Classically beautiful day. Sunshine and temperatures just over 20 in the shade, much higher in the sun. Lidl’s turn on our food shopping rota. Actually doesn’t get as many turns as the others, partly because it’s a little farther away than the others, partly because it’s a slightly less attractive walk, and partly because with a few notable exceptions its prices are higher than any of the other stores. Check the online flyer first. Nothing we’re looking for - but there is a little entertainment value in the disclaimer: “Products of our weekly offers, despite attentive orders, may be depleted from the first day.” OK, we’re used to that elsewhere. And then, “all prices without decoration”. Sounds fair. Had it with overdecorated prices.
Produce almost always overpriced. Butter, on the other hand usually pretty competitive. And fairly drinkable wines at attractive prices. Their Greek shiraz is cheaper than the Sicilian one that Smart carries. It’s not as good but on the other hand it’s reliably there, whereas at Smart you may find a gem and after you’ve had their three bottles never see it again. So our list today is three bottles of shiraz, a dozen free range eggs, and sheep yoghurt. Probably won’t get another bottle of gin before we leave. Spot their own brand whisky, which is indeed remarkably cheap and wonder who would risk any amount of money on a three year old whisky and whether they’re actually allowed to call it Scotch at anything less than eight years. So resort at home to Google. And am mildly surprised. Queen Margot is Lidl’s own brand, but blended respectably by Whyte and Mackay. Apparently held its own and collected medals in blind tasting competitions. Still wouldn’t lead one to great anticipation - but their own brand gin is fine.
There is a couple next to us at the checkout speaking Ukrainian. Only purchase is a half dozen or more conference pears. Refrain, naturally, from telling them that they’ve overpaid. Would be substantially less anywhere else. They leave just ahead of us, looking pretty cheerful and we’re wondering idly if they’re staying at the Renaissance Hotel just down the road as, like us, they’re walking. And indeed it would have been much simpler to get some fruit for the room at Lidl than to search out a supermarket. However, they disappear into a gourmet shop half way between Lidl and the hotel. Could spark a short story, that.
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