LEEK

No, not the vegetable sadly (but how about leeks with cheese sauce and a crackle of black pepper..yes please), I am talking about the beautiful old market town in Staffordshire. Somewhere I have only visited on a couple of occasions yet fall more in love with every single time.

If you are a lover of antiques then Leek is definitely your place if you're up this way of the country. I recommend exploring the maze that is Odeon Antiques for uniquely elegant lanterns and extravagant chandeliers hung above restored farmhouse style furniture. This is not the only style though, there's Edwardian, Elizabethan and Industrial styling thrown together in this little gem.

Other than antiques and all things vintage, food is something which Leek should quite proudly boast about. Staffordshire being home to the wonderful breakfast staple, the oatcake, which is best with sausages, bacon, eggs and beans piled upon it, you would expect Leek (and other Staffordshire towns) to be a little foodie haven, which thankfully it is. Whilst visiting my Mum and myself took a seat in the cafe "Pronto" and indulged in a heavy slab of Chocolate Fudge cake and something which neither of us have ever tried before, an Austrian tart which is a layer of creamy light custard in between even lighter sponge, it's a wonderful melt in your mouth dessert!!

The one thing that struck me about Leek is their efforts with "Totally Locally", which in my opinion has to be the best campaign I have ever seen regarding independent businesses. It's about a town thriving with indpendent shops, run by local people, the less chains and franchises in sight the better. And as a self confessed lover of everything food related this works beautifully, cafes are busy without the competition of well know coffee shops, deli's are bustling and the stock disappears before your eyes if you sit in long enough, it's people doing what they love and being able to enjoy it. Shouldn't that be what all towns are like? I mean, my local town, Matlock, are part of "Totally Locally" however there's something about Leek which makes it seem they are going for it so much more!

Right, I am getting on my high horse, so here's a few photographs I snapped there...

Leek's indoor market

An antiques market...some very unusual finds but also some little gems..

Inside "Butter Market"

Odeon Antiques

....Couldn't resist putting that last photo, I think it was taken from a place called Winkhill just outside of Leek towards Ashbourne. I'm rubbish with place names so don't trust me on that one!

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