At DukesHill, we’re passionate about celebrating the stories behind the exceptional food we offer. This month, we’re delighted to introduce Yorkshire Speciality Foods Ltd, the team behind our incredible smoked salmon range. We caught up with the founder to learn more about the heritage, craftsmanship, and philosophy that go into producing what we believe is some of the finest smoked salmon in the country.

How did Yorkshire Speciality Foods begin, and what inspired you to start producing smoked salmon?

"Yorkshire Speciality Foods is more than just a business- it’s a continuation of a legacy that dates back to the Hardisty family in the 1400s, when smoked products were a staple of the local community. After 25 years in the hospitality industry as a chef, I launched Old Hardisty in 2022 with a clear mission: to bring passion and integrity back to smoked salmon. I’d grown disillusioned with the mass-produced, commodity-grade salmon flooding the market. I wanted to create something truly artisan- a smoked salmon that celebrates the quality of Scottish fish and delivers a genuinely delightful experience."

What sets your salmon apart in terms of quality, flavour, or process?

"Our smoked salmon is defined by its depth of flavour and uncompromising quality. We use only oak chips- no blends, no shortcuts- to impart a robust, smoky character that complements the natural oils and richness of the fish. Each fillet is dry-salted slowly for up to 12 hours, then cold-smoked for another 12. Every batch is carefully monitored by our expert smokesmen to ensure consistency and perfection. It’s this attention to detail that sets our salmon apart - it’s not just smoked, it’s crafted."

Can you walk us through your traditional smoking methods or unique techniques?

"We’ve built our smoking process around tradition and expertise. I brought in a team of seasoned smokesmen with over 60 years of combined experience to help shape our methods. Using custom smoking kilns, we apply a slow and deliberate technique- dry curing followed by cold smoking over oak - to draw out the salmon’s natural character. It’s a hands-on process, and every fillet is treated with care. That’s the artisan difference."

Where do you source your fish from, and how important is responsible sourcing to your business?

"We source all our salmon from carefully selected farms across Scotland, where quality and welfare are paramount. Responsible sourcing isn’t just important to us- it’s essential. We work only with farms that uphold the highest standards, ensuring that every fish we use has been raised with care and respect. It’s about sustainability, traceability, and doing right by the environment and our customers."

What does 'artisan production' mean to you in the context of your work?

"Artisan production, to me, means craftsmanship, care, and authenticity. It’s about rejecting mass production in favour of small-batch excellence. Every step of our process- from sourcing to smoking -is done with intention. We’re not chasing volume; we’re chasing flavour, texture, and a product that speaks for itself. It’s food made with heart."

What’s your best-selling product, and what makes it so popular?

"Our traditionally smoked salmon is by far our best-seller - and for good reason. It’s the purest expression of what we do: clean, bold, and beautifully balanced. Customers consistently tell us it’s unlike anything else on the market. It’s a product that proves artisan methods and premium ingredients make all the difference."

Have you received any awards or recognition for your products?

"We’re proud to have received multiple awards across our range, including several Great Taste Awards and numerous accolades from Deliciously Yorkshire. These honours mean a great deal, but the real reward is knowing our products are appreciated by those who value quality and tradition."

What are some of the biggest challenges or proudest moments you’ve experienced in building your business?

"One of the biggest challenges we face is the volatility of salmon prices- it’s a constant balancing act to maintain quality and affordability for our customers. But our proudest moment? Being chosen by DukesHill as their dedicated smoked salmon supplier. As a long-established, Royal Warrant-holding company, their trust in us is a true feather in our cap. It’s a testament to the quality and consistency we strive for every day."

For someone trying your smoked salmon for the first time via DukesHill- which product would you recommend, and why?

"If you’ve never tried our salmon before, start with our traditionally smoked salmon. It’s the cleanest, most authentic representation of our craft - rich, smoky, and utterly satisfying. But if you’re feeling adventurous, our Swedish-style gravadlax, Manuka Honey Cured Salmon and Japanese-inspired yakitori-cured salmon are absolute taste sensations. They showcase our creativity while staying true to our artisan roots."

Yorkshire Speciality Foods Ltd (under the Old Hardisty brand) represents everything we value at DukesHill - tradition, quality, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional food. We’re proud to partner with them and even prouder to bring their outstanding products to your table.