As you’ll know by now, I only ever recommend things that I have tried, tested or thoroughly endorse. As such, I thought I’d give you a few ideas for Christmas shopping – or simply as a treat for yourself. Enjoy, Ross x
TAKEAWAY: Stores From a Childhood Behind the Counter
This lively and poignant memoir by my dear friend and fellow food writer Angela Hui tells the story of her life growing up behind the counter of her parents’ takeaway in South Wales. Interspersed with her cherished family recipes, the narrative tackles family, food, identity, prejudice and belonging, with a generous dollop of humour and a scoop of nostalgia.
Gift vouchers from A Welsh Secret
I’m a big fan of gift vouchers, especially if I don’t quite know someone’s tastes for food and drink. A Welsh Secret is a shop in Cardiff’s St David’s shopping centre, which has been slowly expanding and curating its offerings over the past year since opening. They stock an incredible range of food and drink (and some other bits and pieces) from small producers across Wales. You can also order bespoke hampers from the team online.
The Goodwash Company
I first came across these wonderful washes and handcreams at the London Welsh Centre (more on that below). Founded by former Welsh sports internationals Mandy and Kelly, The Goodwash Company is a social enterprise that only uses natural products in its soaps, skincare and haircare products. Better still, the profits go to good causes across Wales through their charity. They smell exceptional, too!
Halen Môn salt subscription
If you’re a regular reader of the newsletter, then you’ll know that I am a firm Halen Môn advocate when it comes to using salt in my kitchen. When nosing around their website, I spotted that they offer a sea salt subscription service, where you receive 500g of their Pure Sea Salt directly to your door every six months. Seasonal joy (see what I did there!)
Derw Coffee cocktails
I’ve cut right back on my coffee intake over the past few years (I’m still a heavy tea drinker), so now when I drink coffee, I want it to be the good stuff. Of course, if you can add a spot of alcohol to it as well, then all the better. That’s where Derw Coffee in Menai Bridge comes in. I tried their pre-mixed coffee-laced cocktails earlier this year and was sold. I loved their old fashioned but the espresso martini and negroni were also tip top. If you want something without the booze, check out their cold-brew coffee.
Subscribe to the Welsh Kitchen
I don’t often do a hard sell, but if you fancy supporting my work on the Welsh Kitchen or think that a friend might really enjoy receiving the newsletter, then why not buy a yearly subscription? I’m running a subscription deal from now until mid-January, where you can get 40% off an annual subscription, meaning you’ll pay just £12 for the whole year. The subscription will help support me to continue to create content, test recipes, buy products to try, and keep my stocks of dried fruit topped up.
Donate to the London Welsh Centre
Situated on Grays Inn Road, the London Welsh Centre has been welcoming Welsh people and their friends since it opened its doors in 1930. But its history goes back further, as it was conceived as a place for young Welsh people to meet in London – those who were new to the city, away from home, needing of community and support. Between 1940 and 1946, the centre became a Services Club, offering a bed and a meal to Welsh (and a few Canadian) military personnel passing through London. Thankfully, the centre is still going strong and is an invaluable part of the London Welsh community, but it’s only able to do so through charitable donations.
I’ll be back in your inboxes very soon with some festive recipes, music and more!