Ballymena woman launches ‘The Norn Iron Box’

Ballymena’s Laurie Ashenhurst has just launched ‘The Norn Iron Box’ - the business that delivers the taste of Norn Iron straight to your front door no matter where you find yourself in the world!

Laurie Ashenhurst, a former pupil of Cambridge House Grammar School, now lives in Newcastle upon Tyne and is currently studying Law at Northumbria University, but has always missed the great taste of home since she left the green shores of Northern Ireland.

Laurie normally returns home every couple of months, until the recent lockdown travel restrictions meant that she was unable to travel and enjoy her normal fix of ‘home food‘ at her family home in Kells, County Antrim, giving inspiration to a brand new business - ‘The Norn Iron Box’.

Laurie told Love Ballymena: “This is an idea I have thought about for a long time and the lockdown really made me want to do it as I couldn’t get home. I missed my home treats dearly and was always on at my family to send me some over.

“For years I was always going on to my friends in England and my family about missing the local food and taste of home, and then one night during an alcohol fuelled Zoom catch up, we decided to finally do something about it and share the love with my fellow Northern Irish folk and maybe other folk (we don't discriminate at The Norn Iron Box).

Laurie continued: “The business is now up and running and ready to supply to the Norn Irish abroad, and to all those who miss their home comforts as much as I do!”

The Norn Iron Box are offering 3 boxes of goodies that include local favourites such as Tayto, Dale Farm Sukie, Kebab Sauce, Glens of Antrim crisps, Fifteens and many more fabulous local treats, with the aim of trying to focus on using as many local suppliers as possible.

As well as the food boxes, some brilliant Norn Iron merch is available for purchase via the website, such as prints, mugs and candles.

Thinking of the business’ success and the welcome it has received, Laurie said: “We hope to expand our range of boxes in the future so that no Northern Irish will miss out, no matter where they are in the world. We also are hoping to add a monthly subscription package very soon!

“To date we have had great support from local bloggers and Northern Irish public figures such as Rory Best, Nathan Carter, BPerfect Brendan and many more. The support has been unbelievable and I can’t thank everyone enough!”

Check out The Norn Irish Box website and social media for the latest news to place an order for yourself or as a special gift for someone else.

WEBSITE: www.nornironbox.com

FACEBOOK: pgj.cc/8OYuck

INSTAGRAM: pgj.cc/wg61l7