Steve Brine has congratulated Caracoli in Alresford, who are celebrating winning the Best for Food category in the Best Small Shops in Britain awards, run by the Daily Telegraph.
The local MP, who lives nearby, is a regular customer at the Broad Street store, which opened its doors in 2005 and recently opened new branches in Guildford and Winchester High Street.
Judged by Telegraph food columnist Rose Prince, the store beat off stiff competition from Holtwhites Bakery in Enfield, and Clementine of Broughty in Dundee, and was praised as a 'polished yet accessible place for local to sit and have a relaxed, homemade lunch, as well as somewhere to shop for their kitchens.
In the report, Rose Prince said: "Caracoli is loyal to Hampshire food producers, selling the amazing Tunworth cheese and using Hampshire ale in its fruit cakes, for example. But it also brings specialities from other shores to its customers, understanding their eclectic, well-travelled tastes. Cakes and biscuits are freshly baked on site – I especially admired a pistachio and fruit star-shaped cake I tried.
"There are artisan breads, charcuterie and a range of antipasti that changes constantly with the seasons. Wines, well-made coffee, fabulous T2 teas from Australia, pasta, rice, honey and the shop's own muesli and granola... it sounds like a lot, but this is actually a carefully edited shop that truly respects their customers' right to have the best."
Steve Brine said:"I am over the moon for James and Gail, who have really built up a fantastic business over the last few years. I regularly pop in on a Saturday morning when I go into Alresford to pick up the papers, and it is not only me who loves it, the kids are big fans too!
"It's a really great example of a small business self-confidently pushing ahead in this challenging business climate, constantly innovating and reaping the rewards as customers choose to visit them."
Pictured; Caracoli sits snugly on Broad Street, in the heart of Alresford
More information...
Visit their website at www.caracoli.co.uk, and check out the Telegraph report here.
