Before I sat down to write this, I had a quick flick through my previous posts and noticed a bit of a trend; most of my scribblings start with the word “So.”

It’s as if my brain can’t kick off without a conversational warm-up, like the writing equivalent of saying “Um” before answering a question. Well, not this time – I am going to break this tradition – it’s time to break new ground. So, here goes (doh!)….

It’s been a livelier week in town. The rain has finally taken a breather (thank goodness), and people are buzzing around like caffeinated bees - more on that in a moment – but it seems that Christmas prep is in full swing, decorations are up everywhere and I am starting to feel some festive chaos in the air. I guess it must be December…

After the disappointment of the Winter Carnival being cancelled, we were pleased to see the Toy Run go ahead. Standing in the cold watching vehicles pass by isn’t usually high on my to-do list, but the Toy Run is festive magic, and it didn’t disappoint. At one point, I’m pretty sure I saw a fully lit-up Papa Smurf riding a motorbike dressed as Father Christmas. It was a lovely moment.

Speaking of moments, if you’ve read the “Buzzness Times” recently (I’m super-pleased with that one – the second bee pun of the day) you’ll already know that Derek, our local beekeeper has only gone and won the Albert Spraggs Centenary Cup (yes, that’s a real thing – we even have a picture) for best honey in the district. And yes, it’s our honey, the very same stuff we sell in our shop. You’d think honey that’s both best and local would cost an arm and a leg, wouldn’t you? But nope. It’s the cheapest real local honey around. When was the last time you heard “best” and “cheapest” together? Exactly.

But honey’s just the beginning. Everything we sell in the shop is chosen with the same idea: local (if possible), ethical, the kind of stuff that actually tastes of something, and at a decent price too. Yes, you might spend a bit more, but it’s Christmas - If there’s ever a time to splurge on a jar of handmade jam, a box of incredible biscuits, or a bottle (or two) of organic wine, this is it.

Oh, and hampers! We’re still doing those. Pop in, grab some goodies, and we’ll wrap them up for you while you wait. It’s a bit like watching Santa’s elves in action, but with less singing and fewer pointy shoes. I am always happy to sing, but it’s not nice for those around me!

The other big task this week has been taking delivery and sorting out the first of the Christmas cheese. I know, it doesn’t sound like the stuff of festive dreams – but I really enjoy doing this – although there is a limit to how much time can you spend in a fridge when it’s already freezing outside? But trust me, this is serious business, and I have special gloves.

We’ve got an absolutely cracking selection this year- the kind of cheeses that make you say, “I know I’m stuffed, but I’ll just have one more little piece…” And an hour later, you’re sitting in front of an empty cheese board, pretending you have no idea where it all went.

Stay warm 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

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