Tempting Events in Ross-on-Wye

🌟 The Journey of Tempting: From Milkshakes to Hot Chocolates and Beyond

Tempting is a Ross-on-Wye based drinks business founded in 2025 by Charlie Bowden. What began as Charlie’s Shakes — a small stall serving fun milkshakes — has grown into a brand known for indulgent hot chocolates, adventurous coffees, and community connection. From local markets to large-scale events, Tempting is all about creating memorable experiences through drinks that delight and stories that inspire.

🍓 The Spark

Tempting began in May 2025 with a simple idea: to bring a milkshake store to Ross-on-Wye. Inspired by ShakeAway in Bristol, I couldn’t stop thinking about creating something similar in my hometown. Within days, I was sketching names and logos, eventually settling on Charlie’s Shakes.

The following week, my kitchen became a laboratory as I trialed countless recipes. In the end, we launched with a small but mighty menu: Strawberry, Nutella, and Cadbury Flake milkshakes.

🏗️ Laying the Foundations

Starting a food business meant more than just great flavours. I registered with the local council, completed my Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene certificate, and invested in the essentials — mixers, cups, straws, and everything needed to serve customers properly.

By June 14th, we were ready for our very first event: a charity tennis tournament in Ross-on-Wye. With just a small table setup, we served milkshakes to kids and adults alike. It was humble, but it was a start — and the lessons we learned that day shaped everything that followed.

🎪 Markets and Community

In July, I reached out to Ross Town Council and was welcomed into the local market scene. Our first market on August 7th was slow, but invaluable. Then came the Ross Summer Buzz — a bustling community event where milkshakes flew off the table. The atmosphere was electric, and for the first time, I felt Tempting’s potential to be more than just a stall.

From then on, we attended Thursday markets regularly, building connections and confidence.

🌍 A Jungle Trek and a New Direction

September brought a pause as my dad and I trekked through the Sumatran jungle to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. That trip changed me. When I returned, I realized milkshakes wouldn’t survive the cold months — it was time to expand.

Weeks of experimentation followed as I worked to perfect a hot chocolate recipe. My first attempt, a solid pre-made version, proved impractical. So I pivoted, transforming my kitchen into a laboratory until I finally cracked a powdered recipe that was safe, delicious, and market-ready.

🔥 Big Breaks

By October, “Charlie’s Shakes” no longer fit. We rebranded temporarily as Hot Chocolate Heaven and joined Saturday markets throughout autumn. Then came the breakthrough: Hereford Council invited me to be the sole hot drinks trader at their Fireworks Display.

With 5,000 people expected, it was the biggest event I’d ever faced. I spent an entire day preparing powder for the hot chocolates, and on November 1st, we served more drinks in a single day than ever before. It was exhilarating — proof that Tempting could thrive at scale.

☕ Expanding Horizons

Since then, Tempting has grown beyond hot chocolate. Inspired by my time in Sumatra, I introduced Indonesian-style Sanger coffee — a drink I never expected to love, but one that instantly became a customer favorite.

Week after week, I’ve continued serving at the Ross Town Market, connecting with the community and refining the Tempting experience. Now, I’m taking a short break before returning for the Ross Christmas Market on December 20th — and I can’t wait to see you all there.

✨ Looking Ahead

From a single table at a tennis club to serving thousands at major events, Tempting’s journey has been one of experimentation, resilience, and community. What started as Charlie’s Shakes is now evolving into something bigger: a brand built on indulgence, creativity, and connection.

The story is still being written — and every market, every recipe, and every customer brings us closer to what Tempting is destined to become.