Happy Hedgehog's Story
And how a passion for history, became a passion for flavour.
How we started
Our Founder
Apra Ames Roberts, Director of award-winning Happy Hedgehog Foods.
A one-time fire eater, Rave DJ and knife juggler, her career paths have taken as many turns as she has vinegars.
After studying history and archaeology in her early years, she immersed herself in historical re-enactments across the United Kingdom. After years of extensive training she became a sword master and fight choreographer for Film & theatre as well as large re enactment events.
As she became older she stepped back from the fight aspect of history, concentrating on the history of foods and the flavours that created it. From these events, she developed a love for cooking using age-old ingredients to create delicious modern days twists on long-forgotten recipes.
Her inspirations come from a rich family history that she wanted to highlight. Her father was a fisherman and his family are direct descendants of the original cave dwellers from the Great orme Llandudno. A great many of Apra’s recipes are inspired by her rich family’s’ history which goes back hundreds of years. After years of creating preserves, balsamic and apple cider vinegars as gifts for friends and family, she decided the time had come to create for the wider marketplace.
Limitless imagination
A Hedgehog that came from a cave!
Apra’s main inspirations for her vinegars and preserves come from her 3rd times Great Grandmother Miriam Yr Ogof. She was the last cave dweller of the Great Orme, Llandudno, North Wales.
For centuries the Yr Ogof’s, who are one of the oldest fishing families, had lived on the Great Orme, farming the land as well as fishing. When Miriam was evicted from her cave to make way for the new road around the Orme, she had to find a new income, for her invalid husband Isaac and her fourteen children.
So she started selling from her cottage aerated waters, fruit cordials and preserves to the Victorian tourists, who came to Llandudno to take the sea air. Her preserves became so popular that people would order in advance from her.
Using the same techniques her grandmother used, Apra has successfully recreated forgotten flavours with delicious results. Because of this, every product made at Happy Hedgehog Foods possesses it own personal story and fascinating history.
Below is a picture of Miriam aged 71.
Award-winning
We’re just getting started
It is our devotion to flavour that has helped to create an addictive, distinctive taste.
In 2021 we were one of only ten producers in Wales to be awarded three stars commended for our Strawberry Balsamic. Our Hot Sauce was also a winning taste, receiving a star.
In 2022 we received one star for our Raspberry Sweet and Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar as well as proudly collaborating with Trolls Bottom Mead on their Plum Mead which was awarded two stars from Great Taste Awards!
In 2023 our success seemed to really grow with us receiving a two star for our Sweet Raspberry apple cider vinegar AND our Raspberry Balsamic. We were also awarded a two star for our Mango apple cider vinegar and our sweet Hot sauce.
Apra and her food have also been featured on Sky one, BBC & S4C to name a few
Proud to be a women-led team
Apra
Company Director
"It's not often people get to make a business out of their passion but I'm fortunate to do that every day with Happy Hedgehog Foods and I'm so thankful."
Dianne
Management
With a wealth of business experience, Dianne makes sure the management and day-to-day tasks of Happy Hedgehog Foods run smoothly and on time. She is also the grower and overseer of the fruit produce used in the products. She also keeps Apra in check!
Lynne
Advisor
As an owner of Heskin Hall in Chorley, Lynne understands the complexities of running a business. She is a trusted advisor to Apra’s vision, and her reputation amongst her peers is as a well-respected events organiser.
Beth
Marketing
Beth runs her own online marketing company over at Populi Media. She ensures Happy Hedgehog is seen in all the right places, including the development of this website. Like what you see? Get in touch at: [email protected]
In the press
Proud to Supply
