We’ve got autumn mists on the hills in the mornings, and weather forecasters are talking of very low temperatures “within weeks”. With that in mind, I wrote last week about getting your heating system serviced.
But what about stoking up your internal heating? It's time to think about cooking up some warming soups and stews. You can get lovely freshly-dug root vegetables in Abergavenny Market every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, that will be just the job.
While you’re there you could pop into Rawlings Family Butchers, just round the corner in Market Street, for some of their award-winning sausages. They will add a certain something special to any stew, toad-in-the-hole or full Welsh breakfast.
How about trying some of their remarkable blends, such as apple and cider, lamb, apricot and rosemary or the famed Grand Slam Banger that brought them the title of All Wales Champion - twice! And as it’s just 10 weeks to Christmas, you could get ahead of the game and order your turkey now – simply give Rawlings a call on 01873 856773.
I hear there’s a new farm shop close to town too. You’ll find “A Local Delight” on Gypsy Lane, between the villages of Llanfoist and Llanellen. James Durose and his family have been selling free-range eggs from their smallholding for many years, and have now expanded to sell meats, fruit and vegetables, bread and cheeses.
It’s all about local, fresh, quality produce. They’ll be taking orders for Christmas roasts and hampers too. Call them on 07540 658152 or 01873 85760, or call in between 10 and 7 Monday to Saturday, or between 10 and 4 on Sundays. It’s great to see new local initiatives like this.
Don't forget to support all our independent traders whenever you can - the Best Of promotes the Buy Local initiative! If you'd like one of our Buy Local window stickers for your shop or car, just email us at abergavenny@thebestof.co.uk.