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Thanks to global food supplies, we can now eat whatever we want, whenever we want. But if you're all about food that's truly in season, the Spa Terminus area in Bermondsey is home to over 25 food producers running thriving businesses. Here are seven you should visit this month:
Ice Cream Union
ICU does artisanal ice creams and sorbets and you can expect new and seasonal flavours to their menu, no matter the weather. Treat yourself to an amazing spiced pumpkin, Christmas pudding or brandy butter ice cream.
Natoora
Natoora Delica pumpkins are a seasonal favourite along with cime de rapa and spiky baby artichokes – all fresh in from Italy. Natoora sources from small farmers known for quality and flavour and they supply leading chefs and restaurants including The River Café. They also have a few shops and other outlets around London.
Monmouth Coffee
Monmouth has become a legend on the London coffee scene, with a great range of blends for the winter months. Try the Gititu from Kenya for its rich seasonal taste – it has a hint of cherries, citrus, sweet caramel and cloves.
The London Honey Company
The London Honey Company collects honey from their beehives scattered around London’s rooftops, but they also send their hives to other parts of the UK to make honey of single origin. The latest in stock is made from ling heather in Shropshire. It’s rich and aromatic with an incredible jelly-like consistency.
Mons Cheesemongers
Mons are expert cheesemongers, bagging their artisan cheese from France and Switzerland. Beat the blues this winter with a box of Vacherin Mont d’Or. It’s a handmade cheese with a rich and creamy taste – tinged with a touch of spruce. You can eat as is or bake it in the oven.
Aubert & Mascoli
Fine wine experts Aubert & Mascoli now have this year’s vintage in stock so you can’t get more seasonal than Beaujolais nouveaux. It’s fresh and brut, but with lots of fruit. Pop in for a tasting and browse their other French and Italian wines – most of which are organic.
Jensen’s
Walk down to Jensen’s to sample their classic blends of gin. For a nice buzz, Anne’s warming tots of sherry punch or apple-based wassail punch have a seasonal kick. Or try her gin infusions of blood oranges or winter spices – or sloe gin steeped in the wild seasonal berries.
Spa Terminus is at Dockley Road Industrial Estate, Dockley Rd, SE16 3SF. It's open for retail trade on Saturdays, 9am–2pm.
In other food news, you can now get a festive cheese board delivered to your door.