excellent service and product quality, while others have expressed dissatisfaction with support experiences. Such feedback highlights the importance of continuous improvement in customer service operations.
Despite varied reviews, the company’s continued growth and expanding brand portfolio demonstrate resilience and market demand for its products.
Why Gastronomy Plus Ltd Stands Out
Specialist Focus
Rather than offering general kitchenware, the business concentrates on specialist, performance-driven equipment. This niche positioning allows it to differentiate itself from mass-market retailers.
British Manufacturing Identity
Being headquartered in Lancaster reinforces its British manufacturing credibility. For many consumers and hospitality businesses, UK-based operations signal reliability and regulatory compliance.
Integrated Brand Ecosystem
By operating multiple brands under one umbrella, the company creates a complete culinary ecosystem. Customers can purchase cooking appliances, knives and sharpening services within the same corporate structure.
Quick Info
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Name | Gastronomy Plus Ltd |
| Company Number | 07031979 |
| Founded (Commercially) | 2011 |
| Incorporated | 28 September 2009 |
| Company Status | Active |
| Industry | Manufacturing (Food Technology & Culinary Equipment) |
| Headquarters | Central Barn, Hornby Road, Claughton, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 9JX, United Kingdom |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Phone | +44 1524 770060 |
| Official Website | https://www.sousvidetools.com |
| Directors | Alexander Paul Shannon, Vickie Louise Shannon |
| Trading As (t/a) | DeliVita |
| Main Brands | SousVideTools, Bertha Charcoal Ovens, KitchenKnives.co.uk, The Sharpening Shed |
| Target Market | Home cooks & Professional chefs |
| Core Focus | High-quality cooking equipment, sous vide technology, charcoal ovens, kitchen knives |
| Mission | Empower people to produce the highest quality food and beverages |
The Future of Gastronomy Plus Ltd
As culinary technology continues to evolve, demand for precision cooking equipment and sustainable kitchen solutions is likely to grow. The company’s foundation in sous vide technology, charcoal ovens and specialist tools places it well within emerging trends.
With a strong leadership team, established headquarters and diversified brand portfolio, Gastronomy Plus Ltd appears well positioned to continue expanding within both domestic and professional culinary markets.
From Lancaster to commercial kitchens across the country, the organisation represents a modern British manufacturing success story built on innovation, precision and a passion for better food.
