Self isolating? Here's a list of local food delivery services.
A week before the UK entered official lockdown, my family went into self isolation. Although I'd planned for it, I'd tried not to stockpile anything. I didn’t realise how entirely helpless I’d feel, not being able to leave the house. So, I've written a list of local food delivery services to help anyone else in the same situation.
I’m lucky to have great friends in the area who have offered to help. We had a delivery of fresh food which felt like Christmas (thanks Paul!). But, every time I go in the kitchen I think of something else that we need and we're going through supplies quite quickly.
Support local businesses
It's so important to support small local businesses at the moment and with stocks running low in supermarkets, I've been researching local food suppliers.
There are now many local businesses offering take away and home delivery services. I thought it would be really useful to make a quick list for everyone locally that is stuck at home and/or social distancing.
These are the ones I've seen advertising on social media (happy to add to the list if you have more suggestions). I'm sure there are lots more too.
If you’re not local, then it’s worth looking around your area to see if you can get similar services to where you live.
Note:
It’s not a massively comprehensive list. I’ve got both my kids at home at the moment and so I’m trying to write this whilst doing a million other things as well.
Local pubs
Local pubs are offering take away and delivery services. Look online to see if your local pubs are offering the same.
The Sycamore Tree Inn, Colwinston. Offering take away and local delivery service for pub meals in Colwinston.
The Golden Mile, Corntown. Offering take away meals. Find the menu's on their Facebook page.
The Carne Arms, Llysworney. Local take away and delivery service.
The Bush Inn, St Hilary. Looking into delivery options for meals.
Lamb and Flag, Wick. Offering take away meals, collection only, at the moment but may offer delivery in the future.
Hare and Hounds, Aberthin. Offering take away meals and free delivery within a 4 mile radius. 50% discount for NHS staff and 25% off for over 70's. Bakery coming soon.
Local cafes & restaurants
Cafes are also offering take away and delivery services.
Charlies Shop & Cafe. Colwinston. Offering take away.
The Elephant and Bun Kitchen, Cowbridge. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9 - 3, and now Sunday's 10 - 2.
Llanerch Vineyard. Offering take away meals.
The Yard. Cowbridge. Pizza takeaway and delivery.
Frolics, Southerndown. Offering take away service.
Crumbs Baguette Shop. Pencoed. We are currently delivering to Pencoed, Brynna, llanharran, Coychurch, Brackla, Bridgend and possibly other areas will be considered. We are taking extra precautions to help you feel at ease and urge customers to pay over the phone for delivery and contactless at the door.
Shampan. Cowbridge. Offering deliveries and take away. Order online.
Grocery Deliveries
The Cowbridge Food Collective. Order online and collect on a Thursday. Currently offering a drive thru facility.
Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen. Offering an online food collection and delivery service. All produce available to buy is reared and homegrown on Penllyn Estate farm, or sourced locally.
Ty Tanglwst Dairy Pyle. Offering deliveries of milk, cream, butter, honey and juice.
The Cowbridge Cook. Offering afternoon tea and cake deliveries.
Vale Cider. Offering deliveries.
Slade Farm Organics. Offering monthly meat boxes with free delivery. Next delivery is 31st March/ 1st April. Order online.
Sarah's the Greengrocers. For people who are isolated or unable to source supplies. Free delivery in Llanharan and surrounding areas most days of the week.
offering FREE HOME delivery of fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, bread, eggs, butter and sacks of potatoes. Please telephone: 01446 745138 / 07870 931427
I. G. Nicholas Butchers. Offering delivery. Order and pay over the phone.
Noble and Grape. Cowbridge. Will deliver wine. Order online. 01446 775505.
Da Mhile Distillery. Care packages - including booze, tonics, cheese, crackers, chutney. Free postage. Visit shop on the website.
Strawberry Fields, Cowbridge. Grocery deliveries.
Picketston Poultry. Free Range Duck, Goose , Lamb and Pork available. To place an order for next week, call 07815861864.
Cowbridge Farm Shop. Veg Boxes, Fruit Boxes, eggs and potato sacks. Local deliveries.
Ogmore by sea village shop. Ogmore. Hoping to put in place and email ordering system. Check Facebook page for update information.
As we all know, the situation is constantly changing and so please check before relying on any of the above suppliers. Most places are using social media - Facebook and Instagram - to update their latest offerings, so check those accounts as well as main websites.
If you can add to the list of local food delivery services, please let me know and I will amend it.
Gem x
Local Christmas Gift Buying Guide
The nights are drawing in and there's wood smoke in the air, so it's time to start thinking about what gorgeous presents you can surprise loved ones with this Christmas. I've written a little local Christmas gift buying guide to give you a bit of inspiration. I've chosen some fabulous handmade crafts from local artists as well as some relaxing and fun experiences for those who are tricky to buy for. Here's my top ten ideas for you this Christmas.
1. Skratch Ceramics
I adore all of the products from this super talented local artist. Skratch Ceramics have a range of goodies on offer this Christmas, from gorgeous little key rings, bells and Christmas decorations to beautifully handmade vases and plaques. Follow Skratch Ceramics on Instagram to find out when the shop is open and when she'll be visiting local Christmas fairs too.
2. Glass at the Spinney
As soon as I saw the creations from Glass at the Spinney pop up on my Instagram feed, I thought, wow! I love the stunning blue coloured glass she uses for her coasters and wave pieces. She has a fabulous range to choose from, including children's lamps, wall pieces, coasters and Christmas decorations. Visit her online shop and Instagram account to buy something special for your loved ones. Or maybe even a treat for yourself. I've got my eye on those coasters, so hands off! :)
3. Orchard Facial Procedures
Is there anyone out there that would say no to a facial? Exactly. You can buy gift vouchers from the lovely Sarah, who runs Orchard Facial Procedures based in Ewenny. Visit her tranquil treatment room in the beautiful countryside and relax while she pampers you with the latest in facial technologies. She offers a wide range of treatments and products, including Wrinkle Smoothing Injections with Botulinum Toxin-A, PRP Vampire Facials, Microneedling, Medical Facials and Chemical Peels. These treatments are aimed at achieving a natural looking result for her clients, to make them look and feel their absolute best. Contact Sarah to buy gift vouchers.
4. Ceri Gwen
If you have a crafty friend then visit Ceri Gwen's online shop and buy some beautiful and vibrant fabrics, cut and sew kits, calendars, tea towels and even wallpaper. Her designs are simply gorgeous and bursting full of life and colour.
5. Happy Days Vintage Homestore
I've had many a happy hour browsing around Happy Days Vintage Homestore in Cowbridge. There's a wealth of goodies in there - I recently bought a gorgeous sideboard from there which looks fabulous in my lounge. From curated furniture pieces to pretty jewelry there's bound to be something in there for you to buy for a loved one. There's also a lovely tea room for a shopping pit stop too.
6. Photography Training
Do you know a photography enthusiast that wants to get to know their camera better? If so, I have a range of training opportunities for everyone! Choose from the Beginners Photography Workshop for adults, the Young Photographers Workshop for teens or a tailored one to one session. Check out my website for all the details and dates for the workshops in 2020!
7. Noble Grape
It's Christmas! So a celebratory drink is in order. Visit Noble Grape on Cowbridge High Street to browse their fantastic range of wines and spirits. I'm partial to a nice bit of Rioja and a G&T if anyone is interested. :)
8. Cobbles Kitchen
A regular haunt of mine, either on the way to or from the beach or just to meet friends for a coffee. I love the decor in there and there's loads of choice on the menu, including plenty of vegan & veggie options. You can buy gift vouchers from there - so treat a friend or family member to an afternoon tea or a lovely lunch.
9. Hamper from Elephant and Bun
A hamper is the perfect gift for foodies. All hampers can be personalised so you can pick and choose from all the delicious goodies on offer and create something sumptuous and wonderful! Don't think that there's only food on offer at the Elephant and Bun deli though - they also have a range of gifts too. You can buy salad bowls, oil dispensers, salt pigs, garlic pots, olive bowls, jugs and herb pots and a small selection of kitchen pottery from Thythston near Porthcawl. They also stock wooden chopping boards, rolling pins, cheese-making kits and kits to cure bacon. So much to choose from!
10. Family photo shoot with Gemma Griffiths Photography
Yes, you guessed it! I'm finishing with a family photo shoot from yours truly. I offer relaxed and informal outdoor location photo sessions in South Wales. A gift voucher for a family shoot, includes the session fee, as well as a print and matching digital image. Help friends and family to capture their special moments with this gift. Have a browse through my family portfolio to see more of my work and look at my blog to see whole shoots too.
Finally, to get you in the festive mood, don't forget about the wonderful Reindeer Parade in Cowbridge this year. It's on Sunday 24th November and there's a whole special shopping weekend planned in Cowbridge too, with the shops staying open late on Friday 22nd November and a Christmas Market on Saturday 23rd November. Find out more on the Visit Cowbridge Facebook page. If you've got any festive activities or extra special vendors you can recommend, comment below to share the love!
Gem x
