This Saturday, 5 December, is Small Business Saturday and it’s a great excuse to go out and shop local.  Being true to our virtual nature Nicola and I are based in two different areas – Wokingham, Berkshire and South London. So we thought we’d bring you a few of our favourite places to shop local.

Nicola’s Local Favourites

Canvas & Cream – located in Forest Hill, a delightful rest stop at any time of day.  Everything catered for,  brunch, lunch, supper or a cup of tea with  a slice of delicious cake, so many to choose from!  Alternatively, pop in to lose yourself in the art exhibited in the gallery at the back of the restaurant.

Kirkdale Bookshop – located in Syndenham.  Those of you who know me, would know that a list of shops must include a bookshop, I rarely go past one without the books inside calling to me.  The Kirkdale books are no exception, it has a great selection of both new and second-hand, easy to while away an hour browsing …….

Aga’s Little Deli – based in Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill, with the smell and taste of Italy.  Great cheeses and my favourite Pistachio ice-cream.

Holly’s Local Favourites

Sonning Flowers – originally based in Sonning, but now with a shop in Reading Town Centre, not only do they provide beautiful flower arrangements, they have a flower school which provides courses suitable for varying skill levels.

Alexandra Vintage – currently based in the old Jacksons Department Store in Reading town centre, this fab little pop up shop is a must visit for any vintage clothes lover.  Alexandra and her team of buyers pick beautiful vintage pieces which you can purchase online or in her studio.

Oslar Coffee – an independent coffee shop in Wokingham town centre, Oslar’s has been a recent discovery for me.  It’s a great place to meet people locally and their staff are really friendly and helpful. Not only that, they source as many of the ingredients that can from the local area.

Stitchery Do – this little gem in Wokingham town centre helps feed my craft bug. They have a great selection of yarns and fabric to keep crafters busy!

These are just a few of our favourite local shops – tell us where you like to shop local.