This week, all eyes are on Sunday (November 24th)
This week, all eyes are on Sunday (November 24th) because it’s time for the Wokingham Winter Carnival, a highlight of the local calendar. We’re optimistically hoping Storm Bert decides to swing by Ernie’s place instead of dampening our day, but let’s face it, the British weather loves to keep us guessing.
The carnival itself? Classic. Think tinsel overload, reindeer headgear, and enough festive cheer to power a small village. For us, though, it’s more than just a day out - it’s the start of Christmas trading proper. From here on out, it’s mince pies, fairy lights, and all our wonderful Christmas stock. Bring it on.
It’s also when we shift into a 7-days-a-week opening schedule. That’s right, seven days a week! So, from now we’ll be open every day until Christmas Eve, when we take a break because I’ve finally run out of Christmas spirit—or possibly because I’ve drunk it all in mulled wine form.
We’re all about real products from ethical producers who are as committed to saving the planet as they are to making delicious things. If it’s sustainable, brilliant. And Organic? Even better. Local? We’ll probably hug it. (Not literally, though. That’d be weird!)
Here’s a taste of what you’ll find in our little festive grotto:
UK cheese so good it makes those French imports feel insecure. We’ve got crackers, quince jelly, savoury bites, and even a fruitcake designed specifically to pair with cheese – it’s a Yorkshire thing I think, but it works, so I am totally on board!
Wine, including traditional fizz, reds, whites and rosé from local Stanlake Park - because who needs Bordeaux when you’ve got Berkshire?
Indie beers from the likes of Siren Craft, Elusive Brew, Phantom Brewery, Double-Barrelled, Bond Brews, Dolphin, Renegade and more. They’re small-batch, local, and hipper than your cousin who insists vinyl sounds better - basically, if it’s brewed nearby and makes you go, “Wow, that’s really good,” we’ve got it.
Handmade jams and marmalades—because toast deserves to be turned into an art form.
Pickles, chutneys, sauces, and relishes that will keep your taste buds busy well into the New Year.
Locally made gifts: eco candles, soaps, and bath salts for that tricky “fussy aunt who has everything” present.
Sweet treats: Cakes, crisps, chocolates, nibbles, pastries, basically everything your diet tells you to avoid but your inner self screams, “Go on, it’s Christmas!”
Gluten-free options: Biscuits, crackers, cakes, and even gluten-free mince pies and panettone (everyone deserves a festive sugar rush).
Stocking fillers galore. Small enough to fit in a sock, delightful enough to be the highlight of Christmas morning.
Coming to the Winter Carnival?
Make sure to pop in and say hello! We might even have some mulled wine on the go. And if that doesn’t lure you in, frankly, I’m not sure what will.
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!
So, it sounds like Storm Bert is throwing a tantrum and putting a stop to the Wokingham Winter Carnival. Bit of a downer, really, but I guess safety has to come first. A lot of the town’s businesses will still be open (us included), and let’s face it, the local shops could all do with as much support as you can give – so if you can face braving the weather we would still love to see you – and we have a lot of mulled wine and mince pies to get through!