I was recently invited to participate in a collaboration with Barclaycar’s Freedom Rewards Card to help “champion the one-of-a-kind shops all over the country”. The idea behind the collab was that the peeps at Barclaycard would give me 50 quid to spend at my favourite independent retailer and I’d write about what a great experience I had spending that money on stuff I already knew I loved. No brainer, right?
Tis the season to relax, kick back and reflect on all the good things that have happened over the past 12 months… while nibbling away on tasty Yuletide yummies and sipping on some liquid cheer! So I was all gung-ho about the team up with Barclaycard and saw it as an excellent opportunity to augment my spread of festive treats for my Christmas celebrations.
My choice for retailer was immediate, online home delivery service Tilia. Started in 2011 and incorporating a “Five Point Selection Criteria to identify producers who display qualities that set them apart from the pack”, Tilia connects Londoners with some of the best local suppliers of artisan food and drink. Currently, Tilia is a London only thing, but there are plans to expand.
I’ve tried the service before and have been completely impressed with every aspect of my experience. It’s an incredibly convenient way to get top quality grub to your table and is something which I feel confident recommending to both finicky foodies and can’t-be-bothered gourmands. And keeping with Barclaycard’s independent retailer theme, by shopping with Tilia I was spreading my £50 round to a number of independent retailers. There was the charcuterie and cheese from Mortimer & Bennett, the baked goods from Belle Epoque, fish and seafood from Steve Hatt, and … I think you get the delicious point.
My delivery doesn’t come until early on the 24th, and I reckon once all my Tilia goodies are here that’s when Christmas will official start here at the ‘tikichris household’. Can’t wait!
No matter how you’re planning to spend the next couple of weeks I hold you have a scrumptious Christmas and tasty new year – and that you’re able to show some appreciation for local quality businesses in your area.
