Meet the Producer: Sarah Hudson and the Story Behind Our Beetroot Extract
At Noble Isle, we believe the finest ingredients come from places with character, history, and a deep connection to the land. One such place is The Bell in Skenfrith, a former 17th-century coaching inn nestled in the rolling green hills and clear, winding streams of Monmouthshire, in the south-east of Wales.
Long before kitchen gardens became a widespread culinary trend, The Bell was cultivating its own heritage vegetables – vibrant yellow, green and purple tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and an extraordinary variety of beetroots. During a visit almost a decade ago, these radiant vegetables and the craftsmanship behind them sparked the idea to create a unique beetroot extract for what would become our Fireside collection.
The extract is made using three varieties of organic beetroot grown in The Bell’s kitchen garden, bringing natural vitality, nutrients and depth to our warming bath and body formulations.
A Conversation with Sarah Hudson, Owner of The Bell in Skenfrith
How long have you been growing heritage vegetables in the kitchen garden, and what inspired this commitment?
“We’ve been growing vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers in our kitchen garden for nearly 20 years. We’ve always championed locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable food, and the best way to honour that philosophy is to grow as much as we can ourselves. We have the space, the soil, and the passion. There’s nothing better than seeing our Head Chef, Joseph Colman, walking through the garden with his cutting knife and basket. We also work closely with trusted local growers and suppliers.”
What makes the growing conditions in the Monnow Valley so special?
“It’s the richness of the soil here – perfect for producing a wide range of vegetables, fruits and herbs. The air is fresh and clean thanks to very little traffic and pollution. We probably see more rainfall than much of the UK, and our seasons are well defined. All of this creates exceptional conditions for growing.”
What do you love most about beetroot?
“We love how many heritage varieties there are – each with its own beautiful colour and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Red beetroots, which contain the powerful antioxidant betacyanin, are especially beneficial. Beetroot is low in fat, incredibly versatile, and can appear in dishes from starters to desserts. Many athletes even drink it as a health juice. It’s good for you, tastes wonderful, and is always a favourite with our guests.”
From Garden to Fragrance: The Role of Beetroot in Fireside
The bespoke extract used in our Fireside Bath & Body Collection combines organic red, yellow and white beetroots freshly harvested from the Monnow Valley. Naturally rich in nutrients and antioxidants – including red beet’s betacyanin – the extract brings a revitalising quality to the skin.
The fragrance of the Fireside collection is also shaped by the atmosphere of this historic Welsh inn: flickering hearth fires, worn leather armchairs, time-smoothed oak beams, and the quiet comfort of winter warmth.
Fireside is a woody-oriental blend, with notes of cinnamon, cypress oil and vanilla, designed to wrap the senses in a cocoon of heat and spice.
Discover The Fireside Collection | Luxury Bath, Body & Home | Noble Isle, or explore more about the Monnow Valley in Wales here, one of Britain’s most beautiful hidden corners.
