SB meets… Sally Chilton, RamTang
As the saying goes, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade – but 72-year-old entrepreneur Sally Chilton decided to take a different approach and created limoncello brand RamTang instead.
We sat down with the British founder, otherwise known as Mumma Cello, to find out how she went from experimenting in her south London kitchen to creating RamTang – a cello brand that is seeking to reinvent the category.
You’ve taken a distinctly British approach to what is traditionally an Italian product. What has the response been from traditional limoncello drinkers?
The response has been very positive and it has certainly sparked some lively conversations. Limoncello drinkers have found our drink to have a tangier profile and have found it refreshing and unexpected, especially with the Lime flavour. This profile makes it a very versatile bottle in any drinks fridge.
How has producing RamTang in the UK influenced the brand’s flavour, sourcing, and overall ethos?
Producing in the UK is central to what RamTang is all about. We source quality British spirit and blend it with the best ingredients on offer in Europe. All our packaging and boxes are made in the UK. Our ethos is very much about being local, sustainable, and proudly independent.
What inspired the name RamTang, and how does it reflect your vision for the product?
RamTang is a mashup – a bold, zesty word that sticks in your mind just like our drinks do. ‘Ram’ brings strength and energy, and ‘Tang’ speaks to the citrus kick and creativity of our serves. I wanted a name that was fun, memorable, a little irreverent, and nothing like the overly saccharine branding you often find in liqueurs. RamTang is cheeky, confident, and unapologetically different – just like the people who drink it.
You’ve made a clear statement against the ‘dusty perception’ of limoncello. How are you working to modernise its image?
We’re reimagining limoncello as something to enjoy socially, not just sip after a heavy meal. Our serves – like the RamTang Spritz or our adult lemonade and slushies – are bright, sessionable, and perfect for festivals, pop-ups, and casual drinks with friends. It’s all about bringing energy, style, and a bit of British quirkiness to a category that needed a shake-up.
Have you collaborated with mixologists or bars to push RamTang as a modern ingredient?
Yes, and it’s been one of the most rewarding and difficult parts of the journey. It’s always a pleasure to see bartenders become inspired and experiment, influencers too – Rohan Puri has been particularly joyful to work and collaborate with. We’re currently in talks with a few independent bars for a summer menu placement and are always open to conversations with those looking to offer something unique this summer.
At 72, running a bold brand is no small feat. What drives you to keep creating and innovating at this stage in life?
Curiosity and stepping outside my comfort zone. I’ve always been someone who enjoys learning and trying new things. RamTang has given me the chance to pour that energy into something I’m passionate about, which is taste and flavour. I think there’s a wonderful freedom that comes with age and I’m doing it because it brings me joy. I genuinely believe in the product and that is what keeps me going.
What advice would you give to other older entrepreneurs – especially women – who might feel overlooked in the startup space?
Don’t wait for permission. The world isn’t necessarily looking for us, so we have to show up and claim our space. Your life experience is a huge asset. You’ve already navigated change, setbacks, and reinvention. Use that! And find your tribe – whether it’s younger collaborators, supportive friends, or fellow founders. Being underestimated can be your secret weapon.
What’s next for RamTang? Are you looking at retail expansion, international export, or new product development?
All of the above, eventually! Right now, we’re focused on growing our local presence at events and through select hospitality partners. We’re exploring canning our recipes for retail and testing a couple of new citrus-forward flavours for next year. But we want to grow with integrity, not just scale for the sake of it.
For more information, visit www.ramtang.com
Last year, we explored how the cello category has the potential to make the big time.
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