Category Archives: Gourmet food shop

My Christmas Food and Gift Top 20 for 2015

I felt like a judge on a reality show choosing my top 20 without leaving anyone out. There are so many fabulous producers I have met since doing this blog and you all deserve a space here but I had to set a limit.

So, in no particular order!

  1. Local free-range turkey reared on Etherley farm near Leith Hill Surrey

Available from directly from the Etherley Farm or from Village Greens (Ockley and Dorking) or Kilfeather & Dumbrill (Guildford North Street Market or Bramley). If you buy directly from the farm they will even bone and roll your turkey for you. I have done this many times when oven space is an issue and it’s a great way to roast a large bird. Geese and duck also available.

etherley farm turkey

 

Kilfeather and Dumbrill

Etherleyfarm.co.uk

Village Greens

 

  1. Ethical Coffee by Post

Coffee subscription from ethical coffee importers and roaster – various packages for gorgeous ground or whole coffee beans from single estate coffee growers around the globe. You get different coffee with each delivery, which comes with detailed information about its origins.

 

Green beans ready to be roasted to yield their best flavour profile

www.coffeereal.co.uk

 

  1. Christmas Cake

Sumptuous brandy drenched Christmas Cakes from The Cake House. Emma Fuller is a former food critic turned cake maker who interned at Mich Turners Little Venice Cake Company. Emma combines her busy life food styling for companies such as Lakeland and creating her own gorgeous cakes and baked treats for us to enjoy. Her attention to detail in her baking and designs are stunning. With new designs each year there are three to choose from! Buy from Christmas events or direct from her website.

emmas-xmas-cakes-2015

www.emmascakehouse.co.uk

 

  1. Ildiko’s Chocolate

An artisan chocolate company making all their products by hand in Walton-on-Thames. Chocolate slabs, thins, pralines, caramel sauces and other treats from Hungarian chocolatiers, Ildiko and Tamas. Deliciously different and experimental; expect unusual combinations that tickle the taste buds. You’ll find them at various farmers markets and fairs in Surrey and across the borders but you can also buy online.

To meet them in person check out their events page for markets

Ildiko's chocolate_trio

 

www.ildikoschocolate.co.uk

  1. Wild at Heart Foods

A great company which who produce their products just over the border in Kent. These are sold in good delis and farm shops in Surrey and branches of COOK. Many of their products are perfect for festive eating such as hedgerow mincemeat and sloe gin butter. Fruit cheeses (damson, crab apple or quince) partner cheese for a truly local cheeseboard. Indulging in game? Medlar jelly is a must. At many delis, Cook Stores or order online.

wild at heart

www.wildatheartfoods.co

 

  1. Norbury Blue and Dirty Vicar Cheese

Since blue cheese is a must for Christmas it’s just as well that Surrey’s only cheese makers Michaela and Neil Allum produce a rather good one. Pair this with a fruit cheese from Wild at Heart for the ultimate festive cheeseboard. Buy at good delis and online direct. List of stockists on the website. If you are not a blue cheese fan go for Dirty Vicar a soft white cheese with a full flavour and texture (soft outer and firmer centre). Buy from good independent deli’s and farm shop or online.

From left; Norbury blue maturing, Norbury blue packed for retailers and Dirty Vicar maturing

www.norburyblue.co.uk

  1. Cocoa Bombon

Delicious chocolate handcrafted in Surrey from 100% Belgian chocolate by Hanna. I love her crushed caramel range, which features unusual combinations such as Earl Grey (read shards of subtle flavoured brittle caramel coated in chocolate. Sea salt comes a close second but you’ll also find a range of other formats on her site. At good deli’s and direct from Hanna’s Etsy Shop.

COCOABOMBON

ww.cocoabombon.com

  1. Kokoh Chocolate

A former buyer and product developer for Marks and Sparks Joanna Marshall is famous for her chocolate in Surrey. One of the first producers to use pink Himalayan salt for her small bars and tonka beans in her much loved truffles. A recent launch is hot chocolate with Himalayan salt. Joanna is a regular at many farmers markets including Guildford and Ripley.

 

Mayberry bar, natural flavour oils, salted caramel

Facebook Kokoh-Chocolate

  1. Silent Pool Gin

A fantastic craft gin using 24 botanicals to create its unique flavour profile from local company Silent Pool based on the Duke of Northumberlands Albury Estate. Other products include strawberry and blackberry gin cordial and plum and apricot Eau De Vie a clear brandy, stock of these is limited as it’s a seasonal product. They also make Albury Limited Release gin in 38cl bottles.

From good wine merchants, online or in person at Silent Pool.

silentpoolgintrip

 

www.silentpooldistillers.com

 

  1. Four Gables Food Academy

Buy a gift voucher for someone you love who could do with some kitchen inspiration. A great range of courses on offer from talented and charismatic Chef David Gilliat. Super informative and hands on lessons. Choose from Fusion, Asian, Fish and Spanish more on the website.

www.fourgablesfoodacademy.com

 

  1. Black Barn Butchers

Not only is this a top-notch award winning butcher but they also offer hands on butchery Classes. Based at Secretts they have just moved to a bigger unit. They sell a superb selection of free range meat and poultry including a feature rare breed beef each week.

Join the expert team at Black Barn to learn butchery skills. Jointing lamb and pork or try your hand at sausage making. A perfect gift for someone who loves meat isn’t squeamish and has more than enough socks. Let David and his expert team show you the ropes.

black barn butchers

www.blackbarnbutchers.co.uk

 

  1. Secretts Farm and Farm Shop

Based at Hurst Farm in Godalming enjoy their home grown carrots, cabbage and beetroot. Create wonderful side dishes for your festive dining from a field near you. Picked fresh everyday they are delicious and local. Just pray the ground doesn’t get too frozen but currently harvesting carrots, beet, kale, savoy cabbage, parsnips, cavolo nero, chard, sprouts, celeriac and Jerusalem artichokes. They are currently stocking the shop with fabulous Christmas treats and drinks too.

image-slider-farm_3_8x375

 

www.secretts.co.uk

  1. Butter and Cream Cakes

An artisan bakery in Milford nr Godalming making cupcakes, brownies and celebration cakes that look and taste brilliant. You’ll find them at North Street Market in Guildford on a Friday and Saturday or you can visit their shop. Read my review for full details. If you ever visit Secretts they also run Eliza’s  Tea Room at Secretts serving their lovely cakes and delicious home made food.

Chocolate chilli cup cakes, hand crafted rose buds and assorted cupcakes

 

www.butterandcream.co.uk

 

  1. Silent Pool Gin Experience

A great present for anyone interested in how gin is made particularly as this award winning brand that opened at the beginning of the year. So far they have enjoyed huge success and a large following of local gin lovers. They’ll take your around the distillery and the incredibly knowledgeable staff will tell all! Not only this the gorgeous historic setting adds to the affair makes this a perfect gift for the gin and country lover in your life.

silent-pool-trio-my-top-20-tour-

www.silentpooldistillers.com

  1. The Gourmet Cheesecake Company

If you are not a big fan of Christmas pudding (my kids hate it) then how about investing in a delicious slow baked white chocolate and vanilla cheesecake. Large small or individual cakes are available. The mini cakes are perfect for entertaining and look as good as they taste. Emma will deliver within 3 miles of her home in Woking or you can arrange to collect. Top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of icing sugar for a alternative pud!

emmas cheesecake

www.thegourmetcheesecakecompany.co.uk

  1. The Grange Cookery Book

The Grange Centre in Bookham do fantastic work with adults with learning and physical disabilities. Running workshops in crafting, cooking and gardening to develop residents skills by creating products to sell via their shop ‘Inspirations’ in Dorking. You can go and have a cream tea on a Tuesday afternoon at the centre in their Victorian Conservatory (you must book in advance) at Simply Scones pop up tea room. Just recently they published a cookery book written and developed by the residents with the help of staff. Get into the Christmas Spirit and buy a gift that helps this centre. With simple family favourites and some original creations from Simply Scones such as Rhubarb and Custard Scones it’s a treat to read. Buy online or in person at reception. You can also buy packs of Christmas fudge at reception or their core range from their online shop.

grange trio top 20

Buy the cookbook by following this link

Find out more about Inspirations gift shop here

  1. Pinch of This (Gluten Free Bakery)

Delicious gluten free goodies from Mark who started his company just over a year ago. Choose from his delicious savoury pasties, peanut butter brownies and his legendary macaroons. His gluten free treats have received rave reviews and he is constantly adding new products to his range. Give the gluten free person in your life a sweet treat this Christmas.

 

macarons_pinchofthis

www.pinchofthis.co.uk

 

  1. The Cookie Bar Cookie Subscription Service

A great way to say thanks to companies you work with by supporting this charity.

Set up by the COINS Foundation to support and provide work experience for pupils from the Stepping Stones School The Cookie Bar  gives young people with mild to moderate disabilities a valid safe environment in which to gain proper work experience. It boosts self-esteem, develops skills and helps pupils engage in their local community. Pupils work with team of part time staff and volunteers who guide them through the day-to-day workings of a proper food business. All pupils age 8 and up who are able, come to the café to gain experience.

In order to raise essential funds Cookie Bar runs a cookie subscription service. Companies can buy a one-year package and have fresh cookies delivered each month to a business of their choice. It’s a great way to support this charity, provide useful work for pupils and raise awareness of their work.

cookie bar collage2

 

www.thecookiebar.co.uk

  1. Farretti Bakery

If you are entertaining around Christmas and New Year this bakery makes really good Focaccia and Ciabatta. Ciabatta dough is also made into rolls. This is proper slow fermented bread (12- 24hrs) which, has, a soft crust. Sold with a six day life (slow fermented breads rarely go mouldy) it freezes perfectly and perks up a treat with 5 minutes in a hot oven or toasted. The rolls are perfect for leftover turkey and ham sandwiches or with cheese. Black olive ciabatta has a lovely salty edge for making bruschetta. Available at Secretts and other farm shops in Surrey and Sussex. If you need bread for a party order in advance for pick up at your nearest stockist. Support this lovely craft baker it’s the smallest bake-house I have ever been too and this bread made by a native Italian is really made with love.

faretti-ciabatta

www.farretti.co.uk

 

  1. Little Spice

Sarah Lazell makes lovely spice mixes in Reigate. These unassuming little packs of hers really pack a punch. I have tried the complete range and was very taken by the amount of flavour they add to dishes. Try her whimsically named English Country Garden on pan fried chicken fillets or a Pinch of This on roast potatoes – delicious. One of my favourites surprisingly, is Awesome Pepper; a blend of three different peppers that gives an elevated peppery edge to dishes. Perfect for foodies to pop into Christmas stockings or as table gifts. Read my review here to find out more.

Buy On Line or at Xmas fairs around Surrey.

spice range little spice9x7

www.little-spice.co.uk

Happy Christmas Shopping!

 

new logo and signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carluccio’s Caffè

Wolsey Place Shopping Centre, Woking Shopping, Commercial Way, Woking, Surrey GU21 6XX

Great Italian coffee, delicious menu and gourmet food shopping bang smack in the centre of Woking

The upside: A credible place for stylish eating in the town centre with three gold stars from the Sustainable Restaurant Assocation

The downside: It’s no longer independently owned but still very serious about food!

The flipside: A lovely calm retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre and the big glass doors open up in the summer.

I can remember when Antonio Carluccio’s first restaurant opened in 1998 and have always been a fan. It was the first of a new genre of relaxed modern Italian style eateries that offered lighter meals at a competitive price in smart locations in London. A TV cook, food writer and presenter Carluccio’s cookbooks were inspirational and best sellers.

carluccios food shop_edited-1

His restaurants also feature shops and the carefully chosen products have endured growing competition and remained desirable. Although Carluccio sold in 2010 he is still a consultant for the business working on menus and products. The pull for me here is the innovative tasty authentic Italian menu with food products under one roof that doesn’t break the bank.

drinks_carluccios

When I first moved to Surrey in 2005, Woking was a far cry from what it is today. The council have worked hard with grants and incentives to attract some more dynamic brands into the centre and also worked with independents like Araceli’s Mexican to get the mix right.

I was invited by a PR company for Woking Shopping to review some of the newly opened restaurants and chose Carluccio’s. It was some time since I eaten in one so a good opportunity to revisit. I chose to go for breakfast with my kids, so were able to sample between us a good range of items from the new menu.

The day we went was warm and sunny. So although the location is very much city centre, located on a pedestrian walkway, the bi-folding glass doors were all open giving an al fresco feel. As expected the décor is minimal, modern and clean and the food shop at the entrance with its wonderful bright packaging and colourful products give a sense of what’s in store from the outset.

carluccios cheese

Ordering up drinks first our waitress asked if my daughter and I would like a rich or smooth blend of coffee. This was a nice touch and our smooth coffee (£2.50) was balanced and just the right strength. Best of all the coffee was served really hot (I can’t bear being served luke-warm drinks) and the chocolate coated coffee bean on the side went down a treat. We also ordered juices, an orange and a pear juice, these arrived in large glasses and at £2.50 each, well priced.

A new breakfast menu had just been launched and I went for and open frittata with shaved parmesan and rich truffle (£8.50). Something I have not seen on any other menu hence its appeal. It was freshly made, hot and heady with black truffle and I loved it. My daughter had eggs Benedict (£7.75) a generous filling portion which she gave 10/10 for. My son opted for the Carluccio’s Italian take on the full English. Pancetta here replaces bacon, rustic Italian bread, sausage, eggs and mushrooms finish the plate. This got thumbs up from my teenage son who is keen to repeat this breakfast experience as soon as possible. Meaty sausages, perfectly cooked pancetta and eggs sealed the deal here. This is £7.95 on its own but if you take it with their breakfast deal you get juice and coffee too for £9.95 saving a couple of quid. The mushrooms here are worth a mention as they were brilliantly cooked, hot, tasty and a mix of closed cup and shitake, what a treat. After 11am you can turn breakfast into Brunch and treat yourself to a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa too.

carluccios breakfast trio

When we had finished eating we went for a little smooch around the shop. In addition to packaged products they also sell fresh pastries, cured meats, parmesan and olives. I spotted my favourite dessert wine Vin Santo which is divine served with almond Cantuccini biscuits. It’s great to know they stock this as a couple of years ago you couldn’t seem to buy a bottle for all the tea in China. I did buy some of their gluten free spaghetti (£2.95), the best I have ever tried and some aromatic lemon infused olive oil (250ml/ £8.95). Used as a finishing oil and not for cooking this is wonderful on freshly grilled fish or salads.

interiort carluccios trio

We enjoyed our breakfast here so much we have already been back for dinner! Carluccio’s is a great addition to Woking centre and I hope the current regeneration sees many more additions in the months to come.

www.carluccios.com

01483 762972

I was invited to review this restaurant as a guest of Woking Shopping. Please read my review policy here and information for PR enquiries here.

Village Greens Farm Shops

Award winning ethical farm shops in Ockley and Dorking run by owners Catherine and James Dampier who have stuck hard to their founding principles 

The upside: This is ethical trading at it’s finest with all suppliers fully researched before products are listed 

The downside: Be prepared to pay for quality and integrity but its totally worth it

The flip-side: Both shops are in lovely locations and at Ockley you can enjoy a take-away coffee in their very own bee garden across the road

Full details of both shops are listed below

James and Catherine Dampier gave up successful jobs to start their food business and through hard work and determination have made their mark. In a climate where spurring food retailers are eager to undercut each other and suppliers how did a business set up on ethical principles fare?. Its eight years since the first Village Greens shop opened in Ockley near Dorking. They wowed locals with their well sourced range of preserves, chutneys, local cheeses and meat. Word of mouth, local press, social media and a changing perception of food buying have all played a part and with two shops under their belts and a loyal following this business is thriving. James and Catherine are the first to admit this hasn’t been easy but this creative innovative couple have dug their heels in and stayed the course where others have not.

With their first shop in Ockley they also have an acre of land to grow their own produce and flowers. In the summer months they sell their home own salad leaves, fresh herbs, courgettes, beans, kohl rabi and fruit. What they are not able to supply themselves is sourced locally from within a 30 miles radius of the shop. Currently they have eighteen suppliers who are within ten miles who provide beef, lamb, chicken, sausages, ice cream, wine, chocolates, bread, milk, cream, cheese, cakes and more. Providing a fair deal to their suppliers is part of their winning ethos as is employing local people to help in the shops. This also extends to using local materials and tradespeople proving that with a little extra thought and care this is an achievable aim.

At Denbies they also grow vegetables and flowers in the walled garden on the site loaned to them by the owners for this purpose. This means that in season the produce for both shops has travelled metres to be sold. In addition to the farm shop they also sell garden plants including herbs. This shop also has a deli counter where cheese and charcuterie can be cut to order rather than just pre-packed items.

It’s the food here of course that creates the winning element for me and I just wished I lived a little closer to be a more regular shopper. Those lucky enough to do so can take part in the vegetable box scheme too. These are prepared every Friday for pick up at either of the two shops are for delivery providing you live between Ockley and Dorking. Both shops boast a eclectic stock of cooking ingredients, fresh free range poultry from Etherley farm, sausages from Bangers Galore. Luxury chocolate comes from a selection of local producers such as Cocoa Bonbon and Kokoh, artisan bread from Chalk Hills and Capel Bakery.

 

 

Village Greens hosts a  meet the producers days at their food fairs held every year and samples are a regular feature! last time I was lucky enough to sample Silent Pool Gin which is fabulous (and coming from a non gin drinker this is epic) and perfect lemon drizzle cake from Chalk Hills Bakery. On each visit you’ll find new stock, nibbles and a friendly knowledgable welcome. This venue gets a highly recommended from me!

Village Greens Farm Shops are located at:

Coles Lane
Ockley
Dorking, RH5 5LS
01306 713474

Denbies Wine Estate
London Road
Dorking, RH5 6AA
013606 880720

www.vgfarmshop.com

Emmas Cake House

A highly skilled baker and cake decorator whose products are unbeatable for taste and appearance

Main event: Gorgeous celebration cakes, which look too good to eatemma6x9

Is it worth the calories? There is cake and then there is Emma’s cake

Tips: Order in advance for special celebrations; these cakes take time to create

After graduating in Hotel Management in 1993 Emma Fuller completed a graduate programme at Harrods, which included merchandising and restaurant management. Next, as a wine merchandiser for Marks and Spencer, Emma gained an experience mix that gave her an enviable foodie CV. Proven in her next move when she became a restaurant and hotel inspector for the AA, leaving eventually to start a family. But bubbling under all this high-powered work Emma had been nurturing a love of baking. Cake making didn’t emerge as a possible career path until later.

Moving out of London and with young children at home Emma’s baking interests were allowed to flourish. First she decided to develop her decoration skill set and spent three years attending evening classes in Horsham. Not content with those skills she gained a coveted place on the intern programme with Mich Turner MBE, a celebrated cake maker and owner of the Little Venice Cake Company.

emma cake trio

Since completing her internship Emma’s cake business, ‘Emmas Cake House’ has flourished. Working hard to establish her customer base she has wowed us with her stunning cakes. I first met this star baker at a networking event and it was love-at-first-bite with her signature salted caramel cake. There are not many cakes I would break the ‘no carbs’ rule for but these are an exception and I don’t think anyone else gets the salt sweet combination as precise. Emmas Cake House stands apart as this business is built on making wonderful cakes presented in a modern and stylish format that floats high above the competition. Without a retail outlet Emma attends food fairs, craft and Christmas events to showcase her products which you can also buy online from her website.

On our journey around Surrey we see a lot of cake stalls selling predominantly cup cakes many of which look great but are pretty average to eat. Serious cake eaters are Emma’s target market and she knows how to keep the orders rolling in. Whilst we chatted about her baking career Emma cut me a slice of her carrot cake. It almost seemed a criminal act to take a knife through the vanilla seed speckled icing, spiked with lemon curd to add a citrus kick. The cake itself is dense but not heavy, moist and cuts faultlessly. The fruit is soaked for 24 hours in brandy before preparation. After cooling, the baked sponge is liberally doused in syrup adding a luxurious mouthfeel. Finished with icing, this is a cake to celebrate with.

emma cake triojpg

Christmas for Emma’s Cake House is a core element of her business. Emma designs three new-look Christmas cakes each year which she sells by attending events and through her website. In addition to cakes you’ll find jars of gingerbread stars, gingerbread houses and jar cakes. All of Emma’s recipes are executed with precision and attention to detail. This is so that she gets the most out of the quality ingredients, for example using brandy soaked fruit, muscovado sugar, fresh spices, nuts and free-range eggs whilst using only small amounts of flour gives the cake a rich moistness and luxury that hard to achieve on a tight budget. Not surprisingly the retail prices of her cakes reflects her investment in ingredients with Christmas cakes starting at £29.95 each. Having seen first hand the effort and care that goes into the baking here the phrase ‘worth every penny’ springs to mind.

It’s not just baking that keeps Emma busy, more recently, helped by the time spent with Mich Turner, Emma demonstrates at cake and bake shows and does tutorial videos and even boasts Lakeland among her clients. Emma is also in demand for food styling for photo shoots.

Her cakes are so revered in the Surrey food community that they have just been featured at the Houses of Parliament. This event, which was organised by Local Food Britain  showcased some of our county’s top food producers to Government.

The accolade to Emma and her cakes doesn’t really get much higher than this.

 

The Cake House on Facebook emma _carrot_cake

www.emmascakehouse.co.uk

Text and images Shirlee
Text and images Shirlee

 

 

Secretts Farm Shop

secretts derek cheese_6x9Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford, GU8 5HU

Upside: Fabulous seasonal produce complimented by a staggering array of culinary ingredients, top notch meat and the best stocked cheese counter for miles

Downside: There is only one Secretts in Surrey but even if it’s a hike its worth a visit!

Flipside: The farm shop is also home to Black Barn Butchers, Eliza’s Tea Room and an ethical clothing and accessory shop Jo’s unLTD.

Today Secretts in run by father and son team Charles and Greg Secrett but they partly owe their success to their fascinating heritage.  The story starts with Charles’s grandfather who chose horticulture from the range of options open to a young man in the early 1900’s. Starting his first growing venture in 1908 he was, by the time he died a legendary figure known for his innovative growing techniques, irrigation inventions and mobile glasshouses. In addition he was passionate about training and education and responsible for igniting a passion for horticulture to those he came into contact with. His great grandson Greg has carried on his tradition for growing and as well as supplying Secretts famous salad leaves to virtually every restaurant in the South East of England he also grows a huge range of speciality vegetables for many top London restaurants. On direct dial to many of London’s most feted chefs (I wouldn’t say no to his contacts list) his veg portfolio has true street credibility. The 100 acre farm whilst having a thriving wholesale business also grows for their own farm shop so while supply is seasonal; its food metres not miles here.

secretts_greg_kale

Entry into the EU in the 1970’s, industrial farming methods and supermarket buying methods all impacted on their original business model. The farm shop opened in 1979 as the family had to diversify their business. In the few years following they added a pick your own service where raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, peas, beans and other English garden classics are available throughout the summer. Recent innovations include poly-tunnels with table top strawberries making them disabled friendly and wheelchair accessible, plus able bodied folk also find this more back friendly too.

secretts cheese of the month 6x9Entering the farm shop you are hit by the cheese counter a visual eye candy moment and a taste of what’s to come when you pass into the inner sanctum of food excellence. With over 200 varieties of cheese it’s beautifully managed by knowledgeable staff – ask for a sample or take advantage of featured cheeses. Membrillo, cheese honey and other complimentary treats top the counter and head on you’ll see the cheese biscuit selection. Thick Stockarns oatcakes, my favourites Peter’s Yard, Millers Charcoal damsels and other cheeseboard must haves are represented here.  To arrive at the deli section you are taken teasingly past the stunning array of biscuits and chocolate products from independents, artisans and bigger brands. Himalayan pink salt, chilli and lime the variety is endless. Past the cake decoration stand where I discovered Uncle Roy’s Commestible Concoctions for the first time (edible flower petals, crystallised rose and violets, marigold and cornflower)

secretts Uncle Roys

my cakes have never been better dressed. The large deli counter is heaving with pies, unusual scotch eggs (I spied onion bhaji last visit) quiches made on site plus free-range ham or salamis. Hillyers of Farncombe supply traditional bread and artisan sour doughs come from The Hungry Guest in Chichester and Farretti in Lodsworth.  Cakes are from Crosbies and Farmhouse Cookery, gluten free options from Mrs Crimbles (plus a free-from section with pasta and other staples).

secretts cheese9x6

 

The back wall is home to sauces, mustards, pesto’s and pickles while further on olives, oils, vinegars can be found. Cous-cous, basmati & Thai rice plus top quality pasta is next while a central island is home to help yourself olives, chillies and other pickled treats. Vintage food tins, designer napkins, cards and other and other gift shop items are also for sale.

Different from other farm shops, Secretts has a huge selection of meat, jams, preserves, herbs, spices, baked goods, and frozen food. There is a help-yourself ethos so you can buy herbs and spices by the gram, frozen berries by the kilo, or even frozen croissants.  A great selection of pre-packed spices from the Seasoned Pioneer, superb Lebanese pomegranate molasses and lots more gourmet ingredients for those dabbling in secretts turnocks6x9world cuisine can be picked up here.

Dotted around the shop are also foodie items that will get the memories flooding back! Tunnock’s retro packs of caramel chocolate treats and oddballs like Fry’s chocolate cream.

Arriving at the final section of the shop holds fresh meat from Black Barn (who also have a retail outlet just outside the farm shop) and the fresh produce section. Fresh ginger, garlic (smoked and regular), lemon grass just hint at the exotics. Grown metres from the shop the salad leaf selection and season permitting golden and red beetroot and carrots, cabbage, salsify, kale, leeks, & parsnips. Dotted in-between are bought in items that supplement own grown. It’s a heady display of local and imported produce.

secretts veg collage

This is more than just a farm shop it’s a family run business with a soulful history. Charles and Greg Secrett have adjusted to the challenges of our political food system and kept the business thriving. The tea room Eliza’s recently taken over by Butter and Cream cakes is brighter with a tasty contemporary menu, the award-winning butcher on site sells rare breeds and free range meats. Even the boutique prides itself on sourcing fair trade jewellery and other items to its stock.

butchers and cheese

Although this review is really about the farm shop this venue has so much more to offer;  and if like me you want to support independents, you’ll find that’s what on offer here is hard to beat.

Tel 01483 520500

www.secretts.co.uk

 

Croissants chalk hills

Chalk Hills Bakery Shop and Cafe

 75 Bell Street, Reigate, RH2 7ANChris & Rosie owners of Chalk Hills Bakery

A bakery and café delivering artisan bread and pastry magic to the lucky folk of Reigate.

Go there for: Handmade artisan bread, gorgeous pastries, tarts, and a bacon sandwich to shout about.

Avoid: Trying to resist anything in this café; it’s futile.

Is it worth the calories?: I should say so: this is the ultimate good food experience!

Tips: The sandwiches on the menu are fantastic but if you want a bespoke combination just ask.

Walking into Chalk Hill Bakery on a rainy autumn day to the smell of toasting bread and aromatic coffee is a truly uplifting experience.Chalk Hills Bakery shop front

Chris and Rosie Robinson sold their gastro pub, The Stephen Langton in Abinger Hammer, to start a proper artisan bakery. Coincidentally, Priory Farm had a kitchen to rent in the old tractor shed and in November 2010 the first loaves were sold in the Priory Farm shop.

Chris and his team make sour-dough bread by hand the old-fashioned way and let it rise naturally over a 2-day period to develop flavour and texture ­- don’t think of muttering Chorley Wood, dough improvers or high-speed mixing here. Sourcing fine ingredients such as Shipton Mill organic flour gives added provenance to their products. The long fermentation process means the bread stays fresh for longer and is easier to digest.

Chalk Hills Bakery produce 17 different loaves, including fig and walnut sour dough (£3.65), large rye (£2.75), and other classics such as ciabatta (£2.50) and focaccia with a selection of toppings (£3.95). They also make a Surrey bloomer (£1.75) and Italian sticks (£2.10). Even the yeasted breads have a flavour boost of sour dough starter and are slowly proved in a refrigerator. The full range of products is on sale at Priory Farm and at Chalk Hills Bakery every day. They sell wholesale to a handful of local businesses.

Artisan bread selection at Chalk HIlls

Chalk Hills Bakery has definitely got the X factor (but with classier music). It’s modern yet rustic, charming and friendly, and has a simple but innovative menu. They cleverly match their bread to the sandwich fillings so you get the best texture and flavour combination. In addition they make croissants, scones, sausage rolls (with free-range sausage meat from Bowles farm in Ewhurst). Ham and beef for their sandwiches are cooked in the bakery; meat comes from Robert and Edwards of Reigate. In fact everything on the menu is made at the bakery, even the soup.

The bread menu, sweet tarts and bacon sandwich on white bloomer

I tucked into their classic bacon sandwich made from Gloucester Old Spot free-range bacon on toasted Surrey Bloomer (£3.95). What a triumph! Crisp, salty bacon, sweet herb jelly and perfectly toasted bread. The Sage Jelly from local producer PickleCake Parma ham and mozzarella with sage jelly (produced locally by Picklecake) also caught my eye – next time! I rounded this off with a pot of Barry’s Irish tea. I’ve never heard of it but apparently if you are from Southern Ireland it’s the only tea to drink and Chris (who’s from Dublin) won’t sell anything else. Coffee comes from Union, a craft roaster in East London, and soft drinks from Luscombe organics in Devon.

Business has been booming ever since the bakery opened and they plan to open another shop. Just make a wish that it’s on your doorstep: I have.

www.chalkhillsbakery.com

01737669116