New Milton Advertiser 27th Nov 2020

24 · Friday 27th November 2020

news@adt.press · advertising@adt.press · 01425 613384

New fruit and veg store takes root despite lockdown

by the pandemic and pushed ahead with launching Raise the Roots in Whitefield Road. Dean, who is also a New Mil- ton town councillor, said: “As an essential retailer we are allowed to remain open, so we decided we should just go for it. Despite the lockdown and some terrible weather we have been incredi- bly busy during our first week of trading.” Large woven baskets display a colourful array of fresh fruit and vegetables, and shelves are stacked with local jams and pickles, honey, cakes and biscuits. The range includes a

number of New Forest Marque products and vegetables are sourced from within the UK where possible. Dean said that in the first week of trading several custom- ers have already visited on a daily basis. “Some of our older customers have told us they like being able to pop out and get what they need fresh every day,” he said. “Many people have said that they also visit the butchers for their meat and the bakers for their bread and pastries – there definitely seems to be a return to a more traditional way of

shopping, and some are anx- ious about being in a supermar- ket environment. “We have consistently heard from customers how nice it is to come back to a more tradition- al greengrocer’s shop. There is almost a sense of a return that war time spirit and the impor- tance of community and sup- porting local business.” An important ethos of the new business is also about pro- viding excellent customer ser- vice and catering for bespoke requests. Dean said: “One of our cus- tomers asked for watercress so

New store has been ‘incredibly busy’ since opening its doors

Raise the Roots opened two days into the second lockdown

BY ROZ WATERS

we were able to source that and stock it for them. “We understand that people may be shielding and may be anxious about visiting shops, so if they contact us we are hap- py to prepare bespoke orders which can be collected from the door or delivered locally if nec- essary.” Future plans for the shop in-

clude the launch of a local deliv- ery service for bespoke fruit and veg boxes. Dean added: “Obviously some of our exotic fruits and bananas are imported from overseas but where possible we are looking to source locally to reduce food miles. Our cakes and biscuits come from Sway and our eggs come from a farm

in the north of the Forest. “Suitability is really impor- tant to us – we use paper bags and encourage our customers to bring their own shopping bags so we can reduce any waste.” Raise the Roots is open Mon- day to Saturday. To find out visit bit.ly/2KeH6Gz or contact 01425 464073.

DESPITE opening two days af- ter the second lockdown come into force, the duo behind a new greengrocers in New Milton say they have received incredible support from the community. Business partners Dean Sam- ber and Gillian Turner decided they would not be deterred

Eddie jumping in to open venue OLYMPIC legend Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards will land at a Brockenhurst hotel to officially open a new apres-ski style ven- ue. venue invites tables of up to six to enjoy festive street food and party tunes. The Christmas-inspired New Forest whilst ensuring everyone is kept snug inside. “We can promise an amazing party atmosphere – albeit a so- cially distanced one!”

menu includes festive pizzas and flatbreads cooked out- doors in a Gozney oven, sharing boards, succulent slow-cooked meats and mouth-watering desserts. General manager Michael Clitheroe said Christmas was “100% on” at Balmer Lawn. “We want to make sure that each and every one of our guests has an experience to remember,” he said. “The new stretch tent has clear weatherproof walls which provide amazing views of the

Bringing some post-lock- down festive cheer, former British ski-jumper Michael Ed- wards will be welcoming guests to the Alpine lodge experience at Balmer Lawn Hotel next Fri- day. The Lodge Kitchen and Bar will be transformed into an alpine wonderland host- ing Christmas-themed events throughout December. Complete with atmospheric lighting, cosy sheepskin rugs and rustic tables, the heated

Former plasterer Eddie Ed- wards soared to fame during the Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, in 1988. Under-funded and under-pre- pared, he was the classic British underdog that the whole nation rooted for. Next week’s event will kick off at 6.30pm. For more information about festive goings on at Balmer Lawn, go to www.balmer lawn hotel.com/events/christmas- 2020

Olympic ski-jumper Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards

The apres-ski style lodge at the Balmer Lawn Hotel will bring some much-needed festive cheer