We’re in a funny old place right now aren’t we? The lockdown here in the UK continues, and whilst certain restrictions have been relaxed we all know that social distancing is still the major goal. Whilst we can’t be certain, it seems that restaurants, cafes and bars are all going to be the the last group of businesses to open. So how are we able to support our local businesses safely whilst still isolating? And how on earth are we supposed to get our foodie fix, which God knows we need after 8 weeks under lock and key? I’m hoping that this post will become the go-to for you on how you can grab the absolute best lockdown munchies in Burton, Swadlincote, Derby and the surrounding areas. Whether that’s something a little unique, delicious sweet treats or your trusty old favourites. My aim here is of course not just to help you, but to promote our small business folk until things can return to some form of normality. So stick with me guys and gals as I try to create this little directory of lockdown love.
I will aim to update this post as often as possible. I would also love for you to be involved. If you have any suggestions of Lockdown Munchies that I absolutely need to know about, or if you are a local business who would like to be featured, please feel free to drop me an email or DM me over on Instagram.
Drinks
Tipsy Jar
Now I’m not a big drinker at all, but this lockdown has even had me crying out for the odd co*cktail or two (three). I was so excited to discover Tipsy Jar – a company who send you everything you require to create your favourite tipple AT HOME. That’s what I said. You don’t even need to step outside your front door. These boxes are delivered directly to you. They include all the ingredients, garnishes and a reusable jar. All you need is ice ice baby and you’re good to go. So p*rnstar Martinis are my faves and that’s naturally what I gravitated towards but there are lots of options. The packaging was adorably cute and everything arrived safely. The finished product was PERFECT. Even better that I got to sit out in the sunshine enjoying it. DISCLAIMER – I was DRUNK. These co*cktails are the real deal. Each co*cktail box contains two servings (or 1 Beth sized serving LOLS) and costs £12 excluding delivery. You can place your order directly on the Tipsy Jar website. A couple of boxes would be a great idea if you’re having a socially distanced get together or BBQ. Also, these would make a brilliant lockdown gift if you’re in the mood to treat someone that you love/miss.
Sweet Treats
Buttermilk. Coffee House – Brailsford, Derbyshire
I’ve been a huge fan of this cosy little coffee shop since it first opened. They specialise in homemade cakes, bakes and treats, plus the odd savoury snack and breakfast items. Menus are being updated regularly so it’s a great idea to keep your eye on their social media accounts. Currently Buttermilk is open for collections on Fridays only. You can place your order with them directly throughout the week when the available options are announced. Oh, and if they have chocolate flapjack – just order it! Honestly, you will not be disappointed. Orders are paid for via bank transfer and collection is completely contactless.
Project D
This hugely popular handmade doughnut bakery based in Derby and Burton has adapted amazingly to lockdown restrictions. With a delivery option andPop Up shops appearing all over Staffordshire and Derbyshire, the aim is to bring the “World’s Best Doughnut” directly to you seeing as you aren’t going anywhere LOLS. A pre-packed box of doughy deliciousness is £10 and honestly, there are so many flavours it’s like the lucky dip of your delectable dreams. Also, Project D has a huge selection of Vegan Doughnuts (the box photographed was vegan) and I can absolutely vouch for how yummy they are. Head over to their Facebook Page now to see the next destinations and go follow their Instagram if food p*rn is your jam. All payment and collections/deliveries are contactless and queues at Pop Up shops are socially distanced.
OJ’s Milkshake Bar – Swadlincote
My Milkshake brings all the boys to the yard! Ok, not strictly mine. OJ’s Milkshake Bar in Swadlincote town centre has now re-opened and is offering both collection and delivery of delicious ice cream milkshakes. But of course, these aren’t just your average milkshakes. These ones include your favourite sweets, choccie bars or biscuits. The hardest part for you…… choosing which one. Personally, I’m gonna go right ahead and recommend the Biscoff or the Oreo option because I bloody love my biccies. OJ’s Milkshake Bar is currently open Fridays and Saturdays between 1pm and 6pm and Tuesdays 10am until 3pm. You can order directly from their website and you can also keep your eye on a new range of desserts there which will be coming soon.
Bake Away – Ashby
With all this extra time on our hands there are plenty of things we can be doing. But do any of them sound as good as building your own dessert? Didn’t think so. Bake Away in Ashby, situated in The Monkey Tree has a variety of puddings for you to pick up as a weekend treat. To start with, you choose between pancakes, waffles, a chocolate brownie, cookie dough or mini doughnuts (gluten free, dairy free and vegan options are available of certain desserts by request). Then go ahead and decide what toppings and sauce you want to add. Personalised puds with a scoop of ice cream for just a fiver….. sounds good enough to eat right? Bake Away is currently taking orders throughout the week on their Facebook Page for collection on Fridays and Saturdays between 5pm and 9pm or Sunday between 12pm and 5pm. Payment is via card on collection.
Piece of Cake Co.
Now this one is a little bit different. Piece of Cake Co. isn’t actually local (based in Worksop) BUT that is kind of irrelevant seeing as your order is popped out to you in the post. That literally means that you can enjoy these delicious blondie plates WHEREVER you are in the UK. Aren’t I good to you? Anyway, I spotted Piece of Cake Co. over on Instagram and if you know me well, you’ll totally get why I couldn’t look away. I am a Toffifee FANATIC. I have never seen them being added to baked goods before but the idea of it had me in full on food fantasy land. And I can hand on heart tell you that this blondie plate was one of THE BEST desserts I have ever tasted (as an aside I warmed it in the oven and it was gooey as!!!) As well as Toffifee you can order an Oreo Blondie plate or a Kinder Blondie plate. Two sizes are available and currently orders are placed via the Etsy shop.
Manns Cookies
Manns Cookies is a bakery in Lymington and they’re supplying us with the yummiest, chocolatiest cookies in our time of need. With boxes of 6 and 12 cookies available delivered right to your front door, all you need to do is enjoy them. As an added bonus, all cookies are topped with delicious treats, my favourites being Toffifee (of course) and Munchies. These boxes would also make THE best gift to send out to someone. Orders can be placed via the website or Facebook page
We Do Dough – Burton on Trent
So for some reason, cookie dough just isn’t that big a thing here in the UK and I, for one, think that is truly messed up. Luckily I can stop fretting about it because Lockdown has birthed a brand new Cookie Dough company right here in the B.O.T. We Do Dough are now delivering their dreamy tray bakes of deliciousness to the people of Burton and Swadlincote. I sampled the Lotus Biscoff and Caramel, closely followed by the Jammy Dodger and White Chocolate and HOLY CRAP!!!! You need this in your life right now. It tastes absolutely incredible raw but after 15 or so minutes in the oven, it’s a melting pot of actual mouth org*sms – sorry not sorry! Orders can be placed online via the Facebook page and deliveries are currently taking place three times a week. Just order. Seriously.
Cristina’s Kitchen – Birmingham
I don’t know about you, but I could really do with a little bit of Rio in my life right now. Whilst I certainly won’t actually be going to Brazil any time soon, I can be transported there through the culinary creations of Cristina’s Kitchen. Think Brazilian cuisine with an English twist! I know, you’re intrigued aren’t you? Cristina specialises in celebration cakes, cake jars, traditional Brazilian brigadeiros and incredible tray bakes – I sampled the salted caramel brownie (insert sex face here) and a cherry bakewell flapjack. This is just a small selection of what’s on offer. Please speak to Cristina directly if you have something specific in mind. Orders can be placed directly with Cristina via Instagram or Facebook. Choose to collect in person or free delivery is available within a 5 mile radius (delivery outside of the 5 mile radius will incur a small charge).
Take Out/Restaurant Deliveries
Dattie’s Soul Food – Burton on Trent
Perhaps like me you’ve never really tried authentic Caribbean cuisine? Lockdown is restrictive enough right? Don’t let it prevent you from sampling something new and expanding your palate. Juicy fried chicken, Caribbean chicken with rice and peas and THE most incredible fried dumplings. This family run business is cooking up some seriously tasty grub. Menus for the week are announced on Datties’ Facebook Page with deliveries happening on Fridays and Saturdays. Orders need to be placed by 5:30pm on a Thursday evening via Instagram DM or by texting/calling 07500561744 and payment via bank transfer. Deliveries are within the Burton area, anything further afield requires a minimum £20 order.
Kim’s Kitchen- Woodville, Derbyshire
If you’re missing your Chinese Take-out but you also fancy trying something just a little bit different, Kim’s Kitchen in Woodville are offering mixed boxes alongside their regular menu for collection and delivery. Choose from salt and chilli chicken, paprika chicken or peri-peri chicken. Boxes include fried rice, chips, chicken balls and curry sauce. One of the best things about these boxes is that they serve 2-3 people and literally can just be eaten straight from the container – no washing up for the win! Also salt and chilli anything for me please. Kim’s Kitchen is are operating under temporary opening times between 5pm and 10pm. They are closed on Tuesdays. To place your order call 01283 222388. Only two people are allowed in the shop at any time. Cash is currently still accepted.
The Balearic Eye – Swadlincote
I’m a little bit excited about this one. The Balearic Eye is gaining quite the reputation for doing things differently (you only need to look at their Facebook reviewsto get a feel for the buzz that they’re creating). I’m absolutely honoured to have been granted a bit of an exclusive with them – GET ME! The Balearic Eye is fairly new to Swadlincote town centre and they’ve taken up residence in the iconic Empire building on West Street. Set to be the first Acid House themed restaurant in the world, there are some pretty amazing things on the horizon for this brand. Currently, due to Coronavirus and lockdown, they are supplying Swadlincote and beyond with the scrummiest Street Food around, with both deliveries and collections now available.
I can honestly say that there is nothing quite like this in our area and whatever you opt for, you’re not going to be disappointed. The menu is being added to on a regular basis too, so you’re going to keep wanting to check in and sample something new. But if dirty burgers, loaded fries, hot dogs and ice cream milkshakes are your thing (and why the hell wouldn’t they be) you are seriously going to want to check these guys out. You can order online via the Balearic Eye Website,via messagenger on Facebook or you can call them directly on 01283550054. You can even buy gift vouchers. And let’s be honest, is there anything that says “I love you” more than a big juicy burger? At the time of publishing this post, all online orders can be paid for electronically whereas collection is cash only.
Church Gresley Fishbar – Church Gresley
As soon as I heard about the kebab boxes at Church Gresley Fishbar, I knew they absolutely had to feature on this Lockdown Munchies guide. I mean, just look at them! These boxes come in two sizes, small being 9 inch (£9) and large is 12 inch (£15). They both include generous helpings of chips, Doner Kebab Meat, Chicken Tikka and Mediterranean Chicken. This is topped off with salad and sauces of your choice. Plus, if you opt for the large box you get a naan bread to boot. If you’re wondering just how big the portions are – I’d go with pretty big. The 9″ box could easily feed 3 people in my opinion but I suppose that depends on just how hungry you are. Now, I didn’t actually try my first kebab until last year (I know, what?) so I may not be an expert or anything, but this meat was delicious. Super succulent and so tasty. I honestly cannot say enough about how great I think these kebab boxes are, especially as you don’t even need to wash up afterwards. In addition to these bad boys, the fishbar is also serving its regular menu and everything is available to collect or for delivery within 6 miles. You can pay with cash or by card and only two people are allowed in the chip shop at any time to allow for social distancing. To order you simply need to call 01283 215593 or order directly over the counter in store. You may thank me later 🙂
That’s all I have for you now folks but I promise there is MUCH more of the good stuff coming. Keep popping back to get your fix of all the mouth watering local lockdown munchies. Also I just want to say a big thank- you for being here and for wanting to support small business. Stay safe my lovelies.
Beth Anne xoxo
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