As sure as Autumn follows Summer, cooler weather and rain have finally arrived. A perfect opportunity to pop into the shelter of the shop for a cup of coffee and maybe something sweet. If you haven’t come in for a while you will see a lovely new display unit in the middle of the shop.
New shop unit (made by Colin Tuck)
The unit was made by Colin Tuck, painted by Paula Grant & Chris Davis and largely funded by a grant from Test Valley Borough Council who have also contributed significantly to the purchase of two new freezers and deeper shelving in our stockroom. A big ‘thank you’ to all those involved, in particular to Test Valley Borough Council for their generous grant. On top of the new unit, you will see a small range of luxury home fragrances and body-care products from Summerdown. We are just trialing the products at this stage and will see how well they sell over the next few months. Please do let us know what you think!
Whilst on the subject of new products, over the last few weeks we have been selling some very lovely sourdough and focaccia loaves. They are branded ‘SoulCozy’ and made in the Wallops by a baker (Hannah) who starts at 3am and delivers the fresh loaves to us shortly after we open. Reviews have been very favorable, and the loaves sell out quickly. If you would like to try one, they arrive on Tuesday and Friday mornings and are often gone by lunchtime! Hannah is also happy to take individual orders.
As part of the Test Valley small business initiative, members of the shop committee along with some volunteers visited the ‘Chalkstream Trout Farm’ near Romsey. It was very interesting to discover where the produce we sell comes from. The trout start life in a state-of-the art hatchery and are grown for 2.5 years in the fast-flowing Test and Itchen chalk-stream rivers. To ensure freshness, the trout are harvested to order. Visits like this really help us build relationships with local suppliers and also help us appreciate how much time and passion goes into their products.
Some of the big retailers are suggesting we stock up early for Christmas this year. Do they know something we don’t?! Regardless, we shall again be taking customer orders for collection in the week before Christmas. Sadly, our turkey supplier has retired, however, fruit and veg (Kenyons), pork & other meat (Greenfield), trout and other products can all be ordered in advance. Just ask at the counter.
Lastly, don’t forget that we also stock a good range of cards…very helpful when, yet again, I have forgotten my wedding anniversary or my sisters birthday!
