Honeybuns Gift ideas plus 10% discount!

You'll find Christmas gift ideas aplenty at the Honeybuns online shop.

There's something for everyone and every budget, including our hessian gift bags, retro tins filled with a selection of our delicious gluten free cakes, beautiful aprons, Irish linen tea towels, cute little blackboard fridge magnets...our fantastic selection will not fail to delight.

And of course our super sweet Tea Party in a Purse Stocking Filler is the perfect gift to open on Christmas morning as you face the exciting day ahead.

Don't forget our traybakes which are perfect if you want to take the stress out of catering for guests over the Christmas holiday.

Our charming giftwrap is only £3.50 and will make your gift that extra bit special. All orders over £20 have free postage and you can choose a future delivery date.

Order now for a special 10% discount on all online shop orders until 31/12/2011, simply quote BEESHACK at the checkout.

It's so easy - just go online and order, and the rest is down to us!

The Apple of our Eye

Last month we took our Rude Health competition winners Rebecca and Simon Chapman on a day's Somerset Foodie Safari. We were also joined by cookery writer Sue (Mrs) Simkins and Lizzie and Diane from Dorset Doorstep Deli. Starting at Honeybuns HQ with a tour around the bakery, we then hopped in the trucks and headed off to the Levels' Best market at Montacute House, stopping for lunch at The Halfway House, and on to Somerset Cider Brandy Company for a guided tour around their apple orchards and distillery from founder Julian Temperley. Then it was all back to Honeybuns for an afternoon vintage teaparty and farewell goody bags which included Dorset Blue Vinney. What a fantastic day we all had!

We're now preparing for the build up to Christmas, decking the halls with holly and getting the tree dressed ready for the special Christmas Bee Shack cafe day on Saturday 3rd December. There will be warming mulled wine and delicious sweet and savoury nibbles, and from 2pm there will be carol singing around the Christmas tree. Freddie our Shetland pony will be there in festive attire for kiddies cuddles!

All monies taken at the Bee Shack days get ploughed back into our BeeGreen fund, which we will use to reinstate a medieval orchard in our nature reserve. Visitors on Bee Shack cafe days will be welcome to come and visit it. We will eventually attempt to make cider in a press and use apple chips in the bakery.

Em's blog has lots more information about life here at Honeybuns, and like us on facebook to be the first to hear about all our giveaways, competitions and news.

And don't forget to enter our Milk Chocolate Brownie competition for your chance to win one of 4 super duper Honeybuns gift bags worth £25 each.

Our Top Honeybuns Team

We're very proud of our dedicated and hardworking team here at Honeybuns and we'd like to share them with you.

This is Nicky. She is one of our Senior Bakers and has worked here for just over 3 years. She also helps run the Bee Shack cafe on the first Saturday of each month (March to December).

Nicky, tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm married with 2 teenagers, live in Holwell and walk to work. I enjoy gardening, walking, yoga and cooking.

After a busy week baking here, do you ever feel like baking at home?

Yes, and I bake sweet and savoury dishes quite often when I have time. I just love cooking, not so keen on the washing up though.

What do you like best about working here?

I like working with such kind and friendly team members and pulling together to bake fantastic, gorgeous tasting cakes. It's especially rewarding that our gluten free cakes, cookies and tarts make such a big difference to so many coeliacs who can treat themselves with our products. I also enjoy working in the Bee Shack cafe, meeting different people and talking to them about themselves and telling them about Honeybuns and our cakes. It's just a fantastic place to work and bake all at the same time!

What is your favourite cake?

It has to be the Chocolate Caramel Shortbread! I just love the deep chocolate taste with the sweet caramel and crunchy base.

The Bee's Knees

Would you like to win a Honeybuns Gift Bag worth £25? Then vote for your favourite Honeybuns retailer in our Bee's Knees competition! Tell us their name and why you think they're the Bee's Knees, and we'll choose the best answer on Monday 12th December.

This month we've got our spotlight on POD, one of our newer stockists. This healthy and nutritious fast food chain based in London are not only pioneering a new kind of food business, but are passionate about serving seasonal food from sustainable sources. One of the largest and fastest growing healthy fast food chains, they are opening new stores throughout the capital, and were recently awarded Lunch! Independent Retailer of the Year 2010 - 2011.

Things you love...

"Just wanted to say that the Almond Moon slice I bought in Yeovil on Friday was possibly the most delicious bought cake I have ever eaten. Thank you!" (S.R.)

"I was in desperate need for a bite to eat - gluten and dairy free which normally means fruit or cereal bar - and headed for the cafe and to my surprise found your Almond and Pistachio cookie. What a delicious moist cookie, the like of which I have never tasted and one that for once I didn't have to bake. What a treat; a cuppa with a genuine delicious cookie. Marvellous!" (P.H.)

"I just thought I would send you an email to congratulate you on your super fine and totally amazing pastries!!!! You rock!" (E.J.)