Exactly five years ago, we were all just starting lockdown. Wow, that feels like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?

I decided baking was a great thing to do (along with half the population) and got quite good at baking fresh bread at a time when Banana Bread became the unofficial currency of the UK. Our lives were dictated by the availability of toilet paper, flour, and those early evening addresses from Boris - who, we now know, was actually just clearing his schedule to meet up with his mates for a few drinks.

Of course, there was a very serious side to Covid, and I took a little time this week to reflect and remember those who are no longer with us. It feels like there should be some kind of official thing - I’m not sure what, but something meaningful. (I have since been advised that last Sunday was a Day of Reflection across the UK for the COVID-19 pandemic with events arranged locally - I don’t know how well broadcast this was because I missed it completely!) 

But here we are, five years later - hopefully a little wiser, definitely a little plumper (thanks a lot to the banana bread) and we are still debating one of life’s greatest questions: what goes best with the cheese that Phil sells?

The Art of Pairing: Cheese Edition

Last week, I waxed lyrical about pairing wine with food, which got me thinking - cheese needs love too! And, being something of a cheese whisperer, I often get asked what pairs well with what. So, here’s a handy little guide, so you can treat yourself on a quiet Tuesday night when you've given up on cooking.

Village Maid Waterloo & Honey – This pairing is divine; soft, creamy, buttery cheese meets the delicate sweetness of honey. And all very local too - it’s like they were destined to be together.

Scottish Gouda & Cheese Lover’s Apple Chutney – Yes, Scottish Gouda is a thing. It’s from the Highlands, and when paired with apple chutney, it’s the kind of combination that makes you wonder why you haven’t discovered this before.

Barkham Blue & Gooseberry Fruit Cheese (Jelly) – Blue cheese can be divisive, like Marmite or clapping when the plane lands – but Barkham Blue is one of the best – isn’t overpowering and, trust me, pair it with gooseberry jelly, and even the most sceptical will be won over.

Snowdonia Black Bomber & Caramelised Onion Marmalade – This is a rockstar-level combination like Lennon and McCartney - if only you knew how chuffed I am with that line (Rockstar is the name of the cave-aged version of Black Bomber– hmmm, I guess it would have been better if I didn’t have to explain it though) Anyway, both of these cheeses are creamy, full-flavored cheddars that perfectly match the sweet tang of caramelised onions? Cue the standing ovation.

Village Maid Wigmore & Indian Mango Chutney – One of the best cheeses in the world (that’s official – Super Gold at the World Cheese Awards) and this pairing might surprise you, but believe me, it works. Like pineapple on pizza (I put pineapple in my curries too) - some pairings just defy logic but taste incredible.

Snowdonia Vintage Red Leicester & Quince Fruit Cheese (Jelly) – A rich, nutty cheese coupled with the slightly tart and floral notes of quince jelly. It’s like they were made for each other. Romeo & Juliet, but with a nice ending.

Technology Update: Shockingly, Nothing Broke This Week

Because of my tremendous technical prowess, the website is still up and running. No mysterious crashes, no panicked phone calls to tech support, no existential crises in the form of 404 errors. Feel free to check it out, especially for that delicious hamper for Mother's Day.

Saturday Taster Alert: We’re Back to Cheese!

If reading all of the above has made you a little peckish (you’re welcome), then good news - our Saturday taster is all about cheese. There will be a couple for you to try, plus a special offer on Vintage Red Leicester. But be warned: once it’s gone, it’s gone. Like my willpower when cheese is involved.

Drumroll Please... It’s Time for Another Instalment of “Why Shopping Locally is Not Just a Good Thing, but a Necessary Thing”

Yes, it’s still going. Yes, I’m still on a mission to convert everyone who has ever shopped online. And here it is: 

Reason Number 8: Bespoke Local Produce

You might think shopping local means fewer options, but in reality, you often get more. Small shops stock hidden gems - things the supermarkets don’t bother with. Unique, locally sourced, full of character, and impossible to find elsewhere. Shopping local isn’t just about community spirit - it’s about getting your hands on some seriously good stuff.

And Finally…

Sunshine! Has been spotted in Wokingham, and is no longer considered a myth. Here’s hoping it sticks around for more than 24 hours, and we get to see more of you in town supporting your local shops.

See you next week for more shop shenanigans!

Take care and 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!
We don’t deal in mass-produced plastic nonsense!
www.philsgoodfood.co.uk
#shoplocal