Well, some of you did ask... here's a link to Jo Thoenes show on BBC Radio Oxford. Mark from Mostly Books is their new book recommend person and this was his first slot (which begins at 1:07 in the programme, with the cupcakes' moment of fame at 1:23).
And then Mark gets pretty much a whole half-hour to talk about the shop and how it began. It's funny, I've been working there for coming up for 2 years now and sometimes it's easy to take for granted just what a special place it. And how much energy is invested into making it so.
So hooray for independent shops. Are you giving them some of your Christmas spending?
I've heard quite a bit about your bookshop - Mr Coffee, who works in literature and has just opened a small bookshop in his office, was very impressed when he first heard you worked there.
Certainly I will be in the independents next week, doing my usual last-minute dash for EVERYTHING.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 17 December 2009 at 10:18
Wonderful stuff Ali. It seems your cupcakes went down a treat! It was great that you got your name mentioned on the radio too! I wish I worked at Mostly Books. It sounds like a lovely place to work. x
Posted by: Simone | 17 December 2009 at 10:47
Thank you for the link. I read your blog partly because now I'm living in France it reminds me of home (and, of course, because it is interesting and full of good ideas). Listening to Radio Oxford from near Geneva was rather wierd but such fun - English books and bookshops being some of the things I really miss.
Merry Christmas to you, your family and the bookshop!
Posted by: Jo | 17 December 2009 at 14:23
I wish we had such a lovely book store in my town! We do have an independent shop in the next town and I promise to do some shopping there!
Posted by: Alexis | 17 December 2009 at 15:33
How exciting! I think I may have to pop down your way for a visit - it sounds great. x
Posted by: PinkCat | 18 December 2009 at 11:36
I use as many independant shops as I can - sadly our lovely traditional chemists is now another Boots. We have a fabulous family run grocers in the village - long may it last & not become a Tesco supastore.
Posted by: Penny | 18 December 2009 at 16:13
Your cakes look delish Ali. But I am now feeling very guilty because I don't think I've done much small shop shopping for Christmas this year :o( May have to remedy that tomorrow with a trip to the wool shop!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 18 December 2009 at 20:02
I think I will have to come to Abingdon, I never knew they had a great bookshop there....!! I think you live near me !!
I found you over on Quilt while You are Ahead's bog, sorry I don't know her name.
Posted by: anne | 19 December 2009 at 21:10
I would... if there were any in Cheltenham, which sadly there are't anymore.
Very sad fact.
And having tasted your cupcakes previously... I'd say they went down a storm!
Posted by: monica | 20 December 2009 at 08:40
Oh my dear, I just re-read my post...I put bog instead of blog :-( oooooppppss
Posted by: anne | 20 December 2009 at 12:55
So happy you got a mention! And it sounded like the cupcakes were a big hit in the studio--as we all knew they would be--mmm!
I feel like I've been very remiss in my holiday baking this year. Must do better next year...
K x
Posted by: kristina | 21 December 2009 at 13:52