The homogenous state of UK culture is often criticised. Multi-national stores and conglomerates have supposedly taken over the high street; major labels have consumed independent artists; and the only restaurants available are chain bistros and cafes. However, it is my belief that there are plenty of independent treasures out there, both online and in the street. You just have to take the care to look for them.

Through this blog I will do that leg-work for you, introducing you to independent gems that you can then check out for yourself. Indie Treasures focuses on independent culture and enterprise in the UK, revealing shops, restaurants, designers, record labels and artists, triumphing both their autonomy and their vision and creativity. There is a huge, burgeoning independent scene out there, full of true individualism and quality, and almost always at very reasonable prices. So think of this baby as you independent guide to an independent weekend!

Sunday 14 April 2013

Biscuiteers



  Biscuiteers are a fantastically popular independent mail-order bakery creating beautiful hand-iced biscuits. Perfect for practically any occasion, Biscuiteers are attempting to create the idea of biscuits as a touching and personal gift, indeed, “why send flowers when you can send biscuits?”

Set up by husband and wife team Steve Congdon and Harriet Hastings in 2007, Biscuiteers was practically an overnight success. The company went from setting up their first bakery in September 2007 to stocking Selfridges by January 2008, and they are now also stocked by Fortnum and Mason, Harrods and Liberty. They have even created bespoke biscuits for the likes of Mulberry and Charlotte Olympia.




Just one glimpse at the Biscuiteers range explains their unquenchable popularity, however. These artisan icers use old-fashioned techniques to great effect, and the detail in each biscuit is exquisite. The sheer range of biscuits readily available to buy is also staggering. Pre-made tins are themed around new babies, thank yous, good luck and get well soon wishes, and of course wedding gifts. There are also clever and quirky themed tins, focusing on subjects such as tools, London, cupcakes, best in show, lingerie and creepie crawlies, along with short run seasonal themes, (most recently focusing on David Bowie and Easter respectively). Each collection comes in a gorgeous themed tin of either nine or 16 biscuits, and smaller biscuit selections are offered in dainty illustrated cardboard boxes.



Recently, the company opened their first boutique and icing café, based on Kensington Park Road in Notting Hill. Here, you can drop in a pick up a biscuit or ten, or you can even decorate your own biscuit card to take home with you. The café also hosts icing parties, which are ideal for a hen weekend or birthday celebration. They even do children’s icing sessions at half-term, where the kids get an icing lesson, an apron, a certificate, and a selection of biscuits to take home.

 The Biscuiteers’ boutique is open seven days a week, or you can order their whole range online for next day delivery. As well as biscuits, you can also pick up hand made chocolates and hand iced cakes, and they even do a special decorated cupcake for one, which comes in the post in its own illustrated box. They also sell a variety of tools for budding bakers, and you can buy their very own book, Biscuiteers Book of Iced Biscuits, which is full of inspirational ideas for your own icing experiments. And for any four-legged fanciers out there, they even make hand-iced dog biscuits.

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