How Our Boosters Café Works With Local Suppliers
- 27th Feb 2026
- Author: Elliott Langley - Marketing Administrator
If you buy a cup of roasted coffee, a freshly prepared sandwich, or an afternoon cake from our Boosters café, then you might be surprised by the journey your food has been on to reach your tastebuds. It is a story that begins long before ingredients arrive in our kitchen; it starts with local farmers, roasters, bakers, and butchers who share our passion for quality and our commitment to doing things in a way that looks after Planet Earth.
“Working with local suppliers makes a massive difference for us,” said our Head Chef. “It strengthens our local economy, reduces food miles, supports sustainable farming and production, and most importantly, ensures that everything we serve our visitors is as fresh and flavourful as possible.”
I decided it was time to take a closer look at the brilliant suppliers who help us make sure that We Make a Difference in our Boosters café; not just to highlight all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes, but to put the spotlight on some amazing local businesses who deserve some love.
Fresh, Seasonal Produce – The Veg Factor
Great food begins with great ingredients, and that is why we partner with Barrow Upon Soar’s The Veg Factor for all of our fruit and vegetables. By sourcing locally wherever possible and prioritising seasonal produce, they help us create menus that evolve naturally throughout the year.
From crisp salad leaves to vibrant root vegetables, their produce forms the foundation of the items available in Boosters. Working closely with our Catering team, they ensure that we receive ingredients at their best, full of flavour, colour and nutritional value.
By embracing what is in season, we are able to reduce environmental impact while celebrating the very best of Leicestershire.
Crafted Refreshment – Steep Soda Co.
For something a little different in our drinks fridge, we turned to Steep Soda Co. Also based in Barrow Upon Soar, these handcrafted sodas are packed with flavour and made with carefully selected ingredients, offering a refreshing alternative to mainstream soft drinks.
Whether it is a vibrant fruit infusion or a subtly spiced botanical blend, or our very own Astro Berry drink, their sodas add character to our menu and reflect the same independent spirit we value in our food suppliers.
“We love working with the team at the National Space Centre,” said Laura from Steep Soda Co. “Creating their space-themed soda, Astroberry, a raspberry lemonade, was a real highlight for us. It was the very first batch brewed on our new ‘Tiny Tank’, giving us the chance to experiment and craft something completely bespoke. Collaborating with local organisations like the National Space Centre allows us to stay creative while keeping everything rooted in our community, and we’re excited to develop more small-batch flavours this year.”
Supporting independent producers like Steep Soda Co. means we can offer something distinctive: drinks that feel just as thoughtfully made as the food we serve.
Artisan Baking – North’s
Our corporate events are designed to impress; from conferences and exclusive hires, to private dinners and Christmas parties, every detail is carefully considered.
To ensure the highest quality catering for these occasions, we partner with North’s, who supply the breads and cakes served throughout our events. Their handcrafted loaves form the foundation of our freshly prepared sandwiches, while their indulgent cakes provide the perfect finishing touch to a working lunch, networking break, or evening dinner.
By working closely with artisan bakers who share our commitment to quality, we ensure that every event run by our Venue Hire team at the National Space Centre is supported by food made with skill, care and attention to detail.
Quality Butchery – Andrew J Tebbutt Butchers
All of our meat comes from Birstall’s Andrew J Tebbutt Butchers, a trusted local business known for high standards, ethical sourcing, and outstanding quality.
For 35 years, Andrew has been committed to traditional butchery, working closely with local farms to select and prepare the finest cuts. His experience and craftsmanship ensure we receive consistently fresh, carefully prepared meats, from sliced ham to our bacon, that are all produced with pride and attention to detail. This guarantees freshness and traceability, while supporting skilled craftsmanship within our community. By partnering with an independent butcher who shares our values, we have full confidence in the welfare standards and integrity behind every product we serve.
So Creamy It’s Dreamy – Dreamy Cow
Based in the heart of Twycross, Dreamy Cow supplies us with high-quality, farm-fresh dairy ice cream that is truly indulgent. As a family-run farm, they are passionate about responsible farming, excellent animal welfare, and producing exceptional ice cream using milk from their own herd. That dedication to care and craftsmanship shines through in every scoop.
Their commitment to careful farming practices and quality production aligns perfectly with our own Ethos and Values. By partnering with a trusted local farm, we can confidently stand behind every cone and cup we serve.
Knowing exactly where our ice cream comes from allows us to serve it with real pride. From pasture to parlour, every step is thoughtfully managed, and you can genuinely taste the difference in the rich texture, creamy finish, and unforgettable flavour.
Expertly Roasted Coffee – St Martin’s Coffee
A nice comforting coffee is often the highlight of a day out, and we are proud to work with Great Glenn’s St Martin’s Coffee to bring exceptional beans to every cup. As an independent roaster, they carefully source ethically produced coffee and roast in small batches to bring out the best in each origin.
Their expertise helps us maintain consistency and quality, whether we are pouring a silky latte, a bold espresso, or a smooth americano. Every cup we serve reflects a shared dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability.
Behind the Scenes Support – Crowndale Foodservice
Supporting our day-to-day operations is Leicester-based Crowndale Foodservice, who provide essential supplies and key ingredients that keep our kitchen running smoothly.
Reliable delivery and consistent quality are crucial in a busy café. Their support allows our Chefs to focus on creativity and preparation, confident that the foundations are in place for excellent service.
Since the 1980’s, Crowndale have been supplying local Leicestershire buisnesses with a variety of foods, and have grown to be one the most respected and reputable independent foodservice distributors in the Midlands.
Choosing local suppliers is not simply about geography, it is about shared values. By working with businesses in the Leicestershire region, we:
- Reduce food miles and environmental impact
- Support independent and family-run enterprises
- Strengthen Leicestershire’s economy
- Ensure fresher, higher-quality ingredients
- Build meaningful, long-term relationships
Every time you pick something up from Boosters, remember that you are not just supporting us; you are supporting local Leicestershire growers, producers, roasters and makers who put care into everything they do.
We are proud of these partnerships, and we are excited to continue strengthening them in the years ahead; because when we work together locally, everyone benefits, including our visitors, our local area, and ultimately our Home Planet.
Have You Got a Recommendation?
We are always looking for excellent new local food suppliers. If you have discovered any tasty local delights, then we would love to hear your recommendations. We are always keen to work with more great local producers, so please do get in touch with out team.
