It may be the shortest month…

…but it has a lot to give. Kingfisher guides you through the month with Valentine’s gift ideas, plant-based pancakes, Winter wellbeing & a little bit of online shopping. We also take a step back in time to hear about a true Kingfisher romance.

A small reminder that our Marmalade Competition is fast approaching! Pick up Seville oranges inside the farm shop and get marmalade making! The competition closes on February 22nd.

We love delivering you our monthly post, read ahead for some inspiration for the remaining winter days!

Colourful produce, blooms & plants…

To add vibrancy to your plate…

• Seville Oranges (for our fellow marmalade lovers)

• Yorkshire Rhubarb

• Sicilian Citrus (Blood Oranges, Naval Oranges, Lemons)

• Jerusalem Artichokes

• Spring Greens

• Chicory

• Radicchio

Plenty of British blooms for your Valentine…

• English Tulips

• Daffodils

• Narcissi

• Blossom

• Magnolia

We’re here to help you get organised for Valentine’s Day…

It’s that time of year once again…Valentine’s Day or perhaps a great excuse to indulge in flowers & chocolate!

We are always ready to take orders for bespoke handties, please order sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment! Contact The Flower Shop

Whether you are celebrating valentine’s, galentines or if you’d just like to treat yourself, here are just a few of our favourites for February 14th…

Simply subscribe for a delivery each week…

From greengrocer’s boxes to fruit boxes, each box offers a fine selection of Kingfisher’s local, seasonal and fresh produce, designed to make your life easier. Choose your delivery or collection day from Tuesday to Saturday, enter your details and we will do the rest! Guaranteed deliveries to your doorstep each week (that’s one thing off the to-do list).

You can even add extra essentials such as Aldhurst milk, Chalk Hills bread, Nelly’s eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice and packet of Surrey Hills Coffee.

If this isn’t for you but you still want to shop small, our online shop is fully stocked with baskets ready to be filled! Order before 12pm on for next day delivery (Tuesday - Saturday)!

A Kingfisher love story…

Frankie & Kevin met at Kingfisher in 1968, here is the story in Frankie’s own words…

…Both Kevin and I worked at Kingfisher and in fact it’s where we met. I started my job as watercress buncher in 1967. I loved the job from day one and met people that became great friends, including other workers and the family that owned the watercress beds, the Arminsons. I occasionally worked up the beds and soon learned how this delicious salad begins its life, eventually being packed up and sent to market. It was great to have worked outside in the summer months but the winter days were not so good, I don't believe my fingers have ever warmed up since putting them in the icy cold spring water.

On the 10th October 1968 a young boy came into the bunching shed, approaching me and Pat Herridge (Conor’s great Aunt!)…he asked where could he find the boss. He had come for an interview to join the team. After we sent him in the direction to find Barrie Arminson and his Father Dick Arminson, Pat smiled from ear to ear and told me one day I would marry that young man. That young boy was Kevin Burt.  And yes, Pat was right, we did marry in 1973. Kevin loved working at Kingfisher and everyone liked him.

When Kevin was just 19, he was made summoned to the office. Everyone was looking very serious, including Kevin. He thought he was going to be sacked but couldn't think why. When he came out of the office Barrie announced that he had just made Kevin forman! We both enjoyed our time at Kingfisher and share wonderful memories of that part of our lives especially of the friends we made, many whom are no longer with us. Kevin has one vivid memory of a Christmas Eve at Kingfisher. There was a session of tasting home-made wine; tea wine, potato wine, orange wine. This was a hobby of Mrs Clayton, she produced some very potent alcohol! Many glasses later everyone was somewhat merry. At the end of the day, Kevin knocked on Barrie’s door to collect his wages. Mrs Wallace (Margaret's mother) welcomed him in and directed him to a cupboard where he found Barrie fast asleep with wage packets in his trouser pocket! Kevin helped himself to his and wished Barrie a Happy Christmas. I don't know about how Barrie’s head felt the next day but I do remember that Kevin nursed a hangover for several hours!! 

I'm pleased to say that we also have kept in touch with the Kingfisher folk and occasionally visit the farm shop to browse the wonderful stock they have to offer. There are times that we would love to turn the clock back and once again be the young couple that had so much fun working at Kingfisher. We are both so grateful to Barrie, who gave us the jobs that led us to our future together.

Meet Hal…

Hi my name is Hal. I’m 25 and I started working at Kingfisher as a part time job during my school years, nearly 9 years ago now! After leaving for university in Wales I always enjoyed coming back for the controlled chaos of Christmas time and catching up with all the brilliant staff and friendly customers. It’s been great in recent months to be back working full time while I pursue a career in music event production. Looking back at the early years Kingfisher was a great way for me to learn how to work hard and responsibly, particularly because of the example set by owners and staff, which has brought great benefits to me in life today.

However, as I have learnt more about human affected climate change during my biological studies at uni, it’s been particularly interesting to observe the ongoing efforts Kingfisher has been making to reduce its impact on the environment. Over my time at the shop, they have invested in solar panels, an electric delivery van, and now have ‘local’ signs in front of the fruit & veg originating from the Surrey/Sussex area, as well as sourcing a bigger range of sustainably packaged products which has been great to see!

The key reason for this I believe is because of the prevailing business ethics of the owners and staff to take the extra time to minimise food waste, reuse packaging, and source local products (with much lower fuel miles) wherever possible, despite the extra cost. Unfortunately, these practices and ethics at kingfisher are unusual in comparison to the larger food industry.

So, support local and add your voice to the environmental movement by buying better sourced (and often better tasting) food! Thanks for reading. Hal.

Photography Credit: @chloe.hardwick