I am a complete nostalgia addict so one September morning I made a pilgrimage to Gold Hill in Shaftesbury with my son Barnaby in tow. I was in seventh heaven as we climbed the utterly charming cobbled streets, but halfway up the lure of a good lunch was just too much. And so we found ourselves in Turnbull’s Deli on the High Street, carefully selected by Barnaby because of the bull on its sign.

I entered with trepidation. I follow a strict gluten-free diet so often go hungry at cafes. Turnbull’s being the exception. Along with the usual fare, all proudly local, there was a double-sided menu devoted to all things wheat and gluten free. I chose roasted peppers, chicken and goats cheese on a fresh seeded roll, while Barnaby tucked into a Croque Monsieur. We chatted away, people watched out of the window, and finished our lunch with scoops of local ice cream.

Re-energised, we made a trip to Leanings Antiques, also on the High Street. If you are ever in Shaftesbury, I urge you to go. It is a veritable rabbit warren of beautiful treasures, run by the most lovely family. Beautiful giant enamel advertising signs jostle for space with camphor chests and dressers, vintage clothing and books, and prices are very reasonable too. It’s near impossible to walk away empty handed.

Image courtesy of surreydweller on Flickr