Talking Telford: Could a gourmet trail show foodies and walkers what our town can offer?
How far would you walk for a piping hot sausage roll? What about for a fish supper with just the right amount of flakiness, or a pizza you can't find anywhere else?
We learned this week of a man who travelled to every branch of Greggs in Telford on foot to raise money for Severn Hospice.
Factory worker Dave Evans, his friends and his teenage son plus a fundraiser from the hospice marched around the town to drop by on all 16 of the pastry chain’s shops and units in Telford. It took them most of Saturday to get around all 16 - and in most of them they didn’t even get to stop and enjoy a steak bake.
Hearty congratulations to Dave and his sausage roll squad for a huge effort that raised several hundred pounds for a vital cause. I’m sure Greggs will be pleased with the positive publicity too.
Not that it needs it - one of Britain’s most beloved brands, Greggs has steadily become one of the most recognisable and reliable names in our town. Not even McDonald’s can lay claim to 16 branches in Telford alone.
Sure, it’s a dependable and tasty pick for a quick, filling lunch, and the coffee is among the cheapest around - but what if we had something more unique to offer people who want to combine lots of walking with good food?
Reading about Dave’s exploits got me thinking about the kind of food trails we could one day offer here in Telford: a Chippy Challenge? A Pizza Shop Plunge? A Desi Pub Dare?
Goodness knows Telford has plenty of options - each town from Oakengates to Dawley to Madeley to Wellington has its favourites and its own unique character.
A chippy tea is a veritable jewel in British culinary history - why not celebrate the many shops we have right here in Telford?
Meanwhile a pizza shop challenge could help shine a light on the independent pizzaiolos who often have to live in the shadows of the major international chains.
Where else could you buy a paneer pizza than from one of Telford’s excellent independents?
This is without even mentioning the brilliant cast of culinary characters who make up Wellington Market’s food court. They have helped turn a once-unloved part of the town into a first-class destination for anyone of a gourmet persuasion.
Telford really does have much more to offer foodies than Greggs - though I am glad we’ve got them. Mine’s a sausage, bean and cheese, ta.
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