Shop local – where to go in Cirencester for all your Christmas food and drink

Braving the supermarket for the big Christmas shop is the stuff of nightmares, especially with fractious children in tow, while trying to secure a supermarket delivery slot has become a modern festive sport (and really something you should have been thinking about in October).

There is another way: shop local. Cirencester has a wealth of independent foodie shops so you can stock up on everything from the turkey to a child-pleasing batch of brownies, gourmet crisps to local cheeses…you can even buy your boughs of holly to deck those halls.

Shopping small and local is not just better for the environment, it’s great for our local businesses and for strengthening our sense of community. Potter around picking up tasty treats, stop for a coffee (or something stronger), admire the Christmas lights … and enjoy the experience!

Knead, 12 Black Jack Street, GL7 2AA

It’s hard to pass the tempting windows of Knead bakery without being lured towards the mouth-watering displays of glammed up doughnuts, delicate patisserie and slabs of focaccia. You can buy entire desserts including Basque burnt cheesecake, treacle tart and carrot cake, and they offer a click and collect service.

Jesse Smith, Black Jack Street, GL7 2AA

Jesse Smith Farm Shop, 19 Love Lane, GL7 1YG

Established in 1808 and now with branches across the Cotswolds, Jesse Smith is a family-owned butcher offering high quality locally produced meat. Pre-order your Christmas meat from turkey to pheasant as well as bacon, sausages, pork pies, cheese and even vegetarian Wellingtons. Home delivery also available.

Market Garden, 16 Dyer Street, GL7 2PF

The friendly staff are one of the biggest draws at independent greengrocers Market Garden. Alongside beautifully presented fresh fruit and vegetables there are local eggs and cheeses as well as a range of chutneys and condiments, flowers and Christmas wreaths, trees, holly and other decorative seasonal greenery.

Pretty & Pip, 22 Castle Street, GL7 1QH

Stop for a seriously good coffee to refuel mid-shop and cross a couple more things off your list while you’re at it:

Pretty & Pip have bakes galore (check out the Terry’s Chocolate Orange brownies) including amazingly good vegan and gluten free options. Another winner is the crunchy/chewy sourdough loaves - the large is the perfect size to feed a tableful of Christmas guests.

Lynwood & Co, 20 Market Place, GL7 2NW

Bringing the coffee culture of Sydney to Cirencester, Lynwood & Co is a great new addition to the marketplace. Get your caffeine shot along with your sourdough and home-baked loaf cakes, perfect for unexpected visitors: “What this? Oh, I made it earlier.”

The Corn Hall Deli & Wine Cellars, The Corn Hall, 26 Market Place, GL7 2NY

If you’re looking for something special for your Christmas table, The Corn Hall Deli & Wine Cellars is the place to go. Fill your basket with everything from gourmet crisps to Gloucester Biltong, handmade pies, and pastries to scotch eggs and sausage rolls. Plus, there’s a curated selection of local beer, cider, gin and wine to complete the festivities.

Michael Hart & Son, Bishops Walk, GL7 1JH

Fourth generation family butchers Michael Hart & Son pride themselves on their customer service and expertise. Choose from a range of produce including fresh meats cut to size, award-wining pies, pastries, sausages and a wide selection of tasty cheeses. If you can’t make it to their shop, they will deliver straight to your door (within a five-mile radius of Cirencester). They also offer a click and collect service.

Phoenix Wines, 15A Castle Street, GL7 1QD

Whether you’re looking for a full-bodied red wine to accompany a Christmas meal or a glass of bubbly to get the party going, independent wine merchant, Phoenix Wines has something to suit all occasions (and palates). If you’re looking for something local, they sell a great range of English wine, as well as classic and contemporary beers from Cirencester micro-brewery Corinium Ales.

Talking Wines, 3 Emmervale Court, Midland Road, GL7 1PZ

If you’re wining and dining with friends and family this festive season, Talking Wines has a carefully selected range of wines that are great value for money (they also have a selection of wines for under £10). As well as their best-selling mixed cases of 12 wines, they also offer local beers and ciders and a range of spirits (Cotswold gins are a favourite!).

Weekly markets, Cirencester Market Place

From spicy sausages to handmade fudge, the weekly Cirencester markets on Monday and Friday are a great stop off for some tasty festive treats. Here you will find a fantastic array of fresh produce including fruit and veg, cheese, meat, eggs, cakes, sweets and drinks. The popular farmers’ market is held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month and has everything you need to keep your guests fed and watered this Christmas.

The Organic Farm Shop, Abbey Home Farm, Burford Road, GL7 5HF

If you are keen to keep things green this Christmas, the Organic Farm Shop has everything you need for a delicious organic spread. Choose from a selection of meat from Abbey Home Farm (beef fillet, cote du boeuf, loin rack of pork, gammon, to name just a few) or go veggie with a wholesome nut roast or a vegan puff pastry roll. The shop stocks organic vegetables from the farm as well as its own farm-produced milk, cheese and cream. And for dessert: Christmas puddings, mince pies and panettone – that’s Christmas taken care of.

Oops a Daisy, 40, Cricklade Street, GL7 1JH

Finally, adorn your house with some gorgeous decorative flowers and foliage from Oops a Daisy florist and wow your guests with a fabulous centrepiece to finish off your festive table. The shop also sells beautiful Christmas wreaths to hang on your front door (and a ‘make your own’ wreath kit if you are feeling creative) along with gorgeous flower bouquets in warm Christmas colours.

Head over to our Local Business Guide to see some of our fantastic local, independent stores.