Hello again! I hope you’re all adjusting to the New Year, are back at work with refreshed vigour, that you are keeping warm and well, and trying not to let your resolutions crumble like stale mince pies.

January’s always a bit sluggish in the shop. I guess everyone’s using up every last crumb of their Christmas stash of treats, which, let’s face it, they probably overbought anyway because, well, it’s Christmas. So, a massive thank you to the hardy souls still popping by to keep us going. You’re the true superheroes of this quiet month. I think I can speak for all the local independent traders when I say, we appreciate all of you, and we desperately need your support while we wait for the sun to make its much-anticipated return, which, given the British weather, will probably happen around March or April.

Now, mid-January rolls around, and you know what that means - people have had enough of their self-imposed Dry January challenge, and suddenly Blue Monday (the third Monday in January, apparently the "saddest" day of the year) rears its head. But guess what! It's all a lie- it was named the most depressing day of the year as part of a marketing campaign about 20 years ago -  a ruse to get folk to book their holidays. Don’t believe the hype – but do book a holiday – I’m sure you deserve it!

Instead of crying into your kale smoothie about how you didn’t finish your New Year’s resolutions (no judgment here, honestly), why not embrace your so-called ‘failure’ and do something sensible – like celebrate with a nice, cold pint of local beer, or a glass of ethically sourced wine? Seriously, we’ve got the goods. Lovely drinks from small, sustainable, and ethical wineries and breweries, so much better than you’ll find in the supermarkets. Come on down and give us a chance to make you feel better!

Looking ahead to the rest of 2025 and we’ve got ‘big plans’ for the shop. Well, plans might be a stretch. Let’s say we’ve got ideas. What are they? Well, I’m not sure yet. But we’re going to do something- whether that’s transforming our website into the next big online sensation or just moving a few things around in the shop. Stay tuned for some level of ‘change’ (not sure how much yet, but I promise we won’t deliberately make it worse).

But to make change, I have to think about what we currently do (or at least try to do). People often come in the shop and ask me, “What kind of shop is this?” And my usual answer is: "Er… good, I hope?" Or something along those lines. It's hard to explain quickly because, well, we’re unique. But here’s the real issue: why isn’t there a category for shops that sell great quality, ethical, sustainable, local products at the best prices possible, while also offering a lovely gluten-free selection? If only it were that easy, right?

The dream product for us to stock? It’s simple really: top-notch quality (tastes good, uses real ingredients, none of those ultra-processed ingredients, emulsifiers, stabilisers, fillers and flavourings), locally made by a small business (preferably with a family involved), sustainable, ethical, and all about supporting the community. I know, I know—it’s asking a lot. But guess what? We do it. Local cheese, honey, beers, wines, ciders, gin, vodka, pickles, chutneys, flour... and now, drum roll please, our latest addition - homemade Wokingham chili jam. This latest batch is Yucatan Habanero, and yes, it is amazing. Plus, we’re this close to getting some locally distilled whiskey in. You know, it’s all happening here.

So, pop in, say hello, and let’s make January a little less... blue.

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