British Food and Travel

2020 has been a year most of us would probably rather be over and done with as soon as possible. But as the continued uncertainty of the pandemic looms over us, do I also dare remind you that Christmas isn’t far away! It is more important than ever to help support British businesses, craftspeople, artisans, and so on. With that in mind, this is the first of a regular series in which we will highlight three great British buys. Be it food, drink, household items, or even daytrips, all will help to support a local business. They make great gift ideas, or maybe you’ll just want to treat yourself.

Burren Balsamics

Our palates have evolved in leaps and bounds over the past few decades, but if balsamic vinegar is not part of your pantry, it might be time to consider adding a bottle or two. Add good quality balsamic vinegar to pasta dishes and casseroles. Drizzle it over cheese or salads, or even ice-cream. And for some of the best balsamic vinegars you will find, check out Armagh-based Burren Balsamics. The company has been around since 2014 and has quickly gone on to great things with their balsamic infusions. Using local flavours, Burren Balsamics have a range of both black and white vinegars. Flavours include Bramley Apple, Chilli and Honey, Rhubarb and Ginger, Strawberry and Mint, and plenty more. They also have a wide variety of jams, seasonings, and biscuits. Or sign up for their Letterbox Larder programme.

On their website, you’ll find products to buy, ideas to get your tastebuds tingling, and recipes to help you make the most of your purchase. They also have a code for 10% off your order!

Saltwater Living Journal

I have a confession to make: I can’t stop buying notebooks and journals. I have several drawers filled with them, and breaking open a new one to fill with ideas and inspiration is my idea of bliss. One that I will definitely be adding to my collection is this gorgeous coast-inspired Saltwater Living Journal. With its charming designs, quotes, and environmental tips, it has lots of room to jot down my ideas, even when I can’t be near the sea. The only question now is what to write in it – poems, musings, a daily diary? So many choices.

Order your Saltwater Living Journal from Kelsey Media. While you’re there, check out their selection of magazines.

Cornish Pottery

There’s something so attractive about good, simple pottery designs, whether it’s just a mug for your morning cuppa or a complete set gracing the kitchen shelves. For over 100 years, Cornishware’s distinctive broad blue stripes have been an iconic British design. Thomas Goodwin Green founded the pottery company in 1864, but the famous Cornishware line wasn’t introduced until 60 years later. The blue and white stripes were said to be reminiscent of the waves off the Cornish coast. Pretty soon, plates, mugs, jars, even rolling pins, all carried the striking design. Sadly, T.G. Green shut its doors in 2007 but thanks to several keen enthusiasts, Cornishware is back, made in Stoke-on-Trent and painted in Cornwall. And if blue isn’t your preferred colour, there are now other options to choose from, including bright red and a cheery sunshine yellow.

So there you go – three British buys for either yourself or a friend. Come back soon to see what else I’ve found that you might like.