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The Lazy Nibbler started life back in May this year determined to bring the deli to your doorstep - which is exactly what they did for us this morning! A veritable little ray of sunshine (with the definite whiff of a good fromagerie) turned up in parcel form in the midst of the most miserable dreary Saturday morning...
The Lazy Nibber's main aim is to provide bespoke boxes full of great quality local produce, either as a treat for yourselves of an evening (or indeed morning, or afternoon during lockdown 2 - when all the jobs you've been meaning to do for years were done weeks ago), or as brilliant gifts for loved ones.... I can immediately think of at least 15 people I know that would over the moon to receive a Lazy Nibbler Box, whether it's for a Birthday celebration, Father's Day, Mother's Day, or indeed that big celebration beginning with "C" happening in around 6 weeks time (actually, in a little less than six weeks, as I have just been reminded). These boxes will soon be able to travel quite the distance too, as The Lazy Nibbler will be adding a courier service to their repertoire so you can order boxes for just about anywhere in the British Isles...
Intrigued as to what was inside our beautifully packaged box, I ignored the instructions to refrigerate and opened it up straight away. The beauty of a Lazy Nibbler box is that you can choose from the selection on their website, or put together a bespoke Personalised Box, which is what we were given to review...
On opening ours, first impressions were pretty good. I love supporting local producers anyway, so it was great to see that our box contained items from several local farms and nearby producers.
First up, one of my favourites - Hampshire Cheese Company's Gorgeous Tunworth - an award-winning British Camembert that Raymond Blanc refers to as the best Camembert in the World. High praise indeed from a Frenchman! Also included were two Lyburn Cheeses, Lyburn Gold & Old Winchester (another favourite!), along with a generous chunk of Wyfe of Bath, and a fat slice of Bath Blue by The Bath Soft Cheese Company. Peter's Yard Sourdough Crispbreads were included to go with the cheese, along with a jar of Tracklement's Perfect Ploughman's Pickle.
I would have been more than happy with all that alone to be honest given that that is quite a stuffed box and a half, but also included was a pot of Kasbah Olives from The Real Olive Company, a packet of Cured Spicy Kabanos from Cobble Lane, and a large bottle of Itchen Valley Brewery's Light Pale Ale to wash it all down with. That wasn't it by the way, a bar of Montezuma's Dark Chilli Chocolate was tucked away in there too, so that's pudding definitely sorted...
I have to say, that having looked in-depth on the Lazy Nibbler's website, I think these boxes are great value when you consider the quality of the produce. If you were to add up everything included you would typically save a few pounds than if you had gone around a shop yourself. Then of course there's the lovely packaging that's included on top of that...
The pre-made box options come in a good few shapes and sizes (and also comes with a personalised card), which is great when it comes to gifts for awkward family members who reply with just "nothing" when you ask them what they want for various celebrations. Given the fact that the build your own boxes mean you can tailor them to suit tastes as well, you could take out the camembert if someone's not a big fan (I have to tell you now that I'm not typically, but I am more than happy with a Tunworth) or amend your order to include two if they are BIG fans (I hope Mr Winchester Eats is reading this)...
And as I listen to the wind howling outside, and the rain pelting against the window, I know that we are really going to enjoy our Lazy Nibbler treat by the fire this evening, perhaps with a bottle of red (we drank the IPA after our box and its contents had its photo shoot this morning!).
Despite the fact that this was a gift, I was so impressed with our box and its delicious contents that I am about to pre-order a couple as Christmas Gifts, and probably treat ourselves to another one as something to look forward to before this year's out (hopefully to enjoy with friends, but if not, I am sure we will manage to eat it, and we could always order another to our friend's address and maybe have a Zoom cheese party!!)...
Not only does a Lazy Nibbler box make a brilliant tasty present ( to a loved one, or to you!) but you are supporting them as a small local business, and in turn supporting several local farms and artisanal producers as well. Definitely a win-win situation all round...
We were given a Personalised Selection Box in return for an honest review, which is what you have just read. All words and opinions are very much our own...