Founder of My Local Larder talks of the business' focus on delivering quality produce to local customers

A Chieveley woman launched her own grocery delivery service specialising in local produce last year and it has already grown to become a successful business across West Berkshire and beyond.

Robyn Hamilton, 30, founder of My Local Larder (LoLa), wanted to create a way for people to easily buy local and sustainable food and drink brands without having to travel miles to do so.

Already operating throughout parts of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, Miss Hamilton hopes that LoLa can one day become a nationwide enterprise.

She said: “You feel good when you’re getting your veg from your local farmer. It doesn’t just taste good, it feels good.

"You feel better, and I think we could all use a little more of that.”

After re-locating back to West Berkshire from London during the pandemic, Miss Hamilton fell in love again with so many of the independent food outlets she loved as a child growing up here.

Wanting to shop from businesses such as Newbury’s Griffins Family Butchers, she quickly realised it could take hours out of your day to complete a full shop from all these local firms.

“Realistically it’s very tricky to go to 20 different places to fill your fridge, especially if you don’t live in town and live on the outskirts,” Miss Hamilton explained.

“Suddenly you’re adding an hour to your day almost in travel before you get to the actual shopping.”

Launched in October, My Local Larder allows customers to mix and match products from a variety of local brands and get them delivered directly to your door to save the hassle of travelling to all the different outlets individually.

Miss Hamilton also wanted LoLa to be a way for people to continue their renewed interest in better quality food that many experienced during lockdown.

She said: “Food and drink were a main indulgence during the lockdown, but as life is busier again, LoLa allows people to maintain that connection which is why we partner with so many great brands.”

My Local Larder customers can shop by produce, brand and recipe, as well as buy meal kits, food subscriptions and gift hampers.

One of LoLa’s more popular products is its weekly vegetable subscription box, which contains a variety of seasonal British veg.

LoLa only sells the products it offers at retail prices, just charging customers for the delivery and curation of its various food packages.

To have a look at some of the products My Local Larder has to offer, visit https://www.mylocallarder.co.uk/

Miss Hamilton, who became heavily interested in sustainability during her time in London working in the fashion industry, wanted to make sure LoLa was as sustainable as possible. All products delivered by LoLa are packed within reusable produce containers.

The delivery service is also in the process of establishing collection points in more rural spots such as village shops.

LoLa’s first collection point is at Mrs B’s Kitchen Café, an independent café and catering business located on Faraday Road in Newbury.