'Eat, drink, think local' campaign
As the 10th Nello's Longest Table approaches and we all begin to give thought to our special feasts and picnics, this is a gentle reminder that one of the main aims of this great community event is to encourage support of our local traders. On signing up for your table, we have asked everyone to make sure that your Nello feasts are 'local or locally sourced'. However you choose to interpret this is entirely up to you. Here are a few of our thoughts on why it is important — and enjoyable — to shop local.
— Shopping local for locally produced food ensures that meals that we enjoy are as fresh and delicious as possible, while costing our planet the fewest food miles.
— Shopping local is economical. We don't need to drive or pay for parking and we will further save money by not buying more than we need or want (supermarkets inevitably coax us into unnecessary purchases, too much of which inevitably ends up in the waste bin).
— Shopping local provides us all with a more enjoyable, more personal experience. Our butchers can explain how to cook different cuts of meat or cut steaks just as we like them, we can buy the freshest fish directly off the boats, freshly picked vegetables, we can taste cheese before we buy, and we can seek advice about wines to find the styles that we enjoy best.
— Shopping local and supporting our independent traders ensures that the money we spend stays within our community, where it usually re-spent. Shopping at Tescos or Waitrose or Aldi benefits only their shareholders, never our community.
— Shopping local means far less plastic and paper waste. While supermarkets delight in pre-packing everything in both plastic and cardboard wrappers, resulting in mountains of unnecessary packaging, shopping locally is a totally different experience which, if we are careful, can almost be single-use-plastic free.
Topsham food and drink businesses
Cocolato – Spoil yourself with artisan handmade chocolates or local gelato as the perfect finish to your feast.
Coop – Topsham's mini-supermarket, though small, is surprisingly well stocked, supports our community and gives employment opportunities.
Country Cheeses – One of the best independent cheesemongers you will find anywhere – a vast range of artisan farmhouse cheeses mainly from West Country dairies matured to perfect condition.
Darts Farm Food Hall – On the outskirts of our town but definitely part of our community – this multiple-award winning farm shop supports scores of local food businesses and offers local meats, cheeses, artisan food products and much more, plus Pebblebed wines from grapes grown on the vineyard started by Geoff Bowen.
Jar – Local bakery for bread, sandwiches and delicious baked goods.
Salt @ The Salutation – Tom works directly with local fishermen who bring their daily catch direct, including line-caught sea bass, diver's scallops, crab and lobster from Budleigh Salterton, and much more. Plus sourdough bread and focaccia from Rise, and of course salt.
Topsham Butchers – Locally sourced meats including the best sausages as well as in-house baked foods such as pasties and quiches – see Sam or Paul to discuss your feast menu.
Topsham Cakes – The best homebaked cakes, as well as brownies, flapjacks and much more. Kate has both a selection available daily as well as can make custom cakes for any special occasion.
Topsham Greengrocers – Our local greengrocer for all fresh vegetables and fruit plus beautiful flowers to decorate your table.
Topsham Wines – Come see Jim to discuss what wines you will be enjoying at Nello's Longest Table. Excellent service and free delivery.
Wine World – Independent wine merchant specialising in bin end special offers.
