CK This might be the quickest blog I’ve ever written as I’ve just realised it’s Small Business Saturday! Typical me, I’ve been thinking about this blog for weeks and left it to the last minute – that’s what December is all about really though isn’t it?! Well don’t leave your foodie gift shopping to the last minute – here’s my Eat Around Tonbridge foodie gift guide (and unlike the mags, no one has paid to be in this list!).
Eat Around Tonbridge gift bags and crates – lots of interest in these delicious gifts. Bespoke seems to be the way people are going this year, choosing their own theme and I’m helping them with the tasty contents. Last day for orders is 15 December. Contact me for details.
Gin, brandy, rum – Greensand Ridge has it all, beautifully packaged and it’s all made up the road in Shipbourne! If you know a collector of all things Greensand Ridge, they’ve just released a plum brandy too.
The Bakehouse at 124 has several gifting options: Christmas cakes iced and ready to go, hampers containing their own branded keep cup (you receive a discount if you use it), coffee beans and biscotti and of course vouchers … but more on that later.
The Beer Seller is doing a Christmas Ribbon Sale: green ribbon £25 – choose 2 still wines; red ribbon £40 – choose 1 sparkling and 1 still wine; silver ribbon £75 choose 1 sparkling, 1 still and 1 bottle of spirit and gold ribbon at £100 – choose 2 sparkling, 2 still and 1 spirit. All the wines and spirits ate produced in the UK and they many are locally produced so you’ll be supporting Kent businesses too if you select those.
Vouchers – there are so many places offering vouchers for lessons or dining so here goes with some of them. If your giftee’s favourite place isn’t listed, just ask inside and I’m sure they’ll be able to put something together for you..
Verdigris has vouchers for dining in – Verdigris is such a treat that these would make a great gift. The food is superb and with chef Scott Goss just named the Kent Life Chef of the Year, it’s bound to continue to be popular!
Greensand Ridge – fancy trying your hand at making gin? Gift gin making lessons with Greensand Ridge vouchers – intimate lessons in beautiful surroundings.
The Bakehouse at 124 – The Bakehouse offers vouchers for lessons (sourdough starter, pizza making for example) – perfect for your very own wannabe star baker!
Masala Pantry – I can wholeheartedly recommend Sana’s lessons as she taught my sons and me to make two delicious curries! Check out the blog here and contact her for more information.
Tonbridge Old Fire Station – vouchers to spend on anything at TOFS – pop-ups in their development kitchen, Ben’s delicious food or spirits that they retail behind the bar.
Niihaw – Tonbridge’s very own sushi restaurant offers lessons in how to replicate their tasty food at home.
Finch House – Finch House is very popular and has many fans. Vouchers for here would be fabulous for both someone who’s never been and regulars alike!
Paws Cat Café – if you know someone who loves cats then this is a purrfect gift (sorry!). Pop in to see Elaine and Lauren for more information. A visit to stroke some cats could really make someone’s Christmas!
The Cook Book – it’s hard to believe but some places still have some copies of this charity cook book to sell. It’s been selling out fast across west Kent which is fabulous for charity Tree of Hope so don’t delay to pick up your copy. It contains fantastic and varied recipes from chefs and foodies across west Kent and even if you don’t like cooking, it makes a great eating out guide!
Finch House – if you love Finch House brownies then did you know that you can now post them?! Bonkers but it works! I’ve used Brownies by Finch a few times now to say thank you to people or as a little gift and they have always been well received! They have a Christmas box of brownies available now and you can write a free gift card too. Finch House also has packaged mince pies which would make a lovely little pressie if you’re visiting friends.
That’s it for now but I’ll keep on adding to this as I learn about more. Don’t forget about Tonbridge Farmer’s Market this weekend too – there’ll be lots of lovely gifts to purchase there. Right now, go shop locally on today, Small Biz Saturday!
