The Fruit & Flower Basket and Strickoe's Deli in Taunton Deane

Soggy quiche alert!! We have been using this wonderful farm shop for years and most of the produce is fantastic. However, the quiche’s are so wet and soggy!! We bought 5 a few days ago for a walk and they were inedible.

Such a shame as this is shop is normally amazing. The lady who helped me today was disinterested. I am a regular; I was questioned regarding my purchases and the request to try an olive. I was made to feel a nuisance. Olives have a shelf life and I mealy wanted to see if they were firm or soft; before buying a full pot. I will not return.

This is our local for fruit, vegetables, takeaway rolls etc for picnics, cakes, high quality meat from Wiliton butcher, delicatessen specialities, unbelievably good frozen foods cooked on the premises - and always lovely, helpful staff. During the early stages of lockdown we had deliveries from there, as well as socially distanced collections. They've offered a consistent and reliable service across the pandemic period and I've really appreciated that. Made those quite frightening early days seem more manageable. We volunteer on the railway further up on the coast and always recommend travellers - especially holidaymakers -going to Bishops Lydeard to stroll round to this deli for a great picnic to eat on the journey back up the line and to lay in supplies for their self-catering stay - and often see those passengers return with full shopping bags. Very tasty, tempting food. Not cheap but always good quality.

This is my ‘local’ farm shop and I can’t rave about it enough. They source the best of local suppliers and the owner / chefs cook gorgeous meals that they serve frozen. They have Kormas that actually have a richness and depth of flavour and None of their dishes have disappointed. Their Fresh rolls and sandwiches, prepared to your specification, are a treat and you have to see the cakes to believe them -huge sponges and amazing cheesecakes, tiffing, pastries... The staff are just lovely, always helpful and their cheeses are an excellent array of local (Hawkridge cheddar mmmm) Somerset and other cheeses. The deli range is great and though a smallish range overall, covers a useful array. They have acquired hero status during the lockdown with their swift setup of deliveries and collections and handle everything in a reassuringly socially distanced way. I’ve always loved this shop -a goldmine for those of us in the surrounding scattered population - and really appreciate their efforts to keep us safely resourced are this difficult time. Thank you Strickos.

Yummy, yummy, yummy! The only problem is deciding what to choose from the amazing selections on offer. Meats, cheeses, pies & quiches, fruit & vegetables, nibbles and nuts, jams and pickles.....not to mention the cakes..... They also make up rolls/subs of your choice and do take away tea and coffee too. There are a few tables and chairs outside if you want to sit and eat your goodies there. Pay them a visit to see what else they have!

We could not believe our luck stumbling upon Strickoe’s Deli when we visited The Quantock Brewery and Taproom just 2 doors away. You would almost miss it walking past and would not know it is there at all if you walked the more popular route to the WSR Bishops Lydeard Station via the main gate. We were super-impressed by the variety and quality of goods that this charming little place stocked! If we lived nearby, we would be here at least 3 times a week! They’ve got freshly baked pastries and all the usual items you would find in a typical delicatessen! We were surprised to find such a huge selection of quiches, pies, pasties, cakes, sweet treats, meats, cheeses and even unique items like stuffed anchovies, peppers and olives! This place really amazed us! In addition, they sell fresh fruits and vegetables and all sorts of condiments and accompaniments to make a fantastic meal when paired with anything in their display cases! I look forward to returning to Strickoe’s Deli on my next day out to Bishops Lydeard!