Congratulations to Caracoli!
BEST FOR FOOD Chosen by Rose Prince, Telegraph food columnist
Caracoli Broad Street, Alresford, Hampshire, plus two other branches (01962-738730; caracoli.co.uk)
All the strengths of a great deli lie in this year’s winner, the Hampshire-based cafe-deli Caracoli. James and Gail Nichols (pictured) opened the first branch in Alresford in 2005, creating a polished yet accessible place for locals to sit and have a relaxed, homemade lunch, as well as somewhere to shop for their kitchens. The interior is brightly lit, and counters are kept stocked with food that exudes vitality and colour. I loved the mix of cultures represented here. 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.
Information taken from Telegraph website.