The British are coming...and are here...in New Jersey!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the British Connection shop!

Greetings from Absecon, New Jersey! A big thank you to all of you who came out for your Christmas goodies and also for your year round support! It is because of all of you that we are still here and have survived this horrible economy and also survived the move from Smithville! Thank you so very much!

Well, the new year is upon us and we hope to bring you all the best British Foods, Tea and Cheese in '010 and also expand our line of Gourmet foods of other origins...and hope to make our shop even better for you.

For those of you who hold or attend a Burns night party, don't forget we have Haggis, Meat Pies and other items essential to celebrate the life of Robbie Burns!

If you wonder if tea is really good for you...look at the photo above. That is Hilda and Don Taylor from England. British Connection customers since 2002, they drink several cups of tea every day. Can you guess their ages?.........................................

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90!!!

See what a cup of tea can do for you! Stop in today!

All the Best,

Barbara & Dave

Celebrate Christmas, British style!

Christmas Greetings from the British Connection in Absecon, New Jersey, USA!

Even though our Absecon shop is bigger than our former shop in Historic Smithville, we have still managed to fill it up with all sorts of British Foods and other tasty treats! The British Connection shop is your one stop source for Plum Pudding, Christmas Cakes, Mince pies, Christmas Crackers, Cadbury Chocolates, Toffees...etc., PLUS several new items this year including Cadbury Cakes! Mmmm Mmmm MMMMM! You will not want to miss out, shop early for best selection!

Don't forget about our new cafe' area....enjoy a cuppa while you shop! You will love shopping in our unhurried and relaxed enviroment.

Merry Christmas!

Barbara & Dave

Thanksgiving....best meal of the year!

Greetings from the British Connection!

Ladies and Gentlemen, get your tastebuds ready for the best meal of the year- Thanksgiving! As you know, they do not celebrate Thanksgiving in the United Kingdom or Ireland, the Thanksgiving meal is one of the perks for Dave as an ex-pat, he LOVES his roast dinners!

One of my favorite things in the world is roast Parsnips. I first discovered them when I was living in England, and had them as part of a Christmas Roast. They were so yummy! Crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside with a nutty sweetness... But, alas, parsnips like this were unatainable here. We tried for years to make them, but they always came out burnt to a crisp, or too hard inside! Finally, about a year ago, we were able to obtain Aunt Bessie's Roast Parsnips imported from England. Just like I remember...and soooo easy, just pop them in with your Roast and you are good to go. Also available now; Aunt Bessie's Yorkshire Puddings and Aunt Bessie's Roast Potatoes.

More Thanksgiving ideas to come....

See you soon at the British Connection shop in Absecon (formerly of Historic Smithville)

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Thanks for finding us!

Greetings from the British Connection shop in Downtown Absecon New Jersey!

Well, it has been over 7 months since we relocated from Historic Smithville Village, and some of you are just now finding us- against all odds I might add! Why some of the Smithville shop owners are trying mislead you I don't know, but they have no idea how resourceful you all are, and some of your stories have been quite shocking and also amusing in many ways. Anyway, thanks so much for your loyalty and your tenacity! You are the reason we are still here, and it has been so wonderful seeing you all in our new location.

On to business! Many Christmas goodies are now here- with loads more to come! In stock now, Christmas pudding, Christmas Cake, Roses, Quality Street, Milk Tray, Jelly Babies, Christmas Stockings and Christmas selection packs, Cadbury Eclairs. Coming soon- Christmas Yule Logs, Kipling cakes, Toffees...and sooo much more! I will try to get some items posted to the online store, but it may be easier for you to give us a call for your orders.

Back in stock....Kippers, Camerons Meat Pies, Bacon, Potato Scones, Aunt Bessies Yorkshire Puddings, Flake Bars, Bisto Beef Granules, Bisto Powder and Jaffa Cakes...

Some great new Cheeses will be arriving tomorrow!

Pont L'eveque Isigny, Oakwood Smoked Cheddar from Ireland, Zammorano raw sheep's milk cheese from Spain, St. Marcellin, and Paradis/Kirsh from France. Stilton will also be BACK IN STOCK!

Hope to see you all very soon, and once again...thanks!

All the Best,

Barbara & Dave

Very European!

Greetings from the British Connection of Absecon, NJ!

Since our move from Smithville last March, we have consistantly heard two words in our new Absecon shop, "very European". While we are still a British shop at heart and bring you all the best foods from the United Kingdom, our new shop has a very different vibe to it, and has a lot more to offer! After all, everyone I know who is British is ridiculously well-traveled and has tastebuds that reach the four corners of the globe...so who are we to deprive them?

Some new arrivals.... Mt. Vikos imported spreads imported from Greece. Fig and Apricot, Fig and Hazelnut and Glazed and Roasted Figs.

"Grate Britain" Artisan Biscuits in Stilton and Smoked Cheddar flavors.

Trois Petits Cochons Pate....Pate Paysan, Seafood Pate and Pate with Mushrooms.

So, what are you waiting for? Hop on your bicyclette, grab a bottle(s!) of Cotes Du Rhone and a baguette and stop on by the British Connection for everything else you need for a truly European culinary experience!

Cheerio and....

Bon Apetit!

Barbara & Dave

Fabulous Cheese Platters!

Greetings from the British Connection shop- your source for Fine British Foods, Gourmet Foods, Tea and Cheese!

'Tis the season for entertaining! Autumn is always a nice time to share food and drink indoors with friends. What could possibly be more pleasing than some tasty Cheese paired with a few lovely bottles of wine?

At the British Connection, we have everything you need for a fabulous and crowd pleasing Cheese Platter, and we can even put it together for you! In addition to cheese, we carry a wide range of Chutneys and Crackers to suit every taste, and we even have imported Olives and Spreads.

Many, many new delicious treats are being delivered tomorrow, so come in and check out what's new! And yes, we still have all your favorite British Foods in stock....

Cheerio!

Barbara & Dave

Ocean City Block Party!

Greetings from the British Connection shop- formerly located in Historic Smithville- now located in downtown Absecon.

As you may know, I have spent many years in Ocean City and I love it there! THIS Saturday is their annual Fall Block Party and it is really fabulous! The party is held between 5th and 14th streets and also on the Tabernacle Church grounds. There will be well over 400 crafters and booths, live music and tons of yummy foods... Not to mention the other great shops that line Asbury Ave. There will be something for everyone there- so if you are off Saturday- GO!

On your way to, (or from) ,Ocean City, stop by the shop for some great specials! Saturday only, we are selling Flake bars for the special price of only $1. each, and all British Sodas, Crisps and Cadbury bars will be 10% off. While supplies last...

Don't forget to bring a cooler for our Meat Pies, Bangers and Aunt Bessies frozen Roast Potatoes and Roast Parsnips etc...

See you soon!

All the Best

Barbara & Dave

Special offer....

Greetings from the British Connection shop in Absecon New Jersey!

This week only.....

We are offering a 10% discount on our very popular Belletoille Brie and our Feta Cheese.
This sale is valid from today until Friday October 9th, so stop in for some delicious cheese!
BUT, you must mention this blog to receive these savings!

See you soon!

All the Best,
Barbara & Dave

**The British Connection has moved from Historic Smithville to Absecon, just off of Shore Rd. and Rt. 9. call us for directions 609.404.4444.

Greetings from the British Connection, your one source shop for British Foods, Fine Cheese, Tea, Gifts and MORE!

It has been very exciting sourcing new and wonderful products for our Absecon location!

One of our new favorites is Orgran Rice and Corn Pasta. I have noticed recently that so many people are allergic to wheat and Gluten. Specifically, Scottish people and those of Scottish decent seem to be afflicted with this allergy at an alarming rate.

This Australian pasta product is :

-Gluten Free

-Wheat Free

-Dairy Free

-Egg Free

-Yeast Free

-GMO Free

-Vegan

-Easy to digest

PLUS, it is quite tasty, and really tastes like proper Pasta! So stop in and give it a go!

Another new and delicious item is "Grab an O". These cute little bags are filled with delicious olives, and I love, love, love Olives! This product of France comes in several varieties including- Picholine, Green with Provencal Herbs and Nicoise-Coquillos. Grab a bag for a snack to go, or bring some home to have with your favorite cheese plate. So chic, they also make a great addition to any gift basket.

Stop in today and see what's new!

All the Best,

Barbara and Dave

The British Connection was located in Historic Smithville Village from 2002-2009, we are now better than ever in downtown Absecon! http://www.yourbritishconnection.com/ see you soon!

Octoberfest beat the clock!

Greetings from the British Connection...your one stop shopping source for British and Gourmet Foods, Fine Cheese and TEA!!



For those of you who are planning your annual pilgrimage to Historic Smithville for Octoberfest, we know that many of you are a bit sad that the British Connection has left the village. Well, don't fret because we have a great deal for you!





Introducing "Beat the Clock"! We will open early on Saturday at 10a.m., and from 10a.m. to 12 noon we will take a full 10% off your entire order! This discount will apply to ALL items, including sale items and all food products! But you must get here between 10a.m. and Noon!





Don't forget to bring your cooler for our delicious frozen food items! We have Meat Pies, Sausage Rolls, Bangers, Bacon, Aunt Bessies Potatoes and Yorkshire Pud's and so much more! We also have over 20 varieties of Cheese in stock and we cut to your order, and all the British Foods you crave....


see you tomorrow, Octoberfest Saturday!





All the Best,


Barbara and Dave

Let's go Dutch treat!

Greetings from the British Connection!

As you all know, our new shop is expanding every day, and not only do we bring you all the best Foods from the United Kingdom and Ireland, but we are also carrying fine cheese, and gourmet and interesting foods from all around the world.

Dutch Liquorice is something we started carrying in the Smithville location, but we were sold out of it for a little while. We now have KLENE MUNTDROP liqourice coins and KLENE ZOUTE DROP rolls in stock and are expecting more varieties soon.

Another treat from our friends in the Netherlands is KEUKENSTROOP, which is a delicious Pancake syrup...and this is perfect pancake weather!

As we expand our offerings, we welcome and thank you for your suggestions for new products!

Have no fear, although we are expanding, we will always be a British shop with a focus on bringing you the BEST and FRESHEST foods from the England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

See you soon at The British Connection!

Greetings from the British Connection of Absecon, NJ!

What a day we had today! The Absecon street party was today and thanks to all who came out. Of course I had a few flashbacks of the Smithville Village festival days...

As you can see, our customers have very sophisticated taste. Young Sam, seen in this photo, prefers Stilton with an aged Port and Oatcakes, but in a pinch, a large block of it will do!

Thanks also to Susan for coming out and giving me a much needed hand!

All the Best,

Barbara

Greetings from the British Connection of Absecon NJ!

As you may be aware, the annual festival, OCTOBERFEST, is being held on its usual weekend, Saturday,October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th. You may also know that our wee shop, the British Connection was located in Historic Smithville Village for 7 years, so we know that many folks come from far and away to take part in the Octoberfest activities of drinking and browsing handi-crafts.

BUT, did you know that we are a mere 5 miles from Smithville? Yes, we are! And it is one road straight to our store!! So, bring your cooler and stop by on your way to or from Smithville and pick up your favorite Meat Pies, Bangers, Black Pudding, Bacon, Cornish Pasties, Steak and Kidney Pies and Sausage rolls. We also stock a full line of Cadbury chocolate and sweeties from the U.K., as well as a complete line of British Foods. Mmmmm Mmmmmm MMMMMM!

Don't forget...we also have over 20 varieties of CHEESE which we cut to your order. So stop by Saturday before Octoberfest.......see you then!

We are closed Sundays.... but if you want to schedule a pick-up, please call us to place your order.

Cheeers,

Barbara

Just in today!

Greetings from the British Connection!

Just in today are some really charming journals and books by Peter Pauper Press.

"Keep Calm and Carry On" Journal uses the design from the original WWII poster commissioned by the British Government's Ministry of Information. As you plan your days

activities you can use these words as inspiration and a reminder of the strength of the British,

and dare I say, human spirit. $8.99 per journal

"the Little Black Book" and "Little Pink book series are informative and useful -

Little Black Book of Tea- explains Tea varieties, tea customs, tea grades, recipes and more!

If you don't know your Oolong from a hole in the ground, you may need this book! $9.95

Little Black Book of Martinis-History, quotes and more than enough recipes to keep you busy

for a while! $9.95

Little Pink Book of Etiquette-....and don't we all know someone who could use some friendly advice? $9.95

Little Pink Book of Weddings- Great gift for the bride to be! $9.95

.......And Finally.....who is planning a trip to London? For years I have been jotting down little notes for the London visitor...why not buy a handy Little Black Book of London? This guide has fold out maps and insider tips on where to eat, drink, shop and much more, a great value at $14.95.

Hope to see you soon at The British Connection. Until then, "Keep Calm and Carry On".

Barbara

Absecon Street Fair

Greetings from the British Connection!

This Saturday 26th of September is the annual Absecon Street Fair. There will be parking in the lot behind the store and also the municipal lot will be accessable from Rt. 30 entrance. There are also several Church's within walking distance where you will be able to park. We are a short walk from the Absecon train station. There will be music and crafts and fun for everyone. Our shop will have sales and special offers so stop by and say hello!

All the Best,

Barbara & Dave

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Behold the power of CHEESE

Greetings from the British Connection! As you know, we were formerly located in the Historic Village of Smithville and have relocated in March of 2009 to Absecon, NJ. Autumn is fast approaching and we have some wonderful new items to really help you celebrate the season!

Cheese is becoming a big part of our little shop here, and we have brought in some really delicious cheeses that are perfect for this time of year:

RHINETTE-Is a creamy Cow's milk cheese from Germany. This tasty cheese is handmade in the Pristine Allgau mountains, during the maturation process it is brushed with Apple Cider making it creamy and smooth with a refreshing fragrance of fresh apples.

MIMOLETTE-Aged minimum 12 months-Cow's milk cheese from France- is a hard cheese with a natural rind. It is buttery, nutty and salty with a slight carmelized after taste. Plus it was Sir Winston's favorite cheese....

APPLEWOOD SMOKED GOUDA- This is an American Cow's milk cheese and a real crowd pleaser. This is a very inexpensive cheese and is a great snacking cheese with a lovely smoked flavor.

We now carry over 20 different varieties of Cheese, we cut to your order and you may try before you buy....see you soon!

Why did you leave Historic Smithville Village...?

Greetings from the British Connection shop in downtown Absecon New Jersey!!


The most frequent question we have heard since moving our shop to Absecon is, "why did you leave Historic Smithville Village?". While most people assume it is one big reason...in reality it was several little reasons. Let me go on the record here to put the rumour mill to rest once and for all.





1. The hours. Most visitors to Smithville have no idea that the hours are dictated to the shops by the owners of Smithville Village and can change with whimsy...it is in our lease. We were also meant to be open every day except Christmas.





2. The rent. We had the British Connection shop in Smithville for 7 years, and in that time our rent was raised by 40%. It was due to go up another 30% this year. Our shop was for the most part a British grocery store...it is difficult to absorb such increases without dramatic prices increases.





3. The cold. Our building was one of the few original buildings. Although the only original building in that village is the Smihville Inn, our shop was a historic old building brought from Cape May Court House, thus there was hardly any insulation. Winters were really terribly cold.





4. The nature of our business. We strive to keep our prices affordable, but imports by nature are expensive. With the increases in our overhead, it was becoming more and more difficult keeping prices reasonable.





5. Some of the other shop owners were drama queens and tried to make everyones life miserable. That's all I'll say about that.





6. Creative Freedom. Moving out of Smithville and therefore being free from the restrictions that come from being part of a village allows us the creative freedom to grow and change...and isn't that what makes life interesting?





7. When I asked our customers if they would follow us to Absecon, most were happy not to have to go "all the way out to Smithville". Some were bummed that we would no longer be part of their "tradition" at Smithville, but were happy we were not going too far away.





Well, there it is in a nutshell. These reasons and a few others are why we flew the coup.


Thanks to all who have come out to Absecon, and for those who have not, we hope to see you soon !!


Please sign up for our preferred customer list by going to http://www.yourbritishconnection.com/





All the Best!


Barbara and Dave

Where can I get British Foods in New Jersey?....

So the age old question goes....where do I get British Foods in New Jersey? Well, the answer used to be The British Connection in Historic Smithville of course! That was a good answer, because we did have the largest, freshest and best variety of British and Irish Foods anywhere in the USA...but now that we have moved to Absecon...we have even more!! In addition to Bangers, Bacon, Meat pies (Scottish style and English style), Black and White Pudding, Beans, Salad Cream, Marmite, HP, Branston, PG Tips...etc.....we now carry Proper English Pork Pies, Kippers, Mr. Kiplings cakes, new line of Twinings Teas and so much more!

British Cheese abounds! Fine Cheddar, Stilton, Cotswold, Blacksticks Blue, Huntsman, 5 counties, Stilton with Mango, Old Smales aged Gouda.....the list goes on! We also carry many cheeses from around the world. We are always adding new and tasty items, and we promise to make your visit a delightful experience.

We hope to see you all at THE place for British Foods in New Jersey...The British Connection.

The Brtitish Connection

130 New Jersey Ave

Absecon, NJ 08201

609-404-4444

www.yourbritishconnection.com

Welcome!

Hello...and welcome to the British Connection Blog! We are a Retail Shop and Cafe' serving Tea, Coffee and Cheeses, and we will be expanding to include Scones and more tasty treats in the weeks to come. From 2002-2009 we were located in a tiny shopping village called Historic Smithville Village and Village Green in New Jersey. After 7 years, we decided we needed bigger diggs and more creative freedom, so we made the decision to re-locate a few miles down the road to Absecon. Although the move was quite stressful and labor intensive....with the help of a few great friends we are now open and very happy in our new location! Much thanks to Mary, Jeanie, Tim, Jimmy and Susan..I owe you all BIG TIME!
In addition to the Tea, Coffee service etc... we have also added a wide array of fine cheeses!
We focus mainly on British Cheese, but do carry a good amount of Cheese from other countries, Belgium, France, USA and Greece. Cheese is available for tasting daily- just ask- and we do have special Cheese tasting events which will be posted here and also on our Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and our own website.
We carry a wide range of British Foods...HP, Branston, Bisto, Cadbury...just to name a few, and we have a fabulous selection of Frozen foods; Bangers, Meat Pies, Kipppers...the list goes on...
our new location is
130 New Jersey Ave
ABSECON NJ 08201
609.404.4444

We are handily located near shore points, Brigantine, Ocean City, Margate, Atlantic City and just an hours drive from Philadelphia.
Please call us with any product questions, or if you need directions....
Hope to see you all soon!
All the Best,
Barbara



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