WE'RE still on lockdown, but some of your favourite shops and businesses in Glasgow have adapted to the present circumstances and embraced the possibilities of having an online presence - creating a ‘virtual high street’ to keep their community served in lockdown, ensuring they have access to everything they need from the comfort of home.
GLASGOW DISTILLERY
The Glasgow Distillery produce a range of award-winning, hand crafted spirits, including Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the ever popular Makar Gin, Banditti Club Spiced Rum and the brand new G52 Botanical Vodka.
They recently announced the launch of their new Glasgow 1770 Triple Distilled Release No.1, the third whisky in their award-winning Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Whisky Range.
The distillery are offering free UK delivery for orders over £75 on their website, as well as exclusive offers and discounts for newsletter subscribers. Sign up to their newsletter and get 10% off your first online order at www.glasgowdistillery.com
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GEORGE MEWES CHEESE
Exquisite cheese … nothing less. Who doesn’t love it? And for a mouth-watering introduction to the vast range of artisan and small producer cheeses throughout Britain and across Europe, then look no further than the website at George Mewes Cheese. Page after page of specialist and unusual cheeses, often hand-made, which can’t be found on most supermarket shelves.
Rich and nutty Alpines like Comté and Beaufort jostle with savoury blues such as Fourme D’Ambert from the Auvergne region in France and Colston Bassett Stilton, a creamy and buttery delight from closer to home in Nottinghamshire. Then there’s the deliciously soft and smelly Taleggio, from Lombardy in northern Italy, and the cool subtlety of a sheep milk Manchego from Castilla-La Mancha in Spain.
But it’s the commitment to great British cheeses that also stands out. Small producers from Cornwall to the Western Isles earn their place on George’s counter, with an extensive Scottish selection – if you haven’t tasted the delights of Isle of Mull Cheddar from Tobermory, Anster from Fife, and Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop, then now’s your chance.
It’s not just cheese either – George stocks a wide range of delicious accompaniments with a definite Scottish slant, from handmade oatcakes and bannocks, to pickles and relishes from Fife, pesto, honeys and chutneys.
No cheese makes it into the shop unless George has tasted and approved it himself and he has travelled far and wide to ensure the provenance and quality of produce and supplier. He said: “I have personally sourced and selected wonderful award-winning cheeses from all over the British Isles, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. Sure, you can get Comté in the supermarket – but does it come from a guy who only produces a dozen wheels a day from the milk of his own herd? I don’t think so.”
George certainly knows his stuff. Before launching his specialist cheese shops in the West End of Glasgow in 2010 and Stockbridge, Edinburgh, in 2015 – the cool cave of the architect-designed shop in the Capital is a revelation in how to display and look after cheese – George was a chef for 25 years with a passion for “great, timeless food and the finest ingredients”, especially perfectly matured, world-class artisan cheese.
Along the way, George Mewes has won a number of awards – including UK Cheese Counter of the Year at the World Cheese Awards in 2014. George added: “We achieved all of these things because I want only the best. Our ethos is exquisite cheese – nothing less. We don’t deal in the ordinary.”
Order online at www.georgemewescheese.co.uk
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BERNARD CORRIGAN LTD
At Bernard Corrigan Ltd, we have been supplying the restaurants and people of Scotland with the highest quality fish and poultry since 1949. Our business has survived the test of time, adapting and developing to suit new circumstances, yet throughout this, our aim has remained the same.
To provide all customers with the freshest products and the best service. Our fish and poultry has been pan fried in restaurants, battered in chip shops and grilled in homes around the country for over 60 years.
Throughout this time, we have always hand picked the best fish and chicken in the country working daily to deliver it to our wholesale customers, whilst also serving our retail customers the very same high quality products.
During the recent Covid 19 pandemic, we have extended our deliveries to homes around the country with a contactless next day service which allows us to continue to serve people across the Central Belt.
The reputation we have built over the years is one of a reliable and hard working firm, maintaining and developing this over the decades. Our upmost concern will always be to deliver our products across the country in the most hygienic, safe and expeditious way possible. Our products range from fresh and frozen fish to fresh and frozen poultry and fresh farm eggs.
Our deliveries remain as reliable and fresh as ever whilst also ensuring all safety standards are constantly met. We guarantee all orders will be delivered by one of our loyal and trusted Bernard Corrigan employees as we hold ourselves to such high hygiene and delivery standards that we take responsibility for your order from the fish market to your restaurant, chip shop or dining table.
A family business to its core, we want to keep the restaurants and cafes well stocked and the people of Scotland well fed. Our business has survived hardships over the years by always going above and beyond for our customers, be it a large restaurant or a small household.
Please visit our website at bernardcorrigan.com to find out more or to place your order for home delivery. If you would like to know more about wholesale restaurant, cafe, hotel and the other hospitality services we offer then please contact us via email at fish@bernardcorrigan.com
Local businesses are the backbone of Scotland, their hard work allows the country to keep going even in challenging times. We are so proud to be able to place ourselves in this category. Help support a local, sustainable and hard working fishmongers.
Go to www.bernardcorrigan.com
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BLOSSOMS
MOST children in Scotland have certainly enjoyed an extended break from school due to the Covid-19 pandemic but in this time of uncertainty, only one thing is sure – they will be returning to school at one point soon and will need new clothes.
And with a huge selection of badged school uniforms for most schools in Glasgow, specialist uniform stockist Blossoms Schoolwear are second to none for quality, durability and price – with a new offer allowing customers to sign up to their website’s newsletter at www.blossomsschoolwear.com for a 15 per cent discount on your order.
For nearly 50 years the firm have been supplying uniforms for schools across the Greater Glasgow area that can be purchased online or at the firm’s on-street shop in Newton Mearns, their stall in East Kilbride Shopping Centre (which is presently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic) and their long-standing store in Paisley.
Blossoms stock the vast majority of nurseries, family centre and school uniforms – these can be viewed on the website but if you do not see your choice listed then do not hesitate to contact them and they will be happy to supply the uniform.
The firm are also are now accepting appointments and bookings for in-store school uniform fittings from June 1 – these will obviously be socially distanced to reduce the number of people in the shops, which can be found at 130 Ayr Road, Newton Mearns. They also have a store in Paisley which has been there for 48 years.
As well as school uniforms, Blossoms also provide uniforms for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. They also provide a full range of plain schoolwear that is not yet on their shopping website - but catalogues are available to browse for prices and information.
Go online now and browse the full range of clothing and order to your door at www.blossomsschoolwear.com, www.facebook.com/BlossomsSchoolWear, www.budgetschoolwear.com and www.schoolwearscotland.com. Or call Blossoms direct on 0141 639 8616.
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FIRM BANANA
For freshness delivered direct to your door.
In these extraordinary times when we’re largely confined to our homes and exercise is limited, it’s especially important we keep up a healthy eating regime. And the best way to do that is to get the finest fresh produce delivered to your door.
Founded more than 30 years ago, Firm Banana is a fresh fruit and vegetable delivery service based in Glasgow. The family-run business offers an extensive selection of produce sourced locally from reliable suppliers to ensure freshness is guaranteed.
A whole range of vegetables is available – from delicious root veg such as Scottish, English and Cyprus potatoes, broccoli, leeks and cabbage to seasonal delights like asparagus. Keen home cooks can also choose from a range of colourful ingredients that will brighten up any meal such as aubergines, peppers and cherry vine tomatoes.
And why not bring some summer sunshine into your kitchen with Firm Banana’s boxes of fresh fruit? An extensive range is on offer, including traditional seasonal soft fruits such as strawberries and raspberries as well as succulent peaches, melons, blueberries, pomegranates and, of course, bananas – all perfect for keeping up your five-a-day regime and giving your immune system a real boost.
Getting the goods to the customer is a key priority of course and the speed and efficiency of Firm Banana’s service has been greatly helped by a collaboration with Network Private Hire. The taxi company is making daily deliveries direct to customers’ doors free of charge.
Customers have praised the quality and freshness of the produce as well as the swift, friendly service and competitive prices.
“Amazing!” said one. “I ordered for the first time yesterday and my delivery arrived today – lovely fresh produce and excellent service.”
Another happy customer took to social media to say: “Speedy delivery, really fresh fruit and veg, good prices and all-round excellent service.”
Says owner Gerald: “We pride ourselves in offering a first-class service at great competitive prices. At Firm Banana, sourcing local produce is a speciality.”
To order go to: www.firmbanana.com or call 07812 123 330.
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RODGERS BUTCHERS
Since 1880, Rodgers Butchers have proven their passion for quality produce and their commitment to providing outstanding service for all customers – and at this present time, the firm’s delivery service is here to bring their outstanding meat supplies direct to your door.
Rodgers Butchers was founded by James Rodgers and has continued to build a solid reputation as a traditional family run butchers. Now in its 5th generation it is evident that, while passed down through different hands, there has been a persistent desire to further and enhance the business.
Recent years have seen Rodgers successfully expand into wholesale, supplying to some of Scotland’s top restaurants, and work closely with chefs to develop innovative product ranges.
While placing a focus on fresh ideas and development, Rodgers don’t forget about their heritage, maintaining a unique identity with traditional recipes which have been passed down through the generations.
In order to ensure produce is of a premium standard, Rodgers personally handpick meat from dedicated farmers and place an emphasis on establishing traceability to origin. Only then can the butchers rest assured that the carefully selected ingredients are worthy of being used within Rodgers’ award-winning pies and sausages.
Rodgers unbeatable produce can be purchased online at www.rodgersbutchers.co.uk at or locally in one of the firm’s store at 180 Byres Rd Hillhead, Glasgow so that you can experience the Rodgers Butchers quality no matter where you are. You can also download the app and order from your mobile.
Delivery is FREE on all orders of £50.00 or more. For orders under £50.00, the standard delivery charge is £8.95, however any orders under the value of £30.00 will also incur a packaging surcharge of £4.00.
Your order will be delivered on the date you specify, between the hours of 8am and 6pm. If you are not in, the driver will leave your order in a safe place and he will also put a card through your door to let you know they’ve been.
Should your order not arrive when you expect, or if you have any queries about your delivery, please contact our service team by email at orders@rodgersbutchers.com or call on +44(0)141 952 9558 between 7.30am and 3pm, Monday to Friday, and we will help you with your query.
Go online now at www.rodgersbutchers.co.uk
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OVENBIRD COFFEE ROASTERS
In a world awash with bland coffee, character and individuality count for a lot. After all, coffee is a drink to be experienced, its rich complexities savoured – whether at home or in the office.
Glasgow-based Ovenbird Coffee Roasters appreciate this. It’s their mission to provide coffee with flavour, freshness and enough complexity for each cup to be a memorable occasion.
“We aim to provide artisan coffee that is accessible and approachable,” says founder Davide Angeletti. “Doesn’t matter whether it’s made in state-of-the-art expresso machines or home brewed filter devices, we want our coffee to taste great in all environments.”
To achieve this Davide and colleagues use a mix of traditional methods, progressive ideas and human expertise.
“We roast without computers,” he explains. “And we experiment with new and exciting flavour profiles – more ‘bright’ than ‘big’, the emphasis on taste rather than strength.”
Each batch of coffee is tested using good old-fashioned taste and smell, sometimes once, sometimes ten times. Being Ovenbird, they are meticulous.
A glimpse at the range of coffee collections on Ovenbird’s website reinforces the roastery’s commitment to quality and individuality allied to an endearing quirkiness. Blended coffees such as Dead Poet’s Society, Coral Coast and Nineteen Eighty-Four offer a delicious array of flavours and character with packs from as little as £9.
And then there is the single origin range from the pre-eminent coffee producing countries in Africa, India, Central and South America. Suppliers are carefully chosen to complement the ethos of Ovenbird.
“We choose growers who share our enthusiasm,” says Davide. “Once they become our partners, we build long-lasting relationships with them. We commit to growing their success by celebrating what they do.”
If you fancy something a little closer to home, Ovenbird is the only roastery to offer whisky-aged coffee. Whisky Barrel Coffee is aged in freshly emptied barrels from the celebrated Auchentoshan distillery near Glasgow and Laphroaig distillery on the isle of Islay, each noted for its distinctively flavoured whisky.
The beans are hand-rotated daily to ensure all the coffee comes into contact with the oak barrel over the course of several weeks. After ageing the green beans, Ovenbird roasts them to a medium strength, which produces the perfect balance of whisky and coffee flavour. It is the perfect complement to a chocolaty dessert or morning coffee, says Davide.
“Unfortunately, no alcohol folks. Sorry,” he adds.
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