Bridport: Christmas comes early at Groves Jingle and Mingle

Groves Nurseries in Bridport has officially welcomed the magic of Christmas with its Jingle and Mingle event which hosted a variety of local businesses each selling a variety of unique products from food and drink to jewellery and clothing.

Upon entry, visitors were greeted with smiling staff members serving up mulled wine and delicious mince pies which managed to take the chill off of the much frostier air.

Staff at Groves (Image: Hollie Carr)

Charlie Groves, the managing director of the garden centre was busy whizzing around, making sure that everything was running smoothly, but I managed to catch him for a quick chat.

He explained that the Jingle and Mingle was an event that takes place every year in order to ‘kick off the Christmas season’ where local traders were invited to showcase their wares.

Mr Groves added: “It’s a nice thing for people to do to get into the Christmas spirit.”

Groves Jingle and Mingle (Image: Hollie Carr)

The festive season had truly been embraced with trees of all sizes around every corner, as well as a huge light up reindeer and even a polar bear.

Heading down a warmly lit path towards the Ivy House Kitchen, the sounds of orchestral music filled the air whilst shoppers enjoyed a quick refreshment break by the firepit.

Groves Jingle and Mingle (Image: Hollie Carr)

In the Ivy café, traders had set up and were chatting away with visitors.

Mulled apple juice (Image: Hollie Carr)

Aiden Mckenchie, Bar Manager at Dark Bear was amongst the sellers serving up a scrumptious selection of drinks from mulled sloe gin and mulled apple cider, all the way to hot buttered rum.

Aiden Mckenchie, Bar Manager at Dark Bear (Image: Hollie Carr)

Mr Mckenchie revealed that by adding a small knob of butter to the warm drinks it helps to enhance the flavour – and to my surprise, it worked really well.

Becky Joy and Shannon Cross, joint managers of Aleksandra’s Chocolatier Café (Image: Hollie Carr)

Nearby, Becky Joy and Shannon Cross, joint managers of Aleksandra’s Chocolatier Café had set up a variety of quirky chocolate goods.

Sven and Jen (Image: Hollie Carr)

Back inside the main building, twinkling scenes had been set up every step of the way, building up the Christmas anticipation. Sven and Jen the singing reindeer also proved to be a hit with younger children.

Last year, the company gave away more than 30 Christmas trees to charities and organisations which have been sponsored by local businesses.

Groves Jingle and Mingle (Image: Hollie Carr)

For more information on events happening at Groves this holiday season, visit: https://www.grovesnurseries.co.uk/webshop/events.