Let’s get this out of the way…2020 has been an absolute SH*TSHOW. No point beating round the bush, it’s sucked, HARD. Lockdown tested us all pretty hard, not being able to find ANYTHING in the shops for a while was awful, especially as I was working throughout (NHS life!) walking into the supermarket and seeing empty shelves reduced me to tears on more than one occasion.
However, a few great things came out of lockdown; one, Lee moved in! Yep, I now officially live with a boy, and it is not as bad as I thought it would be!
Two, we found some new, local businesses to support, some of which absolutely switched up their game in order to survive during the chaos.
Although the restrictions are almost forgotten (well, it seems like it!) I wanted to share with you the people we discovered when the world went to shit!
First up, we started using a BUTCHER! (warning, pics of raw meat ahead)
I have wanted to start using a local butcher for a while and during Lockdown I found Ben Creese. Now I used to work closely with these guys in an old job so I am shocked I didn’t think of them before!
Now, I am not sure if this was a new thing but through lockdown they were doing home delivery (and NHS discount) so we took FULL advantage. Our first order was for our weekend of al fresco dining in May. We had a BBQ one day, followed by a traditional “tisch grill” the next! So our order consisted of a BBQ pack ( 4 burgers, 6 sausages, 4 bits of marinated chicken, 4 bits of marinated pork and 2 sirloin steaks for £25!) some chicken strips and some chipolatas.
The meat quality was phenomenal and it made at least 5 meals (including breakfast!) so it was an absolute bargain! They are still doing the BBQ packs, and a whole selection of amazing offers (including fruit & veg boxes & essentials) which can be found here!
Next up, a new take away…Fries before Guys.
Not only is that an exceptional name, their food is out of this world. They serve…FRIES. Loaded fries to be precise. And they deliver directly to your door. I believe they started as a festival food truck (who doesn’t want cheesey chips at a festival) but with summer being cancelled they had to adapt…and boy did they do that!
The way it works is simple. Pick your fries, skin on or curly, then pick your topping, sauce and any sides. I went with chilli cheese with sour cream and Lee opted for the fries of the month which at the time was “Blackanese” which, their Instagram described as “when a black man makes Chinese”. It was salt & pepper fries, topped with sweet chilli chicken & Chinese curry sauce.
We also opted for 2 of their INSANE desserts; I went for Mother Fudger whilst Lee went with Chocolate Dream. The portions are HUGE so we didn’t manage to eat all the pud that day but they kept pretty well!
What is awesome about these guys, is that they try really hard to make vegan options of all of their meals. And the customer service is excellent. I honestly cannot fault them. I LOVE these guys and we have added them to our “takeaway rotation”! Go check their Instagram @friesb4guysuk
Last and by no means least, a lady who I have been RAVING about to anyone who will listen, Baked By Dan.
So I found Dan through one of her giveaways. I was tagged in an Instagram competition and fell in love instantly.
Dan’s not a new face in the baking world but the way she adapted to lockdown is! She created “grazing boxes” every week, filled with amazing, inventive bakes. I followed for a while before getting my hands on a box of joy!
Honestly, we had an incredible selection of brownies and blondies. Every single bite was full of flavour not just on the top, but all the way through. The brownies were GOOEY and fudgey and just YUM!
Dan has grown her business so well over lockdown, it has been a joy to watch! She specialises in brownies and blondies but has created stuffed cookies, cornflake cakes (no, not the rubbish ones we make at easter) and all new brownie balls (which I am sampling this weekend!) She also does birthday boxes (which need to be booked way in advance) and beautiful buttercream cakes.
If you want to sample her baked head to her Instagram & check out the highlights section which has all the info on how to order. She is also going to be at one of the Glos Quays markets in October so go check her out!
I am sure there are more incredible small businesses in Gloucester and the surrounds that I didn’t get to try (Hooker & Eight being one of them!) Why not drop your recommendations below & I will try and check them out!
Mixing Bowls & Make Up Brushes 