Teddington Fiver Fest fortnight

The latest edition of Fiver Fest has been taking place in Teddington.  It was organised by the brilliant Totally Locally Teddington, who are a group of people doing rather nice things for Teddington. Over the two-week event local businesses discounted 45 amazing deals to the bargin-tastic price of just £5 in order to get local people shopping locally.

But why shop locally?  Well, the wonderfully well-informed folk at Totally Locally tell me that if every adult in Teddington spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops, instead of online or at the big supermarkets, it would be worth an extra £5.1m each year to the local economy.  Kind of makes sense, and with the news that Kitchen Sync is closing down, following a few other  independent shops being forced out of business, it makes you think.  I must admit that I have (in the past) popped into local shops and then sourced deals cheaper on the internet.  But, I have lived in Teddington now for 16 years, and have come to care a great deal about my local town and the people in it. Teddington is my home, it's a place I am proud of, and want it continue being a vibrant, happy place to live.

So, armed with my new Totally Locally shopping bag and purse full of fivers, I went in search of some great deals.  It wasn't a hard search!

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One of my favourite deals was in the fantastic restaurant, Shambles. It's a lovely place, and we are always treated warmly by the staff, and the food is consistently excellent.

Shambles had two Fiver Fest deals: for kiddies they had a 3 course menu for £5, and for grown-ups  their rather epic breakfast 'The English' was knocked down to £5.  So, for a lazy Saturday brunch it would be rude not to, eh?!

The kiddies decided on chocolate profiteroles for their pudding.  I was lucky enough to get a taste, and it was scrummy.

I also managed to visit other local shops, to spend a few fivers.  I had a lovely chat in Heirloom and got some Fiver Fest coffee.  The lady in the shop was so lovely, and clearly listens to what local residents and shoppers want and need.  My Mum is adamant that she gets a card with 'Mothering Sunday' on.  I always have to search out a card as they are scarce (and generally dreadful) as most nowadays have 'Mother's Day' on it.  I was overjoyed at getting a lovely one at Heirloom, and I know my Mum will love it.

So, did you visit any shops in Teddington for Fiver Fest?  What was your favourite?  Leave me a comment or Tweet at me, as I would love to hear from you.


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Tamsin x