You can source the hamper itself there, whether you want a wicker basket, a storage box, or gift wrapping. If you’re prioritising sustainability, source a vintage hamper from Bibleot Nook, Flea Circus, and The People’s Exchange. To support small, artisan businesses, try Flaura Rose, Sora Studio, and The Find. Part of the magic is that many of these items are one-of-a-kind and you can’t check the websites to see what they have in. You’re guaranteed to find something unique, and consciously browsing means you’ll pick something much more personal.
You’re guaranteed to find something unique, and consciously browsing means you’ll pick something much more personal.
Ooze opened just last year, but has a classic, old-school feel. Here, you can find the perfect presents for mixologists and baristas. Small businesses are at the heat of Ooze; classic convenience store finds are on the shelves beside Newcastle and UK-based businesses. Wor Matcha, sourced from Kagoshima, Japan, is ceremonial-grade matcha crafted in Ouseburn, stocked in limited drops online and around the Toon. Ooze also stock Resinn coffee, single-origin coffee from around the world, roasted in Sunderland. For your most beloved bartender or sommelier, they stock wines from independent importers like Vibrant Wine and Element Wines, both prioritising low-intervention and organic wines from small producers. For beer, you can check out their Donzoki range, ranging from low alcohol options to 5.6% products, all sourced from their nearby brewery-taproom in Ouseburn.
Cookhouse Deli’s hamper speciality must be their made-in-house range: their own small batch jars and tubs of jams, preserves, pickles, granola, infused olive oils, and fresh products like whipped feta and dill and almond pesto. A stop in Cookhouse is guaranteed to fill your hamper with unique homemade products, and there really is something for everyone, whether they’re a breakfast person, a dinner party host, or an adventurous snacker.
...there really is something for everyone, whether they’re a breakfast person, a dinner party host, or an adventurous snacker.
At the top of the hill leading to Ouseburn valley, you’ll find Ernie, Ernest’s deli. They exclusively stock small, Northern, and/or legacy family-owned businesses, working with small importers to bring international goods into Newcastle. Highlights include Steenbergs’ kala namak, ideal for a vegan basket, Drivers’ pickled onions for a charcuterie-themed hamper, and Fatso’s Morn’n Glory chocolate, perfect for someone with a sweet tooth. If you’re struggling to think of a good setup for a cocktail lover or mixologist, their pre-made Bloody Mary, Negroni, and even Soberista hamper kits include small-business-sourced ingredients for fun drink making. If your hamper is going to its recipient that day, fresh produce can help it stick out; Ernie stock fresh organic seasonal vegetables and eggs, and a variety of cheeses from Yorkshire’s Shepherds Purse cheesemaker.
In the fresh food department, a loaf of Northern Rye sourdough would go perfectly with infused oil from Cookhouse, Acorn salted butter from Ernie, or toasted for breakfast with a cup of Resinn coffee from Ooze. You can also pick up cured meat, Belle & Herbs fermented and live culture products, White Mausu chilli oil, and Single Variety preserves from their mini in-store deli.
Finally, if there is any of the budget left, a stop in Kiln for some handmade ceramics could finish the hamper beautifully; pick up a mug for the coffee or matcha, or a plate to serve some of the food on.