Abilene’s local British Shoppe imports transatlantic experiences to our Great Plains backyard.
Oxford study abroaders may appreciate the shoppe’s British colours and food. Under red and blue flags, two ice chests contain authentic bangers, as found in pub fare “bangers and mash,” as well as meat pies, cheeses and frozen scones.
Complementing the scones, on grey, especially Englandesque days, customers also may be interested in the shoppe’s clotted cream – a tangy butter-like topping – or its numerous varieties of tea, all exported from Great Britain. Rookie tea drinkers even will find several teapots available for purchase.
Those with British roots may find the shoppe particularly compelling. As an unabashed lover of plaid and member of the Davidson clan, I found myself intrinsically drawn to all wares Scottish. And the shoppe did not disappoint.
In addition to the customary Walkers shortbread, available in a variety of tins, the shoppe boasts an array of clansmen candy, ranging from Edinburgh rock to butter toffees, a tin of which I picked up for myself. The chewy morsels glued my teeth together before melting away with a decadent, luxurious butter flavor.
The shoppe even carries my favorite candy bar, one I’ve not found inside the United States. The chocolate bar sends customers south, back to Britain, since it’s distributed from Watford, UK. Ironically, I’ve seen more Kinder Bueno bars in Canada than anywhere near our southern neighbours. But perhaps our little British Shoppe will introduce to the West Texas the delicate chocolate with its creamy hazelnut center.
Candy and scones are wicked sweet, customers might concede. But how authentic is Abilene’s British Shoppe? During my first visit, Scottish bagpipes serenaded my shopping experience. The second time, I caught a glimpse of a British movie, complete with Colin Firth, playing on the T.V. behind the counter. As I signed my receipt, the cashier looked up apologetically from the phone call she’d been fielding, “It’s immigration,” she said.
