I arrived in Wokingham in 2000, fresh-faced and ready to change the world - I’d landed a job at a company that built its knowledge on science for spacecraft and was now pushing the boundaries of dense wavelength division multiplexing. I quickly discovered the joys of “avocado toast” for my breakfast at work, cocktails during business meetings, and just how eccentric boffins can be.

A few months in, and the dotcom bubble (overinflated with hot air and enthusiasm) went pop, along with my new job and the incredible stock options I had. The owners of the business sprinted to the exit like Maurice Greene (I bet a  few of you will have to Google that one), as they sped off to the bank in their brand-new matching Ferraris!

I could have moved back to Essex - my old boss had even dangled a glimmering carrot in the murky swamp of career setbacks.

But here’s the thing: I lived in Wokingham. A town which, back then, had fewer Traffic Wardens than Coffee Shops.

The town had grown on me in a lovely, unassuming way. I’d already imagined raising the kids here, with the great schools, low crime rate and lovely independent shops. So, I decided to stay and see what life here had in store.

Now, Wokingham at the turn of the millennium isn’t the same Wokingham as today; a lot of the shops from back then have faded into the mists of retail history, Blockbuster and Woolworths to name a couple, but the town still has tons of character and loads to offer.

So, this week, instead of chatting on about my own shop, I thought I’d spread the love a bit. The independent shops here are absolutely fantastic - You might not find anyone offering a deal on dense wavelength division multiplexing, but you will find that special something that reminds you why Wokingham is much more than just a stop on the way to somewhere else. Let me give you a little tour of my favourites:

Toto – This is the real Italian deal. Luciano cooks the best Italian street food, one homemade pizza slice at a time. His arancini and pasta are so good you may feel the need to question every other Italian restaurant you’ve ever been to.

Stichery Do - All those little stuffed pumpkins and things in our window? Not my doing, mate. All carefully made by my wife, after her visits to this gorgeous little shop. They have every knitting needle, button, and all the stuffing you could ever need. If you've ever wanted to build a life around your love for fabric, this is the place.

Characters – Perfect for a panini and a coffee (and now a beer too). It’s the kind of place where, if you stay long enough, you’ll inevitably meet everyone in town and probably hear all their gossip too.

Giftology / Maison Rustique – Another one that my wife adores. It's packed with unusual gifts, rustic furniture, and unique home goods that are super stylish.

Salty Olive – Practice your ‘Gracias’ in the mirror before you go. Spanish pinchos that are perfect if you’re indecisive, or you simply like good food - just point at what you fancy and enjoy. And live music too, sometimes.

Wokingham Décor – If you need advice on DIY, these folks have it all, plus shelves of things you didn’t even know you needed. A ‘do-ers’ paradise and a significant other’s nightmare: “You bought how many brushes?”

Bombay Story – Excellent Indian food with a vibe to match. Last time I ate there, I came home and started planning a trip to India.

The Wild Card – A bright and friendly shop stuffed full of balloons, greeting cards, and party paraphernalia. Oh, the staff are bright and friendly too!

Joy Café – The perfect pit stop for anyone who needs a bit of speciality caffeine, a milkshake, or - if you’re feeling fancy - a French crepe. I always feel quite superior when I order a double macchiato with extra foam.

R Young Art – If you’re after some local artwork that won’t bankrupt you, this is the place. Original pieces, paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures that look great.

Maya’s Refillables – Zero waste heaven. You can pop in to refill your bottles with eco-friendly products and feel a little better about your carbon footprint. Maya’s here to save the world one – we should probably help her!

And don’t forget the market! Special shout-outs to Dave and Tim with their Koson Thai Food (Koson special fried chicken is my go-to); Darren, with a great selection of fresh flowers; Lindsey from Peace and Fire, who’ll sell you a candle that’ll make your house smell so good you’ll forget you have a dog, and Tunjal with his breakfast van – he has the best hangover cures around.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few, so apologies to anyone I’ve left out. But honestly, come down and see for yourself - Wokingham’s got everything you need, plus a few things you probably didn’t know you wanted until now.

But how to find these hidden gems, I hear you cry!

The answer is wonderfully low-tech and delightfully simple: The Map of Wokingham Independent Businesses.

And here’s the best part—it’s completely FREE. Yes, no charge! And it’s also free of apps, no pop-ups, no “Do you accept all cookies?” Just an honest-to-goodness paper map, available in shops all around town. Pick one up, unfold it (no Wi-Fi required), and off you go.

I mentioned before that I decided to hang around Wokingham and see what life had in store. Well, spoiler alert—it’s been good! Turns out, I love this place. Great pubs, friendly people, and a great town centre. And what’s in store now? Loads of Christmas goodies, and me (sorry if that’s the worst pun ever!)

Have a great week!

Cheers!

Phil

Phil’s Good Food in Wokingham, 2-4 Broad Street, offers a range of high-quality, ethically sourced products, from local honey to world-class cheeses, indie beers, wines, chocolates and much more. Our beautifully curated hampers make the perfect gift, or you can handpick your favourites, and we’ll create a bespoke hamper just for you!