Hampstead Norreys Community Shop & Cafe.

Location - Hampstead Norreys Community Shop & Cafe.

Manor Courtyard, 

Church St,

Hampstead Norreys,

Thatcham

RG18 0TD

Website - https://www.hncs.co.uk/

Date of Visit - 11/02/20

The Food

9 -Pickled Onion. Several slightly smaller onions. They were lovely - nice crunch, perfectly pickled, good taste, slight sweetness. A perfect compliment to the cheese and other items.

10 -Pickle. It was a mind-blowingly good picalilli! We often associate the ploughman's lunch with ploughman's pickle (or Branston, if going for a brand name), however, picalilli is a superb accompaniment. There was a very unique taste to this pickle, and one I found mesmerising. I didn't check, but I suspect it might be for sale in the shop. A rare 10 for the pickle!

10 -Cheese / Ham. Going strong here.  The ham was heavenly. Hand cut and slightly rustic, maybe even freshly prepared. A nice portion too.  The cheddar was really good too. A mature(ish) cheddar, mild texture, with good flavour. I could easily have more, but I'm greedy, certainly enough for most and with good taste.

10 -Bread.  This is a strong performance! The bread was amazing too! The same stuff that was available in the shop. Fresh baked: I did not note who it was from, but one of our group bought several loaves whilst there as they rated the bakery it was from highly - and justifiably so! Delicious.

4 -Spread. It was butter. Lurpak is an acceptable butter. It was at a perfect temperature too.  Dropped a point (if you were wondering) because of the plastic packaging.  I do like it where it's either in a pot or at the side of a block. (reduce waste, etc).

5 -Presentation. Nice and tidy, properly arranged with thought. This is what a stock image of a ploughman's would look like. Nicely built. bravo.

4 -Salad, etc. There was no apple.  There was however celery.  I like celery (never used to, but I'm old now, I guess). But tradition states apple. And many more people object to celery than apple. I'm being a bit picky, but there are some top-of-the-game ploughman's out there. Anyway, the salad was wonderful, fresh, tasty, refreshing, vitamins.

3 -Originality. A good, standard ploughman's, made with care. Nice dressing on the salad. Definitely an excellent lunch; however, this category is designed to redeem those offerings that are amazing, but do something crazy, like forgetting a pickle.  

Food total: 56

---

Beverages

8 - Tea. A working lunch, and had been out and about. Excellent tasting tea - they had few to choose from. As usual, selected builders tea of the breakfast variety. Dropped a couple of points as I do like a fair bit of milk and some extra hot water. 

Drinks Total: 8

---

The venue

8 -Service. The service was good, but slightly random. This feels a bit harsh, as being a community shop people give their time to do these things. Have confidence in the service, you will get your victuals.

8 -Atmosphere. A lovely community location. However, there was a flavour of WI / "Red trouser" so not entirely sure about popping in dressed in full outdoor clobber. Having said that - got outside and sat in the sun for lunch.  I guess I'm just a bit mean.  I would probably moan about Claridges being posh.....

5 -Location. Chocolate box. A beautiful place in a picturesque village in stunning countryside.

5 -Toilets. Excellent. I didn't venture into the interior loo's, however, I believe they are good.  There is an exterior loo that was absolutely perfect! 

Venue total: 26

---

Score: 90

Interested in the countryside, seasonal changes or seasonal events? Please take a moment to visit https://alans-almanac.co.uk/