I popped over to the pretty market town of Winslow (about 6 miles south of Buckingham) the other day, as I’d been told about a couple of shops to try out.

I’ve been umming and ahhing about whether to mention them because Winslow is in no way a shopping destination in the way that, say, Marlow or Henley are,  but there’s something about Winslow that I like, and this little square of shops sits conveniently around the main shopping square.

The town is a few miles away from Claydon House, a beautiful Georgian country house (now National Trust) that was once home to Florence Nightingale, and also close to the highly rated The Crooked Billet gastropub in Newton Longville, so if you’re hovering around the area and you’re the type who likes to browse, it’s worth stopping for half an hour to have a gander at…

Polka Dot Gallery

A cute gift emporium that also produces its own crockery and paintings. Stuffed with key rings, bags, bunting and all sorts of other bits that little girls just love, it was also selling these adorable knitted animals (above) – knitted by a local old lady. Shreddies, get this woman on board.
14 Market Square, Winslow. MK18 3AF. Tel: 07932 330197. www.polkadotwinslow.co.uk

Beautifully Different:

An accessories shop that’s a real hit-and-misser. I wasn’t mad for any of the jewellery, but there was a nice leather bag in the window, a small selection of sandals and some really lovely scarves, modelled (if you can call it that) by moi, above. This zebra scarf comes in pink, blue, brown, and taupe, and is only £20 – cheaper than the zoo!

Estrella delicatessen

By anyone’s standards, a classy deli. Sits next to Beautifully Different and offers the usual range of deli goodies (cheeses, charcuterie, olives etc)  plus paella pans, fine wines, and best of all, a selection of olive oils decanted from metal containers (below) and into your own bottles.

BTW Estrella is 5 years old next week so from 8-14 July there will be tastings, gifts and giveaways in the shop if you want to check it out.
2a, High St, Winslow. Tel: 01296 712466. www.delicatessenestrella.co.uk

Rhubarb & Roses

I love this shop – a classic mix of gardening, interiors and flowers. It’s very calm in here, modern neutrals, simple lines, lots of ceramics, wicker and wood. The owners offer flower arranging and gardening courses too, presumably along the same, lovely lines.

I nearly bought this bowl. A gorgeous planter for the garden or window ledge

15 Market Square, Winslow, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire MK18 3AB. Tel: 01296 711158